Luka Doncic has committed to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers by signing a three-year contract extension worth up to $165 million, including player options for the 2028-29 NBA season, as reported by ESPN on July 2. Previously, Doncic held a five-year, $215.2 million deal with an opt-out clause for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers acquired the 26-year-old star from the Dallas Mavericks in February, trading a package that featured five-time All-NBA player Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and future first-round draft picks. Doncic boasts impressive stats, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 28 regular-season matches, with shooting splits of 43.8% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 79.1% from the free-throw line.
In the offseason, the Lakers also added center DeAndre Ayton on a two-year, $16.2 million contract, veteran guard Marcus Smart for two years at $10.5 million, and Jay Claravia on a two-year, $12 million deal. Lakers legend LeBron James has opted for a $52.6 million salary for the upcoming season. Doncic, a five-time All-NBA selection and one-time scoring champion, spent his first five professional seasons with the Mavericks before joining the Lakers.
Fan Take: Luka Doncic’s long-term commitment to the Lakers is a game-changer for both the team and the NBA, signaling L.A.’s intent to remain a championship contender. This move not only excites Lakers fans but also intensifies the competition across the league, potentially setting the stage for thrilling seasons ahead.
