Luka Doncic has only been with the Los Angeles Lakers for a few months, but he appears ready to commit long-term. On August 2nd, new trading and expansion restrictions will limit Doncic’s ability to negotiate better deals, after which he’s expected to sign an extension with the Lakers. Currently, Doncic is only tied to the Lakers through the 2025-26 season due to player options, but his new contract will lock him in for a longer period.
The key question is: how long will that commitment be? While playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic was expected to sign a Super Max deal, which adds five years to his contract. However, he no longer qualifies for Super Max with the Lakers because he wasn’t drafted or acquired by them in his first four career seasons. This means his new deal will be capped at 30% of the salary cap instead of 35%, and the contract length will be reduced by at least a year. Doncic can add up to four years to his current contract.
Does he want to add all four years? That’s the big question. Doncic has three main contract options in the offseason: one-year plus one-year player option, two years plus one-year player option, or three years plus one-year player option. Each comes with its own benefits and implications.
Option 1 (1+1): Doncic would extend for just one extra year, 2026-27, with a player option for 2027-28. This maximizes flexibility, allowing Doncic to reassess his situation after a short commitment. Although he’s shown active involvement in building the Lakers roster, including recruiting players like Marcus Smart, this short deal offers a safety net if things don’t go well. Plus, having the 2027-28 player option gives him leverage to join forces with free agents like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić if desired.
Option 2 (2+1): This two-year extension plus a player option for the third year balances long-term security and flexibility. It lets Doncic become a free agent after his 10th NBA season, allowing him to qualify for a 35% cap max instead of 30%. The idea is to play three years at the lower max, then re-sign or test unrestricted free agency at age 29, right in his prime. This gives Doncic time to prove the Lakers’ championship prospects while keeping his future options open.
Option 3 (3+1): The most secure option, a three-year extension plus player option, guarantees the highest total earnings (around $268 million) and financial security. This protects against injury or decline and signals Doncic’s full commitment to the Lakers. Stars rarely leave Los Angeles, making this deal appealing for him to recruit other top players and build a championship team.
Current rumors suggest Doncic might sign a four-year deal worth around $222 million to $229 million, though this depends on salary cap growth. While some older options like the 1+1 seem less likely, the 2+1 contract offers a smart balance of risk and reward. Considering Doncic’s elite talent, the potential to maximize earnings, and his role in the Lakers’ future, this contract decision is critical.
Fan Take: This contract extension is huge for Lakers fans and basketball lovers alike because it signals whether Doncic sees a long-term championship future in Los Angeles. His choice will shape the Lakers’ roster-building strategy and could redefine NBA superteam dynamics in the coming years.
