Luka Doncic signs a new mega-contract. The Slovenian clarifies his future shortly before the European Championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured Luka Doncic for the long term. The Slovenian agreed to a new three-year extension worth $165 million shortly before his participation in the European Championship. He has a player option for 2028. This means the 25-year-old is waiving his original exit option for 2026/27 and will remain in Purple-and-Gold until at least 2028. Thanks to the option, Doncic could then re-sign for up to five years and $417 million – 35 percent of the then-valid salary cap.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans,” Doncic said in a press release. “I firmly believe in what we are building here and will give everything to bring another Championship to Los Angeles. This is just the beginning.”
Doncic extends in Los Angeles
General Manager Rob Pelinka called the five-time All-NBA First-Teamer “one of the outstanding players of our time. Luka is a killer on the court and at the same time extremely generous in the community. He will lead our franchise to more titles.”
Just six months ago, the Lakers pried the superstar from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis in a trade – one of the most sensational transactions in recent NBA history. Owner Jeanie Buss and new investor Mark Walter have since built a close relationship with the superstar and his agent Bill Duffy. The new contract financially compensates Doncic for the damage caused by the trade. Because with the Mavs he would have been entitled to $315 million in an extension.
Luka Doncic (r.) also visits his former club Real Madrid again and again
Last season, the point guard averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists – despite a career low of 50 appearances. Since his debut on February 10, he has led the Lakers in points, rebounds, assists, steals and converted three-pointers. He scored 30.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists for his team in his first series against Minnesota, but L.A. was eliminated in five games.
Historically: In the Mavericks’ 2024 playoff run, Doncic was the first player ever to lead the postseason in points, rebounds, assists and steals at the same time.
Doncic courted new stars
Doncic also makes a statement off the court. He played a key role in the signings of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, kept in close contact with both and courted them by phone while traveling internationally. According to Coach JJ Redick, the superstar is also working intensively on his fitness: “Everyone has to get into Championship shape.” A requirement that Doncic fulfills with a rigorous conditioning program, according to an interview in Men’s Health.
It is now clear: The Lakers have secured their new franchise player for the long term – and the Mission Title number 18 gets a clear face.