Basketball star Luka Doncic signs extended contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, extending his tenure with the team until 2028.
Slovenian basketball sensation Luka Dončić has renewed his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, securing his future with the team until 2028. The three-year, $165 million supermax contract extension was announced with excitement by both Dončić and the Lakers' management.
The contract pays about 30% of the NBA salary cap, which is less than the 35% supermax he would have been eligible for had he stayed with the Dallas Mavericks before the trade. This restriction arises from NBA rules that limit extensions immediately following a trade. As a result, Dončić lost out on a longer and more lucrative deal in the short term—specifically, a five-year supermax around $345 million that could have started at a higher percentage of the cap.
However, the player option after three years strategically allows Dončić to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 and sign a new, potentially massive deal. Projections suggest that after 2028, Dončić could ink a five-year contract worth in excess of $400 million, potentially including a full no-trade clause. This second contract is expected to far surpass his initial supermax deal with Dallas in overall value. Analysts estimate that this future contract could pay him around $80 million per season at its peak, with the final year approaching $95 million, making him the first player in NBA history to earn nearly $1 million per game.
For the Lakers, locking Dončić in at the current max deal is seen as a bargain given his status as one of the top players in the league. But it also means managing salary cap space carefully, as this sizable contract impacts their flexibility for additional talent acquisitions until 2026 and beyond.
In a heartfelt statement, Dončić expressed gratitude towards the Lakers, his teammates, and the fans. He also announced that he will donate $5 million through his foundation to support the careers of 77 young athletes, a nod to his jersey number.
Rob Pelinka, president of basketball operations and general manager of the Lakers, called the contract renewal a "monumental moment" for the team. He emphasized that Dončić will lead the franchise in the pursuit of future championships, a goal that is central to the team's identity.
Luka Dončić's dominance on the court and passion have been noted, with an immediate connection and mutual admiration between him and the Lakers' fan base. The player's renewed commitment to the team is a testament to this relationship and a promising sign for the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The average NBA salary for Luka Dončić will likely exceed $80 million per season after he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028, potentially surpassing the $165 million supermax deal he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers by a significant margin. Dončić's untapped potential in basketball, coupled with his passion for the sport, has secured his status as one of the top players in the NBA and a key figure in the Lakers' pursuit of future championships in the sports world.
