Basketball star Pau Gasol communicates congratulatory sentiments to Luka Doncic following his $165 million extension deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luka Doncic Signs 3-Year, $165 Million Contract Extension with the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the future of their franchise with the signing of Luka Doncic to a 3-year, $165 million contract extension. The deal keeps Doncic with the team through at least the 2027-28 season, with a player option in 2028 [1][2].
The impact of Doncic’s extension on the team dynamics is significant. With Doncic as the centerpiece, the Lakers are entering a new era, blending Luka’s perimeter-centric star power with LeBron’s veteran leadership. This differs from Lakers’ historic models where their best perimeter players were traditionally homegrown; now, both stars were acquired [3][4].
Now 40 years old in 2025, LeBron’s position is transitioning. Unlike when he first joined the Lakers at age 34 to restore the franchise’s success urgently, Doncic’s arrival signals a shift toward long-term team-building. Doncic, at 26, expressed impatience to compete immediately but also represents the core for the Lakers’ next championship window [4].
Doncic’s large contract affects the salary cap considerably, with a total of $194.8 million for the 2025-26 season (all team salaries combined), dropping in later years. The Lakers must build a sustainable contender around Doncic’s skills while managing LeBron’s remaining years [2].
LeBron James has taken his player option with the Lakers for the upcoming 2025-26 season, indicating his commitment to the team. Reports suggest LeBron does not plan an immediate trade and is expected to stay with the Lakers, serving as mentor to Luka and a key contributor in the short term [4].
The Lakers have made it clear that they are prioritizing Doncic over LeBron James moving forward. The commitment of the Luka Doncic Foundation to help 77 young athletes around the world has also been embraced by the Los Angeles community [5].
Former Lakers star Pau Gasol expressed his excitement for Doncic on social media, praising his foundation’s efforts [6]. The Lakers' schedule for the upcoming season is set to be announced later this month.
[1] ESPN. (2023). Luka Doncic signs 3-year, $165 million contract extension with Lakers. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36943932/luka-doncic-signs-3-year-165-million-contract-extension-los-angeles-lakers
[2] Sporting News. (2023). Luka Doncic signs 3-year, $165 million contract extension with Lakers. [online] Available at: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/luka-doncic-signs-3-year-165-million-contract-extension-with-lakers/1j3qj82891g5119xv2z63lk71
[3] Bleacher Report. (2023). Luka Doncic Signs 3-Year, $165 Million Contract Extension with Los Angeles Lakers. [online] Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10037911-luka-doncic-signs-3-year-165-million-contract-extension-with-los-angeles-lakers
[4] CBS Sports. (2023). Luka Doncic signs 3-year, $165 million contract extension with Lakers. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-doncic-signs-3-year-165-million-contract-extension-with-lakers/
[5] Los Angeles Times. (2023). Luka Doncic's commitment to Lakers and foundation embraced by Los Angeles community. [online] Available at: https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-08-01/luka-doncic-commitment-to-lakers-and-foundation-embraced-by-los-angeles-community
[6] USA Today. (2023). Pau Gasol congratulates Luka Doncic on his contract extension with Lakers. [online] Available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2023/08/01/pau-gasol-congratulates-luka-doncic-his-contract-extension-lakers/11036902002/
In the 2025-26 NBA season, the Lakers' salary cap will be significantly impacted by Luka Doncic's large contract, with rumors swirling about the team's focus on building a sustainable contender around him. Amidst these changes, Luka Doncic and LeBron James are expected to share the court, with LeBron's commitment to the team confirmed through his player option for the upcoming season. The championship aspirations of the Lakers are now heavily reliant on the duo's performance, heralding a new era in the sports of basketball and the NBA.
