Luka Doncic Commits to Three Additional Years with the Los Angeles Lakers (Extension Announced)
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move in their quest for future championships, signing Slovenian phenom Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension. The deal, which runs from the 2025-26 to 2027-28 seasons, includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, keeping Doncic with the team through at least the 2027-28 season if he exercises it.
The extension will see Doncic earn $46 million for the 2025-26 season under his original contract before the extension fully takes effect. The Lakers' salary cap implications for each year are approximately:
- 2025-26: $194.8 million (total Lakers cap accounting for Doncic's deal)
- 2026-27: $104.4 million
- 2027-28: $75.8 million
- 2028-29 (player option year): $55.1 million
With this extension, Doncic is projected to be eligible in 2028 for a max contract worth around $417 million over five years, potentially setting him up for one of the largest NBA contracts if he opts in and signs thereafter.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager and President of Basketball Operations, expressed his excitement about Doncic's future with the team in a press release. He praised Doncic as one of the game's most transcendent players and commended his on-court dominance and passion.
Doncic took to social media to announce his extension, posting a photo from the signing and a message for Laker Nation. In his post, he expressed excitement about working to bring championships to LA and making Laker Nation proud. He reiterated that this is just the beginning of his tenure with the Lakers, and he is committed to bringing another championship to Los Angeles.
Doncic's new deal positions him as a key centerpiece for the Lakers’ future championship aspirations and reflects his commitment to the franchise. The player option gives him flexibility to reassess his contract status after the three years. Had Doncic not been traded from Dallas to Los Angeles, he could have signed a five-year, $345 million extension with the Mavericks this summer.
Doncic expressed gratitude to the Lakers, his teammates, and the fans for their support since joining the team. He believes in the organization and what they are building together, and is excited for what's ahead and to keep building something special with the team.
The league's salary cap will approach $200 million due to the $7 billion per year the league is receiving for its media rights. The contract includes a player option in Summer 2028, allowing Doncic to opt out and sign a more lucrative five-year, $417 million contract.
This extension marks a significant step for the Lakers as they continue to build a formidable team around Doncic. With his exceptional skills and undeniable potential, Doncic is poised to lead the Lakers towards future success and championship contention.
- The Los Angeles Lakers have secured Luka Doncic, a transcendent basketball player, with a three-year, $165 million contract extension, furthering their quest for future championships in the NBA.
- Doncic's extension with the Lakers positions him as a key centerpiece for their future championship aspirations, and it includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, offering him flexibility to reassess his contract status.
- With Doncic contributing his exceptional skills, the Lakers are set to build a formidable team and compete for championships, all while endeavoring to make NBA history with potential contracts worth around $417 million.
- Doncic's commitment to the Lakers, evident in his social media post, demonstrates his eagerness to win for the team and their fans, fostering a strong bond between himself, his teammates, and Laker Nation.
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