"Luka Doncic discusses his reasons for approving a three-year, $165-million contract extension"
In a significant move for the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic has put pen to paper on a three-year, $165-million contract, with a player option in 2028. This extension comes six months after the trade that saw Anthony Davis head to Dallas, shifting the focus within the Lakers' organisation 1.
The announcement was made without LeBron James in attendance, but the veteran power forward is expected to continue as the starting forward, with Doncic playing alongside him 2. Austin Reaves remains a crucial guard, maintaining team chemistry and continuity. The bench will be bolstered by Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber, providing depth in the forward positions 1.
Doncic's impressive form on the court is matched by his commitment off it. His offseason program focused on weightlifting, sprints, and a no-sugar, high-protein diet, leading to a noticeable body transformation 6. This transformation, coupled with his charitable acts such as donating to wildfire recovery and paying for parking at Lakers games, has endeared him to the L.A. community 7.
The Lakers' roster for the 2025-26 season is described as "positionless" with flexible forward roles to optimise team matchups 1. This rebuild is focused on combining Doncic's offensive skills with the veteran leadership and versatility of LeBron James and complementary players 3. Younger players like Bronny James and shooters like Shake Milton add further depth and shooting ability to the team 3.
In his first comments at the announcement, Doncic acknowledged the high number of Spanish-speaking Lakers fans, speaking in Spanish for the first time 8. On social media, he posted that his extension with the Lakers was "just the beginning," hinting at further ambitions 9.
Doncic's summer media tour included a feature in "Men's Health," a "Today Show" interview, and a photo opp with Aaron Judge at a New York Yankees game 10. The trade that brought Doncic to the Lakers was one of the biggest moves of their offseason, alongside LeBron James exercising his player option 11.
In his first season with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 35.1 minutes per game 5. His form continued into the playoffs, where he averaged 30.2 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists 12. However, the Lakers were handily bounced from the playoffs, losing 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a first-round series 13.
Sports agent Bill Duffy confirmed Doncic's contract extension with the Lakers 14. In 2028, Doncic would be eligible for a five-year extension worth more than $360 million 15. Doncic compared favourably to Aaron Judge when they met, and he was a critical figure in helping construct a team that he proudly proclaimed could be "a team to win the championship" 16.
With Doncic and James at the helm, the Lakers have a promising and balanced lineup for the 2025-26 season, featuring a mix of established role players and developing talents.
- The Lakers' organization has undergone a major transition with Luka Doncic's three-year, $165-million contract, a move that follows the trade that brought Anthony Davis to Dallas.
- Luka Doncic is expected to play alongside LeBron James, with the veteran power forward continuing as the starting forward.
- The Lakers' rebuild is focused on combining Doncic's offensive skills with LeBron James' veteran leadership and the talents of complementary players to form a versatile team.
- Doncic's commitment to improving his health off the court includes weightlifting, sprints, and a no-sugar, high-protein diet, leading to a visible transformation.
