NBA's Luka Doncic Agrees to Ink Three-Year, $165 Million Contract Extension with the Lakers
## Luka Doncic on Brink of Three-Year Extension with Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic, the five-time NBA All-Star and new franchise superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers, is reportedly on the verge of signing a three-year contract extension worth an approximate $165 million.
The extension, which may include a player option in the final year, is a significant move for both Doncic and the Lakers. Here's what you need to know:
### Contract Details
Doncic, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, could sign the extension as early as this summer, although he may delay discussions until after participating in EuroBasket in September. The deal, if agreed upon, will replace his current player option for the 2026-27 season.
### Potential Benefits for Doncic
By opting for a three-year deal, Doncic stands to gain financially in the long term. This contract could potentially pave the way for a five-year, $406 million deal under the 35% max rule, should he reach the 10-year veteran status sooner. Additionally, the player option in the final year offers Doncic the flexibility to reassess his situation and potentially enter free agency earlier if he so chooses.
### Potential Benefits for the Lakers
Securing Doncic on a multi-year deal ensures the Lakers retain a key player, maintaining their competitive edge in the league. The deal also provides team stability, essential for building a championship contender. Despite preferring a longer commitment, the Lakers are reportedly open to negotiating a shorter deal if it means keeping Doncic on the roster and avoiding the risk of him entering free agency.
### The Road Ahead
If a new contract is not reached, Doncic will become a free agent in the summer of 2026. However, with both parties reportedly happy with Doncic's time with the Lakers, it seems likely that a deal will be struck. Despite being sidelined for nearly seven weeks due to a strained left calf sustained on Christmas while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 35.1 minutes per contest in his 28 games with the Lakers last season.
In the wake of trading away one of his closest teammates, Dorian Finney-Smith, to the Lakers, Doncic has reportedly been very happy with his time in Los Angeles, and his representation and management are also reportedly content. As the negotiations progress, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the official announcement of the extension, which would further solidify Doncic's place as a key player in the Lakers' future.
- Luka Doncic's potential three-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers could help him financially, as it may lead to a five-year, $406 million deal in the future under the 35% max rule.
- securing a multi-year deal with Doncic ensures that the Lakers retain a key player, potentially maintaining their competitive edge in basketball and the NBA.
- Doncic's impressive statistics in his time with the Lakers, despite a strained left calf that sidelined him for nearly seven weeks, indicate his strong contribution to the team's basketball games in the NBA.
