Luka Doncic`s unexpected pre-training camp visit to the U.S. marked a significant event, unusual for his usual European summer break. Initially framed as a Jordan Brand promotional tour, this trip saw him visit Yankee Stadium in New York, Chicago, and finally Los Angeles.
The tour evolved into a showcase of the 26-year-old`s remarkable physical transformation, signaling that Los Angeles, his new home since the shocking February 1st trade from the Dallas Mavericks, is more than just a temporary stop.
Doncic is set to formalize his commitment by signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers on Saturday, which includes a player option for the final year. This commitment follows his impressive physical conditioning, highlighted by his Men`s Health cover, a clear response to his own post-playoff exit directive after the Lakers` unexpected five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in his first postseason appearance in L.A.
“Everyone needs to improve,” Doncic stated. “We have a long summer ahead, and we must concentrate on collective and individual growth.”
His words, it turns out, were for the team he plans to lead into a new era. With Doncic`s decision to remain, the Lakers` primary offseason concern has been addressed. Now, as Luka prepares for his first full season in Los Angeles, three key questions emerge.
Why sign for three years instead of four?
While the Lakers could have offered a more lucrative four-year, $229 million deal, questions arise regarding why Doncic opted for a shorter term, foregoing an additional $64 million, especially considering California`s higher state taxes compared to Texas. His 2-plus-1 extension strategy positions him to become an unrestricted free agent in either 2028 or 2029, by which time he will have completed 10 years in the league.
This move sets the stage for another substantial contract, buoyed by projections of a 10% annual increase in the salary cap. The Lakers will have the opportunity to renegotiate his deal in the summer of 2027, potentially offering him a four-year, $323 million extension.
Alternatively, if Doncic fulfills his two guaranteed years and declines his player option for the 2028-29 season, he could secure a five-year extension around his 29th birthday, potentially worth $418 million. This historic deal could see him become the first player to earn an $80 million annual salary, equating to nearly $1 million per game, with the final year alone nearing $95 million – an extraordinary sum for the cornerstone of a $10 billion franchise.
What are Doncic`s expectations for the upcoming season?
The trade from Dallas was initially a profound shock for Doncic, who had envisioned a career mirroring Dirk Nowitzki`s, retiring as a Maverick. Having begun his professional journey with Real Madrid, the concept of being traded was entirely foreign to him, as such moves are rare in European basketball leagues. However, once the initial shock passed, his focus quickly reverted to a “win-now” mentality, akin to his previous stance in Dallas.
His urgent desire to compete was evident through his rigorous offseason fitness regime and his active role in recruiting players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to the Lakers. This proactive approach was facilitated by a partnership model. A dinner meeting in May with Lakers President Rob Pelinka, General Manager JJ Redick, and Doncic`s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, proved instrumental. Doncic gained a deeper understanding of the team`s financial situation, while the Lakers, in turn, clarified his aspirations.
During the discussion, Doncic clearly articulated his ambition: “I don`t want to wait. I`ve tasted the Finals, and I`m determined to return. Let`s do everything possible to achieve that now.”
Pelinka and Redick leveraged the dinner to strategize on future cap space, existing and desired draft picks, and their shared path forward. Doncic was encouraged to identify the types of players the roster needed, such as a pick-and-pop specialist, a defensive anchor, or a rim protector, enabling the Lakers to target suitable additions.
How do the Lakers feel?
In short, the Lakers are “excited.” The organization`s goals align perfectly with Doncic`s immediate aspirations, as well as those of LeBron James. “This team is committed to winning championships,” a Lakers source affirmed. “That ambition remains unwavering.”
The team`s reluctance to offer forward Dorian Finney-Smith a contract beyond 2027, which led to his signing with the Houston Rockets, might have suggested they were saving cap space for a major free agency acquisition. However, a Lakers source insists this strategy is driven by a desire for flexibility rather than targeting a specific star.
While the idea of multiple-time MVP winners like Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the team is appealing, the true objective is to maximize strategic flexibility. This allows the team to adapt to needs or opportunities each season while consistently pursuing championship titles.
As one Lakers insider aptly put it: “Without optionality, you become stuck.”
Securing Doncic`s long-term commitment was paramount for the Lakers from the moment they acquired him in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. With this commitment now secured, the next era of Lakers basketball has officially commenced.