Luka Doncic, the standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has finalized a three-year maximum contract extension valued at $165 million. The deal, which includes a player option for 2028, was confirmed by his agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, to ESPN.
This significant new agreement prevents Doncic from entering free agency next summer, as it supersedes his previous player option for the 2026-27 season.
Should Doncic choose to opt out in 2028, he would be eligible to sign a new contract worth 35% of the salary cap, potentially reaching a staggering five-year, $417 million deal. This would allow him to recover earnings he missed out on after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, where he could have signed a five-year, $315 million supermax extension this summer.
While the Lakers officially announced Doncic`s extension on Saturday, they did not publicly release the financial details at that time.
“I am deeply thankful to the Lakers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their immense support and kindness towards me and my family from the very beginning,” Doncic said in a statement. “This is an incredible organization, and I genuinely believe in our collective vision. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to bring pride to Laker Nation.”
He added, “This is just the start. I`m eager for what lies ahead and dedicated to continuing to build something extraordinary with this team.”
Doncic joined the Lakers six months prior in a highly surprising trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. Under the leadership of Governor Jeanie Buss, President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, and new owner Mark Walter, the Lakers have cultivated a strong relationship with Doncic, alongside his chief brand officer and business manager Lara Beth Seager, and agent Bill Duffy.
Rob Pelinka, in announcing the extension, lauded Doncic as “one of the most transcendent players in the game.”
“Luka is an undeniable force on the court, and he pairs that intensity with remarkable generosity and community involvement,” Pelinka further commented. “Most importantly, Luka will guide our franchise in its pursuit of future championships, a perpetual aspiration that defines the Lakers.”
Last season, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists across a career-low 50 games played for both the Mavericks and Lakers. After joining the Lakers on February 10, he led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers per game.
Beyond his on-court performance as a five-time first-team All-NBA selection, Doncic has also significantly influenced the Lakers` operations off the court. He played a crucial role in securing offseason acquisitions like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, leveraging his strong relationship with Ayton (the top pick in their shared draft class) and personally recruiting Smart with multiple phone calls, even while traveling internationally for family and basketball obligations.
In a recent interview for Men`s Health magazine, Doncic elaborated on the substantial improvements to his physique and overall conditioning. Previously, Doncic`s physical conditioning had been a point of concern during his time with the Mavericks. Lakers coach JJ Redick had also emphasized the need for players to achieve “championship shape” in his final media appearance.
Individually, Doncic has demonstrated championship-level play in the postseason. During the Mavericks` 2024 playoff run to the Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics, he made NBA history by becoming the first player to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
In his debut postseason with the Lakers, Doncic joined an elite group as only the fifth player in franchise history to average 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a series. Despite his efforts, Los Angeles was eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a five-game series.
