Luka Doncic, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has reached an agreement for a three-year contract extension worth $165 million, which includes a player option for 2028. Bill Duffy, his agent from WME Basketball, shared this news with ESPN.
This important new deal prevents Doncic from entering free agency next summer and replaces his previous player option for the 2026-27 season with the new contract.
In 2028, Doncic could choose to opt-out and negotiate a new contract that could be worth 35% of the salary cap, likely totaling five years and $417 million. By doing this, he would regain the money he lost when he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks, where he could have signed a five-year supermax extension worth $315 million this summer.
The Lakers announced on Saturday that they have officially extended Doncic’s contract but did not reveal specific details about it.
“I’m really thankful to the Lakers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their warm welcome and support since day one,” Doncic said in a statement. “This is an incredible organization, and I genuinely believe in what we are building together. I will continue to work as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and make Laker Nation proud.”
“This is only the start. I can’t wait for what lies ahead and to continue creating something amazing with this team.”
The Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Doncic six months ago in a deal that shocked the sports world. Under the leadership of governor Jeanie Buss, basketball operations president Rob Pelinka, and new owner Mark Walter, the Lakers have built a strong connection with Doncic, along with his chief brand officer and business manager Lara Beth Seager and Duffy.
Pelinka described Doncic as “one of the game’s most exceptional players” when announcing his extension.
“Luka is a fierce competitor on the court, and he combines that with a special kindness and concern for the community,” Pelinka stated. “Most importantly, Luka will guide our team in our quest for future championships, which will always be a key goal for the Lakers.”
Last season, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while playing in just 50 games—his lowest career total—with both the Mavericks and Lakers. After joining the team on February 10, he led the Lakers in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers per game.
A five-time first-team All-NBA player, Doncic has also made an impact off the court with the franchise. He played a vital role in helping the Lakers sign Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart during the offseason by maintaining a good relationship with Ayton—who was also a top draft pick—and reaching out to Smart multiple times while traveling abroad for family events and basketball commitments.
In Monday’s edition of Men’s Health, Doncic talked about the significant changes he made to his body and fitness.
While with the Mavericks, Doncic’s physical condition was a key topic. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized in his last press conference that players needed to “get in championship shape.”
Doncic played at a championship level during the playoffs. He made history by being the first player in the NBA to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the Mavericks’ 2024 journey to the Finals, which they lost to the Boston Celtics.
In his first playoff season with the Lakers, Doncic became only the fifth player in team history to average 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a series. Unfortunately, Los Angeles was knocked out in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves after five games.
