Luka Doncic’s decision regarding his contract extension next month will play a crucial role in determining if he can later secure a $400 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As reported by The Athletic’s NBA insider John Hollinger, signing a three-year, $161 million extension with the Lakers—which includes a player option for 2028-29—could set Doncic up for a five-year, $406 million contract with Los Angeles in 2028, as he would be entering his tenth year in the league by then.
“Dončić could make the Lakers sweat it out through the season before committing to his extension. He could also opt to look elsewhere next summer and wait for 2028, costing him a minimal amount relative to his overall contract (just about $1.5 million, which he could easily offset with state taxes if he leaves California),” Hollinger remarks.
“While L.A. may be Dončić’s best situation, it’s understandable why the Lakers might feel anxious until he finalizes the deal. For Dončić, there’s no need to rush—he can extend anytime between Aug. 2 and the following June.”
Hollinger also highlighted another factor influencing Doncic’s desire to extend with the Lakers: the wish to avoid an unexpected trade similar to the one that shifted him from Dallas.
“Unlike most other stars, Dončić stands to gain significantly by becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2028 rather than opting for another extension. If he stays with the Lakers, he would have eight years of service and four with the same team by then (partial seasons, like the 2024-25 campaign, count towards this). This would allow him to negotiate a no-trade clause in his 2028 contract—something extensions don’t provide, only new contracts do—which would protect him from an unexpected trade away from Tinseltown,” explains Hollinger.
After being traded to the Lakers from the Mavericks, Doncic has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists across 28 games, shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from the three-point line. Unfortunately, Doncic, alongside LeBron James and the Lakers, was eliminated in five games during the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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