Shockwaves through the NBA, Luka Dončić has confirmed his intention to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shockwaves through the NBA, Luka Dončić has confirmed his intention to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

This decision follows his unexpected trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, a transaction that exchanged Dončić for Anthony Davis and marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason .

 

Dončić, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, had been the cornerstone of the Mavericks, leading them to the 2024 NBA Finals. However, concerns over his conditioning and the financial implications of a potential supermax extension led Dallas to make the controversial trade .

 

Now with the Lakers, Dončić faces new contractual possibilities. He is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth approximately $228.6 million . Alternatively, he could opt for a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option in the final year, positioning him to sign a five-year supermax extension exceeding $417 million in 2028, once he reaches 10 years of NBA service .

 

Despite the financial setback from leaving Dallas, Dončić has expressed enthusiasm about his future in Los Angeles. His arrival has been met with excitement from Lakers fans and players alike, including LeBron James, who referred to Dončić as his “favorite player” .

 

As the Lakers look to build around Dončić, his decision on the contract extension will significantly influence the team’s direction in the coming years.