After months of speculation, Luka Doncic and the Lakers have put pen to paper on a three-year, $165 million extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
In a post on X after signing the deal, Doncic wrote: “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.”
Lakers Cement Luka Doncic as Next Face of the Franchise
Doncic Extension a No-Brainer for LA
Doncic‘s deal with the Lakers is the latest stepping stone in a new era for the franchise, who, until the trade deadline, had searched for the heir to LeBron James’ throne. Doncic made an impact as soon as he arrived in Tinseltown. In 28 games, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists on .438/.379/.791 splits. To no one’s surprise, he elevated his game in the playoffs, boasting 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists in the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Timberwolves.
With the shock of the trade wearing off over time, the five-time All-Star has remained steadfast in reaching his goals with the Lakers, hoping to be remembered as “the guy that brought championships to the city.”
Re-signing Doncic is the perfect bookend to the Lakers’ offseason, one where the team has pounced on the buyout market and signed valuable rotation pieces to team-friendly deals. The Slovenian star reportedly recruited Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to LA, doing his part to build a title contender in the gauntlet that is the Western Conference. Doncic’s commitment to his physical fitness is another encouraging sign, as the Lakers hope to maximize a full season with him and James at the helm.
While Doncic’s extension is the latest wrinkle in the Lakers’ future, it does not expedite the end of James’s tenure in LA. Luka reportedly wants LeBron to retire a Laker and not force him out of Los Angeles, putting any rumors of a potential trade or buyout to rest.
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The Lakers’ roster—aside from a vacant guaranteed spot and an open two-way contract—is all set for next season. Fans can rest easy knowing their next cornerstone is confirmed and look forward to the summer of 2027, when the team can lure another star to Hollywood.
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