ESPN Insider Claims Lakers Extension Not a 'Mere Formality' for Luka Doncic, Says It’s His First Real Contract Decision

Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year, will be eligible for a contract extension at the beginning of August. However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that it won’t be a routine signing for Doncic and the Lakers. Unlike his previous deal with the Dallas Mavericks, which was more of a technicality, this extension comes with a genuine decision for the Slovenian to make.

For the first time in his career, Doncic has control over a major contract that isn’t tied to a rookie-scale structure. While he isn’t eligible for a supermax extension this year, he can still cash in on a four-year deal worth around $229 million or opt for a shorter deal that gives him more flexibility in the future.

What makes this situation different is that Doncic is choosing more than just money. He’s choosing direction. According to MacMahon, this decision will be a clear signal of how much faith he has in the Lakers’ current vision. He discussed Doncic’s contract situation on a recent episode of NBA Today.

“This is not a mere formality. This is the first time that Luka Doncic really has a decision to make in terms of the contract. There’s no supermax eligibility, that blew up when the Mavericks shanked him in the back and shipped him to LA,” MacMahon said.

The team has already begun pivoting toward Doncic as its centerpiece, with LeBron James taking on more of a secondary role. But that doesn’t guarantee Luka’s long-term commitment. MacMahon emphasized that if Doncic waits until the end of EuroBasket to sign, it would still be reasonable, considering his current focus on Slovenia’s national team. But if he enters training camp without putting pen to paper, the conversation will shift dramatically.

It won’t just be about what Doncic wants, it’ll be about what he doesn’t trust. He said, “This will be an indication of what kind of faith that Luka Doncic has in that Lakers front office.”

MacMahon also noted that Doncic’s last extension with Dallas (five years, $207 million in 2021) came with little friction. He went on to explain why this upcoming deal will be the first true contract Doncic has signed in his career. He continued, “Coming off the rookie deal, guys sign rookie extensions. Do you want to take a supermax, or do you want to take a qualifying offer or go into restricted free agency? That’s not a difficult decision.”

This time, Luka has a lot to consider. While the Lakers are eager to keep him long-term, it’s still a new environment. How much he trusts the front office to prioritize his best interests remains to be seen. For the first time, Doncic will be making a contract decision that could shape the next several years of his NBA career.