How Dallas Mavericks affected Luka Doncic’s Lakers extension

The three-year deal is purposeful. Some want to believe it's connected to the Mavericks owning the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick, and his current deal would expire in either 2028 or 2029, depending on his player option. If, for some reason, he declines that player option in 2028 and leaves, that 2029 pick could be a juicy one.

However, the real reason is that a 2+1 deal allows Doncic to renegotiate his contract and recoup nearly all of the money he lost by the Mavericks trading him when they did.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Doncic will be eligible to sign a five-year, $418 million contract in the 2028 offseason, and could likely become the first player to make an annual salary of over $80 million if the salary cap jumps as it's projected to. That wouldn't entirely make up for the money lost from the Mavericks not signing him, but it's pretty close.

As a side note, Doncic has also pledged $5 million of the new deal to 77 athletes around the world to "chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything, and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation."

Long-Term Outlook of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers made it a point to not sign anyone to a long contract this offseason so they can plan for 2026 and 2027. As of now, Doncic is the only player guaranteed to be under contract in the 2027-28 season. Jarred Vanderbilt has a player option for that season worth $13 million (hard to imagine him not picking that up, but they could try to trade him), and Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero will have team options, but that's it.

Los Angeles has made it clear that they want to build around Doncic, with 2026 likely being the best chance to do so. If they wait until 2027 and drag bad rosters around Doncic, they may chase him out of town.