Lakers' Luka Doncic Might Explore Unusual Route With Contract Extension Looming

The Los Angeles Lakers have a massive summer ahead of them. It is not a stretch to call this summer a pivotal one, and at the forefront of things is superstar guard Luka Doncic.

Doncic was traded to the Lakers this past season in stunning fashion. He was expected to stay in Dallas for his entire career; instead, the Mavericks had other plans and decided to let go of the five-time First-team All-NBA member. 

Now, the Lakers will look to lock up the 26-year-old superstar in Los Angeles for the rest of his career. They could start by doing so this summer, as Doncic is eligible for an extension worth up to four years and $229 million, where the $51 million first-year salary for 2026-27 replaces the player option for that season. 

Many expect Doncic to sign that deal, but according to Bobby Marks of ESPN, he believes Doncic will take fewer years and less money this summer. 

“And, more likely: a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in the third year. The short-term extension would allow Doncic to reenter free agency sooner and potentially recoup the $345 million he lost when he was traded from the Mavericks.

“What to expect: Doncic signs a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option for 2028-29,” wrote Marks.

Doncic has expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles. While he expected to stay in Dallas for the rest of his career, his loyalty has shifted to the Lakers. The 26-year-old superstar is coming off a great second-half stint with the Lakers. Although he appeared to be hampered for some of it with his calf injury, he still recorded ridiculous numbers. 

In 28 games with the Lakers, he averaged 28.2 points per game, 7.5 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three in 35.1 minutes of action. 

It is clear that the Lakers hold Doncic in high regard, and it is safe to say that he and LeBron James are among the few players who are safe from trade talks this summer. The Lakers will focus their attention on Doncic and building the best team that can around him as much as possible.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.