Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Luka Doncic could sign record $406 million contract with LA Lakers if he makes crucial decision this summer

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 7:41 AM ET

Luka Doncic might look out for his financial interest this summer with a contract decision with the LA Lakers.

In a move that few fans would have seen coming, the LA Lakers found their next franchise star when they landed Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade.

Since arriving on the Lakers, Doncic has shown a real willingness to make a home with the franchise. So much so that Doncic has become the Lakers’ priority over LeBron James.

And the star is signaling his intent with the team by helping bring other stars to the team. Doncic’s relationship with Deandre Ayton played a big role in the center’s decision to join the team.

With the Lakers having a new owner, Doncic is likely to stay. Mark Walter will likely pay Luka Doncic whatever amount he wants to keep him, as he did with Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers.

But Luka Doncic is going to be patient about re-signing with the Lakers. That decision makes sense, given the massive fortune he could make if he makes the right call.

Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Luka Doncic could earn $406 million contract with LA Lakers in 2029

The Athletic’s John Hollinger did a piece about the big contractual decisions NBA superstars can make during this offseason.

When it comes to Luka Doncic, he isn’t eligible for the Supermax extension because he got traded before the end of his second rookie-scale extension. But if Doncic signs a short-term extension with the Lakers, he could sign a five-year $406 million contract extension in 2028.

“Contractually, Doncic is a rarity: a superstar who was traded before his second contract ended. That makes him ineligible for the Supermax deal that most players of his ilk can sign at the end of their second contract.

“Thus, the massive deals for Jayson Tatum and Gilgeous-Alexander the last two summers aren’t there for Dončić yet.

“However, if he were to void his player option in 2026 and sign a three-year, $161 million extension with the Lakers with a 2028-29 player option, he would be a 10-year vet in the summer of 2028.

“At that point, he could sign a monstrous five-year deal worth up to approximately $406 million to remain in L.A.”

LA Lakers must now try to build a satisfactory roster

However, Luka Doncic re-signing with the Lakers shouldn’t be treated as a foregone conclusion. Yes, he is likely to ink a short-term extension.

But that isn’t a sign that he is ready to be a Laker for life. If anything, it just gives the Lakers a partial extension on their lease on the superstar.

Beyond this season, the Lakers must begin making moves to build a competent roster that Doncic can lead in the years to come.