Luka Doncic Speaks Out On Future With Lakers

Five-time All-NBA First Team Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has a big decision to make next month.

On Aug. 2, the 6-foot-6 pro will become eligible to ink a four-season, $228 million maximum contract extension.

Had he not been traded away from the Dallas Mavericks in a midseason blockbuster deal with L.A., Doncic would have fetched a far more lucrative five-season, $346 million contract extension in a state with no income taxes. Instead, it seems more likely Doncic will agree to a three-season, $165 million deal, with a player option in 2028-29.

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That way, Doncic will become eligible for a major new deal after 10 seasons of NBA service, worth 35 percent of the salary cap. In theory, he could fetch five-season deal worth a projected $418 million, speculates Jasmyn Wimbish of CBS Sports.

Doncic, plus big men Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, were dealt to the Lakers as part of a three-team deal with Dallas and the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks acquired 10-time All-Star big man Anthony Davis — who instantly got hurt for most of the season's home stretch — swingman Max Christie, and an unprotected 2029 first round Lakers draft pick.

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Utah added a pair of 2025 second round picks from both teams, as a thank-you for facilitating the deal by obtaining little-used Los Angeles guard Jalen Hood-Schifino. Hood-Schifino was promptly waived, and signed on with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Now armed with Doncic and 21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James, the Lakers finished with a 50-32 record and nabbed the No. 3 seed in a crowded Western Conference. In 28 healthy regular season bouts for the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points on .438/.379/.791 shooting splits, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per.

Things were looking up for Los Angeles heading into the postseason — but the team's shallow depth and total lack of playable centers were badly exposed against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who slaughtered them in five games.

During a new interview with the Lakers' official YouTube channel, Doncic shed some light on his thinking about sticking in L.A. long-term.