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Luka Doncic is on the path to signing the largest contract in NBA history worth $418 million, and it all hinges on a strategic timeline that will maximize his earnings.
After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic lost his immediate eligibility for the five-year, $346 million supermax extension he would have been able to sign in Dallas. But if he plays his cards right, he could still set a new financial record in just a few years.
The key to Luka Doncic securing the biggest deal in NBA history lies in signing a two-year extension with the Lakers this August. Doing so would keep him under contract until the 2028 offseason.
By then, Doncic will have completed 10 seasons in the NBA, making him eligible for the full 35% supermax extension with his new team. This deal is projected to be worth around $418 million over five years, based on the expected 10% annual cap increases.
For now, Doncic remains on his existing five-year, $215 million contract, which averages $43 million per season. If he chooses to extend with the Lakers in 2025, he would likely sign a shorter three-year, $165 million deal to bridge the gap until he qualifies for the supermax.
While this means the Lakers are getting a relative discount on their new superstar, it also positions Doncic to cash in at a historic level once he becomes eligible.
This entire situation is a direct result of NBA contract rules, which dictate that supermax extensions can only be signed with the team a player originally signed their rookie extension with.
Since Doncic was traded to Los Angeles, he now has to wait until he reaches 10 years of NBA service to be eligible for the full supermax. Had he stayed in Dallas, he could have signed it as soon as this summer.
Despite the financial implications of the trade, Doncic remains committed to finding success in Los Angeles. However, his first few games with the Lakers have been far from ideal. He is averaging just 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 35.6% shooting from the field and a concerning 20.8% from three-point range.
While these struggles are somewhat expected given his recent injury and the adjustment to a new team, they serve as a reminder that even generational talents need time to find their rhythm in a different system.
Once Doncic shakes off the rust, the Lakers expect him to return to the elite form that made him an MVP-caliber player in Dallas. His ability to rack up 30-point triple-doubles and dominate games will be crucial as the team looks to integrate him alongside LeBron James and their evolving roster.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ front office understands that Doncic is the future of their franchise. His looming record-breaking contract is not just about individual earnings—it also represents Los Angeles’ long-term commitment to building around their newest superstar. If all goes as planned, Doncic will rewrite NBA history by securing the biggest deal the league has ever seen.
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Lakers Consulted Luka Doncic About Trade for Big Man
The Los Angeles Lakers won big when they acquired five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February. But they also lost Anthony Davis in the process, which left them without a center for the rest of the season. Shortly after landing Doncic, the Lakers reportedly consulted him about a trade deal involving Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, whom Doncic had requested to play with, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst. More news: 3 Players Lakers Should Have Signed to BAE Instead of Marcus Smart The Hornets had accepted the Lakers’ offer that would give them Dalton Knecht, who was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick in exchange for Williams. However, the Lakers ultimately rescinded the trade deal after Williams reportedly failed his physical examination. Both Williams and his agent Jeff Schwartz do not believe William’s physical was the sole reason Los Angeles chose to cancel the trade. "I don't think it was solely because of my physical," Williams said to ESPN. "I felt like I could have contributed to them. But, obviously, they had second thoughts." Although Doncic and Williams had never played together, Doncic had selected the 7-foot center out of a list of potential trade targets for the Lakers. More news: Former Lakers Star Shaquille O’Neal on NBA All-Star — ‘I F---ing Hate’ Him Los Angeles was unable to acquire a dominant center after rescinding their deal with the Hornets. It ultimately came back to hurt them when they were eliminated in the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs for the second season in a row. Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 44 regular season games with Charlotte. He played against the Lakers shortly after the cancelled trade and put up 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists across 29 minutes to help the Hornets defeat the Lakers 100-97. He was later traded to the Phoenix Suns on the night of the 2025 NBA Draft. The Lakers never commented on the claims that their decision to rescind their offer for Williams was due to anything more than a failed physical. But regardless of the reason why Los Angeles opted against Williams, the Lakers have finally signed a center for the next two seasons. 7-footer Deandre Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers at the beginning of July. More news: Massive 5-Team Blockbuster Trade Sees Lakers' LeBron James Shipped for $238 Million All-Star For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.
Maple Leafs Linked With All-Star in Potential Move
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to search for different ways to improve the roster, one area where the team needs help is depth. This could see Toronto's front office explore multiple options to bring more talent to the team. And it seems that the Maple Leafs are being linked with a former All-Star to help bolster the team. That would be veteran Max Pacioretty, who spent this past season with the Maple Leafs. Toronto and reportedly have mutual interest in a reunion, but nothing has come about yet. Pacioretty was rumored to be retiring earlier in the offseason, but it seems that he could return for another season. The veteran only played 37 games for the Maple Leafs this past season, mainly due to injury. With the Maple Leafs, Pacioretty scored just five goals and put up eight assists. Since his time on the ice was limited, the veteran may want to come back to prove he can still produce. This would give Pacioretty a chance to go out on his own terms, rather than leaving following an injury-riddled season. Pacioretty would give the Maple Leafs some needed depth, and he could play an important role in the backend of the lines. While the veteran isn't the same player that he once was, he could still give this team a jolt if he can stay healthy. But whether he decides to return or call it a career remains up in the air. However, it seems that if he does return for next season, the Maple Leafs may be the only team that he considers.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
NASCAR insiders weigh in after Austin Hill's controversial move
Austin Hill's controversial move in the closing laps of Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has already been the topic of much discussion among those in the NASCAR industry. Hill appeared to intentionally wreck Aric Almirola on Lap 91 of the Pennzoil 250 after Almirola had gotten Hill loose in the previous corner during a battle for fourth place. While Hill was given a five-lap penalty for reckless driving, a suspension for the Aug. 2 race at Iowa Speedway could be in order. "I... you can see his gloves through the front windshield... and to be doing that at Indianapolis Motor Speedway of all places, is just not good," said Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com. "That should probably be a suspension, at least for next weekend at Iowa, if not longer. Yikes..." "Yeah, that’s probably gonna be a forced vacation for Austin Hill," said Christie. "Pretty egregious looking, and at a track like Indy, that’s a very dangerous move." "Maaaaaan not sure that's gonna hold up in NASCAR Court," said Eric Estepp of "Out of The Groove" in response to Hill's radio transmission. Hill told his team that he couldn't hang on to his car after the aforementioned contact from Almirola, though it appeared that the No. 21 Chevrolet was stable for a brief moment before he made contact with Almirola's No. 19. A suspension for Hill would also relieve the No. 21 team of all its playoff points, including any they might earn over the final five races of the regular season. Hill has won three races so far this season.
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