NBA Insider: Extension Between Luka Doncic, Lakers Feels Inevitable

Luka Doncic isn’t going anywhere. At least, that’s how ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne sees it.

Speaking on ESPN LA Radio, Shelburne said she “would be shocked” if the Lakers and Doncic don’t agree to an extension this summer.

“I’m going to say this, and I know I’ll get aggregated, but I feel this strongly about it,” Shelburne said. “I would be shocked if he didn’t sign an extension.”

Doncic is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension with the Lakers as early as August 2. There’s also the two-year route, which would line him up to hit 10 years of service by the 2028 offseason — and then qualify for a five-year deal worth 35 percent of the salary cap.

So the math checks out. Either way, the sense is that Doncic is in this for the long haul.

Doncic Fully Invested in Lakers’ Direction

It’s been no secret that Doncic has had a hand in the Lakers’ summer. He was reportedly a driving force behind L.A. acquiring Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.

Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists during the regular season, then bumped that up to 30.2 points in the playoffs. The Lakers finished third in the West but fell in five games to Minnesota in the opening round.

He’s also slimmed down this summer and remains all-in. In a recent team video titled “Luka Doncic: Born to Compete, Destined to Dominate,” the 26-year-old didn’t hesitate when asked how he wants to be remembered in L.A.

“The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” he said.

That’s the goal. And based on everything coming out of Los Angeles, it sounds like both sides are aligned for the long run.

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