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NBA teams could pursue Luka Doncic from Lakers

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 7:31 PM ET

Luka Doncic was just acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking trade in February. Other teams may try to jump on acquiring him now in a signing or trade of their own.

Doncic will be eligible to sign a 4-year, $222 million contract extension with the Lakers in August. He is under contract to make nearly $46 million for the upcoming season, and he has a $48.9 million contract option for the following season. He could choose to become a free agent after next season, especially if he declines the contract offer from the Lakers. And if he does, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes other teams could come calling.

“If he doesn’t sign it, he can be a free agent next summer when there’s going to be 10-plus teams with cap space. If he does not sign it, you will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka,” Windhorst said on ESPN Tuesday.

“If [Luka] doesn’t sign [the extension] he can be a free agent next summer when there’s going to be 10-plus teams with cap space. If he does not sign it you will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka.” @WindhorstESPN

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It’s important to remember that Doncic never signed with the Lakers on his own. Rather, he was traded there by Dallas, much to his surprise.

Do we expect Doncic to leave the Lakers? No, but it’s important to note that if he does not sign an extension in a few weeks, teams will try to pry him away from Los Angeles and possibly sign him in free agency, if that day comes.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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