Update on Luka Doncic's contract situation with Lakers

The Luka Doncic trade shook the foundation of the NBA last February, confounding fanbases across the country and causing much backlash amongst the Dallas Mavericks faithful. The swap, which centered on Doncic and former Lakers forward Anthony Davis, was so controversial that it resulted in discussions of fans alleging possible collusion.

The Lakers flamed out early in the playoffs, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round despite being the favored team heading into the series. Even more contention arose when contract talks about Doncic began, as Lakers personnel privately worried whether or not the young superstar would actually commit to LA long-term.

Those fears were put to rest when news broke that Doncic plans to sign his extension with the Lakers, a reported four-year deal worth $229 million, according to Martin Pavcnik of Sportklub. It also crushed the hopes of many Mavericks fans that Doncic would possibly make a return to Dallas, as unlikely as those hopes were.

Doncic was fantastic in the 28 regular-season games with LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Though he was heavily criticized for his effort defensively in the five-game playoff series loss to Minnesota, he still put up 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in those contests.

The Lakers made moves to upgrade the roster around Doncic this offseason, moving up in the Draft to select athletic wing Adou Thiero out of Arkansas, as well as signing the likes of center DeAndre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart, and forward Jake LaRavia. Whether or not LA is a title contender in the near future remains to be seen, but at the very least, they have their star of the future under contract for the long haul.