The Los Angeles Lakers are looking toward the future—and that future includes Luka Dončić. They acquired him in a blockbuster trade last February that no one saw coming, and have made it clear they’re fully committed to building around him. That commitment was cemented this summer with a major contract extension.
“Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, with a player option in 2028, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
While the Lakers may not currently have a roster built to contend for an NBA Finals run, Dončić’s mindset is crystal clear: he’s been there before, and he wants to get back—fast. And with LeBron James still in the mix, anything feels possible.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Despite the new three-year extension, questions remained about Dončić’s long-term desire to stay in Los Angeles. However, he appears to have put those rumors to rest with a high-profile real estate move.
“If Luka Dončić’s recent three-year extension with the Lakers didn’t convince you the star intends to stay in Los Angeles for some time, his most recent real estate purchase might. According to several reports on Friday, Dončić has purchased the former home of tennis star Maria Sharapova in Manhattan Beach for a sum of $25 million,” SI’s Tyler Lauletta wrote.
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Buying a home in LA signals that Dončić is fully committed to the organization’s future. Fans can finally set aside their doubts—he appears locked in with the Lakers. And with a major body transformation this offseason, Dončić could be gearing up for an MVP-caliber year.
