When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade midseason, the expectations soared. After watching Dončić carry a Dallas Mavericks squad all the way to the NBA Finals last season, fans saw no reason why he couldn’t do the same with the Lakers.
For a couple of different reasons, that run came to an end in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, losing in five to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, some uncomfortable questions surround Los Angeles regarding their future with the Slovenian superstar.
Dončić’s future with Los Angeles is cloudy, as he came to the Lakers with two years remaining on his current contract and no agreement in place on an extension. Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic detailed the current saga.
“Depending on Dončić’s preference, he has multiple pathways to his next contract. Beginning on Aug. 2, he can sign a four-year, $229 million extension. To recoup the money he lost in the trade from losing his supermax eligibility, Dončić could sign a shorter three-year, $165 million extension, with a player option for 2028-29 that would coincide with reaching 10 years of service to be eligible for the 35 percent max. In that scenario, he could sign a five-year, $418 million deal in the 2028 offseason.”
Before the start of the postseason, Dončić told ESPN that he wants to remain with the Lakers long term. Things move fast in the NBA, though, and this year’s sentiments can be next year’s broken promises. Just ask Kyrie Irving and Boston Celtics fans. It’s possible that if Los Angeles can’t put a team around Dončić that is to his satisfaction, he could potentially jump ship.
If the Lakers want to be proactive in keeping their newest superstar happy, they will lean on him this offseason when it comes to potential free agents or trade acquisitions. LeBron James will most likely have a say in things as well, as the 40-year-old has a player option this Summer.
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Regardless of which route Dončić decides to go, the Lakers would be handing out one of the largest contracts in NBA history. He could decide altogether to not sign anything, and test free agency in the Summer of 2026.
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