The Los Angeles Lakers have been working hard to secure Luka Doncic’s future with the team. Despite reports suggesting he’d sign a contract extension, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claims it’s “not a guarantee” Doncic will sign for the max he’s eligible for this summer.
Potential contract details include a four-year deal worth nearly $229 million or a two-year extension with a player option for a third season. Doncic currently has one more guaranteed year, plus a $48.97 million player option for 2026-27 on his five-year, $215.16 million rookie-scale contract. Due to the trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, Doncic lost his eligibility for a five-year, $345 million supermax contract.
Doncic could benefit from signing a shorter extension with a player option, allowing him to reach 10 years of service and sign a five-year max contract worth 35% of the cap, potentially giving him more earnings in the long run.
Doncic’s relationship with LeBron James and the Lakers’ front office will play a significant role in his decision. With James nearing the end of his career, the Lakers need to build a championship-caliber team around Doncic to keep him happy and committed.
The Lakers are under pressure to get Doncic’s signature on a contract extension before August 2, 2025, to avoid having him test free agency in 2026. With Doncic targeting a return from injury soon, the Lakers will need to act quickly to secure his future with the team.
