Los Angeles, California – The future of the Los Angeles Lakers shines brighter than ever, with the club officially announcing on Saturday that Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic has signed a new long-term contract extension. The monumental deal is reportedly worth $165 million over three years, solidifying Doncic’s presence in purple and gold through to 2028.
A Monumental Moment for the Franchise
This extension comes just months after Doncic’s jaw-dropping trade to the Lakers earlier this year, a move that sent shockwaves across the league. Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka hailed the signing, stating, “Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Doncic’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.”
Doncic, 26, expressed immense gratitude and excitement, emphasizing his commitment to bringing another championship to Los Angeles. “I’m really grateful to the Lakers organisation, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” said Doncic. “This is an amazing organisation, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning.” He also notably committed $5 million of his salary to support 77 young athletes worldwide.
From Mavericks’ Concerns to Laker Commitment
Doncic joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade that saw Anthony Davis move in the opposite direction. He quickly made an impact, starting 28 games to close the regular season and averaging an impressive 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Under his previous contract, Doncic had the option to become a free agent in 2026, but his early commitment to the Lakers signals a strong belief in the franchise’s direction. The Mavericks’ willingness to part with a generational talent like Doncic was reportedly influenced by concerns regarding his physical conditioning. However, recent photos and videos show a noticeably slimmer Doncic, the result of a rigorous off-season physical regimen, indicating his dedication to his new team and a fresh start in Los Angeles.
Discussion about this post