Just months after a stunning midseason trade sent Luka Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles, the Slovenian superstar seems ready to make the Lakers his long-term home. The deal came as a shock to Doncic, who once imagined finishing his career with the Mavericks. But since landing in LA, he’s made an immediate impact, pushing the Lakers to a third seed in the West and igniting hope for future championship runs.
While the playoff run ended earlier than expected, Doncic’s presence changed the tone of the franchise. What was initially a gamble by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is now shaping up as a franchise-altering win-if the Lakers can secure Doncic’s signature on a new deal.
The Lakers’ aggressive play to lock him in
According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon,Doncic is now “fully committed” to the Lakers and emotionally moved past the breakup with Dallas. In response, the Lakers are preparing to hand him the keys to the kingdom. Reports suggest Pelinka is willing to give Doncic unprecedented control over the structure of his next contract, making it clear the franchise views him as their cornerstone for the next decade.
The earliest Doncic can sign an extension is August 2, and the Lakers are hoping he chooses to finalize a new deal this summer. Options include a four-year, $229 million extension or a three-year, $165 million deal that would allow Doncic to qualify for a five-year supermax worth $418 million later. Both routes reflect how much leverage Doncic holds-and how determined LA is to keep him.
Back to Dallas? Just a personal visit
Fueling some speculation, Doncic was recently spotted in Dallas following a dinner in LA with Pelinka and coach JJ Redick-where Pelinka was seen carrying documents that likely included contract frameworks. The Dallas trip, however, appears to have been a personal one; Doncic still owns a house there and later traveled to Slovenia to visit family.
With all the signs pointing toward stability and mutual interest, fans in LA may not have to wait long for the good news: Luka Doncic could be a Laker for years to come.
Would signing this summer be the smart move, or should he bet on an even bigger payday down the line?
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