Luka Doncic’s freshly inked threeyear, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers includes a particularly smart secret clause that could safeguard him from the kind of contract missteps that ensnared Kevin Durant.
While the headline numbers grabbed the spotlight, it’s this subtle inclusion that offers Doncic flexibility and protection in the years to come. Rather than locking into a long-term deal at 30 percent of the salary cap – his highest permissible rate under the circumstances – Doncic has secured a short-term commitment with an exit clause.
That player option in 2028 not only gives him control over his own future, it also positions him to re-enter free agency at a time when he’ll qualify for a supermax-paying scale worth up to 35 percent of the cap, potentially hitting a five-year, $417 million payday.
This shields Doncic from being locked into a pact that might look underwhelming a few seasons down the line. But crucially, he is also protected from being traded for the next three seasons – something Durant wasn’t lucky enough to have when traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets.
A safeguard inspired by others’ misfortune
The structure of the contract echoes lessons learned from others. Durant signed with Phoenix in 2023 only to be traded two years later in a deal that he had no knowledge of.
Doncic opted for a different route – prioritizing future leverage over immediate maximum dollars. In the Lakers’ case, this approach is mutually beneficial: they secure their star guard for the short term while still building around him with flexibility in 2026 and 2027 cap spaces.
Doncic’s situation contrasts sharply with Durant’s commitment with the Suns. The Lakers avoid being hamstrung if circumstances change – whether it’s team performance, roster construction, or Doncic’s own career trajectory.
At age 26, now in his prime, Doncic can explore new options at the end of this deal – capitalizing on his peak valuation. The player option effectively gives him the freedom to decline 2028-29 terms and chase the supermax that he would have been eligible for with his first 10 years of service. That makes this contract a strategic balance between earnings today and upside tomorrow.
Lakers executives appear pleased with this blueprint as well. Rob Pelinka called Doncic “one of the game’s most transcendent players” and praised his leadership both on and off the court.
Head Coach JJ Redick emphasized that building toward a championship will require players to be in “championship shape”-and Doncic’s recent turnaround in physical conditioning speaks to that commitment.
Despite a truncated debut half-season in L.A. – playing just 50 games – Doncic led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers, and received high marks on his playoff contribution. His $5 million philanthropic pledge to empower young athletes around the world further reinforces his status both as a star player and community advocate.
A huge shift in Lakers power
This contract signals Lakers leadership shifting to Doncic – particularly as LeBron James, now 40, enters a period of uncertainty around his own future. James opted into his 2025-26 contract but remains unsigned beyond that, which makes Doncic the clear franchise cornerstone.
Doncic’s focus and outreach-reportedly involved in recruiting key additions like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton – underscore his growing influence in shaping the roster. It’s a team being constructed around him on a multi-year scale.
By enabling an exit in 2028, Doncic avoids the scenario where he may feel underpaid or trapped – something Kevin Durant experienced. The Lakers benefit from cap flexibility and roster-building latitude as they move into the post-LeBron era.
Ultimately, the secret jewel in Doncic’s contract – that 2028 player option – provides both protection and leverage. He locks in guaranteed money through 2028, holds the door open for a gigantic upgrade, and gives the Lakers short-term certainty with long-term flexibility.
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