Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic is interviewed by ESPN LA radio following a press conference announcing the signing of a 3-year, $165 million contract extension at UCLA Health Training Center Saturday. (Imagn Images
EL SEGUNDO, California: Luka Doncic’s initial half year with the Los Angeles Lakers provided him ample insight into a dazzling future with his new team. He observes championship banners, trophies, and team achievements while residing in a vibrant city and competing for an internationally renowned team. He imagines his name and number hanging in the rafters next to all the other legendary players who donned the Lakers’ gold uniform. Doncic progressed further in making his dreams a reality on Saturday by agreeing to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Lakers, avoiding a shot at free agency next summer. “Playing for the Lakers is a privilege, and I aimed to be here,” Doncic stated at a press conference beneath the championship banners and retired jerseys decorating the gym at the Lakers’ training facility. “When you glance up here, numerous esteemed names and their accomplishments.” “I aspire to reach that level someday as well.” The agreement is expected to retain the 26-year-old Doncic in Los Angeles until 2028 with a player option for the last year, after which he can qualify for a substantial five-year extension that may enable him to recover the maximum salary he forfeited by being traded from Dallas. The Slovenian star possessed a player option for the 2026-27 season in his former contract. An individual familiar with the agreement verified the conditions to The Associated Press. The individual requested to remain unnamed as the Lakers do not disclose contract details publicly.
The Lakers obtained Doncic from the Mavericks last February in a major trade for Anthony Davis. The five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection posted averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, partnering with LeBron James for 50 wins and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Despite his inaugural season in Los Angeles concluding with a first-round playoff defeat to Minnesota, the high-scoring guard expresses that he thoroughly relished his initial time in Hollywood — sufficiently to pledge to the Lakers for the remainder of his 20s, and very likely even longer. “Playing for this organization is a privilege,” Doncic expressed. “Numerous outstanding players have competed here, so clearly I aim to elevate one more alongside them.” “That’s what we aim for.” In yet another indication of his renewed enthusiasm, Doncic stated that he has been engaging in rigorous summer conditioning and strength training after the Mavericks’ concerns regarding his dedication to the game allegedly contributed to his unexpected exit from Dallas. Doncic appeared fit and agile at his press conference, laughing as he remarked he’ll “clearly be a little bit quicker” in the upcoming season. “Simply aiming to assist the team in terms of conditioning,” Doncic stated. “Competing for many minutes and in numerous games, so I believe it will be the most beneficial for me.”
Finalizing the agreement smoothly and promptly is a notable achievement for the Lakers, whose outlook appears even more promising with Doncic signed just a couple of months after the Buss family decided to sell a majority share in the team to a wealthy consortium headed by Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Doncic will rejoin James this fall, as he starts his unmatched 23rd NBA season. Desde que los Lakers lo adquirieron, la importancia de Doncic ha sido evidente, y el gerente general Rob Pelinka lo describió el sábado como “la pieza central y el pilar fundamental” del equipo en el futuro. James was absent from Doncic’s press conference, yet Pelinka stated that the bond between the Lakers and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer remains robust, despite James’ agent, Rich Paul, making pointed remarks regarding James’ wish for the Lakers to be a title contender when he decided to return this summer. “Every interaction we’ve had with LeBron and his team has been encouraging and affirmative,” Pelinka replied when questioned if he believed the Lakers would be James’ last team. “The conversation with him has been ongoing and transparent. … The top priority regarding James’ future is to honor his and his family’s choice.” We wish to honor his chance to create his schedule regarding that. “If he could retire as a Laker, that would be fantastic.”
La aisance de Doncic avec les Lakers était déjà manifeste dans ses activités estivales : il a joué un rôle majeur dans les efforts fructueux de Los Angeles pour signer Deandre Ayton et Marcus Smart, contribuant à convaincre les deux vétérans de se joindre à lui pour la saison à venir. Doncic reported that he supported both athletes due to his admiration for them as rivals. Ayton, Smart and other Lakers visited El Segundo to celebrate Doncic’s new contract. “Honestly, I believe we have an amazing team,” Doncic remarked. “We possess everything necessary to vie for the championship.” I will contribute all that I can and strive to win every match regardless of the circumstances. We’ve added some fantastic new members to the team, so you know we’ll give it our all.”
