Luka Dončić Commits to Lakers With Massive $165M Extension, Eyes Long-Term Legacy in LA

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by Raymund Tamayo

Lakers guard Luka Dončić. Photo: Getty Images.

Luka Dončić has officially extended his stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, agreeing to a three-year, $165 million deal that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season. The structure of the contract not only locks him in through his prime but also strategically positions him for a potential supermax deal once he hits a decade in the NBA.

The extension comes just five months after Dončić’s headline-making trade from the Dallas Mavericks — a blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-rounder to Texas. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Dončić has been at the center of the Lakers' retooled vision, both on and off the court.

In a statement confirming the deal, Dončić thanked the organization and fans: “I’m excited to continue chasing championships here. The Lakers believed in me, and I’m ready to give them everything I’ve got.”

True to form, Dončić paired the announcement with a philanthropic gesture, pledging $5 million through his foundation to support 77 aspiring young athletes globally — a nod to his jersey number and personal journey.

Photo: ESPN.

The Lakers wasted no time integrating Dončić into their inner circle. GM Rob Pelinka gave him a seat at the table in roster decisions, while head coach JJ Redick challenged the roster’s conditioning and focus — something Dončić embraced. He reportedly underwent a rigorous offseason training regimen to improve his explosiveness and durability after a challenging, injury-ridden stretch.

Though he missed 22 games last season due to a calf issue, Dončić still posted stellar averages: 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. Despite falling short in the playoffs, his influence was immediate — not just statistically, but in how he shaped the team’s future.

He played a key role in recruiting Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, showing his influence already extends beyond the court. “Luka didn’t just want help — he reached out and made you feel part of what he’s building,” Smart said.

With a new ownership era dawning in LA and Dončić now firmly in place, the Lakers are banking on their new cornerstone to deliver both excellence and leadership — on a path that may define the next chapter of the franchise’s storied legacy.