This is not speculation, but confirmed: Luka Dončić indeed signed a three‑year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring a player option in 2028. His agent made the announcement to Shams Charania on August 2, 2025 .
📌 Deal Details:
Length & Value: 3 years, approximately $165M (max-level extension)
Player Option: In the third year (2028), giving Doncic the right to opt out and pursue a bigger supermax deal
What it replaces: This replaces his previous player option for 2026‑27 and secures him under contract through 2028, avoiding free agency in 2026
🎯 Why It Matters:
The deal represents the maximum allowable salary under NBA rules following a midseason trade, though still smaller than the five‑year supermax (~$315 M) he could have signed had he remained with the Mavericks .
By staying in LA, he positions himself for a potential five-year, ~$417 M extension in 2028, as salary cap increases could push even larger future earnings .
🏀 What Comes Next:
With this contract, Doncic becomes the clear centerpiece of the Lakers’ future plans — especially given LeBron James’s uncertain outlook and the Lakers adding players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to complement him .
His initial season with the Lakers — beginning with his Feb 2025 trade from Dallas — saw him make an immediate impact: averaging roughly 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, helping L.A. reach the playoffs before a first-round exit .
