The Los Angeles Lakers have officially secured their newly anointed franchise player for the near future, signing star guard Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension on Saturday, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal, which aims to keep Doncic a Laker through the 2029-30 season, features a player option that would allow the 25-year-old to opt out in Summer 2028 and sign a more lucrative five-year, $417 million max contract, as the league’s salary cap will be approaching the $200 million mark thanks to the $7 billion per year the league is receiving for its media rights.
Had Doncic not been traded from Dallas to Los Angeles at the deadline, he would have been eligible to sign a five-year, $345 million extension with the Mavericks this summer. As Charania explained in his original report, the conveniently timed player option will allow Doncic to recoup the potential money he lost when he was traded to the Lakers.
Doncic shared the news of his extension with his loyal fan base on social media, posting a photo from the signing as well as a message for Laker Nation.
I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/PrTfTxxlpU
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) August 2, 2025
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers,” Doncic wrote. “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning. 💜💛.”
Lakers General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka gushed about Doncic and what he means to the franchise in a press release issued by the team on Saturday morning.
“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Pelinka said. “Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.
The Lakers extend Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/HxHCcIj3Gw
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 2, 2025
“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase. You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
What’s also essential, considering the coldness under which his tenure in Dallas ended, is keeping the superstar feeling comfortable and happy with the organization. If Doncic’s own words are any indication, the Lakers have done a fine job of that.
“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” said Dončić. “This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team.”
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