Luka Doncic is set to sign historic three-year, $165 million in-season contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. This deal is a huge step in the right direction! This extension, which includes a player option for the third year, addresses the Lakers’ primary offseason priority: retaining their star player. Doncic’s choice follows months of speculation about his move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 24-year-old Slovenian star talked about his trade from Dallas, which took longer to process than anticipated. At first, Doncic had planned on ending his career with the Mavericks after spending the better part of a decade there. He recognizes tremendous opportunity to do well with the Lakers. He’s ready to chase banners in La La Land!
A New Chapter with the Lakers
Doncic’s upcoming move to the Lakers certainly will usher in another exciting new chapter in his career. It’s emblematic of a manager with a major ambition to compete for titles season after season. He has already begun to shape the team’s roster by communicating his vision for necessary additions. He even lobbied for the organization to get a pick-and-pop big man. He advised bringing in a defensive stopper and a rim protector to make the squad more competitive.
A source within the Lakers emphasized the importance of Doncic’s role, stating, “This is a team that wants to win championships.” This $107M commitment helps to match Doncic’s ambitions, as he hopes to entice a championship caliber support team around him.
To get ready to assume this newfound responsibility in LA, Doncic has already shown an urgency, starting with an intensive offseason fitness program. His physical transformation has blown people’s minds. He even made the cover of Men’s Health, a testament to his intense physical conditioning.
Offseason Activity and Recruitment
This past offseason, Doncic traveled just as much, first to Yankee Stadium, then to Chicago before eventually landing in Los Angeles. This path transformed her son; it’s evident that he is prepared and excited to start his new life out in California. It further underscores his desire to leave an indelible mark with the Lakers.
Doncic made it a priority to get in better shape. In addition to that, he was extremely hands-on in recruiting players to come play with him on the Lakers. He said he called Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. This step tremendously demonstrates his commitment to continue assembling an influential army poised to battle at the absolute highest echelon.
Doncic’s recruitment shall be critical. More than just a magnet, his proactive approach actively attracts talent. Beyond that, it breeds an organizational commitment to collaboration and teamwork as every member of the organization contributes to the collective goal of winning championships.
Future Financial Implications
Luka Doncic’s recent extension included a 2-plus-1. Due to this structure, it allows him to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent in either 2028 or 2029. By then, he will still be just 26 years old. Ten years of service in the league, incredibly enough! Aside from the policy ramifications, this deal has potentially huge financial ramifications. In the last year, it can become a cumulative $95 million potential salary, getting you a lot closer to nine figures.
Doncic has two fully guaranteed years in front of him. If he’s able to play through them and does not pick up his player option, he’d be eligible for a five-year extension starting around $418 million at the age of 29. If this proposed deal goes through, it would see him becoming the first player in league history to receive an $80 million salary per season. It’s a golden opportunity indeed!
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