Luka Doncic had no clue what was in store for him during the 2024-25 NBA season.
The 6-foot-6 superstar guard helped the Dallas Mavericks make an NBA Finals appearance the previous year and hoped to help the organization enjoy another productive campaign in the big leagues.
However, once ESPN’s Shams Charania announced the Mavericks' intent to trade Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis on Feb. 2, Doncic’s world was flipped upside down.
Still, although the Lakers didn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs, Doncic finished the year strong, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in 28 contests with Los Angeles.
Following Charania’s early February trade announcement and Doncic’s encouraging end to the season, the Slovenian star received a $229 million contract update.
“And then, of course, there's Doncic, L.A.'s 26-year-old superstar and the future face of the franchise,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote Saturday.
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“On Aug. 2, the Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension. Doncic could also opt to sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a player option in 2028, per Marks, which would then allow him to sign a max deal in 2028 that would give him 35% of the salary cap for five seasons.”
“While the exact salary scenario Doncic and the Lakers land on remains to be seen, there's no signs of a split anytime soon. A source close to Doncic told ESPN that (Mark) Walter's purchase was a positive development.”
The Lakers should receive credit for doing everything they can to encourage Doncic to make a long-term commitment to the organization.
While shocking, it was beneficial for the Buss family to agree on a deal to sell the Lakers to Walter for $10 billion.
Walter’s experience and championship pedigree should help Doncic achieve his ultimate goal: winning multiple titles before he retires from professional basketball.
Additionally, it helps that his partner-in-crime, LeBron James, opted into his $52.6 million player option and will remain with the Lakers for at least one more season.
If Doncic doesn’t sign a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Lakers this summer, the franchise should expect him to sign the smaller, three-year, $165 million deal before the 2025-26 season begins.
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