Luka Doncic becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $228 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on August 2. However, what once seemed inevitable is now uncertain as doubts emerge over whether Doncic will accept the Lakers’ offer amid questions about loyalty and the team’s roster development.
Reasons Behind Luka Doncic’s Hesitation to Commit to the Lakers
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports argues that Doncic should not rush into signing an extension this offseason. Quinn highlights that Doncic has only been with the Lakers for six months after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks and had no say in the move. Instead of rushing to extend, Doncic should evaluate how the Lakers demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive team around him.
Luka should not extend this offseason,
Quinn said.
I am NOT saying he should leave the Lakers. I am saying there’s no good reason for him to extend yet. He’s been there six months. What have the Lakers done so far to prove they’re the best team for him? He didn’t choose to go there.
—Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Analyst
Doncic was content in Dallas, never requesting a trade, making the midseason switch to Los Angeles a surprise. Quinn emphasizes that the Slovenian star’s loyalty is uncertain because the Lakers have yet to convince him they are the right fit or capable of building a championship-caliber roster.
If I’m Luka, I’m not extending this offseason,
Quinn added.
Period. I feel no loyalty to a team I just joined against my will. That doesn’t mean he should absolutely leave. It means the Lakers should have to prove they deserve him. Give them a year to build a contender. If they can’t? Walk.
—Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Analyst
Evaluating the Lakers’ Offseason Moves and Their Impact on Doncic’s Decision
The Lakers have made several roster changes this offseason, signing Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, while losing Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith, a close friend of Doncic from their Mavericks days, departed after contract negotiations with the Lakers fell through, casting a shadow over the organization’s ability to manage key player relations.
Despite shifting focus from LeBron James’ era to building around Doncic, the Lakers still face glaring deficiencies, most notably on defense. Their lack of quality defenders remains a significant hurdle for championship aspirations, leaving Doncic with legitimate reasons to be cautious before committing long-term.
Dansic’s hesitation to accept the proposed four-year deal may reflect his desire to see real improvements in the Lakers’ lineup, especially on the defensive end, before locking in his future.
Consequences if Doncic Declines the Extension This Summer
If Doncic chooses not to sign an extension by the August deadline, it could trigger alarm within the Lakers organization. The 26-year-old player holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, which he can decline to become an unrestricted free agent. Losing a star of Doncic’s caliber without compensation would be devastating for Los Angeles.
Multiple teams will be eager to acquire Doncic in 2026 if he reaches free agency. Among potential contenders, the Los Angeles Clippers stand out as direct competitors for his services, adding another layer of uncertainty for the Lakers.
What’s Next for Luka Doncic and the Lakers Amid EuroBasket Commitments
Doncic will be competing in the EuroBasket tournament for Slovenia during the period when the extension decision is expected. This involvement means the Lakers and fans may not receive immediate clarity on his future contract. The EuroBasket concludes in September, after which Doncic will likely revisit talks about his contract status.
In the meantime, the Lakers must continue to demonstrate that they can construct a winning roster capable of contending for a title. This period will be critical for determining whether Doncic feels the team deserves his loyalty and long-term commitment, reinforcing the tension surrounding his potential contract extension.
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