Luka Doncic’s highly anticipated $229 million Lakers contract extension faces potential delays as the star guard prepares for a demanding offseason split between promotional commitments and national team duties. After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, Doncic’s upcoming contract negotiations coincide tightly with his scheduled appearances on the Jordan Brand promotional tour and his participation with Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2025 squad.
With the Lakers offering flexible contract structures, including options ranging from a four-year max deal to shorter terms with player options, the timing of the deal now depends heavily on Doncic’s off-court activities and international commitments.
Luka Doncic’s High-Profile Jordan Brand Promo Tour
Following his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has been busy ingratiating himself with the Lakers organization and fans. Among his offseason obligations is a Jordan Brand promotional tour, titled The One, which has him scheduled to appear in New York on July 29, Chicago on August 1, and Los Angeles on August 3. Publicly teasing his stops, Doncic wrote on Instagram,
“NYC. Chicago. LA. See you soon.”
This promotional activity not only showcases Doncic’s marketability but also overlaps crucially with the window when he becomes eligible to officially sign his lucrative contract extension, beginning August 2. Despite the timing, the Lakers reportedly remain supportive of whatever contractual structure Doncic feels comfortable with, emphasizing their desire to keep him committed long-term.
Marcus Smart, now a Lakers teammate, revealed the strength of Doncic’s recruitment efforts, saying,
“He reached out not once, but twice,”
highlighting Luka’s persistent dedication to building a winning team in Los Angeles. —Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard
National Duty Calls: Slovenia EuroBasket Commitment
After completing the Jordan Brand tour, Doncic is expected to immediately head to Slovenia to join his national team for EuroBasket 2025 preparations. Training camp is set to begin on August 4 in Rogla, Slovenia, followed by sessions in Ljubljana and a friendly against Germany on August 8. Slovenia’s rigorous schedule includes additional warm-up games against Lithuania, Latvia, Great Britain, and Serbia before the main tournament starts.
Marc Stein, a respected NBA insider, shared that:
“The Lakers’ Luka Doncic, I’m told, is scheduled to return soon to the United States for a long-planned Jordan Brand promotional tour,”
“He’s expected to join Slovenia’s national team in early August to begin EuroBasket preparations.”
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
This commitment signals a likely postponement in Doncic’s contract signing, as his focus will be on representing Slovenia in a tournament running from August 27 to September 14. The EuroBasket group stage for Slovenia includes tough matchups against Poland, Iceland, France, Belgium, and Israel, underscoring the competitive challenge awaiting Doncic and his teammates.
Possible Delay in Finalizing the $229 Million Extension
Considering Luka’s history of signing contract extensions after significant international events, speculation suggests he might maintain that approach by waiting until EuroBasket concludes before putting pen to paper. ESPN analyst Tim McMahon pointed out that in 2021, Doncic inked his deal two days after the Olympic Games ended, highlighting his preference to prioritize national representation before contract decisions.
If Luka waits, mid-September would emerge as the probable signing window, mere weeks before the Lakers training camp begins. This delay, while challenging for Lakers management’s PR planning, could prove advantageous for Doncic as a strong EuroBasket performance might further enhance his stature.
Detailed Luka Doncic Offseason Schedule
Doncic’s packed offseason itinerary is as follows:
- July 29: Jordan Brand event in New York City
- August 1: Jordan Brand event in Chicago
- August 2: Eligible to sign Lakers contract extension
- August 3: Final Jordan Brand promotional stop in Los Angeles
- August 4: Departure to Slovenia for national team training
- August 8 – September 14: Slovenia friendly matches and EuroBasket tournament
- Mid-September: Potential signing period for contract extension
- Late September: Start of Lakers’ training camp
Despite undergoing a midseason trade, Doncic quickly adapted to the Lakers, posting averages of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in 28 appearances. His ability to balance intense national team duties with lucrative contract negotiations and promotional responsibilities speaks to his professionalism and dedication.
The Impact of Doncic’s Commitment on Lakers’ Future
Although Doncic will be away from Los Angeles during crucial summer weeks, his loyalty to the Lakers remains apparent. The team is focused on securing his services through a major contract extension that will solidify his role as the franchise cornerstone. Whether the contract is signed in early August or delayed until mid-September, all indications point toward Doncic continuing his career in purple and gold.
His offseason movements—navigating promotional tours, international competitions, and contract talks—underscore the complexities faced by star athletes managing multiple roles on and off the court. The Lakers and their fan base will closely watch these developments, understanding that Luka Doncic’s seamless management of these demands is key to the franchise’s championship aspirations.