The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a significant agreement to keep Luka Doncic with the team, sealing a three-year, $165 million contract extension that will keep the star guard in Los Angeles through the 2028-29 season. This move marks a commitment to building the franchise around Doncic and signals the Lakers’ dedication to pursuing another NBA championship.

Details of the Blockbuster Contract and Trade Background

According to Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, the deal includes a player option for 2028, giving Doncic some flexibility toward the end of the agreement. The 26-year-old arrived in Los Angeles via a high-profile three-team trade involving the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. To acquire Doncic, the Lakers sent Anthony Davis— a ten-time All-Star center and power forward— along with Max Christie and a first-round draft pick to Dallas. The Jazz received combo guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a second-round pick.

Adjusting to the Lakers and Overcoming Challenges

Doncic had been nursing a calf injury before the trade, causing the Mavericks to hesitate on offering a maximum long-term extension. His transition to the Lakers featured some growing pains, with Doncic’s performance affected by injuries and the challenge of adapting to a new team environment. In 28 healthy regular-season games for Los Angeles, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists with respectable shooting percentages, but these numbers were slightly below his peak averages.

Alongside Doncic, LeBron James— a 21-time All-NBA power forward— and versatile guard Austin Reaves led the Lakers to a 50-32 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. However, defensive weaknesses were highlighted during the playoffs as the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a first-round, five-game series despite a healthy Doncic.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Revitalized Lakers Squad

Doncic has recently returned to the conditioning level reminiscent of his rookie season, preparing for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament where he will represent Slovenia. Now focused on a “revenge season” in Los Angeles, he aims to push the Lakers back to the NBA Finals with renewed strength and a stronger supporting cast around him. This contract extension anchors the team’s core for the coming years and provides stability as the Lakers work to address roster balance and defensive performance.