The Los Angeles Lakers made their intentions clear when they pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Dončić from the Mavericks: the franchise is building its future around the 25-year-old superstar. But while Dončić is under contract through 2027, the Lakers’ long-term plans—and his historic earning potential—hinge on a crucial decision he can make as early as August 2.
Dončić becomes eligible this summer for a four-year, $223 million extension. However, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, the expectation is that he’ll opt for a shorter, three-year, $161 million deal that includes a player option in 2028. The reason? Taking that route positions Dončić for a five-year, $406 million contract in 2028, once he hits 10 years of NBA service—a milestone that unlocks a higher salary threshold.
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This strategy isn’t without precedent, but Dončić’s case is unusual. He’s a generational talent who was traded before the end of his rookie extension, making him ineligible for the supermax under current league rules. By holding out until 2028, Dončić not only positions himself for a record-breaking payday, but also unlocks something else: the power to add a no-trade clause, available only on new contracts, not extensions. That clause would protect him from the kind of surprise deal that sent him from Dallas to L.A. in the first place.
For the Lakers, securing Dončić long-term is both an opportunity and a pressure point. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, the team has shifted its focus squarely to Dončić, bringing in Deandre Ayton—a player who shares Dončić’s agent and has spoken openly about wanting to team up with the NBA’s top playmaker. It’s a sign that the franchise is all-in on its new era.
Still, until Dončić signs that first extension, the Lakers remain in a precarious spot. He could opt out in 2026 and test the market again. While that path might cost him around $1.5 million in the short term, it could actually save him more depending on tax advantages in other states.
In the meantime, Dončić continues to signal commitment. Reports suggest he’s in peak shape, having slimmed down and rededicated himself to conditioning. On the court, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in purple and gold last season, immediately validating the Lakers’ bold trade.
Now the question isn’t whether Dončić is the future—it’s whether the Lakers can hold up their end of the deal.