LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers just secured their perennial star for years to come.
Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension, the team and the Slovenian star announced Saturday morning.
The deal—a maximum extension that includes a player option in the third year—was signed within 30 minutes of the 26-year-old becoming eligible, announcing on X (Twitter) that he signed his extension with a hopeful message on the future with the franchise: "This is just the beginning."
I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/PrTfTxxlpU
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) August 2, 2025
Dončić can opt out in 2028 and sign a five-year, $417 million deal—recovering the $315 million supermax he lost after being traded by Dallas.
“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” said Dončić in the team’s statement. “This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together."
"I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team."
The Lakers acquired Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in a midseason blockbuster trade last season for Anthony Davis, a deal that fell in the lap of President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. A move that not only secured L.A.'s ability to contend and win now but also post LeBron James, who enters his 23rd year in the NBA at 40.
“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Pelinka. “Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare. From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase."
"You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists with the Lakers and Mavericks in 50 games last season—the lowest game total in his career.
Despite missing most of the first half of the season due to a calf injury, Dončić powered his way back to lead the Lakers, alongside James, to the third seed in the West with a 50-32 record—the franchise's first 50-win season since 2010. The Lakers went 18-10 with Dončić in the lineup.
The Lakers were unable to come out on top in their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing in five games with an incomplete roster, more so with losing most of your bulk in the front court in the Dončić/Davis trade.
In his first playoffs with the Lakers, Dončić averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
