Doncic inks 3-year extension contract with L.A. Lakers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Los Angeles Lakers laid out the paperwork that would keep Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic through the 2028 off-season, confirmed on August 2, 2025.

In a development announced by ESPN’s veteran NBA insider Shams Charania, Doncic and the Lakers agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension including a player option in the last year.

“Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said.

It was an unforgettable February 1, 2025, when the Dallas Mavericks and the Lakers pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history.

Doncic that time was fresh off an NBA championship appearance with the Mavericks, and everyone in the league expected him to come back hungrier and stronger for a second consecutive playoff campaign.

However, the NBA was in shock after Dallas traded Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for big man Anthony Davis, a swap tagged to be the “biggest NBA trade of the century”.

Both franchises’ goals of a deep post-season run didn’t prosper, as Dallas failed to make it to the playoffs while Doncic and the Lakers lost in the first round against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite a first-round exit, Doncic showed that he could mesh quickly with the playstyle of his co-star, LeBron James, under the mentorship of rookie tactician JJ Reddick.

In just 28 regular-season games played after the trade, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest.

He ramped up his numbers during the first round of the playoffs and tallied 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists against the Timberwolves.

“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,” Doncic said.