Luka Dončić Commits to Los Angeles Lakers with $165 Million Contract Extension Through 2028

Published: August 5, 2025, 19:45 (U.S. Eastern Time)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Luka Dončić has officially cemented his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, agreeing to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension that will keep him in purple and gold through the 2027–28 NBA season.

The 26-year-old Slovenian guard, who joined the Lakers in February via a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, made the announcement during a press conference at the Lakers’ training facility, standing beneath the team’s iconic championship banners and retired jersey numbers.

“Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here,” Dončić said. “When you look up here, so many great names and what they’ve achieved. I want to be up there too one day.”

Contract Details and Player Option

The deal includes a player option for the final season, giving Dončić flexibility in 2028 while positioning him for another lucrative long-term extension. According to a person familiar with the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, Dončić bypassed the opportunity to test free agency in 2026 in favor of securing his place in Los Angeles.

This extension also allows Dončić to potentially recoup the maximum salary he forfeited when Dallas traded him, a move that stunned the NBA earlier this year.

A Promising Start in Los Angeles

In his first half-season with the Lakers, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game. His dynamic play alongside LeBron James propelled Los Angeles to 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

While the season ended with a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić said his experience in Los Angeles solidified his desire to stay.

“It’s an honor playing for this organization,” Dončić said. “Many great players have played here, and I want to add my name to that history. That’s what we’re working for.”

Renewed Commitment to Fitness

Dončić’s departure from Dallas was reportedly influenced in part by concerns over his conditioning. This summer, he has made visible strides in physical preparation, appearing lean and energized at the press event.

“I’ll obviously be a little bit faster next season,” he joked. “Just trying to help the team with my conditioning. We play a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think it’s going to be the best for me.”

Lakers’ Long-Term Vision

General Manager Rob Pelinka described Dončić as “the centerpiece and the foundation piece” for the Lakers moving forward. His signing comes less than two months after the Buss family agreed to sell a controlling stake in the franchise to an investment group led by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter.

Pelinka emphasized that the relationship with LeBron James remains strong, despite recent comments from James’ agent about wanting a championship-contending roster.

“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp have been positive and supportive,” Pelinka said. “If he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great. But we want to respect his timetable.”

Building a Championship Roster

Dončić has been actively involved in shaping the team’s future. This offseason, he helped recruit veteran center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, both of whom have reputations as fierce competitors.

“I campaigned for both guys because I’ve respected them as opponents,” Dončić said. “Honestly, I think we have a great team. We’ve got what we need to compete for the championship. I’ll bring whatever I can and try to win every game.”

Several teammates, including Ayton and Smart, attended the press conference to congratulate Dončić, signaling strong team chemistry heading into the upcoming season.

Eyes on the Future

With Dončić signed through 2028 and LeBron James entering his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, the Lakers’ immediate goal is clear: return to the top of the NBA standings and contend for another championship banner.

For Dončić, the vision extends beyond winning titles — he wants his jersey hanging alongside Lakers legends.

“That’s the dream,” Dončić said. “We’re going to work hard to make it happen.”