LAS VEGAS — Once the Los Angeles Lakers officially locked in Luka Dončić with a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, the franchise celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys.
Dončić, 26, who joined the Lakers midseason in a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, signed the deal on Aug. 2, securing his future in purple and gold through the 2028 season, with a player option in 2028–29.
Later that night, teammates surprised Dončić with a trip to Las Vegas to see his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys, perform at the Sphere. The group outing included head coach JJ Redick, Lakers President Rob Pelinka, Jeanie Buss, majority‑owner‑to‑be Mark Walter and several players including Maxi Kleber, Jared Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Adou Thiero and Jaxson Hayes.
Dončić even enjoyed a backstage meeting with the band, making for an unforgettable celebration.
Dončić had previously revealed that the Backstreet Boys were his favorite boy band, and Lakers management clearly tapped into that personal detail when planning the surprise outing.
The extension marks a pivotal moment for the Lakers franchise. Since arriving, Dončić has produced averages of approximately 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists during 28 regular‑season games, helping guide the team to the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed.
“This is just the beginning,” Dončić wrote on social media. “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”.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations, called the signing a “monumental moment” and reaffirmed Dončić’s status as the franchise cornerstone. The surprise celebration in Las Vegas, at the Sphere, was described by insiders as a thoughtful and personal gesture that resonated with Luka and his new L.A. family.