Luka Doncic recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Instagram / @lukadoncic) The Los Angeles Lakers may have just secured their future – and possibly set the stage for the most lucrative contract in sports history – by locking in Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. Fresh off signing a three-year, $165 million extension, Doncic is now on track to become eligible for a record-shattering five-year, $418 million payday in just a few years.
The Blockbuster Trade That Changed the Los Angeles Lakers’ Future
When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning midseason trade for Doncic last February, it sent shockwaves through the NBA. It was the franchise’s most ambitious move since signing LeBron James. In his first 28 games wearing purple and gold, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists – instantly proving he was more than just a marquee acquisition. Fans quickly embraced him as the team’s next superstar leader.
Inside Luka Doncic’s $165 Million Extension
On August 2, 2025, Lakers President Rob Pelinka announced Luka Doncic’s three-year, $165 million extension, complete with a player option for 2028. This structure allows him to become a free agent after his tenth NBA season.“This is just the beginning,” Pelinka said. Doncic echoed the optimism, saying he was excited to build something special in Los Angeles.The celebration was pure Hollywood—Lakers staff threw a surprise Las Vegas party for Doncic, featuring his favorite band, the Backstreet Boys, creating a viral moment among fans.
How This Contract Sets Up a $418 Million Mega-Deal
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
The extension was carefully designed. By choosing a two-plus-one format—two guaranteed years plus a player option—Luka Doncic aligns his free agency with eligibility for the NBA’s 10-year veteran maximum contract.With salary cap projections pointing upward, that next deal could reach $418 million over five years, making him the first NBA player to earn close to $80 million in a single season and nearly $1 million per game in its final year.
Potential No-Trade Clause Could Give Doncic Full Control
When Luka Doncic becomes a 10-year veteran, he’ll also be eligible to negotiate a full no-trade clause—a rare privilege in the NBA. This would give him complete control over his future and ensure the Los Angeles Lakers remain his team unless he decides otherwise. For Los Angeles, it’s a commitment to building their identity entirely around him in the post-LeBron era.
Risks the Lakers Are Willing to Take
Of course, the plan carries risks. Doncic must stay healthy and maintain elite production for the next three years to command such a historic deal. But if everything goes right, the payoff is enormous—both in championships and in cementing his place as one of the league’s most marketable global stars. Reactions From LeBron James and Laker NationLeBron James welcomed the extension with a personal FaceTime call, telling Luka Doncic, “Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now.” Fans have flooded social media with excitement, envisioning a new era of “Showtime” basketball led by Doncic.
What This Means for the Future of NBA Contracts
If Doncic’s projected mega-deal becomes reality, it could set a new benchmark for superstar contracts across the NBA. The ripple effects could reshape free agency negotiations and redefine what’s possible for elite athlete earnings.Also read: Why Los Angeles Lakers’ $16 Million Gamble on Deandre Ayton Could Be the Key to a Championship RunMy Verdict on the Contract: The Start of a New Lakers Dynasty?The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to secure Luka Doncic wasn’t just about the present—it was about building a long-term path toward dominance. With the potential for a $418 million deal on the horizon, Los Angeles is betting big that Doncic will lead them into their next great era.