Key Luka Doncic Decision Could Change Everything For Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James might be heading towards divorce, whether it’s now or in the offseason.
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He didn’t sign a contract extension or opt out of his deal to sign a new long-term contract, and the Lakers’ decision to keep some salary cap flexibility for the future hints at their plans of building around Luka Doncic.
However, they still need to make sure that Doncic will be there for years to come.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
That’s why ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes that Doncic’s decision to sign a contract extension will change everything not only for the Lakers but also for the entire league:
“I almost would argue the most important thing in the whole NBA this summer is Luka Doncic, whether he extends or not, because that frames so much of what the Lakers are going to do, and frankly, the whole league would do,” Windhorst said on NBA Today.
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Windhorst argued that Rob Pelinka needed to make sure to get Doncic to put pen to paper, even if it’s not with a long-term contract extension:
“So, I don’t want to put too much pressure on it, but the Lakers really need to get him locked down, even if it’s for a couple of years to verify that he’s bought into what they’re doing,” added Windhorst.
Of course, nothing hints at Doncic not being happy or entirely bought in with the Lakers and their project.
But we’ve seen how quickly things can change in the NBA, and if LeBron leaves, Doncic might also question his chances of winning a ring in Southern California.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.