Luka Doncic has been putting in work off the court this summer, helping the Lakers land key free agents and easing concerns about his future with the team, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“External fretting about Doncic committing his long-term future to the Lakers has dissipated considerably thanks to the contributions made by the 26-year-old throughout free agency,” Stein reported Sunday.
The star guard has been working closely with Lakers VP of basketball operations Rob Pelinka to build a stronger roster around him.
Doncic wasn’t just sitting back during free agency. He stepped up as a “lead recruiter” for center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, two veterans who could make a big difference next season.
The Lakers had to get creative to make room for these additions, clearing $4.2 million by waiving Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin.
Ayton, 26, agreed to a two-year deal worth $16.6 million with the Lakers. He’ll get $8.1 million next season – what was left of the midlevel exception after signing Jake LaRavia. His contract includes a player option for year two.
Between what Portland will pay him after his buyout and his new Lakers contract, Ayton will still pocket about $34 million next season.
Smart’s deal came together after he worked out a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The 31-year-old is set to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers once he clears waivers.
He brings some serious defensive credentials to LA. Smart won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22 and has made the All-Defensive team three times.
He’s also battle-tested in the playoffs, having appeared in 108 postseason games during his time with the Boston Celtics.
Doncic’s Next Contract
All signs point to Doncic staying in LA long-term. He’s expected to opt out of his contract next summer – not because he wants to leave, but because he can make way more than his $49 million player option.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha reports that Doncic could sign a three-year, $165 million extension as soon as next month. He’s also eligible for a four-year, $229 million max deal starting August 2.
“So that all to me suggests that Luka is going to be staying and everything I’ve heard behind the scenes has been positive,” Buha said during his Lakers Mailbag segment.
“I know he’s been very happy, and his representation’s been very happy, and management’s been happy, and everyone’s been happy. So I expect Luka to sign probably the shorter-term extension, three years, $165 million. Nothing has changed on that front.”
Why Go Short-Term?
The Lakers shocked the basketball world when they acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round pick to Dallas.
Locking him up long-term has been a top priority this summer.
A four-year max deal would start at $51 million for the 2026-27 season, replacing his player option for that year.
But the three-year, $165 million extension makes more sense for Doncic. It includes a player option in the third year, letting him hit free agency sooner and potentially make back the $345 million he lost when Dallas traded him.
Despite missing nearly seven weeks with a strained left calf last season, Doncic put up impressive numbers in his 28 games with the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting almost 38% from three-point range.
Not bad for a guy who’s still just 26 years old.
