While Luka Dončić cannot sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers until August 2nd, a recent event highlighted the early stages of collaboration between Dončić and his new team. NBA Insider, Marc Stein of the Stein Line, just two nights after the Lakers’ season concluded with a Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić was seen leaving a dinner at Craig’s in West Hollywood with Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick.
Stein notes that, also present at the dinner was Lara Beth Seager, Dončić’s chief brand officer and business manager, indicating that planning is underway for the 26-year-old as he navigates the aftermath of a season marked by a major mid-season trade.
Los Angeles Lakers Confident In Luka Doncic Extenstion
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The Lakers, for their part, have expressed strong confidence in their ability to secure Dončić’s long-term commitment. At a post-season news conference on Thursday, Pelinka spoke emphatically about Dončić’s future with the franchise, describing him as a cornerstone for the next decade of Lakers basketball.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have the promise of him in our next decade of Laker basketball with being able to build a team around him and him being at the center of our franchise,” Pelinka said. “Our partnership with him has been incredible. We’re appreciative and grateful and can’t wait to get to the work, really starting today, of getting ready for next year.” The trade that brought the five-time All-NBA first team selection from Dallas just before the February 6th trade deadline was described as “league-shaking.”
While Doncic expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles before the playoffs, sources indicate he will take his time in making his final decision. He is set to earn $46 million next season and holds a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season.
Despite his undeniable offensive talent, concerns remain about Doncic’s defensive capabilities. He has been cited as one of the league’s weaker defenders, a vulnerability the Timberwolves exploited during their playoff series.
The maximum extension the Lakers can offer Dončić this summer is a four-year deal worth nearly $230 million. However, with one year remaining on his current contract, Dončić also has the option to follow a path similar to Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland. This would involve signing a three-year extension (valued at $165 million) with a player option for the third year, allowing him to become a free agent in the summer of 2028 and potentially negotiate a new deal at a higher pay scale after reaching 10 years of service time.