The Los Angeles Lakers ended their 2024-25 NBA season with a disappointing defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, marking an unexpected conclusion to a season filled with high hopes after the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic. Following the season’s end, attention has shifted to the future of the 26-year-old superstar, particularly his contract decisions with the Lakers. According to NBA insiders, Doncic’s potential contract moves are now a central topic, with various financial and strategic options being explored.
Background: Luka Doncic and the Blockbuster Trade
On February 2, 2025, Luka Doncic was shockingly traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz, sending ripples through the basketball world. The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. This trade not only altered the trajectories of both franchises but also placed Doncic in a new, high-pressure environment with the storied Lakers.
However, the midseason trade made Doncic ineligible to sign a supermax contract worth $345 million over five years with the Lakers. Instead, he is limited to a maximum four-year deal worth approximately $229 million or shorter-term contracts to optimize long-term earnings. This has sparked widespread debate about the contract strategy Doncic and his team will pursue.
Potential Contract Options
Per ESPN and The Athletic, Luka Doncic will be eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers starting August 2, 2025. The following are the potential contract scenarios he may consider:
Four-Year, $229 Million Contract: This is the maximum deal the Lakers can offer this summer. Signing this contract would ensure financial security and position Doncic as the long-term cornerstone of the Lakers, especially as LeBron James, now 40, nears retirement. This deal would also allow him to capitalize on the massive Los Angeles market to increase his off-court earnings.
Three-Year, $165 Million Contract with a Player Option in Year Three: This option is viewed as a strategic move to maximize long-term earnings. By signing this deal, Doncic could become a free agent in the summer of 2028, when he will have 10 years of NBA service and be eligible for a new supermax contract worth up to $418 million over five years. This choice provides flexibility, allowing Doncic to evaluate the team’s performance and market conditions before making a long-term commitment.
Waiting Until Summer 2026: Doncic currently has one year left on his contract at $46 million for the 2025-26 season, along with a $49 million player option for 2026-27. He could opt out of the player option to become a free agent in 2026, at which point he could sign a five-year, $296 million contract with the Lakers or a four-year, $219 million deal with another team. However, this path carries risks if the Lakers fail to assemble a competitive roster or if Doncic suffers an injury.
Lakers sources indicate that the team is willing to accommodate any contract structure Doncic desires, signaling confidence in retaining the superstar. A source close to Doncic also noted that he feels “welcomed” in Los Angeles, which boosts the likelihood of a long-term commitment.
Pressure from the Lakers and Fan Expectations
After the 4-1 playoff loss to the Timberwolves, the Lakers face scrutiny over their ability to build a roster around Doncic. During the series, Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists but shot just 45.2% from the field and struggled defensively, particularly against Minnesota’s quicker players. Head coach JJ Redick has pledged to “unlock the best version of Luka” by focusing on his conditioning and defensive improvement, emphasizing that this is a mutual goal.
LeBron James, in a candid remark, expressed hope that Doncic would stay long-term: “Lakers fans love him. Los Angeles has embraced him. We love him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he’s got to decide his own future.” However, James acknowledged that at 40, he is no longer the focal point of the team’s long-term plans, and the Lakers must prioritize Doncic as the new face of the franchise.
The pressure intensifies as some analysts, such as Tim Legler, suggest that Doncic may still be processing the shock of being traded by the Mavericks and has not fully connected with the Lakers. If the team fails to add complementary pieces, particularly a strong center to address Doncic’s defensive weaknesses, he may consider departing in the future.
Lakers’ Strategy to Retain Doncic
To persuade Doncic to commit long-term, the Lakers are actively working to strengthen the roster. After losing Anthony Davis, the team lacks a quality center, a flaw exposed in the Timberwolves series. According to CBS Sports, the Lakers may target stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaren Jackson Jr., though such moves are considered long shots. The team also plans to enhance roster depth by developing young players like Austin Reaves or pursuing cost-effective free agents.
The Lakers are also relying on head coach JJ Redick, who has developed a strong relationship with Doncic. The Slovenian star praised Redick, stating, “I think he’s a great coach. I’ve really enjoyed being coached by him these past few months. It feels a bit like I’m back in Europe.” Support from both Doncic and James suggests that Redick could play a key role in convincing the superstar to stay.
Conclusion
Luka Doncic’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most intriguing narratives of the 2025 NBA offseason. With contract options ranging from $165 million to $229 million, and the possibility of waiting to maximize earnings in 2028, Doncic faces a pivotal moment in his career. Although he has expressed comfort in Los Angeles, his final decision will depend on the Lakers’ ability to construct a competitive roster and foster an environment where he can fully realize his potential.
As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his career, Luka Doncic represents not only the hope but also the future of the Lakers. Whether he signs a long-term deal to become the next legend in the purple and gold remains uncertain, but the coming months will be crucial in shaping his legacy with one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.