Luka Dončić, who was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade last February that sent shockwaves around the league, is staying in purple and gold for the next few years.
ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing Dončić’s agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, reported on Saturday morning that the Slovenian superstar inked a three-year, $165 million maximum extension.
The deal includes a player option for the 2028 season. It also keeps Dončić out of free agency next summer – and projects him to be eligible for an eye-watering five-year, $417 million deal in 2028, Charania said.
Less than 20 minutes later, the Lakers took to social media to confirm the contract extension.
“Official: Luka extends with the #LakeShow,” the post stated.
The five-time All Star provided a statement showing his commitment to the club after the extension was signed.
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning,” he said.
Since coming to the City of Angels, Luka has quickly become a fan-favorite and settled in nicely alongside Lebron James & Co., dropping 28.2 points a game in as many regular season starts for the team.
This past postseason, Dončić became the fifth player in Lakers history to average 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in a playoff series. That said, his individual dominance was not enough to get the Lakers past the Minnesota Timberwolves, who beat L.A. in a five-game series 4-1.
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