The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most surprising trades in NBA history after acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February of last season. In his first season in LA, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 games, and helped the Lakers to the third seed in the Western Conference.
While the superstar guard remains under contract next season, the Lakers are hoping to secure his longterm future in Los Angeles during the offseason. Doncic is entering the final year of his current deal, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season.
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While there’s no formal deadline for an extension this summer, teams typically look to finalize deals before training camp begins. The Lakers are expected to offer the maximum allowed under the CBA, and internally, there’s been reports of confidence that the 26-year-old will commit long term.
Still, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that while Doncic has given no indication that he plans to leave, there is a sense of mystery until he officially does sign the extension. The Lakers need to do some things with their roster. It would be nice to get Luka a center and a rim runner who he really excels along with,” Windhorst said. “It’ll be sort of a referendum on where Luka feels about the Lakers in their direction, if he extends. He has given no indication that he will not. However, there is a sense of mystery until he does.”That uncertainty has kept the situation closely watched around the league, especially as Los Angeles tries to solidify its cap structure before the season starts.
Doncic has not publicly commented on the extension talks, and league sources say the front office is maintaining an aggressive but patient stance.
