It is now time for the Los Angeles Lakers to evaluate what exactly they lacked this season when they got waxed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the playoffs. Time for them to evaluate what they need in order to become legitimate championship contenders when they reconvene for training at the end of this summer.
Along with their multiple roster needs, they need to decide what to do regarding Luka Doncic’s contract status. The new Lakers superstar can opt out of his contract next summer, and some have had some mild concern that he could possibly leave.
However, Doncic, if anything, has indicated he would like to stay. He said so in a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, and he did say after Wednesday’s Game 5 loss that he enjoys being in Los Angeles.
Doncic was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in that tectonic trade three months ago that changed everything for both franchises. He has single-handedly revived the Lakers’ championship aspirations, which had been dormant and seemed to perhaps be permanently gone after some bad personnel moves a few years ago.
There seems to be a belief that at some point, Doncic may sign a three-year extension with an opt-out clause after two years. That way, he could then opt out and sign a massive contract in the summer of 2028, at which point he would’ve put in 10 years of NBA experience.
If he does so, no one will need to worry about him leaving L.A. anytime soon. The Lakers and their fans would instead be able to shift their concern to completing what is currently a promising but incomplete roster that now appears to be getting built around and for the Slovenian superstar.
