Luka Doncic Predicted to Sign Short-Term Extension With Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Dallas Mavericks shocked the sports world in February when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster deal paired Doncic with NBA legend LeBron James.
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists with the Lakers in the regular season after the Mavericks traded him. The future Hall of Famer then put up 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in the 2025 playoffs.
Despite Doncic putting up stellar numbers, though, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in the first round in five games.
The 26-year-old Doncic will make $45.9 million next season. The superstar is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers after the 2025 NBA Finals conclude and ESPN’s Bobby Marks expects that to happen.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that Marks expects Doncic to sign a short-term extension with the Lakers instead of the four-year deal he’s eligible to sign starting on August 2.
“A four-year, $229 million max, where the $51 million first-year salary for 2026-27 replaces the player option for that season,” Marks wrote. “And, more likely: a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in the third year.
“The short-term extension would allow Doncic to reenter free agency sooner and potentially recoup the $345 million he lost when he was traded from the Mavericks. Doncic, for his part, confirmed to ESPN’s Malika Andrews in an interview before the postseason that his intention is to remain with the Lakers.
“But while there should be confidence in Doncic extending, showing him what a post-James roster could look like is a major priority. What to expect: Doncic signs a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option for 2028-29.”
Doncic has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists with the Mavericks and Lakers. He has made five All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams.
