“Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, with a player option in 2028, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
With Dončić under contract for at least the next three seasons, the Lakers are expected to stay aggressive in building around him. While the long-term outlook is promising, Dončić has made it clear: he wants to win now.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
A key to maximizing Dončić’s playstyle is pairing him with a reliable lob threat — a big man who can finish at the rim off his signature drives and passes. While there are options on the roster, Dončić’s preferred lob partner is reportedly P.J. Washington. The Lakers aren’t currently in a financial position to trade for him, but a long-term contract extension could create flexibility.
“According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Mavericks are expected to sign Washington to an extension—likely in the realm of the four years and $90 million he’s soon to be eligible for,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote. “Perhaps Dallas views Knecht in a bright enough light that they’d be willing to take on Vincent’s expiring contract to bring him aboard. It’s also possible that they’re interested in acquiring Vanderbilt and utilizing his defensive versatility to their advantage.”
Acquiring Dončić’s go-to lob threat would be a huge move for the Lakers and would signal an all-in commitment to their new franchise star.
While several pieces would need to fall into place, the outcome could dramatically reshape the future of the Lakers.If LA pulls it off, Dončić would no doubt be thrilled.
