Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic’s new contract is timed perfectly to give himself an even bigger payday down the road.
Doncic agreed to a new three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers on Saturday, potentially tying him to the team through the 2028-29 season. However, the final year of that deal is a player option, and it is timed specifically to coincide with Doncic gaining ten years of NBA service.
If Doncic were to opt out before the 2028-29 season, he would then be eligible for a new five-year contract worth 35% of the salary cap. That value could be as much as $417 million.
The player option in 2028-29 is key because Luka will have 10 years of service.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 2, 2025
If he becomes a FA, he would then be eligible to sign up to a five year and projected $417M (yes, that’s not a typo) contract with the Lakers. https://t.co/7EndjC74VB
In other words, Doncic has positioned himself nicely to make as much money as possible going forward. The length of this new deal is likely not a coincidence in light of that.
The deal makes sense for both sides. The Lakers can now lock Doncic in for several seasons and end the lingering speculation about his future. Doncic is still lined up for a massive payday in a few years. It’s a win-win for everybody.
