A report recently shed some light on the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Dallas Mavericks were severely criticized for not getting enough in the Doncic trade. The Mavs acquired Anthony Davis as the centerpiece of the Lakers’ trade package alongside promising wing Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. Dallas got neither Los Angeles’ 2031 first-round pick nor rising star Austin Reaves in the deal.
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick revisited the deal following the Lakers’ first-round elimination at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The report pointed out a “mostly forgotten” aspect of the trade: Luka could enter free agency after the 2025-26 season.
Doncic’s “uncertain long-term status” was reportedly the “primary reason” the Lakers did not have to include their 2031 first-round pick in the trade. Doncic holds a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season. While he would be leaving significant money on the table if he moved elsewhere, the Slovenian could still choose to cut his Lakers career short, barring an extension.
The Lakers and Doncic are undoubtedly going to discuss a contract extension before the Aug. 2 deadline. Purple and gold fans will likely remain uneasy until Doncic officially puts pen to paper.
LeBron James’ uncertain status with the Lakers further complicates things. The Lakers clearly view Doncic as James’ eventual successor. But King James does not sound like he’s thinking about retirement for at least another season. Some high-profile voices have even called for the Lakers to “move on” from James in order to prioritize Doncic as early as this offseason.
