Luka Doncic’s Immediate Reaction to New $165 Million Contract Extension With Lakers

Luka Doncic’s Immediate Reaction to New $165 Million Contract Extension With Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Sometimes, big news doesn’t need a dramatic press conference. A simple post on X will do the job. Luka Doncic knew exactly what he wanted to say after signing a three-year, $165 million max extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. He kept it short, direct and straight from the heart.

“I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud,” Doncic posted. “Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.”

I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/PrTfTxxlpU

— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) August 2, 2025

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal includes a player option in 2028, giving Doncic control over his future while locking in the next chapter of his career. The Lakers made this move without blinking, having traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick to the Mavericks for Doncic in February.

Inside Luka’s $165M Deal: What It Means for Doncic and the Lakers

In 28 games with the Lakers, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists, very close to his career averages.

His previous deal had him locked in for the 2025-26 season at $46 million, with a player option for $49 million in 2026-27. That option is now gone. Instead, the extension kicks in with a $51 million salary in 2026-27, followed by $55.1 million in 2027-28. The final season, 2028-29, comes with a hefty $59.2 million player option, which gives Doncic control when he will still be months shy of his 30th birthday.

The $165.3 million figure is based on current projections. If the league’s salary cap growth dips below 10%, these numbers might see adjustments. But here’s the kicker: By the 2028-29 season, Doncic will hit his 10-year service mark. If he declines his player option, he becomes eligible for a five-year, $417 million supermax extension with the Lakers. That possibility looms large, but for now, he's locked in.

With LeBron James turning 40 and possibly entering his final season, the Lakers’ future now rests on Doncic’s shoulders. Head coach JJ Redick called out the entire roster to get in "championship shape" after a disappointing playoff exit, and Saturday's news is the latest example of the organization aiming to build a title contender for years to come.

Related: Luka Doncic 'In Championship Shape' According to NBA Insider

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.