This is a fascinating situation.
For Luka Doncic to reach his maximum contract value, he has to take a shorter deal first.
That’s the crux of the dilemma facing Doncic right now. Rarely is a player like him traded before his second contract is done, but Doncic was. So when this deal is up with the Lakers, he won’t yet be at the key 10-year marker that can really boost total extension earnings.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger outlined that Doncic can sign a $406 million deal in 2028, if he first takes a shorter extension.
Here’s how Hollinger lays it out:
“If he were to void his player option in 2026 and sign a three-year, $161 million extension with the Lakers with a 2028-29 player option, he would be a 10-year vet in the summer of 2028. At that point, he could sign a monstrous five-year deal worth up to approximately $406 million to remain in L.A.”
MORE: Breaking down the Heat-Clippers-Jazz trade involving Norman Powell, John Collins
Hollinger goes on to outline why there’s still risk here for the Lakers, until Doncic actually signs that first $161 million deal.
If he were to ask out before then, it’d be his new acquiring team with the power to offer him $406 million in three years.
So it’s clearly in the Lakers’ best interests to keep Doncic happy in the months ahead. Because if they can get him for that first three-year deal, then it’s very likely he’d stick around for that massive payday that can only be offered by his active team in 2028.
Doncic’s bag surely is loading and will be hefty. The Lakers have to do their best to ensure it’s them with the right to pay him his historic money.
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