It was widely expected that Luka Dončić would sign a five-year supermax contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks during the upcoming offseason. However, these intentions were disrupted by the Mavericks` trade of Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. As a result, Dončić is no longer eligible for a supermax contract. Given his relatively short time in Los Angeles, he would be well within his rights to explore future possibilities, including potential free agency in 2026. Despite this, ESPN`s Tim MacMahon reports that Dončić is `fully committed to L.A. now,` anticipating potential contract extension discussions later this year.
Appearing on `The Dan Patrick Show` on Tuesday, MacMahon stated, “I would be shocked if there`s not some sort of extension this summer.” He acknowledged that the specifics of a potential deal involve numerous factors, noting his intention to avoid getting bogged down in detailed collective bargaining agreement points. MacMahon conveyed that based on conversations with individuals close to Dončić, he believes Dončić “absolutely wants to give the Lakers” his full effort and is “fully committed to L.A. now.” He added that while Dončić was initially disappointed by the trade, he is now fully dedicated to the Lakers organization, and his primary objective is to secure championships for the team.
What are the implications of this for the Los Angeles Lakers? The situation hinges on several variables. According to The Athletic, the Lakers are reportedly prepared to offer Dončić flexibility regarding the structure of his contract once he becomes eligible to sign an extension on August 2nd. The ultimate decision on the type of deal he pursues will rest with him.
Should Dončić opt for the longest and most financially significant extension available immediately, he could add up to four years and $228 million to his current contract with the Lakers. While this amount falls short of the five-year, $345 million supermax he was eligible for with Dallas, it remains a substantial figure.
The potential supermax in Dallas would have commenced at 35% of the maximum salary, a tier typically reserved for players with a decade of NBA experience. If Dončić aims to eventually sign a contract of that magnitude, he has an alternative strategy. By signing a two-year extension that includes a player option for the third year, he could secure approximately $165 million while also positioning himself to become an unrestricted free agent after completing his tenth NBA season. This would allow him to enter free agency in the summer of 2028 and potentially sign a new agreement worth an estimated $418 million.
The immediate priority for the Lakers is constructing a competitive team roster around Dončić. Achieving this objective would have been significantly more challenging if he were nearing the end of his contract, creating uncertainty. It would have complicated efforts to attract free agents and make trades involving draft assets without assurance of his presence beyond 2026. However, if reports of his commitment to Los Angeles are accurate, the Lakers can proceed with team-building confidently, secure in the knowledge that their foundational player is established.
Jasper Hawthorne