The Lakers lock up Luka Doncic

The Lakers have chosen to secure superstar Luka Doncic! On Saturday, they reached an agreement on a new 3-year contract worth $165 million. Doncic had a player option for the 2026/2027 season and could have opted out. He now has the option to opt out in 2028 and sign a new deal worth 35% of the salary cap. Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report the extension.

The Lakers are Luka`s team

Since LeBron's arrival in LA, the Lakers have been centered around him. However, James is now 40 years old, while Doncic is 26. In February, the Lakers made a significant move to acquire Doncic from the Mavs, sending Anthony Davis and others in exchange. This was one of the most surprising trades in recent memory. The Lakers aimed to retain Doncic as their next superstar, anticipating that James might only play for one or two more years, making it logical to secure Doncic's future with the team. Early in the offseason, James opted into his contract, ensuring a $40 million salary for the upcoming season. Despite opting in, James could become a free agent next season, and there is a possibility the Lakers might let him go.

First Season in LA!

Following the trade, Doncic played 28 games for the Lakers, averaging 28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.5 steals, and shooting 44% from the field. The Lakers secured the third seed with a 50-32 record, marking their best performance since their 2020 championship win. Despite an impressive season, particularly after the All-Star break, the Lakers were eliminated by the T-Wolves in the first round in five games, largely due to the absence of a dominant big man, as Rudy Gobert controlled the paint. Even in defeat, Doncic excelled, averaging 30 points and shooting 45% from the floor. He led the Lakers in minutes played, averaging 41 minutes per game.

Doncic is looking Towards the Future

After the deal became official, Doncic had this to say about his new extension.

I'm really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one," "This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we're building together. I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud.

Doncic's Eventful Offseason

Since joining the NBA, the five-time All-Star has faced issues with his weight. One reason the Mavs traded Doncic, only a year after reaching the NBA Finals, was due to his weight and difficulties with defense. However, this offseason, Doncic appears determined to make a comeback. He has been gaining attention for losing weight, getting fit, and even being featured in Men's Health magazine. Doncic stated that he is simply focusing on staying in shape for the upcoming season.

He told this to the TODAY show: "I would say me and my team just tried some new things," "Different food, different practices." "I actually gave up playing basketball for one month, which I never did in my life, so it was kind of challenging, but it was good," he said. "Mentally, basketball I've been playing my whole life, so I won't forget how to play basketball in one month, so we tried other sports. I think it was a good thing."

Recruiter

In addition to facing the Lakers, Doncic has taken on a recruiting role. After Rudy Gobert dominated the Lakers in the first round, they needed a big man. With Doncic now committed to the Lakers, he also took on recruiting duties. He convinced his draft classmate Deandre Ayton to join LA, as well as the 2021/2022 Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. Doncic is determined to win, especially with the possibility of it being James' final season in the league, and he is aiming for a championship ring.

Currently, the Lakers have +1600 odds of winning the title. They hold the seventh-best odds for next season, just below their neighbors, the Clippers.

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