Airports see more tearful goodbyes than churches. In 2018, a 19-year-old Slovenian kid hugged home one last time, zipped up dreams in his duffel, and flew 6167 miles into fate’s open arms. Luka Doncic was Atlanta’s golden ticket at No. 3, but destiny rerouted him to Dallas through a draft-night twist. Years passed, All-Stars followed, even a Finals run teased magic. But in 2025, loyalty cracked. The Dallas Mavericks let him go, but the City of Angels caught him. And once again, the story flipped.
Taking that late-night flight from Dallas to Los Angeles might have been more painful than leaving Ljubljana at 15. But Doncic was brave, despite the reddened eyes with all the supposed crying, and yes, one broken phone later, he’s taking pride in the purple and gold that fits him like a second skin.
He will start his first full season as a Laker this October. But before that, the 26-year-old point guard is setting the records straight. No more doubts, just raw emotions and pure commitments for the 17x championship-winning legacy. Therefore, while wrapping up his initial journey with LA, Doncic said, “New guy, new city. You know, it’s not really easy. Just being welcomed by the fans — that was the first thing that really amazed me.”
Doncic wears his heart like his jersey—loud, loyal, and local. Wherever he lands, he gives back. For him, community always comes before the scoreboard. But the question remains: What does he want to be known for in Los Angeles as a Laker? “The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” he said with pride and hope blazing in his eyes.
The NBA shook in February when the Los Angeles Lakers sent Anthony Davis packing to Dallas, landing Luka Doncic in what many call the loudest trade of the decade. A 10-time All-Star swapped for a generational point guard? That is Hollywood rewriting history. Purple and gold finally had their new star, and fans thought Luka would stick around for the long ride. But contracts speak louder than jerseys, and reality hit quickly.
Doncic has just one year left on his current deal, carrying a $45.9 million cap hit in 2025. He holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27, but the future past that remains foggy. Talks about a long-term stay have been quiet, nearly silent. He’s eligible to ink a four-year, $229 million max extension on August 2. That’s a mountain of cash, sure, but $116.3 million less than what Dallas could have offered. Loyalty? Or leverage?
But here’s the thing: Luka Doncic could play chess instead of checkers and opt for a shorter three-year, $165 million contract. That would get him to free agency sooner and clock in his tenth NBA season. Why does that matter? It opens the vault. In 2028, he’d become eligible for a five-year, $418 million mega deal. So while the Lakers dance in the now, Doncic might already be calculating his next galaxy move.
And while LeBron James is relishing the waves and heat of the E1 World Championship in Monaco, Luka Magic is setting the records straight. While Bron is choosing silence over clarity, Luka is choosing promises over speculations. Indeed, he will be away and busy with the EuroBasket in September. But, you can hope that he will sign that extension with LA. And if not?
Lakers hold their breath as LeBron’s clock ticks and Luka Doncic’s extension talks get real
Lakers fans may be biting their nails, but Brian Windhorst says, “Don’t worry if there’s no traction on a Doncic deal until September.” Luka is off with Slovenia, chasing glory at EuroBasket 2025. Still, Windhorst threw in a curveball on NBA Today, adding, “This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it.” Translation? The gold looks shiny, but the nerves are real.
Windhorst dug deeper. “This is a stress max situation, so if he signs it, relief for the Lakers, they can spend a little time looking at their roster over the next two or three years. Making decisions that are not going to be based upon what’s best for us tomorrow, what are we going to present to Luka in 2026, we can think about what the team looks like in 27-28, etc.” For now, the Lakers are stuck between a clipboard and a crystal ball.
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
And if Luka walks? “If he doesn’t sign it, he can be a free agent next summer when there’s going to be 10-plus teams with cap space. If he does not sign it, we will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka. And every day will go by where every sort of wobble with the Lakers — everything will be tied to the Luka contract.” Plus, LeBron James only signed on for one more season at $52.6 million. If he leaves, Luka becomes the new king of L.A.
The crown in Los Angeles is wobbling, and two kings stand at the gates. One may bow out, the other may rise. While LeBron suns himself in Monaco, Luka’s lighting fires in Europe, and leaving contract questions simmering in LA. August could bring answers or more smoke. Either way, the Lakers are on the edge, waiting for their next headline. And it starts with a signature.
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