Luka Dončić made his title ambitions clear in a May meeting with Lakers exec Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick: “I don’t want to wait. I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there.”
The 26-year-old superstar has since signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers, which includes a $59.2 million player option in 2028-29. If he opts out, he’ll be eligible for a five-year, $417 million deal — the richest in NBA history.
Dončić’s desire to win now aligns with LeBron James’ stance, after the 40-year-old opted into his $52.6 million deal. James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear: “He wants to make every season he has left count.”
To bolster their roster, the Lakers have added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia as they try to improve on a disappointing first-round exit in 2024. With Dončić and James locked in, the pressure is on L.A. to deliver — now.
