• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Luka Dončić Signs 3-Year Lakers Extension On 1st Day Of Eligibility 

Dončić lost out on a potential five-year, $345 million supermax extension when he was traded by the Mavericks.

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Luka Dončić did not wait to sign his extension with the Lakers. 

On Saturday, Dončić agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers on the first day he was eligible to do so. The deal comes with a player option in 2028. The news was first reported by ESPN. 

The Lakers acquired Dončić from Dallas in February in one of the most stunning trades in NBA history, dealing Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The trade cost Dončić a five-year, $345 million extension with the Mavericks, which the team reportedly was hesitant about offering him, hence the decision to move him. 

Dončić has two years, $95 million remaining on his current contract, with a player option for the 2026–27 season.

I just signed my extension with the Lakers,” Dončić posted on X. “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.”

Dončic could have signed a four-year, $229 million deal, but he elected to sign a shorter contract to reset his contract status sooner. 

The player option is important in Dončić’s next contract because it will line up with when he hits 10 years of NBA service time, making him eligible for a projected record five-year, $417 million deal. Dončić will likely decline the player option to sign the max contract. 

The Lakers are committed to building around the 26-year-old Dončić as LeBron James enters the twilight of his career. The contract is the first move since the Buss family decided to sell the team to Dodgers owner Mark Walter in June after decades of ownership. Walter bought the team at a $10 billion valuation, which is a record for North American sports franchises. The deal has yet to be approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors. 

Dončić has repeatedly expressed his loyalty to the Lakers after being traded to the organization and hinted at an extended working relationship with Walter after the sale was announced. 

The Lakers are an amazing organization,” Dončić posted on X. “I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!”

Dončić will play for Slovenia in EuroBasket, which begins on Aug. 27. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Steve Pagliuca

Boston Group Has Deal to Buy Sun For WNBA-Record $325 Million

The league office cautioned that any Boston move was subject to approval.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.

Ex-NBPA Chief on WNBA CBA Challenges, NBA Stake in League

Tamika Tremaglio was a consultant for the 2020 WNBA CBA.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Leo Messi
exclusive

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
July 31, 2025

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.
McLaurin
August 1, 2025

Terry McLaurin Asks Out of Washington Amid Contract Standoff

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68 million contract. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
July 31, 2025

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.
July 29, 2025

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was cofounded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Jul 24, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Venus Williams (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Magdalena Frech (POL)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day four of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
July 29, 2025

Venus Williams Returns to U.S. Open Ahead of New Mixed Doubles Format

The number of doubles teams at the US Open has been cut to 16 from 32.
Joaquin Niemann
July 28, 2025

Scottie Scheffler’s Season Earnings Surpassed by LIV’s Niemann

Niemann has made $21.94 million on the golf course this year.