Lakers Insider: No Concerns About Luka Dončić Signing Extension Ahead of Deadline

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Insider: No Concerns About Luka Dončić Signing Extension Ahead of Deadline

As Luka Dončić approaches eligibility for a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, fans can reportedly breathe easy.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who appeared on NBA Today on Wednesday, Lakers fans "shouldn’t have any worry" about Dončić committing to a long-term deal with the team.

Dončić becomes eligible to sign an extension on August 2, but due to being traded midseason from the Dallas Mavericks, he is ineligible for a supermax contract. Instead, the maximum the Lakers can offer this summer is a four-year, $219.4 million extension.

If Dončić wants to maximize his earnings, the strategic move would be to sign a two-plus-one deal that allows him to become a free agent in 2028, setting up the potential to cash in on a five-year, $418 million contract.

Lakers Confident in Dončić's Future with Team

There has been no public indication that Dončić is hesitant to stay in Los Angeles. In fact, he's been actively involved in the Lakers’ offseason decisions. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Dončić pushed for the additions of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to bolster the Lakers' defense and frontcourt depth.

NBA insider Marc Stein also reported that any lingering concerns the Lakers had about Dončić’s long-term commitment have "dissipated considerably" in recent weeks.

If Dončić doesn't sign an extension, he would have the option to decline his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season and become a free agent next summer. But all signs point to an extension being the more likely path.

Dončić’s Impact Since Joining the Lakers

After joining the Lakers in a blockbuster February trade, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 28 starts. He helped guide the Lakers to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With Dončić set to begin his first full season in Los Angeles, the front office and fan base appear aligned in their confidence that the five-time All-Star will be locked in for years to come.