NBA Trade Rumors: Luka Dončić Could Land Historic $418M Lakers Deal with No-Trade Clause in 2028
Luka Dončić's blockbuster three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers has fans and analysts buzzing — but it may be just the beginning of a record-setting payday.
While Dončić passed on a longer deal worth up to $229 million this summer, there’s a strategic reason for the shorter-term pact. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dončić’s contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, allowing him to hit unrestricted free agency in 2028 — and potentially secure a five-year deal worth over $400 million.
The Path to a $418 Million Supermax
If Dončić declines his player option after the 2027-28 season, he’ll become eligible to sign an all-new contract with the Lakers, projected at around $418 million over five years, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“That potential deal could make him the first player in NBA history to earn $80 million per season, with the final year of the deal approaching $95 million,” McMenamin noted.
That would mean Dončić could earn nearly $1 million per game — a jaw-dropping figure even in today’s booming NBA economy.
No-Trade Clause Could Be Included
Another key detail? Dončić would be eligible for a full no-trade clause in his next contract, provided he reaches eight years of NBA service and plays four full seasons with the same team.
Although Dončić will have spent just 3.5 years in Los Angeles by 2028, Marc Stein reports that league sources expect him to qualify as a four-year Laker at that point due to finishing four consecutive seasons in purple and gold.
This would make him eligible for one of the NBA’s most exclusive contract features — a no-trade clause that could cement his role as the long-term face of the Lakers franchise.
Why the Short-Term Deal Was a Power Move
Many questioned why Dončić didn’t lock in a longer deal this summer. The answer: leverage and long-term earning potential.
By betting on himself and signing a three-year contract, Dončić sets himself up for:
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A much larger five-year extension in 2028
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The potential for a no-trade clause
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Maximum flexibility to dictate his future
In bypassing the expected $340M supermax with the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić appears poised to out-earn that total in L.A. while gaining more contractual control.
High Risk, High Reward
Of course, a lot can change over the next three years.
Injuries or underperformance could impact Dončić’s value, or the Lakers could falter in their post-LeBron transition. But assuming Dončić continues his current trajectory, L.A. will be highly motivated to lock him in for the long haul.
That said, no-trade clauses don’t always age well — just ask the Wizards or Suns, who faced major obstacles navigating Bradley Beal’s contract. Still, when a generational talent like Dončić essentially falls into your lap, you do what it takes to keep him happy.
The Future Face of the Lakers
With LeBron James aging and the Lakers not offering him an extension this offseason, all signs point to Luka Dončić becoming the new face of the franchise. And if he keeps delivering superstar performances, the front office may be writing him a historic $418 million check — with ironclad job security attached.
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