Luka Doncic reaches 3-year, $165M extension with Lakers - ESPN

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, with a player option in 2028, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN.

The critical new deal keeps Doncic out of free agency next summer, eliminating his 2026-27 player option in place of the new contract.

Doncic could opt out in 2028 and sign a new deal for 35% of the salary cap, which projects to five years and $417 million. In doing so, Doncic would recoup all the money lost when he was traded by the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he had been eligible to sign a five-year, $315 million supermax extension this summer.

The Lakers announced Saturday that they had signed Doncic to an extension but did not disclose terms.

«I'm really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,» Doncic said in a statement. «This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we're building together. I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud.

»This is just the beginning. I'm excited for what's ahead and to keep building something special with this team."

The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Mavericks for Anthony Davis six months ago in one of the most shocking trades in pro sports history. Led by governor Jeanie Buss, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and new owner Mark Walter, the Lakers have established a close rapport with Doncic, his chief brand officer and business manager Lara Beth Seager, and Duffy.

Pelinka called Doncic «one of the game's most transcendent players» as part of the extension announcement.

«Luka is an absolute killer on