Luka Doncic’s Lakers Era Begins With Bold Front Office Message

Los Angeles Lakers president Rob Pelinka issued a bold statement after Luka Doncic signed a three-year extension to stay beyond next season.

That Doncic’s “on-court dominance and passion are without compare.” Those are big words from the former agent, who had Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as his top client.

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise,” Pelinka said in the team’s statement, per Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell. “Luka Doncic’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion are without compare.”

Bryant was a ruthless competitor during his legendary 20-year career with the Lakers that produced five NBA championships.

GettyA mural depicting Kobe Bryant greeting Luka Doncic at Carrera Cafe in Los Angeles

 

Doncic, to this point in his career, is nowhere close to that. But the 26-year-old has a long runway to prove Pelinka right.

“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase,” Pelinka continued. “You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”

Luka Opts for Shorter Deal With Eyes on the 2028 Prize

Doncic opted for a three-year, $165 million maximum extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Slovenian star could have signed for a four-year, $229 million deal, but chose the shorter contract with a player option in 2028 that sets him up for a monster payday in 2028.

ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks previously reported that a shorter extension will make Doncic eligible to sign a monster contract in the immediate future.

“And that third year, and why the short-term option is because that third year, that player option year would have him with 10 years of service in the summer of 2028,” Marks said on “NBA Today” on Aug. 1. “And get ready for this number. He would now be eligible for five years, potentially $417 million that summer. So all that money he lost in the supermax from Dallas, he could definitely recoup that and then some three years from now.

Doncic is betting big himself after the Dallas Mavericks lost their faith in him when they traded him and stripped him of the chance to sign what would have been a historic five-year, $345 million max extension deal this summer.

‘This is Just the Beginning’

Getty Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic gives a first pump to general manager Rob Pelinka, right, before game four of the first round of the NBA playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers have prioritized clearing their cap space beyond next season to get Doncic the help he would need post-LeBron. They did not extend James, who opted into his $52.6 million player option, which makes next season perhaps his last with the Lakers.

But in the interim, the Lakers made the most out of the tools they have to improve the roster that bombed out in the first round of the playoffs last season.

They have added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in three separate deals that only cost them a combined $19 million and a change. And they pulled it off without dipping into their shallow draft capital and collection of expiring salaries, which sets them up for another potential move down the road.

Doncic personally recruited both Smart and Ayton. The newly-extended Lakers franchise star believes they have a roster that is capable of competing for championships as early as next season.

“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, per Trudell. “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.”