The Los Angeles Lakers have secured their franchise cornerstone, with Luka Dončić agreeing to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension.
The deal, announced on Saturday, ensures the five-time All-Star will remain with the team through 2028, bypassing a chance at free agency next summer.
Dončić, who was traded to the Lakers from the Mavericks last February, said, “Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here.”
The 26-year-old guard averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in his first 28 games with Los Angeles.
Despite a first-round playoff loss, he enjoyed his initial months in Hollywood enough to commit his future to the team. General Manager Rob Pelinka called Dončić “the centerpiece and the foundation piece” of the Lakers going forward.
In a sign of his commitment, Dončić also confirmed he’s been doing extensive summer conditioning, telling reporters he’ll “obviously be a little bit faster” next season.
