Everyone remains of the opinion that the Los Angeles Lakers made out like gangbusters when they landed Luka Doncic for a trade package of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Looking at Doncic's new extension will only reaffirm that notion.
The Lakers announced on Saturday that Luka had officially committed to staying with the organization. Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension to remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.
The new agreement, itself, is a massive win for the Lakers. The concerns of Doncic being a rental after the blockbuster trade are eliminated. What makes this all look even better would be the taking a good look at the money that the Lakers superstar point guard is making.
Doncic will earn close to $46 million as a part of the last year of his deal signed while the All-Star was still in Dallas. The new extension has him slated to be a cheaper option for the Lakers than Davis would have been over the next few seasons.
Luka Doncic's contract figure is a bargain stacked up to Anthony Davis
Would anyone disagree with the claim that Doncic is a better play than the former Lakers big man? Nico Harrison might have his hand raised in protest, but everyone should be willing to discount his opinion on the matter.
Doncic's incredible body transformation should only reaffirm his position above Davis. The incredible aspect of this for the Lakers is not only do they have the greater player, but they have that superior talent on a better price.
Anthony Davis will cost around $25 million more than Luka Doncic over the next three seasons. Nico Harrison, ladies and gentlemen.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) August 2, 2025
Luka's contract figure for the 2025-26 NBA season was already mentioned above. What is Davis slated to make in the same campaign? $54.1 million. That is a considerable difference.
With the way NBA contracts are structured, that pattern holds up for each of the following season after that. In 2026-27, Doncic is projected to collect $49.6 million. Davis will be making around $58.5 million, almost $10 million more than the Lakers superstar.
In 2027-28, Luka's deal will be valued around $53.6 million. Meanwhile, Davis will earn close to $62.8 million, if the Dallas Mavericks star intends to pick up his player option for that season.
Eventually, there will come a time when the Lakers will have to properly open up their wallet for Doncic. His current deal will set him up to sign a massive extension in the future. Until then, the Lakers can enjoy the bargain of a deal their newest superstar is on.