There was one way for the Luka Doncic trade to look even better for the Los Angeles Lakers — and it happened a few days ago. He agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum extension, signaling his commitment to an organization he never thought he'd play for. To the disappointment of opposing teams, Doncic won't be a free agent next summer.
Los Angeles shifted its priority from LeBron James to Luka this offseason, consulting with the latter about offseason plans. LeBron and his camp took notice of that. The Lakers didn't offer LeBron an extension, but he picked up his $52.6 million player option. The 2025-26 season could be his last in LA.
The Lakers haven't tossed LeBron to the side, but when you have a player like Luka fall into your lap, you have to pivot. Los Angeles is still a contender, but is prioritizing future financial flexibility. Look at the team's offseason moves for proof.
Luka Doncic committing to Lakers is the offseason win they hoped for
It's not every day that you get a generational talent like Luka, who is 26 years old. He'll spend his prime playing in Hollywood.
Doncic thought that he'd stay in Dallas for the entirety of his career, like Dirk Nowitski. He had no idea that the Mavericks were discussing a trade with the Lakers; he was just as surprised as the rest of us when the news broke.
The second half of the season was a blur for Doncic. His life was uprooted in the middle of the season, leaving him feeling betrayed. He adjusted well, all things considered, but he wasn't the best version of himself. That will change next season. Not only did he undergo an offseason transformation, but he has had more than enough time to process the trade. LA is his new home.
Doncic is in it for the long haul. He wasn't eyeing other teams that he could potentially leave the Lakers in free agency to play for. Rather than have that as a distraction hanging over the organization's head this season, Doncic checked off the top bullet point on LA's offseason to-do list.
In a statement after signing the extension, Doncic said it's "just the beginning." It was a moment that fans will look back on and remember, hopefully when recalling Doncic leading the Lakers to a championship (championships would be even better).
The Lakers' future outlook is better than they could've imagined it would be a year ago, thanks to Luka Doncic.