Luka Dončić has officially committed to his new team following a significant trade last season. Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, as confirmed by his agent Bill Duffy. After finalizing the contract and addressing reporters during a press conference, Dončić promptly returned to training. This offseason, he had the option for a four-year, $229 million extension, and had he chosen to wait until next summer, he could have been eligible for a five-year, $296 million deal.

Despite the lucrative contract, there was some uncertainty regarding Dončić's commitment to the Lakers. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Lakers were somewhat anxious about Dončić's decision to sign. However, he indicated his willingness to join the Lakers when he played a role in recruiting several players to Los Angeles in July. The Dallas Mavericks made headlines in February by trading Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, marking one of the most significant trades in NBA history. Previously, Dončić had served as the cornerstone of the Mavericks and led them to the NBA Finals just a year prior.

While the terms of Dončić's new contract are substantial, they do not match what he could have received had he remained with the Mavericks. ESPN's Bobby Marks noted following the trade that Dončić was ineligible for a super-max extension this summer, which would have provided him with an impressive $345 million over five years. Dončić's performance has been noteworthy; during the 2024-25 season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. The Lakers experienced a late surge in the season upon Dončić's arrival, securing the No. 3 seed for the playoffs. However, they were unable to fulfill the high expectations and were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. While disappointing, this outcome is viewed with context, as Dončić played alongside LeBron James and was adjusting to a roster originally constructed around Anthony Davis. The Lakers have made adjustments to their roster this offseason to better support Dončić's skill set, positioning themselves as contenders for the championship. While Dončić missed the opportunity for a super-max contract with the Mavericks, he has aligned himself with a financially strong franchise, creating the possibility of a more lucrative deal in the future. Now, Dončić aims to lead the Lakers to their 18th championship.