Luka Dončić has officially committed to his new team following a significant trade last season. On Saturday, Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, as confirmed by his agent Bill Duffy to Moneyline's Shams Charania. This offseason, Dončić was eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. Had he opted to wait until next summer, he could have pursued a five-year, $296 million deal.

Despite the lucrative nature of his new contract, Dončić's decision to extend with the Lakers came amidst some uncertainty. Reports from ESPN's Brian Windhorst indicated that the Lakers were somewhat anxious about whether Dončić would sign. However, Dončić indicated his willingness to commit to the franchise when he assisted in recruiting several players to Los Angeles in July. The trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers in February, which involved a significant exchange for Anthony Davis, had already shocked the NBA landscape.

During his time in Dallas and Los Angeles throughout the 2024-25 season, Dončić performed exceptionally well, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Although the Lakers experienced a surge in performance after Dončić's arrival, securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, they ultimately fell short of expectations, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. This outcome was seen as disappointing given Dončić's elite status in the league and his partnership with esteemed player LeBron James. The Lakers have since adjusted their roster to better support Dončić's playing style, positioning themselves as serious contenders for a championship title this coming year. While Dončić might not have received the super-max extension he qualified for in Dallas, he is now part of a franchise with substantial financial resources, potentially setting the stage for an even more lucrative contract in the future.