Luka Dončić has made a definitive commitment to his new team after a significant trade last season. The guard has signed a three-year, $165 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, as confirmed by his agent Bill Duffy to Moneyline. Following the signing and a press conference with reporters, Dončić immediately returned to training, indicating his focus on the upcoming season.

This offseason, Dončić was eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. Had he chosen to wait until the next summer, he could have been in line for a five-year, $296 million contract. Although Dončić ultimately finalized his extension with the Lakers, reports indicate that the team experienced some anxiety surrounding his potential decision. However, Dončić had previously shown his readiness to join the Lakers when he assisted in recruiting several players to the franchise in July.

The trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles in February, which involved a deal for Anthony Davis, was one of the most notable transactions in NBA history. Dončić had established himself as the face of the franchise and led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals the prior season. While his new contract is impressive, it does not reach the financial heights he could have achieved with the Mavericks, where he was reportedly no longer eligible for a super-max extension worth up to $345 million over five years. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. The Lakers experienced a strong finish to the season after Dončić's arrival, securing the No. 3 seed for the playoffs, but ultimately fell short in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite having a roster featuring Dončić and veteran LeBron James, the Lakers were unable to meet the high expectations set for them. In response, the team has made adjustments to their roster this offseason, positioning themselves to better support Dončić as they strive for an 18th championship.