Luka Dončić has officially committed to the Los Angeles Lakers following a significant trade during the previous season. The star guard signed a three-year, $165 million contract, as confirmed by his agent Bill Duffy to Moneyline's Shams Charania. Immediately after securing his contract and addressing the media in a press conference, Dončić returned to training, underscoring his competitive drive.

Dončić was eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this offseason, and had he opted to wait until the next summer, he could have pursued a five-year, $296 million deal. Reports indicate that the Lakers experienced some anxiety regarding Dončić's decision to sign. However, a positive sign came when Dončić assisted in recruiting several players to Los Angeles in July, suggesting his commitment to the franchise. In February, the Dallas Mavericks executed a blockbuster trade, sending Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, marking one of the most significant trades in NBA history.

During the 2024-25 season, Dončić firmly established himself as the face of the franchise, having led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous year. While his new contract is substantial, it falls short of the super-max extension he could have secured with the Mavericks, which was projected to pay him $345 million over five years. Throughout his time in Dallas and Los Angeles, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. The Lakers experienced a late-season surge upon his arrival, clinching the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, although they ultimately faltered in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This outcome was considered disappointing given Dončić's elite status in the league and his partnership with veteran superstar LeBron James. However, the Lakers have made adjustments to their roster this offseason to better align with Dončić's playing style, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the championship in the upcoming season. Although he did not secure the super-max extension available in Dallas, Dončić is now with a financially robust franchise, potentially setting the stage for an even larger payday in the future. His current focus remains on leading the Lakers to their 18th championship title.