Luka Dončić has officially signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that includes a player option in its final year. Initially, Dončić had the potential to secure a four-year, $229 million agreement; however, strategic considerations influenced him to opt for the shorter-term contract. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the player option for the 2028-29 season allows Dončić the opportunity to enter free agency in the summer of 2028, at which point he could negotiate a five-year contract potentially exceeding $400 million.

Experts project that this subsequent agreement with the Lakers could significantly surpass the anticipated five-year supermax contract of approximately $340 million that Dončić was expected to sign with the Dallas Mavericks this summer. Furthermore, should he pursue unrestricted free agency, he could include a full no-trade clause in his next contract. ESPN's Dave McMenamin calculated that the five-year extension Dončić might sign, should he decline his player option, could be valued at around $418 million—marking a historical milestone that may position him as the first player to earn an $80 million annual salary, equating to nearly $1 million per game.

The final year of this hypothetical deal would approach a staggering $95 million, reflecting the premium associated with being a central figure in a franchise valued at $10 billion. It is important to note that the eligibility for no-trade clauses is predicated on players having eight years of service time along with four seasons dedicated to a single team. Although Dončić would be nearing 3.5 seasons with the Lakers at the time of signing such a lucrative contract, sources indicate he will be recognized as a four-year Laker, having completed four consecutive seasons with the organization. Looking ahead, while various factors could influence Dončić's tenure in Los Angeles, including potential injuries or team performance, it is evident that the Lakers view him as a critical asset and will prioritize his satisfaction and retention in the years to come.