Luka Dončić has officially signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option in the final year of the agreement. While the contract is substantial, it is noteworthy that Dončić had the opportunity to ink a longer, four-year, $229 million deal. However, his decision to pursue a shorter-term arrangement comes with strategic foresight regarding his future financial prospects.

NBA analyst Marc Stein points out that the player option for the 2028-29 season allows Dončić the opportunity to hit free agency in the summer of 2028. At that time, he could secure a five-year contract potentially exceeding $400 million. This proposed second contract would significantly enhance his earnings compared to the five-year supermax deal worth approximately $340 million that he was anticipated to sign with the Dallas Mavericks this summer. Furthermore, by opting for unrestricted free agency, Dončić would become eligible for a full no-trade clause in his next agreement.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin projected that if Dončić decides to forgo his 2028-29 player option, the anticipated five-year extension could be valued at around $418 million. This deal could position Dončić as the first player in NBA history to achieve a season salary of $80 million, equating to nearly $1 million per game—a remarkable figure in the league. As the final year of this potential contract approaches, it could culminate in a staggering $95 million payout, underlining his status as the centerpiece of a franchise with a valuation of $10 billion. While Stein notes that a no-trade clause can only be secured after a player accumulates eight years of service time, Dončić would likely meet this criterion based on his projected tenure with the Lakers by the time this hypothetical contract is signed. Despite uncertainties in sports that could arise over the next few years, including potential disruptions from injuries or performance downturns, it appears the Lakers are committed to securing Dončić as their franchise player and maintaining his satisfaction over the next decade.