On Saturday, Luka Dončić officially signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option for the final year of the agreement. While Dončić had the opportunity to sign a more extended four-year contract valued at $229 million, strategic considerations influenced his decision to opt for the shorter-term deal.

As NBA reporter Marc Stein highlighted, the player option for the 2028-29 season allows Dončić the opportunity to enter free agency during the summer of 2028. At that point, he could secure a five-year contract worth over $400 million, potentially exceeding the five-year supermax deal estimated at around $340 million that he was anticipated to sign with the Dallas Mavericks prior to this extension. Additionally, this new arrangement would enable him to qualify for a full no-trade clause if he becomes an unrestricted free agent and receives a wholly new contract.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin projected that if Dončić declined his player option for the 2028-29 season, the subsequent five-year extension could be valued at approximately $418 million. This substantial agreement could position him as the first player in NBA history to command an $80 million annual salary, amounting to nearly $1 million per game. The final year of such a contract could approach a staggering $95 million, underlining his significance as the face of a franchise worth an estimated $10 billion. Regarding the no-trade clause, Stein pointed out that players become eligible for such provisions only after accruing eight years of service time and playing four seasons with the same team. As Dončić will have completed four consecutive seasons with the Lakers by the time he signs the potential five-year deal valued at $418 million, sources suggest he will indeed qualify as a four-year player with the team at that time. In the evolving landscape of the NBA, many factors could influence Dončić's tenure in Los Angeles, including possible disappointments or injuries. However, presuming he maintains his current career trajectory and remains healthy, the Lakers will likely prioritize retaining him. A lucrative contract, possibly coupled with a no-trade clause, would be critical to ensuring his long-term satisfaction with the franchise.