Luka Dončić has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers following a major trade that occurred last season. The 26-year-old star signed a three-year contract worth $165 million, as confirmed by his agent, Bill Duffy. Following the contract signing, Dončić immediately returned to training, demonstrating his commitment to the new team. He was previously eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this offseason, and had he chosen to wait until the following summer, he would have been in line for a five-year deal worth approximately $296 million.

Despite this lucrative potential, there had been concerns regarding Dončić's decision to sign with the Lakers. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Lakers were slightly anxious about whether Dončić would finalize the deal. However, Dončić provided assurance of his dedication to the Lakers, especially after playing a role in recruiting several players to the franchise during July. The trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles from Dallas was historic, as it involved the exchange of Anthony Davis and altered the dynamics of both franchises significantly.

During his time with the Mavericks and Lakers in the 2024-25 season, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Following his arrival, the Lakers experienced a resurgence, securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, expectations were not met as Los Angeles was eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the first round. While the outcome was disappointing given Dončić's elite status and playing alongside renowned player LeBron James, the Lakers' roster had been constructed around a different type of player, creating challenges for the team. This offseason, the Lakers have made various adjustments to better suit Dončić's playing style, positioning themselves as serious contenders for a championship. Although Dončić did not secure the super-max extension that could have been available had he remained with Dallas, he is now part of a financially robust franchise that could offer him a more sizable contract in the future.