The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines weeks before the NBA trade deadline when they secured superstar Luka Doncic in a blockbuster move, signaling a new era for the franchise. With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career, the Lakers are preparing to build around Doncic as their next marquee player, and possibly the future face of the league.
Though Doncic has yet to commit to a long-term contract extension, the Lakers aren’t pressing the panic button. According to reports from The Athletic, the organization remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached, citing Doncic’s recent behavior as a positive indicator.
“Luka’s not signing an extension right now, but the Lakers aren’t worried,” a source reportedly told The Athletic. “His actions speak volumes.”
Indeed, Doncic has emerged as a key recruiter during this summer’s free agency period. He played an instrumental role in convincing center Deandre Ayton and veteran guard Marcus Smart to sign with the Lakers, a move that further suggests his intention to stay in Los Angeles. It’s unlikely Doncic would have helped assemble the team if he didn’t envision himself as a central part of it.
Doncic, who averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game after the midseason trade, has been laser-focused on conditioning and longevity this offseason. The Lakers have taken notice and are aligning their future around him. From offering financial flexibility to granting influence in roster decisions, the franchise is clearly making efforts to secure Doncic’s loyalty.
Internally, the Lakers acknowledge that the shift from the LeBron James era to the Luka Doncic era is already underway. While James may not fully embrace the rapid transition, the move makes strategic sense for the team’s long-term success. With James expected to retire in the next couple of seasons, Doncic represents not just the present, but also the future.
“Once LeBron leaves, Luka’s going to be the guy,” a team insider said. “And we’re building everything to make sure he stays that way.”
Doncic hasn’t hit his prime yet, but he’s already delivering superstar performances. The Lakers are betting big that his loyalty can be secured, and that a dynasty can be built around him.
When a formal extension will be signed remains unclear, but for now, all signs point to a long-term partnership between Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers.
