Luka Doncic Deeply Involved In Lakers Free Agency, Long-Term Concerns Ease
Just months ago, questions swirled about whether Luka Doncic would truly commit to a long-term future with the Los Angeles Lakers. But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, that narrative is quickly fading. After taking an active role in the team's free agency plans and staying in constant communication with Lakers vice president Rob Pelinka, Doncic is now seen as fully aligned with the organization's vision. From roster decisions to relationship-building, this offseason has marked a turning point, and Luka is helping to shape the future of the franchise.
'External fretting about Doncic committing his long-term future to the Lakers, meanwhile, has dissipated considerably thanks to the contributions made by the 26-year-old throughout free agency in collaboration with vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka,' Stein wrote. 'Contact between Pelinka, Doncic, and two pillars of Team Luka — chief brand officer and business manager Lara Beth Seager and longtime agent Bill Duffy — has been constant since a well-chronicled dinner at Craig's in West Hollywood shortly after L.A.'s first-round playoff elimination.'
Following his trade to the Lakers in February, there has been major uncertainty about Luka's contract situation. As it stands, the 26-year-old has two years left on his deal, including a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $48.9 million. He's yet to sign an extension with the Lakers despite a positive start, but there is growing confidence that he'll eventually re-sign with the organization.
Arguably, the biggest sign is how active he's been in free agency. Communication has been constant and ongoing between the Lakers and Luka's camp, with the latter providing input on the entire team-building process. In fact, it was Luka who reportedly helped recruit both DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart to join this summer.
While teams were originally bullish on their chances to acquire Doncic in 2026, confidence is fading that he'll end up leaving. In Los Angeles, he's got everything he could want on a team like the Lakers, who are willing to cater to his every whim.
Regarding the potential timeline of a new contract, it may not be until next summer that Luka inks a deal, but that's only because he'll be focused on other things like EuroBasket, training camp, and staying in shape for the 2025-26 season. Once the season tips off in October, Doncic will be focused entirely on leading the Lakers, not on contract negotiations.
For the Lakers, this is great news. After giving up their championship big man (Anthony Davis) to acquire Doncic, their very future hinges on his success, and they've already gone out of their way to try and maximize his impact. With a new big man in place (Deandre Ayton) and LeBron James slated to return for at least one more season, Luka will have everything he needs for a prosperous campaign.
For now, the Lakers can breathe a little easier. Luka Doncic hasn't signed a long-term extension yet, but he's behaving like a franchise cornerstone—and the organization is treating him like one. If this offseason is any indication, the Lakers aren't just building around Luka on the court, they're building with him at every level.This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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