Lakers' Luka Doncic Sends Clear Warning to NBA After Extension
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The Los Angeles Lakers are building around Luka Doncic now. LeBron James is still in town, but Doncic has officially taken over as the face of the franchise.
After acquiring Doncic in a shocking blockbuster deal with the Dallas Mavericks last season, the main question facing the Lakers had to do with his future. Doncic needed a new contract and no one knew exactly when that extension would come.
That question has now been answered.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo byOn Saturday, it was reported that Doncic had agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with Los Angeles. He has a player option in 2028.
Read more: Report: Lakers Monitoring Interesting Roster Move
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was the first one to reveal the extension.
"BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA star Luka Doncic has signed a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the franchise, with a player option in 2028, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN," Charania wrote on X.
Doncic also took to social media to announce that he had signed his new extension with the team.
"I just signed my extension with the Lakers," Doncic wrote. "Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who've shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning."
Following his extension being signed, Doncic spoke out with a clear warning to the rest of the NBA.
"I don't want to wait. I got a taste of the Finals," Doncic said. "I'm getting back."
Read more: Pelicans' Zion Williamson Receives Major Future Update
Last season after being traded to the Lakers, Doncic played in 28 games. He averaged 28.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. In addition, he shot 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from the three-point line.
At just 26 years old, Doncic will be the face of Los Angeles for many years to come. In the 2025-26 season, he'll look to make what could be his final push alongside of James to win a championship.
Regardless of what happens during the upcoming season, the Lakers will now be in good hands. Doncic is hungry to prove himself and will now be able to do just that on arguably the biggest stage in the NBA.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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