Latest news with #Doncic
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Luka Doncic will sign four-year deal with Lakers once eligible
Perhaps the mild anxiety regarding whether Luka Doncic will sign a long-term contract extension of some kind with the Los Angeles Lakers by the end of this summer is unfounded. He is currently preparing to represent his native Slovenia in the EuroBasket tournament, which will take place during the latter part of the summer and run deep into September. Brian Windhorst recently said that it would be reasonable to expect Doncic to wait until he returns to the United States late in the offseason before he signs a deal. However, according to Martin Pavcnik of SportKlub, Doncic is "expected" to sign his extension on Aug. 2, which is the first day he will be eligible to do so (h/t Lakers Nation). "Although last season taught us that there is no sealed future in the NBA, even if the back of your jersey says 'Dončić', it still seems that Luka and the LA Lakers will announce a long-term journey together in just over a week. The Ljubljana native is already waiting for a new multi-year contract in California. He is expected to sign it on August 2nd." The coach of the Slovenian team may have tipped his hand as far as when Doncic will get his extension done. 'I expect him to arrive after August 4, when he has completed all his obligations in the USA,' said coach Aleksander Sekulić yesterday. In fact, according to the website, Doncic already has some sort of agreement in place for a four-year extension. "The American media speculated that Luka, who has been sculpting his body in recent weeks, losing several kilograms and reducing his body fat percentage, might be delaying signing a new contract since September. There were even hints that he might wait until next summer, when he would be a completely free player and available to all clubs. But it seems that the uncertainty will soon be over. Dončić is said to have agreed to a four-year extension worth 229 million US dollars." Obviously, getting the 26-year-old superstar to sign on the dotted line before the start of training camp would give the Lakers organization some tremendous clarity as far as its direction in the immediate future without having to wonder if he wants to stick around. Doncic has already been acting like someone who plans on being with the Lakers for a while and is emotionally invested in the franchise. He helped convince veteran guard Marcus Smart to come to the team, and he was reportedly motivated to play alongside new Lakers center Deandre Ayton, with whom he shares the same agent.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Luka Doncic could sign extension with Lakers sooner rather than later
On Aug. 2, which is just over a week from now, Luka Doncic will be eligible to sign a long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. While there was previously a bit of anxiety regarding whether he would commit to staying with the team beyond this coming season, there seems to be a new confidence that he will be staying put. He was reportedly active in recruiting guard Marcus Smart to the Lakers, which is a sign that he's emotionally connected to the franchise. Doncic will be representing his native Slovenia in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament later this summer. It was thought that he might wait until the end of the summer, when he returns to the United States, to sign his extension. But according to Martin Pavcnik of Sportklub, the superstar may take care of that piece of business before Eurobasket begins (h/t Lakers Nation). "For him, for the fans and for his ambitions, the most important thing is that Luka Dončić will wear the national team jersey again. The date of his arrival is still shrouded in mystery, but it is expected to be August 4. This suggests that he may sign a new contract with the LA Lakers before then." As of now, Doncic can opt out of his current contract next summer. But the Lakers have already started building a winning roster around the 26-year-old by bringing in Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and Deandre Ayton, a young rim-running center who is a legitimate lob threat. The superstar was traded to Los Angeles on Feb. 1 and averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists a game as a member of the Lakers during the regular season.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Luka Doncic expected to sign long-term extension to stay with Los Angeles Lakers through prime years
Luka Doncic. Image via: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images The Los Angeles Lakers appear poised to make Luka Doncic the long-term face of their franchise. After pulling off a shocking midseason trade to acquire the Slovenian star from the Dallas Mavericks, all signs now point to Doncic extending his stay in Los Angeles well beyond his current deal. With the front office leaning into his leadership and input, insiders believe he's on track to sign a contract that could keep him in purple and gold for the next decade. Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic are reportedly moving toward long-term partnership Luka Doncic looks set to remain the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers for years to come. With the superstar guard eligible for a lucrative contract extension on August 2, league insiders are confident that the five-time All-NBA selection will commit to a long-term deal. 'Every indication is that they are building this thing around Luka with his input,' Lakers radio voice John Ireland said. 'And I'm convinced he's staying. ' Los Angeles Lakers building around Luka Doncic with his input Since the blockbuster midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic , Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, the Lakers have wasted no time shaping their future around their new franchise star. Doncic , still just 26, has already become involved in high-level team decisions, something he rarely engaged in during his Mavericks tenure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Filipinos should claim this large benefit! Read More Undo His offseason efforts include helping recruit former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton to Los Angeles. This level of investment from Doncic has been noted by Lakers insiders and media alike. 'They've all been talking like we are a partnership now,' said ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. 'This is not a player that's looking like he's going to leave as a free agent next year.' The Lakers front office has also shown restraint in free agency, reportedly avoiding long-term deals that might jeopardize their 2027 cap flexibility. This move is seen as part of their broader strategy to pair Doncic with a long-term co-star. Shelburne, doubling down on NBA Today, added, 'I would be very surprised if he did not extend with them... they're behaving and talking in forever terms.' Luka Doncic's evolution signals deeper commitment for Los Angeles Lakers While Doncic's talent has never been questioned, his sudden shift in leadership approach has caught many by surprise. According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, Doncic's role in player recruitment marks a turning point in his maturity and commitment to a franchise. 'That is not Luka's natural state,' McMahon said. 'The first several years of his career, he basically said, 'Hey, I play. The front office puts the team together. '' But in Los Angeles, he's embraced a larger role. Brian Windhorst noted, 'The most important things for the Lakers are Luka-related.' Even as the team continues to reshape the roster, all eyes remain on Doncic 's looming extension. And while his camp hasn't signaled urgency, the vibe around the organization suggests confidence. Also Read: Marcus Smart Details Luka Doncic's Recruiting Pitch That Brought Him to the Lakers: How Los Angeles Landed Its Defensive Anchor FAQs on Luka Doncic When is Luka Doncic eligible to sign his extension with the Lakers? He becomes eligible on August 2 to sign a four-year, $229 million deal. Is Doncic involved in Lakers front office decisions? Yes, he's actively helping recruit key players like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. How long is Doncic expected to stay in Los Angeles? Insiders predict he'll remain with the Lakers for at least the next decade. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Get Extremely Positive Update About Luka Doncic's Future
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers are fully focused on Luka Doncic as the future of their franchise. LeBron James is still on the roster, but over the last couple of weeks it has become clear that the team has moved on from focusing on him to Doncic. Unfortunately for James, that was always going to be the case the second Rob Pelinka pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. While Doncic is the plan for the Lakers' future, they still need to sign him long-term. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo byDoncic has one more season and a player option on a second left on his deal. It seems likely that he will want to get a massive long-term deal done after the 2025-26 season or potentially even before it. Read more: Report: Warriors Could Look to Sign Sleeper Free Agent Guard Keeping that in mind, a new update has given Los Angeles a lot of reason for optimism regarding being able to keep Doncic in town for years to come. As noted by ESPN insider Tim McMahon, Doncic's involvement in the Lakers' recent moves shows much more than just a will to win this season. "And that is not Luka's natural state," McMahon said. "The first several years of his career he basically said, 'Hey, I play. The front office puts the team together. I don't want anything to do with it.' And he didn't grow up in the AAU culture where you're constantly recruiting guys." He continued on, revealing more about what Doncic's actions in recruiting talent means for Los Angeles long-term. "I believe he also had some contact with Deandre Ayton," McMahon continued, "and I actually think that's the most significant part of all this because it does show that he's not only on the same page with the Lakers front office, but he is an active participant." Read more: Lakers' Bronny James Lands on Significant List After NBA Summer League During the 2024-25 NBA season after the trade, Doncic played in 28 games for the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles has big plans for the future around Doncic. One report suggested that the Lakers would like to find a way to pair him with fellow NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. Only time will tell what the future has in store, but right now Los Angeles should be feeling very confident about its future with Doncic leading the charge. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
NBC Sports
4 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Five veteran NBA contract extensions to watch, including Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant
Contract extensions have already been the story of the offseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got a historic one — four years, $272.4 million, with him making more than $70 million in the final two seasons — and the Thunder also locked up Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren with ones. Devin Booker secured a massive extension, demonstrating his commitment to the Suns, while Nikola Jokić decided to wait a year. In contrast, LeBron James and the Lakers didn't extend his contract, instead, he simply picked up his option. The Pacers never extended Myles Turner and now he's a Buck. That doesn't mean the drama is over. Here are five veteran contract extensions that will come up in the next month and are worth keeping an eye on. Luka Doncic (Lakers) On Aug. 2, the Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $223 million extension. There are media members and others online who want to create a lot more drama and stress here — 'he didn't ask to be traded to the Lakers' or 'he may choose not to sign it' — than any reasonable reading of the situation suggests. While stunned by the trade when it happened, Doncic has never spoken ill of the Lakers organization. To the contrary, he has praised the Lakers and said he looked forward to meeting and working with new owner Mark Walter. Doncic has also worked this summer to help recruit Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles. The Lakers are an amazing organization. I'm looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I'm happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them… Remember what every agent of a superstar tells their client in this moment: Sign for the most money you can get now, if you want out, we can always push for a trade in a year or two. All that said, don't expect Doncic to sign for the full four-year max on Aug. 2. He is expected to sign a three-year, $165 million max (or three plus a player option) because in three years he will have reached 10 years in the league and then can sign the 35% of the salary cap max (the most the Lakers or any team could offer right now is 30%). Also, because the Aug. 2 date falls during the EuroBasket championships where he will be playing with Slovenia, he could put off signing the deal until he returns to the United States in September (this has happened before). Just expect him to sign with the Lakers. Kevin Durant The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant this summer and can offer him a two-year, $122.1 million extension. The Rockets wanted Durant, and Houston was on Durant's short list of places he wanted to get traded. When asked about the organization, Durant praised the Rockets. There is no doubt that an extension will be completed, and the sides have until next June to finalize it. The only question is whether Durant will take a bit of a haircut on the extension to save the suddenly very expensive Rockets some money. Don't be surprised if Durant's extension number ultimately comes in $10 million, give or take, below that max number — he's still going to get paid, but may be willing to help his new franchise out and keep a contender together a little longer. Trae Young The Atlanta Hawks can offer Young a four-year, $228.6 million max extension this offseason. The Hawks have retooled their roster this summer into one that could well be a top-four team in the East. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who brings much-needed paint protection and shot blocking to Atlanta, plus he will be a natural pick-and-pop partner with Young (if Porzingis can stay healthy, a big 'if'). Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a quality addition on the wing, not only because he can shoot, but also because paired with Dyson Daniels it gives the Hawks an elite wing defense. Luke Kennard adds even more shooting. On top of all that, the biggest Atlanta addition next season is getting Jalen Johnson back healthy. Gets some growth with Zaccharie Risacher in his second year and this is a good team. Young at the point leading this core makes sense, but at max money? Is Young a max player? Young was an All-Star last season, averaging 24.2 points and a league-high 11.6 assists per game while shooting 34% from beyond the arc. However, he also had a league-high 355 turnovers (4.7 per game), and he is a minus defender targeted by other teams. Expect an extension to get done, but don't be so sure it pays him more than $50 million a season, certainly not for the full four years. One option to watch for: A shorter-term deal, maybe two years after Young's $49 million option for next year (a two-year deal at $105 million) that lets everyone reset in a couple of years. There is no timeline pressure here — the sides can agree to an extension for almost a year (up to June 30, 2026). The risk for the Hawks in waiting is that Young could decline his player option and become a free agent next summer, which would be a bad outcome for them (losing him for nothing). De'Aaron Fox On Aug. 3, the San Antonio Spurs can offer Fox a four-year, $229 million max extension. When San Antonio traded for Fox at the February deadline, that outcome seemed a foregone conclusion. The Spurs pictured Fox and Victor Wembanyama as the core of the contender they were building. Then the Spurs missed the playoffs and the NBA lottery gods gifted them with the No. 2 pick and promising point guard Dylan Harper. Now the Spurs' 'problem' is figuring out how to fit Fox, Harper and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle together in the same backcourt — that's a good problem to have. San Antonio did the right thing and drafted the best player on the board in Harper, regardless of position, and they can figure out the fit as they go. The question with Fox's extension becomes this: If he is ultimately the guy left standing without a chair when the music stops, trading a four-year max contract will be challenging. At best. Can San Antonio convince Fox to take a shorter, two-year contract, one that has him hitting free agency (or getting another extension from the Spurs) when he hits 10 years of service in the league and can go after a 35% max (rather than his current 30% of the salary cap)? That shorter contract is also more tradable. Fox, also may prefer the security of a longer deal. This may be all about nothing, in the end the most likely outcome is the Spurs offer Fox the four-year max and he signs it. But this is now something worth watching. Mikal Bridges New York can offer Mikal Bridges a four-year, $156 million contract extension, but a couple of things are keeping that from becoming reality. One is the longshot hope that Giannis Antetokounmpo decides he wants out of Milwaukee, because sending Bridges to the Bucks would likely be a big part of that deal, something Knicks insider Ian Begley recently wrote. The problem with this idea is that Antetokounmpo himself said he would 'probably' stay with Milwaukee, and that's what people around the league have come to expect. The other holdup is the money, which is tied to how new coach Mike Brown might use Bridges. His play with the Knicks last season did not warrant a four-year extension at nearly $39 million per season, on average, but part of that was due to how Tom Thibodeau used him, as well as the rocky relationship. Bridges averaged 17.6 points per game and played solid defense, including two game-winning defensive plays in the playoffs against Boston. It ultimately comes down to how Brown plans to utilize Bridges and how he fits into the rotation. If Brown doesn't see a fit, expect the Knicks to look for a trade or try to get him to take a Jalen Brunson-like contract discount. If Brown sees a larger role for Bridges, it comes down to finding a number. It's all something to watch.
