A new report has surfaced ahead of Luka Doncic's first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Insider Provides New Report About Luka Doncic’s Lakers Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Back in February, the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by landing Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the trade deadline. This move was a stunner as there were no rumors or reports regarding a trade involving Doncic leading up to it.
During his first season in Los Angeles, the Slovenian native provided a big boost to the team and elevated them in the standings, landing as high as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Ultimately, Doncic and the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Doncic currently has two years left on his contract, including a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Ahead of his first full season with the Lakers, new reports surfaced regarding Doncic's future with the team.
Depending on what happens next summer, Doncic could be in for a contract year with the Lakers. At just 26 years old, he has a bright future in the NBA while also still being one of the top players in the league. If he were to hit free agency, he would be a widely-coveted asset. Fortunately for the Lakers, it seems that Doncic may stick around with the team (h/t Marc Stein of the Stein Line).
According to Stein, thoughts of Doncic not committing to the Lakers for the long run have "dissipated considerably" this offseason. While nothing is official, it seems that the five-time All-Star's relationship with the Lakers organization and front office continues to improve, which could indicate that he will remain with the team past this season.
“External fretting about Dončić 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.
With Doncic on the roster, the Lakers are legitimate threats to come out of the West next year. However, based on Stein's latest report, it seems that the team should remain in the title picture even beyond next year and for the foreseeable future. At least as long as Doncic sticks around.
Related: NBA Fans React to Marcus Smart, Lakers News
Related: Heat-Lakers Trade Speculation Running Rampant After Bam Adebayo Spotted With Lakers Legend
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
