Luka Doncic Bracing for Jaw-Dropping $369 Million Lakers Contract Amid Extension Talks

Luka Doncic Bracing for Jaw-Dropping $369 Million Lakers Contract Amid Extension Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Luka Doncic has quickly become the center of attention in the NBA once again, and this time, it's not just about his performance on the court. After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the dramatic 2024-25 NBA season, Doncic now finds himself in the spotlight with a potential record-breaking contract extension on the horizon.

According to reporting from ESPN insiders Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks, Doncic's future hinges on an important August 2 date. That’s when Doncic can sign an extension that would secure him as a key Lakers asset well into the future.

If Doncic chooses the standard route, he'd be eligible for a four-year, $222 million deal, keeping him in Los Angeles through the decade. However, Doncic has a more strategic financial path available to him that could significantly increase his earnings.

If Doncic instead opts for a shorter three-year deal worth around $160 million with a player option in 2028-29, he would be positioning himself for a massive payday down the road.

Reporting with @TimBontempshttps://t.co/hfAKsfMhpc

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 25, 2025

By doing so, Doncic would then be eligible to ink a groundbreaking five-year, $369 million contract in 2028, taking advantage of an expected rise in the NBA salary cap. Such a move would not only reshape Doncic’s legacy but also place him among the highest-paid athletes ever.

Lakers fans certainly have reason to be optimistic, especially after hearing recent comments from Marcus Smart, who praised Doncic’s dedication and influence within the franchise.

"When you get a guy like Luka calling… checking on you, trying to see where you're at, to see if you want to come join something special," Smart said recently. "For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot."

While Doncic's decision remains uncertain, the Lakers and their fans will undoubtedly be holding their breath, waiting to see if their superstar commits to the long haul or if he's willing to play the financial long game and potentially cash in on one of the largest contracts in NBA history.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.