Dallas Basketball

Update on Luka Doncic's contract situation with Lakers

The former Mavericks guard should finally get his payday in Los Angeles.
Keenan Womack|
Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts before the game against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts before the game against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

The Luka Doncic trade shook the foundation of the NBA last February, confounding fanbases across the country and causing much backlash amongst the Dallas Mavericks faithful. The swap, which centered on Doncic and former Lakers forward Anthony Davis, was so controversial that it resulted in discussions of fans alleging possible collusion.

The Lakers flamed out early in the playoffs, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round despite being the favored team heading into the series. Even more contention arose when contract talks about Doncic began, as Lakers personnel privately worried whether or not the young superstar would actually commit to LA long-term.

READ MORE: Cooper Flagg keeping Mavericks afloat in latest NBA power rankings

Those fears were put to rest when news broke that Doncic plans to sign his extension with the Lakers, a reported four-year deal worth $229 million, according to Martin Pavcnik of Sportklub. It also crushed the hopes of many Mavericks fans that Doncic would possibly make a return to Dallas, as unlikely as those hopes were.

Doncic was fantastic in the 28 regular-season games with LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Though he was heavily criticized for his effort defensively in the five-game playoff series loss to Minnesota, he still put up 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in those contests.

READ MORE: Kyrie Irving has strong opinions on stint with Brooklyn Nets

The Lakers made moves to upgrade the roster around Doncic this offseason, moving up in the Draft to select athletic wing Adou Thiero out of Arkansas, as well as signing the likes of center DeAndre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart, and forward Jake LaRavia. Whether or not LA is a title contender in the near future remains to be seen, but at the very least, they have their star of the future under contract for the long haul.

READ MORE: Mavericks-Lakers Luka Doncic trade named biggest NBA mistake of the decade

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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