NBA superstar Luka Dončić is expected to decline his 2028-29 player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and sign a $400 million-plus contract with the franchise, according to Lakers Daily.
Dončić, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers on August 2, will have a no-trade clause in his next contract, per the report.
A future Hall of Famer, Dončić will become the first player in NBA history to make $80 million annually once he signs that $400 million-plus contract with the Lakers in 2028.
Dončić appeared in 28 games with the Lakers last season after the Dallas Mavericks traded him in February. The five-time All-Star averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, but Dončić played good offensively, averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
A five-time All-NBA point-forward, Dončić has lost weight this summer. He recruited Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to the Lakers, who were thrilled Dončić signed the $165 million extension with them.
“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said. “Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.
“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase. You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
Dončić enters next season with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists with the Mavericks and Lakers. He’s third in NBA history in points per game, trailing only NBA legends Michael Jordan (30.12) and Wilt Chamberlain (30.07).
“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” Dončić said. “This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together.
“I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team.”
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