Luka Dončić Can Sign $418 Million Contract With Los Angeles Lakers in 2028
NBA superstar Luka Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The third year of the extension is a player option, which means Dončić can become an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
If Dončić declines his player option for the 2028-29 season, the Lakers can sign the point-forward to a five-year, $418 million contract, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“On the other hand, if Luka Dončić plays the two guaranteed additional years on his deal and declines his player option for 2028-29, he could sign a five-year extension at that point worth around $418 million in his age-29 season,” McMenamin wrote. “That potential deal could make him the first player in league history to land an $80 million season salary, taking home nearly $1 million per game: A staggering figure. The last year of the deal would be approaching nine figures at $95 million — a premium price as the face of a $10 billion franchise.”
Dončić will make $45.9 million next season, $49.6 million in 2026-27 and $53.6 million in 2027-28. His player option for the 2028-29 season is worth $57.6 million.
A five-time All-Star, Dončić has been to the NBA Finals once. That was back in 2024 with the Dallas Mavericks, who lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
According to McMenamin, Dončić is eager to return to the Finals with the Lakers and win.
“I don’t want to wait,” Dončić told Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at dinner in May. “I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So let’s do whatever we can now.”
The Lakers are expected to start Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton next season. Dončić recruited Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles.
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