Luka Dončić Re-Signs with Lakers for 3-Year, $165 Million Extension
Luka Dončić Re-Signs with Lakers for 3-Year, $165 Million Extension
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the future of their franchise by signing 5-time All-Star and 5-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Dončić to a 3-year, $165 million extension. This deal will keep the Slovenian sensation in purple and gold until the end of the 2024-2025 season. Dončić's decision to re-sign with the Lakers is a clear sign of his commitment to the organization and his desire to bring another championship to L.A.
The Rising Star's Impact on the Lakers
In just three seasons, Dončić has solidified himself as one of the league's top players, averaging 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He has also become the youngest player in NBA history to be selected to the All-NBA First Team twice. Dončić's playmaking abilities and clutch performances have been crucial to the Lakers' success, making him an integral part of their championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead to the Future
With Dončić's extension, the Lakers have locked in their core for the next few years, providing stability and continuity for the team. This will also allow them to continue to build a strong supporting cast around
About the People Mentioned
Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić, born February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a professional basketball player currently starring as a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.[1][2][3] A child prodigy, he joined Real Madrid's academy at age 13 in 2012, signing a professional contract and debuting with the senior team in 2015 as the youngest player in club history.[1][2] Over six seasons, he played 216 matches, won seven titles including the 2018 EuroLeague championship, and earned MVP honors for the EuroLeague, Final Four, and ACB League that year, becoming Europe's top player at 19.[1] Selected third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić quickly emerged as a superstar.[2][3] Standing 6-foot-7 (later listed at 6-foot-8, 230 lbs), he averaged strong numbers early, including 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his final EuroLeague season.[2] In the NBA, he posted historic performances, such as a 60-point, 21-rebound, 10-assist game against the New York Knicks in December 2022, and led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics.[2][4] He became the sixth player to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists during those playoffs, shattering franchise triple-double records.[4] In a blockbuster trade during the 2024–25 season, Dončić was sent to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, marking his seventh NBA season and current status as an active Lakers player (jersey #77).[2][3][5] As of early 2026, the Lakers hold a 20-11 record, with Dončić contributing alongside LeBron James in recent highlights.[3] Known for his chess-like basketball IQ, competitiveness, and charisma, he has captivated fans across continents.[1][5]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Los Angeles Lakers
The **Los Angeles Lakers** are a premier professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, the franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, becoming the NBA's first West Coast team. The Lakers compete in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference and play their home games at the Staples Center. Known for their iconic purple, gold, and black colors, the Lakers have a storied history of basketball excellence and cultural impact[1][2][4]. The organization is renowned for its **17 NBA championships**, tied for the most in league history, and its legacy of legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. The team's "Showtime" era in the 1980s epitomized their fast-paced, entertaining style of play, contributing to a global fanbase and significant brand equity[1][2][5]. After a period of struggle in the late 2010s, the Lakers rebounded by acquiring LeBron James in 2018 and Anthony Davis in 2019, culminating in winning the 2020 NBA Finals, a season notably disrupted and resumed in a pandemic "bubble"[2]. From a business perspective, the Lakers rank among the most valuable sports franchises worldwide, with a valuation around $6.4 billion as of 2023, and were sold in 2026 to billionaire Mark Walter for over $10 billion. Their financial success is bolstered by global brand recognition, lucrative partnerships, and a strong community presence through initiatives like the Lakers Youth Foundation[1][5]. The team continues to be a flagship franchise in sports, blending tradition with innovation, including embracing sports technology and analytics to maintain competitive advantage. Currently, the Lakers feature a star-studded roster including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and rising talents like Luka Dončić and Bronny James, aiming for their 18th championship
