Luka Dončić Faces a Tough Decision With Millions at Stake
Luka Dončić’s trade from the Mavericks to the Lakers drastically changed his financial outlook, and now he must make a critical choice that could define both his career and his bank account.
A Superstar Forced Off His Ideal Path
The 2024-25 season was a roller coaster for Luka Dončić. After leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics, his future took a dramatic turn. Injuries, internal friction, and a shift in team ownership led to a stunning February 2 trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Emotionally, the move was a blow for the Slovenian star, who envisioned spending his entire career with the Mavs—just like Dirk Nowitzki. But his reality changed under the bright lights of Hollywood.
What hurt most was the financial fallout. Dončić was on track to sign a supermax extension with the Mavericks—five years for $345 million—the richest contract in NBA history. That deal vanished the moment he left Dallas, and it's now off the table for good.
Staying in L.A. or Maximizing His Long-Term Earnings?
Now with the Lakers, Dončić has several contract options. The most straightforward path would be to sign a four-year, $228 million extension in August. It’s a secure deal, but nearly $117 million less than what he would have made in Dallas.
Another, more strategic option involves signing a shorter three-year contract worth $165 million, including a player option for the final season. That would position Dončić to reach 10 years of NBA service by 2028, making him eligible for another supermax—this time with the Lakers—worth a projected $417 million over five years. This is the same route Donovan Mitchell took after being traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers.
The riskiest scenario would be to decline any extension, play out his current deal through the 2025-26 season, and test unrestricted free agency. But this comes with significant risks—injury, market shifts, or unexpected roster moves—and is rarely chosen by top-tier stars.
So far, those close to the situation say that Dončić is happy in Los Angeles, excited about the legacy of the Lakers, and eager to build a winning future there. While August will bring a pivotal financial decision, his basketball ambitions are also on the line: assembling a championship-caliber team remains a top priority.
