This offseason, the Lakers’ strategy revolves around one priority: ensuring Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old five-time All-NBA guard, stays in purple and gold well beyond 2026.

After a blockbuster trade last season that brought Doncic from Dallas, the franchise has pivoted the entire summer toward building an environment that convinces him to sign a maximum four-year extension the moment he becomes eligible on August 2.

The Lakers have kept lines of communication wide open, orchestrating high-profile meetings with Doncic—including planned visits to Slovenia and EuroBasket—and integrating him into roster decisions.

The approach is calculated: if the Lakers fail to secure Doncic’s signature, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, setting off an unprecedented league-wide bidding war. This sense of urgency is echoed across league coverage and inside the organization itself.

A Franchise Rebuilt: Appeasing a Global Star

Their efforts have already reshaped the roster: Doncic reportedly played a personal role in recruiting both center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, addressing clear playoff weaknesses and signaling that the franchise’s future revolves around his vision.

While veteran LeBron James remains on the roster for now, the Lakers’ long-term plan is clearly to center the team around Doncic, who led the team with averages of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists during the regular season.

Management, especially general manager Rob Pelinka, are viewed as focused on reassuring Doncic that the Lakers can deliver both stability and perennial contention. League observers note this is a crucial juncture: the Lakers can offer a four-year, $229 million extension immediately.

But because Doncic is ineligible for the five-year supermax, there’s also speculation he might seek a slightly shorter deal—one that positions him for an even bigger contract when he reaches ten years of NBA service in 2028. This possibility has added to the tension, as even a short-term commitment would give Doncic maximum leverage going forward.

Looming Deadline and The Power Dynamic

All sides expect Doncic to return from his Jordan Brand tour and overseas training by the end of the week, setting up an in-person meeting with Lakers executives to finalize the terms. While the organization remains outwardly confident, any delay in signing, even for procedural reasons, raises the stakes as other franchises eagerly monitor developments.

Should Doncic sign, the Lakers will not only preserve their status as a global basketball powerhouse, but also signal to the league’s elite that Los Angeles is the premier destination for generational talent.