Luka Dončić just signed a massive $165 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, but here’s the twist that has everyone talking — he could’ve taken home $229 million, meaning Dončić voluntarily turned down an extra $64 million in guaranteed money.
At first glance, it sounds insane. Why would any player leave that kind of cash on the table? However, according to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, there’s a long game in play that could make Dončić richer than any player in NBA history.
Why Did Luka Dončić Turn Down $64 Million in Guaranteed Money?
According to ESPN’s insider Bobby Marks, the Lakers were in a position to offer Dončić a four-year, $229 million extension. Instead, Dončić agreed to a three-year deal worth $165 million. Only two of those years are guaranteed. The third year is a player option, which gives him the ability to opt out in 2028 and become a free agent.
That decision adds to the growing curiosity around his long-term strategy. It’s even more intriguing given that Dončić has missed out on bigger paydays before. By being traded out of Dallas back in February, he also lost the chance to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax extension with the Mavericks.
Combine that with California’s high state taxes, and it’s easy to wonder why he didn’t take every dollar the Lakers could offer. But as Marks explains, Dončić is thinking several steps ahead, setting himself up for something much bigger.
By signing what’s known as a “2-plus-1” deal, Dončić gives himself crucial flexibility. He’ll have 10 years of NBA experience by 2028, which qualifies him for the highest salary tier under league rules. That positioning puts him in line to land the biggest contract the NBA has ever seen.
The player option in 2028-29 is key because Luka will have 10 years of service.
If he becomes a FA, he would then be eligible to sign up to a five year and projected $417M (yes, that’s not a typo) contract with the Lakers. https://t.co/7EndjC74VB
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 2, 2025
The Lakers will be allowed to offer him a new extension in 2027. That deal could be worth $323 million over four years. But if Dončić plays the full two guaranteed seasons and declines his player option, he’ll be eligible for an even larger contract in 2028. That projected deal would be a five-year contract worth approximately $417 million.
How Could Dončić’s Future Deal Break NBA Salary Records?
To understand how unprecedented Dončić’s future deal could be, consider where the league stands now. Devin Booker signed a two-year, $145 million extension with the Phoenix Suns through the 2029-30 season, averaging $72.5 million per season. That represents the highest annual extension salary in NBA history.
That number just beats out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose four-year, $285 million extension with Oklahoma City will average $71.25 million when the deal kicks in during the 2027-28 season.
However, the potential five-year, $417 million deal would make Dončić the first player to earn close to $80 million per year. The final season of that deal alone could pay him $95 million, more than any player has ever made in a single year.
Just in on @SportsCenter — Luka Doncic lands a $165M extension with the Lakers six months to the day of his stunning trade out of Dallas: pic.twitter.com/7JaV2xTAfH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2025
From the Lakers’ perspective, this structure works in their favor, too. It keeps Dončić motivated and engaged while demonstrating their commitment to building around him. They’ve already made moves in that direction, adding DeAndre Ayton, re-signing Jaxson Hayes, and bringing in Marcus Smart to make the roster championship-ready now.
So by turning down $64 million today, Dončić has made it crystal clear he’s thinking much bigger. If everything goes according to plan, this calculated decision could make him the highest-paid player in NBA history and the centerpiece of the next Lakers championship era.
