While the most talked-about topic surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason has been the rumors surrounding a potential LeBron James departure, one thing that has fallen under the radar is the situation surrounding the contract of recent superstar pickup Luka Dončić.
Dončić is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, and he’ll be eligible to sign a multi-year extension in a few weeks. The Lakers hope to build around the Slovenian generational talent going forward, and the five-time All-Star may have just provided a major hint that he is planning to stay in Los Angeles for a while.
What Did Luka Dončić Say About His Lakers Future?
Recently appearing on an “Insider’s Look” video on the official Lakers YouTube channel, Dončić dropped a major hint that could indicate where his mind is at regarding his NBA future amid questions about his contract situation.
During the video released by the Lakers on Saturday titled “Luka Dončić: Born to Compete, Destined to Dominate,” Dončić was asked what he hopes to be known for as a Laker, and the 26-year-old dropped an answer that could mean everything to fans of the franchise.
“The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” Doncic revealed.
Championships. Plural.
That’s a noteworthy answer and a significant hint that he plans to be in Los Angeles for multiple years. It’s also worth noting that Dončić’s fingerprints have been all over the Lakers’ offseason, according The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
“Dončić, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help, and defensive support. The Lakers responded by filling those needs with DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and, soon, Marcus Smart,” Woike revealed.
“Dončić has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts.”
His “championships” comment coupled with him recruiting free agents and helping guide the Los Angeles’ offseason moves has “the Lakers confident they’re in alignment with Dončić in their plans to build a championship roster,” Woike wrote.
How Much Could Dončić Earn With a Lakers Extension?
Starting August 2, Dončić will be eligible to sign an extension with the Lakers. He could secure a deal starting at 30% of the salary cap, with 8% annual raises, potentially earning upwards of $229 million on a deal that would keep in Los Angeles through the 2029-30 season.
If Dončić does not sign an extension, he could play out next season and then opt out of his contract next offseason to become an unrestricted free agency (as he has a $48,967,380 player option for the 2026-27 campaign).
Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well — with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart. https://t.co/POZfSea5sU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Following their offseason moves, the Lakers’ intent has never been clearer: The franchise is moving forward with Dončić as its centerpiece, with him playing a big role in every decision they make and even using him as a recruiter behind the scenes.
While some fans of the franchise will likely be concerned until Dončić puts pen to paper on his extension, after his recent interview and the latest reports, it certainly seems like all signs currently point to Dončić staying in Los Angeles long-term.
