‘Just the beginning’: NBA superstar turns back on free agency, signs massive $255m deal

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Luka Doncic has signed a new long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the club announced on Saturday, in a deal reportedly worth $165 million (A$255m) over three years.

The Slovenian star, who joined the Lakers in a jaw-dropping trade earlier this year, will remain with the Lakers for the next three years through to 2028.

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Doncic’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said in a statement.

“Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare,” Pelinka added.

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Doncic, 26, expressed delight at the deal, saying he hoped to lead the Lakers back to the summit of the NBA.

“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organisation, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” said Doncic.

“This is an amazing organisation, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning.”

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Doncic has signed a new long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the club announced on August 2, 2025, in a deal reportedly worth $165 million over three years. The Slovenian star, who joined the Lakers in a jaw-dropping trade earlier this year, will remain with the Lakers for the next three years through to 2028. (Photo by Harry How / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP

Doncic joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal that sent shockwaves around the league.

He started 28 games to end the regular season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals.

Under his previous contract, Doncic could have become a free agent in 2026 but has now committed to the Lakers long-term.

Doncic was offloaded by the Mavericks in a deal that sent the Lakers’ Anthony Davis in the opposite direction.

Mavericks’ concerns about Doncic’s physical conditioning were reportedly one of the reasons why the club felt willing to part company with the Slovenian, widely regarded as a generational talent.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

However Doncic has looked noticeably slimmer in recent photos and videos, the product of a gruelling off-season physical regimen that appears to have yielded impressive results.

“Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” Doncic told Men’s Health magazine in a recent interview.

“Every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.”

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