Luka Doncic will continue with the LA Lakers, but he could make a brilliant and powerful contract decision in 2028.
The Los Angeles Lakers finally addressed their most important need. After months of speculation, the Lakers signed Luka Doncic to a $165 million extension.
Despite the long delay, the Lakers and Doncic always planned to continue their relationship. The two sides had an agreement dating back months before they put pen to paper.
What makes this deal even more appetizing for Lakers fans is that Luka Doncic earns significantly less than Anthony Davis. This makes team building for the Lakers a lot easier going forward.
Now that his future is secure, Lakers fans, much like the team itself, will buy into the Luka Doncic era.
But it’s actually a contract decision that sets up Doncic to become the most powerful player on the team just a few years down the line.
Luka Doncic will get strong no-trade clause with 2028 contract
According to Marc Stein, Luka Doncic’s future with the LA Lakers could be even more interesting later down the line.
With his current contract extension, Doncic has a player option for the 2028-29 NBA season. Should he opt out and become a free agent, he could sign a $400 million contract, which would include an iron-clad no-trade clause.
“The three-year contract extension Dončić chose to ink, as explained here yesterday, includes a player option for 2028-29 that enables him to become a free agent in the summer of 2028 and then sign a five-year deal worth in excess of $400 million.
“Dončić will be eligible to have a full no-trade clause added to his next deal as long as he goes to unrestricted free agency and signs an all-new contract.
“NBA players can only become eligible for a full no-trade clause with eight years of service time and four with the same team.
“No-trade clauses, however, can only be added to a new contract; league rules preclude them from being added to extensions.”
LA Lakers should give up no-trade clause to secure long-term success
Marc Stein added that despite Doncic only completing 3.5 years with the LA Lakers, the NBA would consider him a four-year Lakers star, thus making him eligible for the amount and the no-trade clause.
“Dončić will have technically spent only 3 1/2 seasons as a Laker by the time he can decline his 2028-29 player option and become a free agent.
“But league sources tell The Stein Line that he’ll indeed be deemed a four-year Laker at that point because he will have finished four consecutive seasons in purple and gold at that stage.”
Despite the heavy stakes and price, the LA Lakers must absolutely do their best to make this happen. Securing Doncic on their roster would guarantee them a star for as long as possible.
Furthermore, having Doncic on their team would also make a great selling point. Negotiating with players will be easier for the Lakers if they have the prospect of playing with Doncic in their pitch.
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