The contract qualification between Luka Doncic and Lakers

ByDavid Mitchell
The contract qualification between Luka Doncic and Lakers

Doncic and the Lakers agreed an extension. How is this agreement qualified?

The NBA Free Agency It is already underway, and the teams are incorporating stars and making movements to complete their templates for the 2025-26 season.

As more agreements are informed, we evaluate the movements and analyze what each one means for the next season and beyond.

* Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers They agreed a contract extension for three years and $ 165 on Saturday.

Qualification: Approved (extensions are described on an approved/reproving scale)

Part of the reason why the Lakers were perfectly positioned to sign a maid of the Dallas Mavericks Six months ago they could be relatively sure that he would not leave as a free agent without restrictions in the summer of 2026. The exceptionalism of the Lakers is still in force.

As reported, the Lakers took advantage of the possibility that Doncic left to prevent their remaining first round selections from being included in the exchange package. Even so, it became clear that, even if he preferred to stay in Dallas, Doncic was willing to sign beyond the full season of his contract. Due to the restrictions on the signed extensions just before or after a transfer, Doncic had to wait until Friday to make it official, but his willingness to help the Lakers to recruit free agents this preseason had already indicated the inevitability of this result.

The only problem here was how Doncic would structure his new contract. Sign an extension of three years with a player option for the 2028-29 season

If it had remained in Dallas and signed a supermaximal extension, Doncic could have increased its salary to 35% of the salary cap (a projection of $ 57.9 million dollars) in the 2026-27 season, after having classified with two consecutive participations in the All-NBA team in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Since the supermaximal extension is not available for players who change equipment after the completion of their rookie contracts, Doncic is now limited to 30% of the salary stop or a 5% increase for the 2026-27 season, which is greater. If the salary stop is maintained as planned for the 2026-27 season, Doncic will only slightly improve its current player of $ 49 million.

The great payment day could arrive in 2028-29, when Doncic has accumulated 10 experiences of experience and can reach 35% of the initial salary, either as a free agent without restrictions or signing another extension in August 2027. By then, the Lakers squad should look very different.

Doncic is the only player with a contract for more than $ 15 million beyond this season. Extending that salary flexibility until the summer of 2027 would require significant sacrifices beyond LeBron James. Lakers could probably sign again Austin Reaveswho can become free agent without restrictions next season, but will have to make difficult decisions with Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton If Ayton rejects a $ 8.1 million player option.

There are still challenges ahead for the Lakers while they continue to exceed the mistakes made after the 2020 championship, but the most important piece is already in place. The Lakers have their superstar for the future in Donc.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.