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Luka Doncic’s freshly inked threeyear, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers features a notably sensible secret clause that would safeguard him from the sort of contract missteps that ensnared Kevin Durant.
Whereas the headline numbers grabbed the highlight, it is this delicate inclusion that provides Doncic flexibility and safety within the years to return. Relatively than locking right into a long-term deal at 30 p.c of the wage cap – his highest permissible charge below the circumstances – Doncic has secured a short-term dedication with an exit clause.
Luka Doncic makes a magic shot after signing contract extension with out LeBron James current
That participant choice in 2028 not solely provides him management over his personal future, it additionally positions him to re-enter free company at a time when he’ll qualify for a supermax-paying scale price as much as 35 p.c of the cap, doubtlessly hitting a five-year, $417 million payday.
This shields Doncic from being locked right into a pact that may look underwhelming a couple of seasons down the road. However crucially, he’s additionally shielded from being traded for the subsequent three seasons – one thing Durant wasn’t fortunate sufficient to have when traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets.
A safeguard impressed by others’ misfortune
The construction of the contract echoes classes realized from others. Durant signed with Phoenix in 2023 solely to be traded two years later in a deal that he had no data of.
Doncic opted for a distinct route – prioritizing future leverage over rapid most {dollars}. Within the Lakers’ case, this method is mutually helpful: they safe their star guard for the quick time period whereas nonetheless constructing round him with flexibility in 2026 and 2027 cap areas.
Doncic’s state of affairs contrasts sharply with Durant’s dedication with the Suns. The Lakers keep away from being hamstrung if circumstances change – whether or not it is group efficiency, roster development, or Doncic’s personal profession trajectory.
At age 26, now in his prime, Doncic can discover new choices on the finish of this deal – capitalizing on his peak valuation. The participant choice successfully provides him the liberty to say no 2028-29 phrases and chase the supermax that he would have been eligible for along with his first 10 years of service. That makes this contract a strategic stability between earnings at present and upside tomorrow.
Lakers executives seem happy with this blueprint as nicely. Rob Pelinka known as Doncic “one of many recreation’s most transcendent gamers” and praised his management each on and off the courtroom.
Head Coach JJ Redick emphasised that constructing towards a championship would require gamers to be in “championship form”-and Doncic’s latest turnaround in bodily conditioning speaks to that dedication.
Regardless of a truncated debut half-season in L.A. – enjoying simply 50 video games – Doncic led the group in factors, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers, and acquired excessive marks on his playoff contribution. His $5 million philanthropic pledge to empower younger athletes around the globe additional reinforces his standing each as a star participant and neighborhood advocate.
An enormous shift in Lakers energy
This contract alerts Lakers management shifting to Doncic – notably as LeBron James, now 40, enters a interval of uncertainty round his personal future. James opted into his 2025-26 contract however stays unsigned past that, which makes Doncic the clear franchise cornerstone.
Doncic’s focus and outreach-reportedly concerned in recruiting key additions like Marcus Good and Deandre Ayton – underscore his rising affect in shaping the roster. It is a group being constructed round him on a multi-year scale.
By enabling an exit in 2028, Doncic avoids the state of affairs the place he might really feel underpaid or trapped – one thing Kevin Durant skilled. The Lakers profit from cap flexibility and roster-building latitude as they transfer into the post-LeBron period.
Finally, the key jewel in Doncic’s contract – that 2028 participant choice – offers each safety and leverage. He locks in assured cash by means of 2028, holds the door open for a huge improve, and provides the Lakers short-term certainty with long-term flexibility.
