Luka Signing Shorter-Term Lakers Contract 'Seems Vastly More Likely,' Says NBA Insider

Luka Dončić is eligible for a four-year, $223 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Aug. 2. That may seem like eye-watering money, but the superstar could end up with a far bigger payday if he plays his cards right.

The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote on Monday that "it seems vastly more likely he will take a shorter deal that would make him eligible for 35 percent of the cap once he achieves 10-year veteran status in the summer of 2028."

Because Dončić was traded, he can't sign for a full supermax this summer. But as Hollinger noted, "if he were to void his player option in 2026 and sign a three-year, $161 million extension with the Lakers with a 2028-29 player option, he would be a 10-year vet in the summer of 2028. At that point, he could sign a monstrous five-year deal worth up to approximately $406 million to remain in L.A."

The Lakers, of course, would prefer the longer commitment this summer, but they'll ultimately take any deal that ensures Dončić can't become a free agent next summer. The 26-year-old has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.

It will be a situation worth monitoring. In either event, it seems likely that he'll remain in Los Angeles through at least the 2027-28 season.