Windhorst Says Lakers Are 'A Little Bit Stressed Out' About Luka Contract amid Rumors

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Dončić last season, they seemingly landed the future of their franchise for years to come, but Dončić staying with the team long term isn't so cut and dry.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today on Tuesday that the Lakers are "a little bit stressed out" about Dončić's upcoming contract extension.

"This happens when it's a player's second max contract," Windhorst said. "This is when players sometimes leave or are not really worth it. This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it... If he signs it, relief for the Lakers... If he does not sign it, you will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka."

Dončić is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2, but as Windhorst explained, there's no guarantee that he will take that deal. The Athletic's John Hollinger reported earlier this month that it's 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."

Clearly the Lakers would prefer for Dončić to go ahead and commit to at least four more years with the team, but even taking a two-year extension would be better than him not signing at all.

If Dončić decides not to sign an extension at all, he has a player option after this season and could become a free agent. Needless to say, Dončić would have plenty of options as a free agent.