Last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Luka Doncic. In February, Nico Harrison shattered his vision of staying a Mavericks lifer by trading him to the Lakers. A move so unexpected that it probably had Luka wondering if it was an early April Fools prank, “I didn’t really believe it.” Somehow, the Slovenian star got over that shock and embarked on a new journey in LA, leading the Lakers to the third seed in the West. But the joy of winning didn’t last long, as they were sent packing in the first round by Anthony Edwards and Co. Now, all eyes are on what Luka will do next!

When Rob Pelinka acquired Luka, he had no idea if the superstar would extend his stay with the Lakers. As of now, he has two years left on his current deal, with a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27. But Pelinka is going all in to keep Doncic in LA. Reports suggest that the Lakers are willing to offer him complete control over the structure of his upcoming contract extension. Doncic will become extension-eligible on August 2.

Turns out, even Doncic sees a long-term future with the Lakers. As per veteran reporter Tim MacMahon, “I would be shocked if there’s not some sort of extension this summer… talking to people who know Luka well, I think he’s fully committed to LA now. His heart was broken, but he’s fully committed to the Lakers.” Looks like Luka has found a new home with the Purple and Gold franchise. And he has only one goal in mind, as Tim added, “His goal now is to win championships with that franchise.”

Even when Doncic arrived in LA three months ago after being heartbroken by the Mavs’ betrayal, he understood the opportunity that Lakers presents, “Dallas was home, so it was really hard moment for me… But now I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey… This is the Lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here.” So, don’t be surprised if Luka extends his stay in LA… though his recent actions do raise some concerns.

Measuring Luka Doncic’s options with Lakers as his extension eligibility looms closer amid secret trip

Soon after the Lakers’ season ended, Luka was spotted leaving an LA restaurant with Pelinka and JJ Redick. In the clip that has since gone viral, the Lakers GM could be seen holding a thick binder along with some papers. Sure enough, speculations began that the private dinner was to discuss Doncic’s future with the team. Since the Lakers front office is reportedly giving complete control to Luka, he has a few options.

Of course, the most straight forward move is to ink a four-year $229 million extension in August that would solidify his future through 2029-30. However, there are more lucrative options available. Another one is taking a shorter three-year $165 million deal, that would complete Doncic’s ten years in the NBA. It would make him eligible for a five-year $418 million supermax extension on his next deal as per league rules. A riskier move would be to wait out another year and make a decision next summer, for a potential five-year $296 million extension.

However, the Lakers would prefer if Luka inks a new deal this summer, so that they have the superstar secured. Well, there were concerns when Luka recently took a trip to Dallas following his dinner with Rob and JJ. Many wondered if he was planning to leave LA. But there is nothing to worry about as Luka’s Dallas return was likely not a professional trip, as he still owns a house in the city. He then headed to Slovenia to meet his family.

With the Lakers handing Luka the reigns amid his reported commitment to the franchise, it looks like the superstar will ink a new deal very soon and solidify his future with the Lakers. Which option do you think he should choose?