Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension marks a new chapter for the Lakers, much like when LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, a time when the team was struggling. They hadn’t made the NBA playoffs in five years, a surprising drought for a franchise that had only missed the postseason five times in 65 years. James came in to bring back respect, and two years later, he led them to a title against Miami, earning Finals MVP.
Now, five years after that win, the Lakers are entering a new chapter with Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension. Doncic, who is just 26, is already pushing for another Finals run. At a dinner with Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May, Doncic made his goals clear: “I’ve tasted the Finals. I want to go back. Let’s go all in now.”
The Lakers hope Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension will not only lead to short-term success but also help build a lasting championship foundation. In an NBA landscape where seven different teams have won titles in the last seven years, consistency is hard to find. The Lakers believe Doncic is the answer.
How the Lakers Can Build Around Luka
Building a strong team around Doncic isn’t complicated if you understand his game. Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension puts him at the center of the Lakers’ plans, and the team now needs to add the right supporting pieces.
Doncic thrives with two specific types of teammates: a rim-running big man and reliable shooters. His connection with rookie Dereck Lively II in Dallas was proof. They formed one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the league. Doncic ranks second in assisted dunks per 100 possessions and creates more corner 3-point chances than any other player in the NBA.
But the Lakers are short on corner shooters. Only Rui Hachimura and backups Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht have made those shots at an above-average clip. Still, shooting is easy to find. Players like Luke Kennard, Norman Powell, and Seth Curry, who all rank high in corner 3-point percentage, are available or affordable.
Finding a solid big man is tougher. The Lakers added Deandre Ayton, but his fit with Doncic is uncertain. He’s a decent pick-and-roll partner, but not as explosive or consistent as Lively. Still, some believe Doncic is so talented he can elevate any big, something fans hope to see after Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
LeBron James, despite not being a natural fit on paper, could still thrive with Doncic. Luka had success with ball-dominant players like Kyrie Irving and Jalen Brunson in Dallas. The key will be adding defense and shooting around them, something the Lakers plan to focus on as they move forward with Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
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Lakers’ Cap Space, Austin Reaves, and Future Moves
Another major piece of the puzzle is Austin Reaves, who has become a key contributor for the Lakers. After going undrafted, Reaves is now averaging over 20 points and shooting 37% from deep. He’ll become a free agent next summer, and experts believe he could earn over $30 million a year. Keeping Reaves could secure a long-term partner for Doncic in the backcourt, solidifying the team after Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
However, Reaves’ playoff performance will be under the spotlight. He struggled last postseason, shooting just 31.9% from beyond the arc and committing multiple turnovers. One coach said, “He has to be better if he wants to stay next to Doncic.”
To truly benefit from Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension, the Lakers need more 3-and-D wings—players who can hit outside shots and defend at a high level. These players are in high demand, and while the Lakers have assets like expiring contracts (Hachimura, Kleber, Vincent) worth $40 million, landing top-tier wings won’t be easy.
Looking ahead, the Lakers could open up $45 million in cap space next summer. This figure assumes LeBron, Hachimura, Kleber, and Vincent are off the roster. Reaves also has a player option he may decline. This flexibility is crucial as the Lakers build around Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
Even bigger opportunities may come in 2027, when the Lakers could free up nearly $100 million. That offseason could see stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis hit free agency. The chance to join Doncic in L.A. could be tempting for many, making Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension even more impactful in the long run.
Still, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently warned that players now prefer signing long-term deals with their current teams. So while waiting for big-name free agents is a strategy, it’s a risky one, something the Lakers will need to manage carefully under the shadow of Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
What’s Next for LeBron James?
LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million salary for this season. He hasn’t confirmed if he plans to retire soon or continue playing. Rob Pelinka said the team wants to support LeBron’s decision fully. If LeBron returns on a one-year deal next year, it would help the Lakers keep financial flexibility around Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension.
If LeBron decides to leave or asks for a trade, although unlikely, it would be difficult to find a team that can afford his salary and also offer value in return. Teams like the Cavaliers, Knicks, and Mavericks could be interested, but the options are limited.
When LeBron hits free agency next summer, he’ll have many suitors. The Clippers could offer him a spot with Kawhi Leonard. But LeBron has already made over $584 million in career earnings. The big question: does he chase more money, or a fifth title alongside the star who just signed Luka Doncic’s Stunning $165 Million Contract Extension?
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