Luka Doncic contract decision ‘most important’ domino in NBA offseason

Luka Dončić’s future is hanging over the NBA offseason. 

During an appearance on “NBA Today” Thursday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said all eyes are on the Lakers superstar, who is due for a contract extension this summer.

“I almost would argue the most important thing in the whole NBA this summer is Luka Dončić, whether he extends or not, because that frames so much of what the Lakers are going to do, and frankly, the whole league would do,” Windhorst said. 

“So, I don’t want to put too much pressure on it, but the Lakers really need to get him locked down, even if it’s for a couple of years to verify that he’s bought into what they’re doing,” added Windhorst.

In early August, Doncic will become eligible to sign a four-year, $228 million extension with the Lakers.

He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026-27 if the two sides can’t come to terms on a deal, setting up what could be a historic sweepstakes for Dončić’s services. 

The Dončić decision looms as fellow Lakers star LeBron James’ name is swirling in trade rumors. 

James opted into his $52.6 million deal for next season, but his agent Rich Paul hinted that he could push for a trade if he doesn’t like what he sees from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka this offseason.

The Lakers have filled in their roster around Dončić and James, signing center Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia to free agent deals. 

The franchise is also facing an uncertain future with guard Austin Reaves, who declined a max extension worth $89.2 million over the next four seasons with the team last month.

On top of everything going on with the roster, the Lakers were sold for approximately $10 billion — the largest sale ever of a U.S. pro sports franchise — to businessman Mark Walter, ending 46 years of majority ownership by the Buss family.