A little less than three weeks ago, life for the Los Angeles Lakers changed forever. After a late night trade acquisition of Luka Doncic, the Lakers' trajectory was permanently altered, and now everything becomes different for LeBron James, the front office and everyone else involved with the organization.
The immediate aftermath of the trade is probably not an indicator of what is to come. The Lakers have registered a measly 1-2 record in the three games since Doncic has stepped on the court in a Laker uniform, and Luka is yet to crack 20 points in LA. But regardless of him still shaking off the rust, no one would question that the future is incredibly bright in Los Angeles.
Doncic gives the Lakers a much better chance at winning a championship than they had before the trade, and they are likely to be an extremely dangerous playoff squad come April. This will be the reality every year Luka wears the Purple and Gold. But although fans are obviously ecstatic about the future with him on the roster, is there a total guarantee he will want to remain a Laker forever?
Doncic becomes extension eligible on August 2
No such indication has come from Doncic's side of things, at least. Oftentimes we can be quick to assume any star player would desire to live in Los Angeles and represent the Lakers on the court, but certain guys and especially foreign players may have different wishes.
With all that in mind, Luka will become eligible for a contract extension later this year on August 2. Until that time, the Lakers' mission statement will be all about convincing Doncic that his best option is to re-sign. What does that look like? Well, for starters, probably getting him the roster pieces he wants to play with, like a reliable lob threat (Look the other way, Lakers fans). LA may have missed on the Mark Williams acquisition, but that is a roster need that can be addressed in the offseason.
After assembling a better-fitting roster for Doncic, the next step in convincing him to stay will likely be a deep playoff run this season. If the Lakers can win a playoff round or two after making a major mid-season trade, it will go a long way toward proving to Luka that this team can be a legitimate contender for years to come.
All in all, LA has to make a successful pitch to Doncic in the next six months for their future not to fall apart. If they fail to put together a winning proposal to Luka that results in him re-signing, the Lakers will have no choice but to trade him, or risk losing him for nothing in free agency.