The Los Angeles Lakers will likely sign Luka Doncic to an extension on Aug. 2 as his Jordan Brand tour gives him a day off in the city before an LA event on Aug. 3. They have clearly made number 77 the star they are building around, which makes the extension a matter of when. Doncic wants to commit to the franchise and show he is here to stay. Fans are already seeing that with his recruiting. Still, being locked in for multiple years takes that bond to a new level.
Lakers fans shouldn’t be surprised if Doncic signs a shorter extension. The 26-year-old gets a significant raise when he reaches ten years of NBA service. He just finished his seventh season. Luka likely sets up his free agency to cash in again when he has reached the threshold for a higher maximum salary.
Supporters wondered when Doncic would ink his extension because of his commitment to the Slovenian National Team. He has returned to the United States to promote his Jordan Brand line, which is the perfect opportunity. It starts in New York City on July 29 before heading to Chicago on Aug. 1. Doncic then has the final stop in Los Angeles one day after he becomes extension-eligible.
Luka Doncic will be in Los Angeles on extension day
Both sides are eager to get a new deal on the books. Doncic has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, making this effectively the final year of his contract. The Lakers do not want him reaching free agency. Expect a new deal to get done quickly as Doncic will quickly head back to Slovenia to start preparing for EuroBasket.
The Slovenian National Team has their first tune-up game on Aug. 8. Luka always wants to represent his country, so expect him to be back on a flight quickly after his Jordan Brand responsibilities conclude.
The tour seems to be perfectly designed for Doncic to sign his extension on Saturday when he is first eligible. It will lock him in as the face of the Lakers. The two sides are already working together closely and figuring out how to maximize their roster short and long-term with Luka. He led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and is eager to win his first championship. The Lakers certainly know a thing or two about winning those.
The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping their books clean for next summer. They could try to make a massive splash and get another star to join Luka Doncic in Hollywood. Expect number 77 to lead the recruiting. Fans still can’t believe they got him, so who knows what superstar will be next? With Doncic locked in, anything feels possible.