The Los Angeles Lakers are locking in their future after signing Luka Doncic to a massive long-term deal, just days after the Slovenian star revealed a dramatic physical transformation that has excited fans ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
Despite the stunning change, Doncic still faces criticism over a long-standing concern: his defense. While he’s made strides in other areas, reports indicate the Lakers guard has dropped nearly 30 pounds this offseason. Doncic himself believes the transformation will benefit his performance on both ends of the court — including defense.
“Luka says he expects his new level of conditioning to help him with ‘everything,’ including playing defense,” NBA reporter Rachel Nichols shared on X. Last season, Doncic averaged 28.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game for the Lakers. He shot 53% from the field and hit nearly 38% from three-point range. However, his struggles in one-on-one defense and occasional lack of intensity on that end have remained a recurring theme throughout his career.
That concern reportedly played a role in the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade him to the Lakers, a move that surprised many given his superstar status. While the adage “defense wins championships” has merit, parting ways with the franchise’s biggest star was still an unprecedented decision.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Doncic has signed a three-year, $165 million deal with the Lakers. The contract includes a player option in the third year, giving him the flexibility to reassess his future while remaining committed to Los Angeles in the near term. In comparison, LeBron James recently signed an extension worth $52.6 million per season, as reported by Spotrac.
While James’ deal is shorter, his earnings for the 2025–26 NBA season are nearly identical to Doncic’s. Some fans were surprised Doncic didn’t command a more lucrative or longer-term deal. However, the structure of his contract allows for significant financial growth in future seasons — a contrast to James, whose deal may be the last of his storied career.
Now entering the final year of his current deal, Doncic is signaling his commitment to the NBA franchise by agreeing to this new three-year extension. Shortly after the announcement, he shared a heartfelt message directly with fans.
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers. Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning,” Doncic posted on X.