The Lakeshow Review

The Lakers have just concluded their most vital signing of this summer, after agreeing with superstar Luka Dončić on a 3yr/$165M contract extension. This keeps Dončić in Purple & Gold for the foreseeable future, until 2028. This is obviously great news for the Lakers, who after a productive offseason where they have patched some holes, still had the looming uncertainty of a Luka extension. Fortunately that has been put to rest, as the Lakers now have clarity and agency over their immediate future. With Dončić under contract, LA can now focus on constructing a perennial contender around their newly minted star. The marriage between the glitz and glamour of LA and a superstar of Luka’s caliber seems like a rather seamless one. He is on the short list of best players on the planet and is the type of player that you can build a contending team around. At 26 years of age, he is also just entering his prime, and the Lakers will have ample roster flexibility moving forward, starting next summer in 2026. The next era of Lakers basketball will be one filled with possibilities, and if they play their cards right, LA can make this partnership a fruitful one.

Even before agreeing to this momentous extension, the dominoes had already begun swinging in that direction. Dončić had been in close dialogue with the front office throughout their free agency period. Even lending a hand to recruit players like Deandre Ayton (who Luka shares an agent with) and Marcus Smart. It had been rumored by the Slovenian newspapers that Luka (who will be playing internationally with his home country this summer) was planning on staying with the Lakers. Additionally, he’s also been active within the LA community, making charitable donations and contributing to the greater good. He’s seemed invested in LA since the moment he arrived with the Purple & Gold, as evidenced with the vibrant crowd reactions that he’s been showered with. He’s looked and felt the part of a Laker since day one.

Luka was no longer eligible for the “supermax” extension, after being traded by Dallas, the team that drafted him. With his new 3 year extension, he can now pursue the most expeditious avenue to get that supermax three years from now, when he’ll have ten years of NBA service under his belt. Three years in the NBA is a lifetime, though. And LA will have until then to put the necessary pieces around Luka that will make this roster a perennial contender. The flexibility and the opportunity will both be there, so it’ll be up to those in the front office to maximize every asset and dollar on the cap sheet. The table is set for the Lakers to position themselves as a formidable force in the Western Conference.

It’s also worthy to note the fact that Luka has been working on his physical fitness diligently this summer. He’s been putting in the work and has been looking slimmer, by all reports. He seems to be embracing the idea of being a Los Angeles Laker and putting his best foot forward trying to be at his best for when the season commences. He understands his role as a Laker and the fact he’s one of the best players in the world, when healthy. On a platform such as that of LAs, his brand and personal opportunities are virtually boundless, provided he puts in the work and does his thing. On a market such as LA, and a global brand like the Lakers, Luka will have the chance to go down as one of the greats.

Motivated by last season’s playoff defeat, Luka will join the chase for getting this franchise back into the championship picture, The Lakers pledged their allegiance to Luka as soon as they traded for him last February, during the midseason point. After a hastily disjointed second half of the season, one where both Luka and the Lakers struggled to find their footing, the team will have a fresh outlook next season with a full training camp and preseason under their belts. We will see how they respond.

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare. From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase. You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.” These words form General Manager Rob Pelinka echo sentiments of excitement and ambition for the Lakers franchise. Both Luka and the Lakers will have their work cut out for them, but let’s hope that they can make the most out of this golden opportunity. If the cards are played correctly and a little bit of good fortune rears its head, this can be the start of a prosperous superstar-franchise coalition. Now let’s see them make the most of it. Go Lakers.