The Los Angeles Lakers’ first postseason run with Luka Doncic has not gone as expected after they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have several questions this summer, such as the futures of their stars. LeBron James, 40, may have considered retiring from basketball, and Doncic is facing a huge financial decision.
Doncic is only guaranteed to be under contract through next season, and he has a $49 million player option for 2026-27.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Slovenian international can get a four-year, $229 maximum contract extension from the Los Angeles Lakers. Alternately, he could ink a three-year, $165 million extension with a player option for the 2028-29 season.
Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James reveals his true feelings on Luka Doncic’s future with the team
LeBron James said in his exit interview that he will stay out of the extension talks between Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, though he also added he hopes Doncic stays in LA for a long time.
“No, that ain’t my job,” James said via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think… I don’t think, I know, Luka knows how I feel about him. And ultimately, that trade happened for the future. That’s not for me. Luka has to decide what he has to do with his future. He’s (26) years old, I’m 40, so he can’t be basing his career off me. That’s just real.”
“But I hope, obviously, (he stays long term),” he continued. “Laker fans f***ing love him here. LA has accepted him. We love him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he’s got to make a decision for him. S***, I ain’t going to be around much longer.”
