Luka Doncic is showing his commitment to the LA Lakers with how he is helping the team in the offseason.
Luka Doncic is the Los Angeles Lakers’ next big megastar. What was once a murky chain of succession is now very clear, as Doncic will take LeBron James’ place as the face of the franchise for years to come
The Lakers have made Luka Doncic their biggest priority, more so than LeBron James. And this offseason, Doncic has shown his relationship with the Lakers is quite strong.
Doncic leveraged his relationship with Deandre Ayton to bring him to the Lakers. The two top-three picks in the 2018 NBA Draft have always wanted to play together, and thanks to Doncic, now they will.
But he didn’t even stop there. Doncic also helped recruit Marcus Smart to the Lakers. After his buyout from the Wizards, Smart was moved after Doncic called him multiple times.
However, there is some concern about his future. Doncic is yet to sign a contract extension with the Lakers. But one NBA expert thinks his actions this summer show that there is no reason to panic.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesDave McMenamin says Luka Doncic has shown commitment to LA Lakers
Dave McMenamin, ESPN’s Lakers beat reporter, spoke on NBA Today about Luka Doncic’s future with the team.
Despite Doncic not signing an extension, his efforts to recruit players show that he is, at least for the next few years, locked in with the Lakers.
“There was ownership by Luka this off-season to stamp down that he wants to be part of the Lakers moving forward, and he wants others to join him.
“So he makes calls Deandre Ayton, the guy who came into the draft with him, as the number one pick. Now, he’s the center for the Lakers.
“Makes calls to Marcus Smart, needs to fill the point of attack defender spot that Dorian Finney-Smith occupied last year.
“I think as we look forward, we look at that August 2 date when the Lakers can offer an extension to Luka Doncic worth four years $220 million, up to that figure.
“I would say if you’re a Laker fan, you shouldn’t have any worry about Luka coming to some sort of extension or agreement with the Lakers.
“Which means he won’t just be in line for next season, won’t just be a Laker for the season after that, but I think at minimum we’re talking about a three-year extension.”
LA Lakers can offer $222 million contract extension
In an in-depth piece he did about the LA Lakers signing Marcus Smart, McMenamin reported that the Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $222 million contract extension on August 2nd.
“The fact that Doncic was so vigilant in his pursuit of Smart is certainly a good sign for how he views his long-term allegiance to the franchise.
“Doncic has two years left on his contract with L.A., including a player option for 2026-27. However, the Lakers will be able to offer the 26-year-old superstar a four-year, $222 million extension as of Aug. 2, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.”
One NBA insider did tell Luka Doncic not to rush into a Lakers contract extension, at least not until the team proves they have his best interest in mind.
So far, the Lakers have done a great job in addressing the weaknesses in their roster. Now, their players have to deliver on the potential they have.