Lakers ‘A Little Bit Burdened Out’ Over Luka Dončić Contract Extension

Seeing Luka Dončić in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform continues to be surreal for followers who’re ready for the younger famous person subsequent to LeBron James. It immediately grew to become a franchise-changing transfer, though the crew exited earlier within the playoffs.

For the approaching years, the Slovenian level guard would be the crew’s future. But because the deadline looms for an extension contract, tensions are working excessive in L.A. The Lakers are reportedly “a little bit stressed out as Dončić is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million max extension from Aug. 2.

Will Luka Sign Long-Term?

As per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on NBA Today, what’s taking place is a stress max level for Luka.

“This happens when it’s a player’s second max contract. This is when players sometimes leave or are not really worth it. This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it… If he signs it, relief for the Lakers… If he does not sign it, you will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka.”

This is not one other max deal. In reality, it is Dončić’s second, and the previous proves that this part is when elite gamers go away or turn into more durable to maintain. The strain is on the Lakers to signal him up, however there is not an obvious indication but from Luka’s camp.

Short-Term Deal More Likely, Reports Say

Though a four-year extension can be optimum for the Lakers, league sources point out Dončić would possibly do one thing else.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger most not too long ago reported that it is extra possible that Dončić indicators a shorter deal, one which positions him to turn into eligible for 35% of the cap when he reaches 10 years of NBA service in 2028.

From a enterprise viewpoint, it is smart. It would maximize his long-term payday whereas nonetheless leaving the door open—one thing up to date NBA stars more and more worth.

Lakers Might Be Headed for Free Agency Nightmare

If Dončić rejects an extension fully, hassle may be brewing in a rush. He has a participant possibility after subsequent season, so he may turn into a free agent as quickly as 2026, in line with Bleacher Report.

In that case, the Lakers would not merely be working in uncertainty. They’d be working with the true threat of shedding one of many league’s premier gamers for nothing in return. And since Dončić is likely one of the highest, there can be no lack of groups ready to make a suggestion.

Signing your complete four-year max or a shorter bridge contract, the Lakers require some form of dedication to loosen up. Not signing in any respect would have a league-wide domino impact, with entrance places of work themselves scrambling to clear cap house and property to get in on the chase.

Right now, the Lakers know what that is all about. Dončić holds all of the playing cards, and the way forward for the purple-and-gold franchise could rely on which one he decides to play subsequent.