The Dallas Mavericks will have to watch their former star in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.
On Saturday, Luka Doncic agreed to a three-year, $165 million deal with the Lakers, according to a report from Marc Stein. The former Mavericks star was dealt to the Lakers in a shocking trade in February, and he is now set to be on the West Coast throughout his prime.
BREAKING: Luka Dončić has signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers, @TheSteinLine has learned.
The deal contains a player option for Year 3.
Dončić worked out at the team facility this AM then inked the new deal on the first day he’s eligible for it. pic.twitter.com/OpzBLt1Veq
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 2, 2025
Doncic has formed a superstar duo with LeBron James since arriving in Los Angeles, and those two promise to help the Lakers contend for a title next season and perhaps beyond. While James’ future is still up in the air, Doncic’s extension signals that the Lakers are ready to build around the 26-year-old star for years to come.
As for the Mavericks, this is another crushing blow in the saga that has resulted in non-stop criticism and backlash, particularly for GM Nico Harrison. Still, the Mavericks boast one of the most interesting rosters in the West and could be right there with the Lakers competing for a title next season and beyond.
Still, the Slovenian superstar just led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and was a fan favorite who expected to spend his entire career in Dallas. Although there is no guarantee that Doncic ever wins an MVP or an NBA title, any accolades he accumulates in Los Angeles will only sting for fans in Dallas.
With plenty of motivation to perform with the Lakers, Doncic will again be one of the top players in the league next season, and the Mavericks will simply have to watch as their former superstar dominates.
