$418M for Luka Dončić? Is the Lakers' New Star Worth It?

The Supermax That Slipped Away

A few months ago, Luka Dončić was on track for one of the richest contracts in NBA history—a five-year, $345 million supermax extension.

Then, he was traded to the Lakers.

And just like that, his path to the supermax was gone.

Now, Dončić’s best possible extension this summer would be four years, $229 million, costing him $116 million in potential earnings.

For a player of his caliber, that’s a massive financial hit—and it’s all thanks to one decision by Dallas’ GM, Nico Harrison.

But Dončić still has a way to maximize his earnings.

Luka’s Long-Term Play: The $418M Contract

To recoup lost money, Dončić could take a different approach:

• Sign a three-year, $165 million extension this summer
• Include a player option for the 2028-29 season
• Opt out in 2028, when he’ll have 10 years of NBA experience
• Sign a new five-year deal worth up to $418 million

That would make Dončić the highest-paid player in NBA history, with an annual salary exceeding $83 million.

Sounds ridiculous? Maybe.

But with a new TV deal kicking in and the salary cap skyrocketing, nine-figure annual salaries could be reality within a decade.

And if Luka continues playing at an All-NBA First Team level, he will absolutely be worth every penny.

Ask any GM in the league—except for Nico Harrison.

Luka in L.A.: Star Power, But Some Flaws

Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has played 11 games, averaging:

• 24.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 7.6 APG
• 41.1% FG, 32.4% 3PT, 74.7% FT
• 55.1% true shooting

Those numbers seem below his usual standards, but context matters.

• He was recovering from injury.
• He was adjusting to a new system.
• He struggled early but found his rhythm.

In his last eight games, Dončić has ramped up to:

• 28.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.5 APG
• 57.9% true shooting

He’s still a superstar—but he’s not perfect.

The Concerns: Defense, Complaining, and Conditioning

1. Defense – Dončić has never been an elite defender. In a playoff series, teams target him.
2. Whining to Refs – He argues too much, often taking himself out of plays.
3. Fitness Issues – At times, he doesn’t seem in peak shape, raising concerns about longevity.

These were part of why Dallas traded him.

But here’s the reality:

Even with those flaws, he impacts winning more than almost anyone in the NBA.

Numbers Don’t Lie: Luka’s Impact is Real

Before the trade, when Luka was on the floor, Dallas had a +9.9 net rating.

When he sat out? -0.4.

Since arriving in L.A., it’s been a similar story:

• Lakers with Luka: +9.7 net rating
• Lakers without Luka: 0.0 net rating

For a team that still has LeBron James, that’s a big deal.

Even at 40 years old, LeBron remains elite.

But Dončić just turned 26—and in 2028, he’ll still only be 29.

This isn’t just about the present.

It’s about the next decade of Lakers basketball.

The Lakers’ Future: Luka at the Center of Everything

If there was any doubt about who the Lakers are building around, it’s gone now.

When Dončić arrived and said he needed a center, the Lakers immediately tried to trade for Mark Williams.

For years, Anthony Davis had been asking for a true center.

Lakers never did it.

But when Luka asked?

They moved instantly.

That tells you everything you need to know.

Shams Charania put it best:

“The Lakers are prioritizing Dončić in everything they do. They want to help him, support him, and build the franchise around him.”

In other words?

The Lakers' next chapter belongs to Luka.

2028: A $418M Decision That Feels Inevitable

Unless something unthinkable happens—injury, decline, or a total disaster—Dončić will be the Lakers’ franchise player for the next decade.

And that means when 2028 arrives, a five-year, $418 million deal is simply a matter of time.

But right now, none of that matters.

For the Lakers and Dončić, the focus is the present—locking in a playoff spot and chasing a championship.

With a healthy LeBron and Luka together?

Anything is possible.