Laker Fans Confident on Luka Doncic Extension as Superstar Personally Recruits Marcus Smart

Luka Doncic calling the shots on trade deals has turned heads, sending a positive message to the fans regarding his future with the Lakers.

Laker Fans Confident on Luka Doncic Extension as Superstar Personally Recruits Marcus Smart

Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart (Image by FirstSportz)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

For quite some time now, there have been rumors surrounding Luka Doncic’s future despite him just signing in February’s trade market for the Los Angeles Lakers. Those rumors were recently put to bed when the Lakers announced their newest signing, Marcus Smart, who needed a point-of-attack defender with a surprising twist.

According to ESPN journalist Shams Charania, Doncic played a major role in recruiting and reaching out to Smart, leaving many fans stunned in the process. Doncic is known for his on-court magic in the NBA, which he has showcased for years, and he did so once again with the Lakers this past season. But nobody knew about his off-the-court tricks.

On August 2, Doncic will be able to sign a four-year maximum contract worth $229 million, which is a lot less than the $345.3 million he could have gotten if he had stayed with the Dallas Mavericks. All in all, Doncic will most likely lead the Lakers next season, with the management making him the face of the franchise over another superstar, LeBron James.

One of the major reasons that may influence Doncic to sign the extension. For now, the Slovenian is in pole position to decide his future. As he has not signed the contract extension yet, Doncic can also sign a 3-year contract extension instead of a 4-year one and opt out for free agency in his 4th year.

Despite all of this, it is expected that Doncic would be loyal to the Lakers and sign his 4-year maximum contract extension worth.

Fans left amused after coming across Luka Doncic’s involvement in the Marcus Smart deal

Securing Luka Doncic’s contract extension will surely need some time for the Lakers, as it is the Slovenian who has all the power to make the decision sooner rather than later. However, with Marcus Smart’s acquisition and with Doncic playing a part in it, all signs point towards the Slovenian signing the Supermax contract extension as soon as possible.

At least this is what the Lakers fans think, as they took to various social media apps and sites to make their opinions known on this matter. Check out some of the reactions below:

Many NBA analysts earlier claimed that Doncic would not sign the contract extension this season and would rather wait to watch how the Lakers’ management builds their roster throughout the offseason. But with Doncic actively involved in the decision-making process, it showcases clear signs of the importance he has in Los Angeles.

NBA insider makes interesting Luka Doncic-Lakers contract extension case

While the Lakers look to build their roster around Luka Doncic, one important factor may also be playing on the back of their head, i.e., securing Doncic’s contract extension. Now, ESPN and NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently opened up on this matter. He had a different case, all in all, but turned heads recently. Windhorst claimed that Doncic does not need to sign an extension this year.

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, he can be a free agent next summer when there are going to be 10-plus teams with cap space. You will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka.

Brian Windhorst said
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Image by FirstSportz)

According to Windhorst, he can play in 2025–2026 for the fourth season of his five-year, $215 million contract, even if he doesn’t sign an extension. After that, he has the option to become a free agent and opt out of the forthcoming season. Doncic would maintain his alternatives at the negotiation table by doing this.

Also Read: