Luka Doncic Alerts Lakers Front Office About Urgency To Reach NBA Finals: “I Don’t Want to Wait”

Lakers star man Luka Doncic is not messing about regarding his goals with the team after signing a 3-year, $165 million deal.

Luka Doncic Alerts Lakers Front Office About Urgency To Reach NBA Finals: “I Don’t Want to Wait”

Luka Doncic (Image by FirstSportz)

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The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to go on the aggressive and show their savviness in the face of a crowded trade market by targeting big names. Nevertheless, Luka Doncic is currently grabbing the attention of his own. Throughout the offseason, there was conjecture: Would he stay? Was he holding back? Any interesting offers? The basketball community was on edge due to conflicting information.

All misgivings, however, have now been dispelled. Doncic has made Los Angeles his permanent home. In a bold move, the Slovenian sensation committed to dedicating himself to the city by signing a three-year, maximum contract agreement with the Lakers worth $165 million.

This sends a clear message that the Slovenian is not here to have fun and play games in the beautiful city. He is here to make a mark, to win titles, and add to the franchise’s iconic history, something that Doncic recently touched on in his interview with ESPN.

I don’t want to wait, I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So let’s do whatever we can now.

Luka Doncic told ESPN

After being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in February, Doncic’s first half-season with the Lakers ended in a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is something the multi-time All Star will be looking to change going ahead with his side. It’s also important to note that Doncic’s remarks come with conviction.

His recent bodily makeover, which saw him go from being out of shape to completely muscled up, is evidence enough. In addition, the Lakers have backed Doncic’s words by adding players like DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia to the team to contend for the 2026 NBA title. This showcases adding depth to the team which they severely lacked last year in the playoffs.

Luka Doncic is confident in the Lakers’ roster ahead of the upcoming season

Over this trade market, the Lakers did all the groundwork to build a good foundation around Luka Doncic. With the Slovenian committing for three years with the Lakers, it is clear that the franchise views him as its main leader going forward.

Notably, Doncic opened up about his teammates in a press conference recently. The NBA finalist is confident that his side has done enough work for them to challenge for the NBA title in the coming season.

We have what we need to compete for the championship. I’ll try to win every game no matter what, and we got some new great guys on the team, so you know we’re going to go for it.

Luka Doncic told the media

It has been reported that Doncic helped convince Ayton and Smart to agree to terms with the Lakers. This previous season, they overcame a number of obstacles, including the need to develop chemistry, to go 50-32 and place third in the Western Conference. Given that, Doncic and others, under the guidance of JJ Redick, will be looking to build on this.

Luka Doncic can earn a whopping $400 million in the long run with the Lakers

For a few weeks, rumors circulated that Luka Doncic would sign a $222 million, four-year contract with the Lakers. His camp, however, had other ideas. They recently decided to sign a three-year, $165 million deal extension with the Lakers. This is mostly because he would be eligible for a five-year contract worth over $400 million in 2028-29, earning him a staggering amount in the long run.

Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Credits: MARCA)

If he chooses to use his player option, that is. Notably, Doncic’s current deal is set to expire during the 2028–2029 NBA season. He will then have the opportunity to exercise his $400 million contract. This demonstrates the brilliant strategy Doncic and his camp plotted for this extension.

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