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Luka Doncic Answers His Lakers Future Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 6:54 PM ET

Luka Doncic wanted to spend his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. The All-Star was devastated when the Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers, so much so that he cried and threw his phone in frustration.

Doncic was eligible to sign a five-year, $345 million extension with the Mavericks this offseason. While he can't sign that contract with the Lakers this summer, Doncic is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million contract with Los Angeles in August, per ESPN.

During a wide-ranging Friday interview with Malika Andrews of ESPN, Doncic was asked if he wants to remain with the Lakers for the rest of his career and the 25-year-old didn't mince words.

"Yes," Doncic said.

This is good news for the Lakers, who signed Rob Pelinka to an extension on Friday.

Pelinka, who is now the president of basketball operations and general manager, will look to sign Doncic to a lucrative extension this summer.

“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. "I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere.”

The Lakers are the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They will play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

Doncic and the Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves in the 2024 Western Conference Finals in five games.

Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists this season with the Mavericks and Lakers while shooting 45.0% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 78.2% from the free-throw line. He had 21 double-doubles and five triple-doubles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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