Doncic getting mega-million deal in LA – but it’s what he did before signing that’s turning heads

Los Angeles Lakers have handed Luka Doncic the keys to the kingdom, positioning him as the new face of the franchise and their best hope of chasing another championship. The Slovenian point guard has spent the summer working hard to get back into top physical shape – one of the key reasons the Dallas Mavericks were willing to part ways with him in the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis the other way.

Dončić also played a decisive role in recruiting the Lakers’ two marquee signings during this transfer window: Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. The moves are a clear sign the front office is building a team around him, determined to tap into his full potential. Dončić is eligible for a new contract extension and, according to Sportklub, is expected to sign it on August 2. Two days later, he’ll link up with the Slovenian national team for this summer’s EuroBasket tournament.

Lakers secure Doncic for the long haul

All signs point to Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers formalizing a long-term commitment in just over a week. The Ljubljana-born star is expected to put pen to paper on a new multi-year deal in California on August 2, one that would keep him in purple and gold for the next four seasons. Even Slovenia’s national basketball coach, Aleksander Sekulić, confirmed that Dončić has unfinished business in Los Angeles before reporting for national duty.

“I expect him to join us after August 4, once he’s fulfilled all his obligations in the United States,” Sekulić said on Wednesday.

Dončić is eligible to sign a maximum extension worth $229 million over four years with the Lakers. The deal would secure the Slovenian guard through the next four seasons, with both sides hopeful that success on the court could turn this into an even longer partnership in Los Angeles.

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