Uncertainty swirls around Luka Doncic’s Lakers future after ownership change

Luka Doncic appears thrilled about the winds of change sweeping through the Los Angeles Lakers. The Slovenian star took to social media to share his excitement following a major shake-up in the Lakers’ front office: billionaire Mark Walter is set to replace Jeanie Buss as the franchise’s majority owner.

Buss, the daughter of the legendary Jerry Buss, is expected to remain involved as the team’s governor for the foreseeable future. But with Walter now holding the financial reins—and reportedly ready to invest heavily—it’s clear the Lakers are entering a new era. And at the center of it all is Doncic, the franchise cornerstone around whom the purple and gold will be built.

Doncic’s reaction to Lakers ownership change

In the NBA, franchise stars have significant influence behind the scenes, and Doncic’s reaction speaks volumes. “The Lakers are an amazing organization,” he posted on X. “I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!”

What future options does Luka Doncic have with the Lakers?

In a recent ESPN piece, reporters Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin explored how Walter’s ownership could impact the team’s plans this summer—starting, naturally, with Doncic’s future. The 25-year-old arrived from Dallas with one guaranteed year left on his current deal and a player option for the following season.

Several paths are now on the table:

• Sign a contract extension on or after August 2 worth up to $229 million over four years.
• Opt for a shorter, two-year extension that keeps him in L.A. through 2028—his 10th NBA season—after which he’d be eligible for a five-year, 35%-of-cap supermax deal.
• Play out the remainder of his current contract and either re-sign with the Lakers in 2026 for a max five-year, $296 million deal or hit unrestricted free agency.

Mark Walter takeover “huge” for Doncic’s future

A source close to Doncic told ESPN that Walter’s “virtually unlimited resources” and his winning track record with MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers—whom he purchased in 2012—are swaying the star’s thinking. “You always want to play for owners with deep pockets—and his speak for themselves. Luka wants to win. This owner clearly wants to win. That’s a huge advantage.”

Lakers’ short-term financial issues

In the short term, L.A.’s roster situation is complicated. LeBron James has a $52.6 million player option for next season, and all signs point to him opting in. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith—who joined midseason—also has a $15.3 million player option yet to be resolved.

Then there’s the glaring hole at center, which remains the Lakers’ most urgent need, along with bolstering their outside shooting. But they won’t have much cap flexibility to work with: if LeBron stays, the Lakers will only have the $5.7 million midlevel exception available to lure free agents. On top of that, they can only dangle one future first-round pick (either 2031 or 2032) in trade talks.

So while Walter’s billions may not make a splash this summer, they could have a profound effect by 2026. In the meantime, his presence will likely be felt in less visible—but no less important—areas of the organization.

Building a championship infrastructure

When Walter took over the Dodgers, one of his first moves was to assemble elite professionals across the board—front office executives, medical staff, scouts, analysts—regardless of cost. That investment has paid off, transforming the Dodgers into one of baseball’s gold-standard franchises.

If he applies the same philosophy in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be headed for a similar renaissance—not just on the court, but throughout the organization. For Doncic, that kind of commitment to excellence may be all the reassurance he needs to stake his long-term future in Hollywood.

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