With his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers coming to an end, is Luka Doncic looking for a new home? While he is expected to sign an extension with the Lakers, speculations have been ripe regarding his future.
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During his time with the Lakers, the Slovenian forward has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. As of right now, Doncic is nearing the end of the Jordan Brand tour, which sees him making final stops in New York, Chicago and, finally, the City of Angels. Some suspect that last stop returns him to town to sign said extension.
Doncic is eligible to sign a four-year contract with the Lakers that could make him $229 million richer. He could also opt for a three-year deal worth about $165 million that includes a player option for the third year, according to CBS’ Jasmin Wimbish.
Unfortunately for fans, neither the Lakers management nor Doncic feels like spilling the beans at the moment.
Ahead of joining Slovenia for the EuroBasket qualifiers, Doncic joined TODAY to discuss a multitude of topics, from the criticism of his weight to Kobe Bryant’s impact on him to his future in the NBA.
Upon being prodded by one of the hosts to give fans a hint about the Lakers situation, Doncic said, “I don’t know what you are talking about,” to a chorus of laughter.
Pressed again to give something up for the cameras, Doncic added, “I can’t discuss anything yet.” While he didn’t reveal anything from a legal standpoint, it can be surmised with some certainty that Doncic will be donning the purple and gold again this season. Fans, of course, would have liked a more direct response.
Doncic, meanwhile, seems to have found an answer to all the criticism about his fitness. Even when he was with the Dallas Mavericks, critique of his work ethic sometimes made headlines more than his performances.
Then came the shocking trade that saw the Mavericks ditch him. This was despite his brilliance helping them reach the NBA finals just months before.
Doncic was naturally unhappy with the decision and reportedly broke his phone upon hearing the news. Unfortunately, his time with the Lakers didn’t do his reputation any favors, as they crashed out of the first round of the playoffs. It also lent credibility to the Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison’s assessment that Doncic needed to be fitter to win at the highest levels.
Now, properly rested and recovered from injuries, Doncic looks as lean as he did in 2018, his rookie year. If he continues to keep his fitness in check and can summon his powers of old, he’ll be primed to manhandle defenders of the post.
Perhaps, Luka’s first full season with the Lakers will be the best opportunity for him to bag the much-awaited MVP title. But first, he’s got to sign that contract.
