Title: Luka Doncic’s Unbelievable Journey: From Mavericks Miracle to Lakers Superstar
The Rise of Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic’s NBA journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just six years, he has become one of the league’s most dominant players. The Slovenian sensation, drafted in 2018, quickly became the cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks, steering them from the ‘era Nowitzki’ to the ‘era Doncic’. His first six seasons were nothing short of remarkable, with accolades piling up, including Rookie of the Year, five consecutive All-Star appearances, and five selections to the All-NBA First Team.
The 2023-24 season was set to be Doncic’s best yet. He was on pace to average an astounding 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, leading the league in scoring and finishing third in the MVP race. But the basketball world was left in disbelief when, in what seemed like a surreal plot twist, the Mavericks transferred their talisman to the Los Angeles Lakers, shocking the NBA landscape.
The Fall and the New Dawn
The transfer marked a significant turning point in Doncic’s career and life. It not only affected him personally and emotionally but also economically. Had he remained with the Mavericks, Doncic was expected to sign a supermax contract extension this summer, a five-year, $345 million deal that would have been the richest in NBA history.
But the Mavericks’ sale and the subsequent change in management at the franchise led to a dramatic shift in plans. Now, Doncic faces difficult decisions about his future. Here are a few potential paths he could take:
1. Max Contract with the Lakers
The simplest option is for Doncic to sign for the maximum contract allowed for a transferred player. This would amount to a four-year, $228.6 million deal.
2. Two+One Contract followed by a Supermax
Another route is for Doncic to sign a three-year, $165.3 million deal, with a player option in the third year. In 2028, he would have the right to sign a supermax extension, locking him in with the Lakers until 2033 and potentially earning him over $417 million in total.
3. The Free Agency Route
Lastly, if Doncic decides to test free agency in 2026, he could sign with the Lakers for four years and $219.4 million, or with another team for four years and $202.4 million. However, this scenario seems unlikely given his public statements expressing his satisfaction with the Lakers.
Q: What does the Lakers supermax contract look like?
A: If Luka Doncic were to sign a supermax extension with the Lakers, it could look like this:
- Season 2028-29: $72 million
- Season 2029-30: $77.8 million
- Season 2030-31: $83.5 million
- Season 2031-32: $89.3 million
- Season 2032-33: $95 million
Did you know?
Luka Doncic is one of only five players in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game over an entire season. The others? Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pro Tip
Don’t miss the chance to see Doncic’s first consecution with the Lakers this upcoming season. He’s determined to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
So, what’s next for Luka Doncic? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain – the basketball world will be watching with baited breath as this generational talent penches the next chapter of his story.