As expected, the Lakers and Luka Doncic have agreed to terms on a three-year, maximum-salary contract extension that includes a third-year player option, agent Bill Duffy tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
The deal will begin in 2026/27, replacing the player option on Doncic’s current contract. It will be worth roughly $160.8MM over three years based on the NBA’s most recent projection of a 7% cap increase next summer. The total value could reach $165.3MM if the cap ends up rising by the maximum allowable 10%.
Based on a 7% cap increase, the year-by-year breakdown would be as follows:
- 2025/26 (last year of current contract): $45,999,660
- 2026/27 (first year of extension): $49,641,600
- 2027/28: $53,612,928
- 2028/29 (player option): $57,584,256
Both the Lakers and Doncic have put out statements officially confirming the extension.
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers,” Doncic wrote (via Twitter). “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud. Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.
“Today I’m also committing $5 million to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did,” he added in a follow-up tweet. “Basketball gave me everything, and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation.
“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise,” Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said in the team’s statement. “Luka Doncic’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.
“From the moment Luka become a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase. You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
As we outlined earlier today, now that six months have passed since Doncic was traded from Dallas to Los Angeles, he had become eligible to sign a maximum-salary extension that could cover up to four additional seasons beyond 2025/26.
However, a three-year agreement with a 2028/29 player option makes more financial sense for him in the long run, since it will allow him to start his next contract in 2028, once he has 10 years of NBA service and qualifies for a higher maximum salary (starting at 35% of the cap instead of 30%).
If Doncic waits until 2028 free agency to sign his next contract and re-ups with the Lakers at the time, he could get a five-year deal worth up to a whopping $417MM. That $417MM projection would hinge on the salary cap increasing by 10% in each of the next three years, but even with slower cap growth, the five-time All-Star will have an opportunity for a massive, record-setting payday.
The NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2019 and a five-time All-NBA first-teamer from 2020-24, Doncic battled a calf issue last season that limited him to 50 games (22 for Dallas and 28 for L.A.). He still put up his usual superlative numbers when he was available, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game with a .450/.368/.782 shooting line, but he and the Lakers failed to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs after he made the NBA Finals with the Mavericks a year earlier.
Motivated by the early postseason exit and criticism that leaked out of Dallas following February’s blockbuster trade, Doncic has dedicated this offseason to improving his body and his conditioning. He made changes to his diet and workout regimen and looked noticeably slimmed down in a recent Men’s Health photo shoot, as we detailed earlier this week.
We’ll get a chance to see the new-look Doncic in action later this month. He’s set to rejoin the Slovenian national team ahead of this year’s EuroBasket tournament. The club will play a handful of exhibition games in the coming weeks before the event begins on August 27. Slovenia’s group-play schedule will begin with an Aug. 28 matchup against Poland.
As for the Lakers, even with Doncic’s new extension on their books, they’ll have significant cap flexibility going forward. Doncic is their only player who currently has a guaranteed salary beyond the 2026/27 season (Jarred Vanderbilt holds a ’27/28 player option, while three other players have team options on their contracts).
The extension makes Doncic ineligible to be traded for six months, though it’s safe to assume that wasn’t an option the Lakers were considering.
BUT THE DEFENSE!!!
The “OneWay Wonder” ……
Well he’s gotten in shape for the first time in the off season. Now he may actually start to play D. Or should we say try to play D.
Luka holds his own in isolation defense, he ranked among the top 10 in the league at limiting isolation scoring, allowing just 0.79 points per possession.
Where he struggles is in team defense. Still, he’s a better defender than his former understudy who now starts at point guard for the Knicks.
Chucktoad1, I agree with most of that. Luka does know how to use his mass in one-on-one defense.
I’d add effort to “where he struggles”. Maybe it gets better with conditioning, but poor effort in important games was a big part of the Mavs’ discontent.
Brunson will always be an under-average defender because of his size. He always plays hard, though.
Some stats are misleading because Luka defends the weakest offensive player on the floor in isolation. Your worse defender always match up to the worse offensive player. One of the reason for his poor defense is being slow down the court. Why the lakers defense was so poor Luka and Lebron are slow getting back down the court. If JJ doesn’t over play Luka in minutes and with his new body he might get down the court quicker and be better on defense.
Film Study: How Luka Doncic’s Lack of Participation on Defense Hurts Mavs
link to si.com
There is playing D even if you are not that good. Then there is not even trying. So now at 27 he dtart trying …. Gee thanks Luka.
.79 pts in isolation … he couldn’t guard me in isolation. You just make up that stat. I can count 3-4 times he doesnt even run back on defense. Luka spends more time arguing with refs than backing up his teammate. He plays arm defense. Cause he is too fat to move laterally. His defensive rating last yr was 115. Thats bad but not worse cause the other 4 guys have to cover for him. If getting in shape for FIRST TIME in NBA at 27 yrs old doesn’t tel you he doesn’t even try to play D. Oh Well ….
“.79 pts in isolation … he couldn’t guard me in isolation”
In Luka’s defense, you probably have some slick handles.
I used to lol … the thing is he doesn’t even care about D at times. And we can all see it. I can’t forgive that bro
His life swims along , not needing our forgiveness i’m sure!
Trae Young would shut you down in isolation let alone Luka. These are NBA players, the best of the best. You at your best couldn’t hold a candle to them at their worst.
I’m a big fan of balling. My knowledge mostly comes from playing. That just means I can see the game as well as most. You don’t have to be a servant. To see that Luka doesn’t even try at times. You want approval for that. Then you don’t respect the game either. I just posted what basketball players think of his D. You don’t believe them either.
@Knicker Your knowledge mostly comes from playing? You had us all fooled. The game has come a long way since St Barnabas Elementary in 1956
And you are definitely not a savant but probably is a servant lol
Was charles barkley ever in shape ??
Back in the day, he was in shape
It’s a good thing basketball isn’t a team game then, right?
Yeah like KAT right lol
he be locking down the top offensive threats, soon enough
maybe not
Advanced stats have shown that Luka is an above average defender. Look it up.
In lady year’s playoffs Luka was -5.5 across all 5 games including being minus 16 in his sick game. If you exclude the sick game he was minus 3.
Meanwhile LeBron and Reaves were minus 11 each.
Adacance stats doesn’t tell you when he doesn’t even try. Or when he misses assignments. You see his hunger and motivation on OFFENSE. Well what happens to that on DEFENSE ……. Please lols
As a coach, Jason Kidd has been vocal about the importance of Dončić’s defensive participation. After a Game 2 loss to the Suns in a previous series, Kidd directly stated, “He’s got to play defense. There’s no secret – they’re going to put him in every pick-and-roll”. This highlights a key defensive responsibility placed upon Dončić during his time with the Mavericks.
Please play D Luka ———-
You can’t be both out of shape or give little effort on that side of the court if you want to play defense. Hopefully he’s dealt with one of these issues.
??? Got to ask where do you get your stats from? Isolation defense shows him at the second half of the league in defense isolation ratings nothing comes up .79
Dude if ever that word was used with wrong guy lol
Advanced stats say you have to watch him play. To see him not run back on D. Advance stats say fat euros can’t shuffle their legs fast enough to cover a crossover. Luka plays D like the cat Peppy la pue is always chasing. Wants no part of it.
How do Jalen Brunson play defense? No better than The Don. Oh you going to say at least Brunson tries? It don’t work lol
KnickerAI is all ball, yall ain’t even comprehend how well he compares to HOFers. He just never got a chance.
Plus minus for individual players might be the most misleading and meaningless basketball stat
It is not misleading when the player plays 40 minutes a game. It can be misleading when the player plays low minutes.
Another stat during the regular season and the playoffs combined is that the Lakers were negative with both Doncic and LeBron on the floor, but were plus 17 with only Doncic on the floor without LeBron.
I don’t think it’s because LeBron is a bad player. I think it is more an indication that Luka needs to not defer to LeBron. Luka differed to LeBron too much last season. That needs to end.
It’s definitely misleading. It has much more to do with your lineups. If a coach marries a player to another in a lineup, then you have no idea or indication in the stat about those effects. You could be all world defensively and be used in a lot of lineups with all poor defenders. That would affect plus minus.
Also, Luka was not deferring to LeBron as a ball handler very much if you watched games post trade. LeBron was very much an off ball worker playing more of a Draymond role. In fact, Austin Reaves, a much lesser player, is who should be taking a step back in usage and playmaking for Luka. The hierarchy of ball handling post Luka clearly had him as by far the lead layers guard in comparison to LeBron though
IF you watched the games you would have noticed that, especially in the fourth quarter, they were giving the ball to LeBron in isolation inthe half court. He kept on getting turnovers and missing drives.
Luka needs to be the decision maker and in the half court, especially in the fourth quarter. Also, at this point I trust Reaves over LeBron in those situations. LeBron needs to be the slasher or get the open shot pass from Luka or Reaves. He cannot be the iso created anymore.
I did watch the games. It’s called not spamming Luka as initiator. But he got by far the lions share of half court initiation. LeBron definitely finished way more plays vs initiated. The statistics for his assisted baskets show that.
And you trusting Austin reaves as your lead handler in the playoffs over LeBron James when he was getting utterly destroyed being guarded by Edwards, mcDaniels, or NAW over and over again says everything about buying a narrative vs actual footage evaluation
Lakers always getting the best players on the most team friendly contracts.. yet their coaching and culture sucked ever since Kobe retired. Go spurs go.
Their coaching sucked after Phil Jackson retired and their culture was to give Kobe the ball and watch him chuck up terrible shots.
“culture” and “Kobe” dont go in the same sentence
“Kobe” and “rapist” do though
How has the Spurs culture been since 2019?
Still can’t believe the Mavs traded him and not at least get a few more draft picks. Unreal lol
Regardless, on paper, I still like the Mavs’ current roster over the Lakers’. Plus, it further helps that the Mavs appear to be lacking any obvious malcontents; check mark that one for the Lakers.
What does on paper mean? Ignore the obvious injury concerns like AD? or Kyrie’s currently torn ACL?
the new face of the Lakers. Now how will LeBron take it for being turned down for an extension and Luka getting one?
Perhaps he’ll sign a more lucrative contract next season; perhaps he’ll retire… wait and see.
@arc
As per the other article, he never asked for one. He’s already stayed he’s not sure when he’s going to retire. I don’t think he’s ever signed an extension before his current contract expired so why now? It amazes me how a meta hack can mage up an imaginary scenario and the public sales it and turns it into done dramatic standoff. He has always played out the last year of his deal and then decides his next move.
last year he had the option year. This year there is no option year. lakers never approached him about an extension or option year. Just like he is weighing what he will do next year the lakers are weighing what they want to do next year.
He will be chubby again by April
Where are ALL the Laker Fans ……. I guess front runners only come out when you are on top. Key the “Bandwagon Music” ….
Most of us just actually have lives and are immersed with other things. Like the beach, golfing, watching baseball or preseason football. Once training camp begins we will be back in full force. Meanwhile we continue to be entertained by all of you who for one reason or another just cannot stop taking about the lakers. Win or lose they will always be the most relevant team in the Association. It because of Laker fans but because of the rest of the basketball world that just can’t stop taking about the team
Yeah so why are you here.
You went from “where are ALL the Lakers fans?” to “why are you here?” Make up your mind, Al.
Ok sorry I’ll count now … ONE.
did you read his post lol. Go find some wit please.
Knicker, he’s trying to tell you to get a life
Like did you notice nobody reads your posts
No matter how many words
Or how many times you repeat it
Try the Knicks web sites for people who care
You mean like you responding to things you don’t read. The word for that is ignorance. Lol I doubt you can understand anything I write.
Won a Chip Al Bundy
> Meanwhile we continue to be entertained
> by all of you who for one reason or another
> just cannot stop taking about the lakers
Classic! It’s 2025, but you’re not a Lakers fan unless you think you’re the center of the basketball universe.
Are you aware that for every Laker post on this site, there are 150 Warriors posts?
Watching preseason football is part of Laker fan lives? Find better hobbies
I like listening to those who hate the Lakers but can’t stop talking about them. Especially the savants that populate the (message) boards
@Pizzaboy If you see a savant around here let us know.
Basically we got an octogenarian from the Bronx who played in grammar school and an Aussie troll in his Mom’s basement with 6 accounts. Plus a Steph Curry fanboy or two with about 10 accounts.
The rest of us are just along for the ride.
One account and you’re welcome to talk ball or refute any post I make with facts whenever you like. Or just keep reverting to calling people names. Your call.
Just 1 account? At least I got the other parts right.
I’m looking at all your LeBron posts on this thread but I can’t see any “facts”. It’s pure trolling. Talk ball? Get serious. The only thing you do is try to get under other people’s skin
All facts….truth gets under skin. Especially once they’ve realised they’ve been taken for a ride. That’s an age thing. What have I said about that clown that isn’t true?
Calling LeBron James a clown is facts? I’m not a LeBron fan so I don’t care but as soon as I read that I know your past is not going to be about basketball. That’s the definition of trolling.
People are talking about the Lakers because it’s a laker article.
One thing he’s right about and you can kind of check factually is the talk the Lakers generate. Just look at the average number of comments on this site for any post about them compared to any other team
Same place all them front running no championship in 50 years fans are lol
Now that Luka’s long-term deal is official, the speculation intensifies on who will be the superstar to replace LA and by when. Just as Kareem, Shaq, LeBron, and Luka came from elsewhere, the basketball gods decree that there must be another.
Giannis?
Jokić?
Zion?
?
Cooper Flag after he plays out his rookie deal in Dallas.
Please….Flagg is an avid Celtics fan.
I have done -1 research on the numbers but if lakers could somehow swap Vando and Zion I think it’s a win win.
So he makes as much as Chet Holmgren. Makes sense…NBA labor rules don’t make much sense.
@RenoChris, You’re right, of course, that the CBA rules cause some big pricing inefficiencies.
But, IMO, the NBA currently has the best designed scheme of any of the major leagues world-wide, including European football. The proof is in competitive parity and the success of small-market teams.
To achieve that, some pricing inefficiencies are unavoidable.
That’s why Kansas City has been to 5 recent super bowls because the NBA model creates parity while nfl model keeps small markets down.
Luka Doncic’s defense hits shameful levels with Mavericks on brink of being swept by Celtics
Lhttps://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-doncics-defense-hits-shameful-levels-with-mavericks-on-brink-of-being-swept-by-celtics/
Videos
9:31
How To Fix Bad Defense (Luka Doncic Breakdown)
YouTube · Discipline or Regret?
Feb 19, 2025
Luka Doncic’s defense is lacking due to skill and discipline issues. He needs to improve his
more
YouTube · The Colin Cowherd Podcast
26.2K+ views · 1 year ago
“Luka Doncic doesn’t believe defense matters!” | Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright …
12:21
“Luka Doncic doesn’t believe defense matters!” | Colin
AI Overview
Many retired NBA players and analysts have voiced concerns about ‘s defense, even while acknowledging his immense offensive talent.
Here’s a summary of their critiques:
emphasizes that defense is a mindset and questions Doncic’s desire to commit to it, suggesting that he’s capable but needs to prioritize it.
has been notably blunt, calling Doncic the “worst defensive star” of the modern era, according to The Big Lead.
highlights the issue of Doncic needing to “want to play defense,” pointing out that his past reliance on teammates to cover his defensive mistakes is no longer sustainable, says Yahoo Sports.
dislikes watching Doncic play due to his poor defense, particularly the ease with which opponents isolate and score on him, according to Basketnews.com.
asserts that Doncic’s defensive issues stem from his mindset and effort rather than physical limitations, saying “He need to learn how to play some damn defense and not get isolated and picked on”, according to Fadeaway World.
describes Doncic as “lazy” and criticizes his lack of hustle on the defensive end, says BasketNews.com.
While Doncic has garnered praise for his recent physical transformation, retired players like Stephen A. Smith remain skeptical, stressing the importance of sustained conditioning and consistent defensive effort. Some also question the effectiveness of his defensive capabilities even if he gives his best effort, particularly against faster and more athletic players.
Overall, the consensus among many retired players is that Doncic’s defensive shortcomings are a significant area for improvement that could be hindering his team’s championship aspirations.
Only J have been saying it Longer …..
“OneWay Wonder”
You might be the first person to ever quote Nick Wright with a straight face
Congrats
Yeah cause he is the only one who thinks it. Anyone who has played this game for real. Knows who Luka is. Defending that only speaks of yourself.
KnickerAI is the only commenter on this website who knows real ball. He’s the only opinion that matters. Deal with it scrubs.
> You might be the first person to ever quote Nick
> Wright with a straight face
Not just Nick Wright. Also Colin Cowherd.
Next up: Skip Bayless and Steven A. Smith.
5 all-nba teams in 6 seasons. I think that speaks louder than any of our opinions
Let’s not take to posting AI takes here smh. “Retired players like Stephen A Smith” 😂😂🤣
OK so when a player doesn’t even run back on D. That doesn’t bother LocoLuka Clan. They kill Harden for it.
Getting in shape for first time at 27 yrs old. That doesn’t bother LocoLuka Clan. You do understand you have to be in shape to play D.
Fact he spends more time arguing with refs than playing D. That doesn’t bother LocoLuka Clan.
I have seen Luka arguing with ref about a call two mins ago that he didn’t get. While his man goes to basket. And Lively has to foul him. I don’t even watch Mavs that much 8-10 gms a yr. I have seen him do that more than 10 times. Fact is he doesn’t even care to play D. He is above it when you do this C..p. We all know why he gets away with it. Don’t act like you don’t know …
I’m not a Hater ……. I hope at 27 yrs old Luka gets it.
This is a 2way sport. You will never win a chip if you don’t play D. At this point he doesn’t even try or care 30% of the time. Being in shape is step in right direction …….. you don’t have the respect of your teammates. If you don’t even try…. Show Me.
You remember Bron chasing down Iggy in Finals game……..
Luka couldn’t do that if he was waiting for Iggy at foul line lols ….. K
If Luka was chasing him down. Iggy could have missed the shot, and rebounded and put up another shot .K
“Not a hater” says the guy posting nothing but negative comments about Luka 400 times across multiple threads LMAO
All about his D …… every word is true.
—————-//
In slang, a “hater” refers to someone who expresses unwarranted or excessive negativity, criticism, or dislike towards another person or thing, often driven by envy or spite. They may engage in disparaging comments, unfounded accusations, or attempt to belittle others’ successes or achievements. The term is frequently used to describe individuals who are perceived as jealous or insecure, using negativity as a way to feel better about themselves.
——————-
You can say I hate the fact he doesn’t play D. You even know who started using the word lol. Where it comes from … you certainly don’t know it’s meaning. I am the biggest basketball fan on this board.
What do you think of Jokic and his defence in particular, Al?
$160.8 MM? That will buy a lot of Yodels, Ring Dings and cheesesteaks.
It’s good to see Luka getting back in shape and I hope he dominates this season. I feel bad for Mavs fans that management just gave up on him. Dude was 25 and they acted like he was never going to change. He’s clearly started to mature and there’s untapped potential with the better conditioning.
Getting back in shape ???? He will be 27 in Feb
You miss the part where its the first off season he has done this. You think men mature at 27. You think at 27 a light went off in his head. And now he just starts to play D. This is why he is who he is. Cause most people look at him like you do.
This is for you not the board.
Her turns 27 on the last day in February 2026. That means officially he’s 26.
In fact, pictures from previous offseasons show he’s gotten in shape before. Then he gains weight throughout the NBA season.
Lakers fan cycle
Off season- were going to win the championship
First half of the regular season- were one piece away.
Trade deadline- were winning the chip.
First round exit- LeBron had no help, these players suck.
Rinse and repeat in the off-season all over again.
@Buying buckets… Lakers still the most successful franchise in league history… so can you share your thoughts about the other lesser 29 teams, please?
That’s you’re comeback. Man y’all are weak on this site. The article is about the LAKERS. Stop living in the past. Y’all haven’t won anything since y’all had the bean. (Top 7 by the way). Until y’all get rid of LeBron you won’t do anything.
To be fair, they did win the biggest asterisk title in league history 5 years ago…
Nobody counts the Micky mouse clubhouse championship. They had 4 months off. That’s the Span of a off season. To come back and play AAu style tournament. Should have canceled the season. No fans, no travel and most of the players didn’t want to be there. Honestly between that and Draymond Green getting suspended LeBron have 2 legit championships were the nba didn’t interfere.
I tend to agree about the 2020 asterisk, the teams didn’t even play the same number of games and a lot of players had checked out.
And in 2016, it wasn’t just the suspension, but the next game fouling out Steph for the only time in Finals history the MVP was fouled out in a non-OT game, and in game 7 the road Cavs shooting +12 free throws while “somehow” Steph and Klay shot only 1 fta on 36 fga’s after averaging over 9 in the playoffs before that game.
The fouling out and free throws are apart of the game. I never Nick pick in game action. Of course LeBron will get more free throws most stars do. Not saying it right. But the off the court antics such as Draymond suspension changed the series. The next game Andrew bogut got hurt and now they are down two defense. It’s funny that helped him win won more championships but had the warriors had one KD probably wouldn’t go to Golden State.
If fouling out the MVP in the finals is “part of the game”, why has it only happened once in league history?
LMAO
Getting back in shape ???? He will be 27 in Feb
You miss the part where its the first off season he has done this. You think men mature at 27. You think at 27 a light went off in his head. And now he just starts to play D. This is why he is who he is. Cause most people look at him like you do.
LeBron might just go start his own league, lols. Just when Bron thought advocating for a team in Vagas would see him as a owner. Also noted Bron has backers for this apparent liv golf style basketball league. I see it more a globetrotters type thing. Could LeBron pull a Ronaldo and play overseas, like in Saudi Arabia? Be funny watching LeBron get owned in the euroleague. They won’t officiate to the name of the jersey. Also will be tested regularly, so that’s out. Maybe his new league could be the Bron travelling fair well tour, this narcissist clown craves so much. The whole family could travel, lols.
The fact that you think LBJ would end his career in Europe is only more ridiculous than the bottom he would struggle to play against the best in the Euro league. What a joke.
@ Knicks fan cavs fan….first off, pick one team. Secondly, you’re only showing your age. LeBron has scored 36% of his career points from 0-3 feet. In a era where the defensive 3 second rule was born and inforced. Sweet F-all rim protection. On top of that. Defense is soft as butter these days. Another 15% of his career total points came from the free throw line. We’ll call it 50% of his total points. In a era that massively favours to the masses ie. Star calls. For context, someone like say, MJ. Was getting bashed, when not going over or through contact the hard way. Keep in mind he’s 42 next season and yes, he will be tested for say PEDS. The kings assist to turnover ratio isnt exactly good. I know you keep you hearing he’s an awesome passer and great defender with some out this world I.Q….FALSE. 3.1 turnover to assist ratio. OK at best, definitely not great. Maybe good? Can’t play D, infact, refuses to.
OK, on to Europe….No such thing as the defensive 3 second rule and players certainly do not get bailed out because of the name on the back of their jersey when they start crying. Star calls are non existent. Also wtf is a gather step? That’s a travel everywhere else, lols. To refresh, in short. Can’t play D. Won’t get bailed out and would be absolutely nowhere near as effective scoring wise. These Euros are so well drilled in the half court sets. LeBron would be absolutely exposed as the fraud he is. When you get older, you’ll realise, I’m correct. Before you throw your toys out the pram. Try doing your own homework or atleast learning from those in the know about the context of what this self promoted goat has dealt with compared to others. It’s not even about me being right, it’s more gullible you young guys are.
Wow tell us how your really fell. I think LeBron is over rated but he is top 6 all time. I don’t have him 2nd. But he has basketball IQ and in his prime could get to the rim. He is a pretty good rebounder too. He also passes well out of double teams and can be a floor general. NOW THAT WAS HARD TO TYPE. But I will always defend the truth even if I don’t like someone.
No his defense is trash o will agree with that. He is not a killer. It’s why he ran to Miami and the 2011 lost eliminated him for every being top 3 in books. For me it’s all about the teaming up with the comp.that he will never get a pass in my books.
Good move by the Lakers. Just wish they’d actually improve the team. Marcus Smart and LaRavia? 🤨
And contract year Ayton, which is a definite improvement.
The writer should change the title to “Luka Doncic doesn’t know how to play defense but he signed a 3-year extension deal with the Lakers”
😂
Luka is trying to make Joel Embiid’s contract took normal. Both teams will never win a ring with those two contracts on their books.
It’s kind of weird. When James Harden was putting up MVP offensive numbers and playing terrible defense, there were all kinds of YouTube videos pointing it out.
Most media and fans choose to just ignore how terrible Luka has been on that side of the ball.
I saw one writer on CBS sports page say that he doesn’t care if he’s sitting on the bench drinking and smoking, you pay him the 300 million dollar contract.
This was not a fan, but one of their NBA writer saying this nonsense. That is crazy to me.
Also the lack of coverage for Luka’s many missed games due to injuries.
I had no idea he missed so many games until one of the posters here actually pointed it out after the trade.
That was never a part of the narrative about his place in the game. It’s like many in the media choose to look away rather than discuss his flaws.
You can’t be a top 2 or 3 player in the league when you don’t play defense and miss 25 percent of your team’s games.
You’re right about his lack of defense, but you’re exaggerating the percentage of games he’s missed (actually, about 20%).
Thanks for correcting the percentage of games missed. I think even 20 percent deserves more discussion from the writers and pundits. They had no problem labeling Anthony Davis as injury prone.
I’m not certain, but I think it was Knickerbocker Al that pointed out at the time of the trade, Luka’s and AD’s careers percentage of missed games were right around the same number.
But most media give Luka a pass on his shortcomings, so it has never really become a talking point in his career narrative.