Insider claims Lakers are 'stressed' to extend ex-Mavericks star Luka Doncic

Among the many reasons they were cited for Luka Doncic being traded last season was his contract. This offseason, the superstar guard is eligible to ink an extension if he chooses. Though it won't be as high as it could have been with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic is still in a position to secure a handsome payday if he so chooses. 

While on NBA Today earlier this week, insider Brian Windhorst touched on Luka potentially signing a new deal with the Lakers. He noted that LA is stressed, as failing to lock him down could result in teams across the league making a push for him. 

"This is a stress max right now for Luka, the Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it," Windhorst said. "If he signs it, relief for the Lakers, they can spend a little bit of time looking at their roster over the next two or three years...If he doesn't sign it, he can be a free agent next summer when there's gonna be 10-plus teams with cap space. If he does not sign it, you will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka."

Windy: "This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it. They want the no stress max" https://t.co/LJjPmW4O0m pic.twitter.com/lqs1reLA4H

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 15, 2025

It goes without saying how important it is for the Lakers to secure an extension with Doncic this offseason. The last thing they want is him and LeBron James essentially playing on expiring contracts in 2026. Especially considering a handful of teams around the league have lined up their books to be big spenders next offseason. This opens the door for a doomsday scenario where LA could lose both of its star players in one summer. 

When the Lakers gave up Anthony Davis to acquire Doncic from the Mavericks, they did so with the long term in mind. As a star talent in the prime of his career, the franchise views him as someone they can build around for the foreseeable future. Only time will tell if Doncic is willing to lock in with LA or keep his options open now that he's no longer tied to the franchise that drafted him.