Luka Doncic shares first message for Lakers fans after $165M decision in heartfelt post: "This is just the beginning"

Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers wasted no time putting pen to paper on a three-year max extension on Saturday.

After reaching the Aug. 2 deadline, Doncic agreed to a three-year $165 million deal, cementing his future with the famed franchise.

Immediately after, the five-time All-Star took to social media, sharing a message with fans:

"I just signed my extension with the Lakers. 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."

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The news, of course, comes on the heels of Doncic's recent appearance on TODAY as part of his US media tour. During the appearance, he was asked about a potential extension with LA. In response, he flashed a grin and played coy, pretending not to know what the host was talking about.

Despite that, widespread reports suggested that once Doncic finished up the media tour, he and LA would sit down and finalize an extension.

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"Today is a monumental moment for our franchise," - Rob Pelinka opens up on Luka Doncic extension

As part of the announcement regarding Luka Doncic's contract extension, LA General Manager Rob Pelinka spoke about the significance of the deal.

As one of, if not the single most iconic, franchises in NBA history, the Lakers locking down Doncic to a long-term extension signifies the start of the next era of LA basketball.

The gravity of that was reflected in Pelinka's statement:

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers. ... From the moment Luka became 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.”

With a bolstered roster that includes Deandre Ayton and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, and the hope that second-year players Dalton Knecht and Bronny James can grow into rotational pieces, the Lakers have NBA fans buzzing.

Whether the all-new skinny Luka Doncic can help elevate the team to championship contender status, only time will tell.

Edited by Evan Bell