NBA insider predicts that Luka Dončić will re-sign, spend next decade with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world ahead of the trade deadline as they sent Anthony Davis, Max Christine and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. The superstar guard has been involved in the franchise's decision-making process this offseason as he helped recruit both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.

There have been questions about Dončić's long-term future in Los Angeles as he will eligible to sign an extension on Aug. 2. Lakers radio play-by-play announcer John Ireland and NBA insider Ramona Shelburne revealed that all signs point to him signing the deal.

"Every indication is that they are building this thing around Luka with his input," Lakers radio announcer John Ireland stated. "And I'm convinced he's staying."

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"I'm going to say this and I know I'll get aggregated, but I feel this strongly about it," NBA insider Ramona Shelburne added. "I would be shocked if he didn't sign an extension."

Ireland and Shelburne both agreed that they expect Dončić to spend the next decade in Los Angeles. The latter doubled down on her prediction during an appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today".

"I would be very surprised if he did not extend with them -- at least for the shorter term deal that he could do -- because they have all been behaving and talking in forever terms," Shelburne stated. "They've all been talking like we are a partnership now... This is not a player that's looking like (he's) going to leave as a free agent next year."

The Lakers immediately made Dončić the focal point of their plans after acquiring the five-time first-team All-NBA guard. While they have built a competitive roster around him and LeBron James, Los Angeles has kept one eye on the future.

The front office has reportedly been unwilling to sign players to deals longer than two years as they plan to maintain cap flexibility. The Lakers are planning to keep their books clean for the stacked free agent class of 2027, where they are hoping to land a long-term co-star for Dončić.

More NBA: Lakers could move on from LeBron James, Luka Dončić pairing with slow start