Luka Doncic made his intentions clear Saturday as the Los Angeles Lakers introduced the All-NBA guard at a press conference following the announcement of his new contract extension.
“We’re going to go for it,” Doncic said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Doncic had agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum extension with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option for the 2028 season, signaling the franchise’s long-term commitment to building around the 26-year-old superstar.
Doncic’s declaration comes after a transformative few months for both himself and the Lakers organization.
Since arriving in Los Angeles via a blockbuster February trade with the Dallas Mavericks — which sent Anthony Davis to Dallas — Doncic has embraced his role as the franchise centerpiece. His immediate impact on and off the court has shaped the Lakers' offseason trajectory.
Luka Doncic’s extension headlines a retooled Lakers roster
The Lakers had already bolstered their roster around Doncic earlier in the offseason, adding center Deandre Ayton and veteran guard Marcus Smart.
Ayton signed a two-year, $8.1 million contract after securing a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, while Smart joined on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option for 2026–27 following his release from the Washington Wizards.
Head coach JJ Redick, entering his second season, now leads a revamped group anchored by Doncic with veteran forward LeBron James returning for his 23rd NBA season after exercising his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer.
Doncic’s offseason has also included personal milestones. He appeared on the cover of Men’s Health, drawing attention for a significantly improved physique and rededication to conditioning. Following the announcement of his extension, Doncic made headlines by pledging $5 million to support 77 young athletes worldwide.
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers,” Doncic wrote on X. “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud.”
With training camp approaching and a renewed sense of direction in Los Angeles, Doncic’s six-word championship claim appears to be more than just a statement — it’s a mission.
