Luka Dončić is eligible for a four-year, $223 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Aug. 2. That may seem like eye-watering money, but the superstar could end up with a far bigger payday if he plays his cards right.

Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton “were motivated” to team up on the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Ayton signed a two-year contract with the Lakers after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.