Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers Future in Doubt After Playoff Exit: Will He Stay or Go?

Luka Doncic’s debut season with the Los Angeles Lakers concluded abruptly as the team was eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Doncic’s impressive Game 5 performance-28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists-the Lakers fell short, losing the series 4-1.
The early exit marks the second consecutive year the Lakers have failed to advance beyond the first round, raising questions about the team’s immediate future and Doncic’s long-term role in Los Angeles.


In the aftermath of the loss, Luka Doncic addressed speculation about his future with the Lakers. The Slovenian star made it clear that contract decisions were not his immediate focus, stating, “I didn’t think about it yet. I had my focus on basketball. Obviously, this is the time now to think about everything”.
Doncic emphasized his positive experience in Los Angeles, highlighting the support from fans and the community, and expressed gratitude for his integration into the team and city.

Luka Doncic’s future in Los Angeles is one of the biggest storylines heading into the offseason. After being traded midseason from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic is eligible for a significant contract extension with the Lakers. The most lucrative option is a four-year, $228.6 million extension, available for signing as early as August 2.
Accepting this deal would position Doncic as the franchise’s centerpiece for years to come, while also setting him up for an even larger contract in the future-a potential five-year, $418 million deal starting in the 2028-29 season.
Currently, Doncic is under contract through the 2025-26 season, with a player option for 2026-27. If he chooses not to extend, he could become a free agent as early as next summer. The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, face additional contract decisions, including LeBron James’ $52.6 million player option and potential extensions for key role players like Austin Reaves.
Doncic’s transition to the Lakers was dramatic, both for himself and the franchise. Initially reluctant to leave Dallas, Doncic has since embraced his new environment, citing the Lakers’ welcoming atmosphere and the importance of loyalty in his career decisions. While he has not committed publicly to a long-term extension, his recent comments suggest he is open to staying in Los Angeles, provided the organization continues to build a competitive roster around him.
Also read: JJ Redick indirectly blasts Luka Doncic’s ‘lack of fitness’ for Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff collapse? - "There are ones that could have been in better shape!"
As the Los Angeles Lakers regroup following another disappointing postseason, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic’s next move. His decision on whether to sign a contract extension will not only shape the Lakers’ future but could also shift the balance of power in the NBA. For now, Doncic is taking time to reflect and recover, but the upcoming offseason promises to be a defining chapter for both the superstar and the storied Lakers franchise.