Any doubts over Luka Doncic’s long-term commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers has “dissipated considerably,” according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Doncic played an active role in the Lakers signing both Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. Stein adds that Doncic’s pitch to Smart played an important role in the guard choosing to sign with the Lakers instead of the Suns.
Doncic’s team and Rob Pelinka have collaborated throughout the free agency period, with Doncic wanting the team to add a rim-running center, outside shooting, and defensive help.
Pelinka, JJ Redick, and Doncic met shortly after the Lakers were eliminated by the Timberwolves in the first round to discuss the future of the team.
Doncic will not be extension-eligible until August 2nd, and there were reports that he could wait until after Eurobasket in September to make a decision.
Doncic will be eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension with the Lakers. If he chooses to play out this season without signing a new deal, he could receive a five-year, $296 million deal with the Lakers next summer.