Luka Doncic Says Extension With Lakers Feels Like a ‘Fresh Start’

August 3, 2025

in Basketball

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Just a year ago, Luka Doncic thought he’d be a Maverick for life. Now, he’s a Laker for the long haul, officially putting pen to paper on a three-year max extension worth up to $165 million.

“I was kind of thinking, obviously not at the moment when I got traded, but later on when I started playing, I wanted to be here,” Doncic said. “Like I said, this is an amazing organization. We have a trust in each other, so honestly, I decided pretty quick.”

For Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Saturday’s signing was more than a contract.

“Six months ago to the day, the Los Angeles Lakers chose Luka Doncic through a trade where he came to our franchise,” Pelinka said. “Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers.”

The extension is not the only thing fans are buzzing about. Doncic showed up noticeably leaner, earning headlines for his offseason conditioning.

“For the first month, I didn’t play basketball at all,” Doncic explained. “We were more focused on other things. So I think that kind of sparked, the first five days was really hard without basketball. I actually didn’t know what to do, but after it was easier. But physically, weightlifting, balancing, those stuff, and then after one month we started playing basketball, too.”

Our digital cover star, Luka Doncic, ready to take his game (and the Lakers) to new levels of dominance. And this summer shred has been years in the making.https://t.co/aB19DY7rrL pic.twitter.com/bjVsf1ampI

— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) July 28, 2025

As for whether the trade sparked a so-called revenge body, Luka downplayed the idea.

“I would just say, it was like a fresh start for me,” Doncic said. “Obviously, I was on my way of doing it [already], but it was just kind of a fresh start. I had a little more time to get my mind on basketball, just doing other things. So, I would just say, like, a fresh start for me.”

Looking up at the 17 championship banners hanging inside the gym, Doncic made his mission clear.

“Honestly, I think we have a great team,” Doncic said. “We have what we need to compete for the championship. I’ll bring whatever I can… We got some new great guys being on the team. We’re going to go for it.”