Luka Doncic‘s first move after signing a lucrative extension with the Los Angeles Lakers endeared him more to the fans.
Doncic wasted no time committing to the Lakers long-term on the first day he was eligible to extend.
On Aug. 2, Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million maximum extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The new Lakers franchise star also announced shortly that he’s giving back $5 million of his new contract.
“Today I’m also committing $5 million to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything, and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation,” Doncic wrote on X.
Fans were quick to shower Doncic’s generosity.
“This is an incredible gesture, Luka. Great to see. 🙏 ,” replied one fan.
Another fan wrote: “HUMANITARIAN LUKA.”
“Heart,” one fan simply but meaningfully described Doncic’s generous donation.
“Amazing basketball player, but an even better human being. 🙏🏻 ,” wrote another fan on X.
Luka’s Generous Acts Since Lakers Trade
Doncic has made notable donations since moving to Los Angeles after the shocking midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
Shortly after the trade, Doncic, through his foundation, donated $500,000 to L.A. wildfire recovery efforts. He also pledged to work with local organizations to help rebuild basketball courts, playgrounds, and other sports fields damaged by the fires in the L.A. area.
Doncic also donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign to restore a vandalized mural depicting Kobe and Gianna Bryant in Los Angeles.
GettyA mural depicting Kobe Bryant greeting Luka Doncic at Carrera Cafe in Los Angeles
Lakers president Rob Pelinka lauded Doncic’s humanitarian efforts in the Los Angeles community after the 26-year-old global superstar signed his extension.
“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase,” Pelinka said in a team statement. “You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
Luka Bets on Himself
The Slovenian star could have signed for a four-year, $229 million deal, but chose the shorter contract with a player option in 2028 that sets him up for a monster payday in 2028.
ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks previously reported that a shorter extension will make Doncic eligible to sign a monster contract in the immediate future.
“And that third year, and why the short-term option is because that third year, that player option year would have him with 10 years of service in the summer of 2028,” Marks said on “NBA Today” on Aug. 1. “And get ready for this number. He would now be eligible for five years, potentially $417 million that summer. So all that money he lost in the supermax from Dallas, he could definitely recoup that and then some three years from now.
Doncic is betting big himself after the Dallas Mavericks lost their faith in him when they traded him and stripped him of the chance to sign what would have been a historic five-year, $345 million max extension deal this summer.
Lakers Star Luka Doncic’s First Move After Extension Melts Hearts