How the Luka Dončić Extension Impacts the Lakers Now and in the Future
It was the morning of the first day he was eligible to get it done, and while at this point it was expected, that it happened so fast is still a great sign for the present and future of the relationship between Luka and the Lakers. At the press conference on Saturday, Rob Pelinka spoke (not surprisingly) in glowing terms about Dončić and reiterated the excitement he feels having him committed to the org for the near future. Meanwhile, the contract not only sets up Luka to sign a massive, $400+ million deal in 2028, it gives the Lakers a guide path forward. They know who the star is, what he's going to cost, and can plan accordingly. And all of it while keeping good flexibility for next year and the year following, and paying Dončić less over the next two seasons than they would have been paying Anthony Davis. All in all, there's a lot to like. So where do the Lakers go from here (other than to see the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Vegas)? What will a full summer of training and healing mean for Luka? What will a full training camp for a roster with some solid continuity do for the Lakers? What will it mean for the on-court chemistry between Luka and LeBron James? How will the time impact JJ Redick's capacity to leverage his stars most effectively? All of it should, and needs to, have a major impact. Meanwhile, people are also talking about LeBron, who was not among the Lakers at the facility for the press conference. According to Marc Stein, though, LeBron connected with Luka through Facetime. Would fans prefer a big public display? Clearly. But in terms of what actually benefits the Lakers, it really doesn't make much of a difference. There's no reason at all to believe there's a problem between Luka and LeBron, or that this season will be impacted by discontent from Team James towards Team Luka. Everything's fine, folks. Long term questions remain about LeBron's future in LA, but for now, it's ok to relax and enjoy some good news. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka re-ups with LA, and quickly. SEGMENT 2: How a quick signing helps the team now and down the road. SEGMENT 3: Training camp, baby! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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