Lakers Focused on Future with Luka Doncic Decision Looming; JJ Redick Backed Despite Playoff Exit

Luka Doncic’s next move could shape the Lakers’ next decade — or at least the next few years.

Doncic, acquired in a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, will become extension-eligible this summer and has several contract options on the table. As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick report and we’ve relayed repeatedly, the Lakers are prepared to offer him whatever structure he prefers.

That includes a projected four-year, $229 million maximum deal as early as August 2, or a shorter-term pact with a player option that would allow him to re-enter free agency in 2028, when he’ll qualify for a higher salary tier after 10 years of NBA service.

The sense from those close to Doncic, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, is that he feels “wanted” in Los Angeles. But don’t expect a decision right away.

And don’t expect LeBron James to push him either.

“No, that ain’t my job,” James told ESPN. “Luka knows how I feel about him… but ultimately, he’s got to make a decision for him. S–t, I ain’t going to be around much longer.”

James, who turns 41 next season, has his own player option to consider this summer. While most expect him back in LA, Buha and Amick note that a departure isn’t entirely off the table.

What is off the table? A discount. LeBron isn’t expected to shave money off his deal this time around — not after giving up $2.7 million last summer in hopes of luring a marquee free agent. That plan fizzled, and the Lakers never landed James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson, or Jonas Valanciunas.

Meanwhile, first-year head coach JJ Redick is staying put, despite a rocky playoff debut.

Redick took heat for his rotation decisions — and for storming out of a Game 5 press conference — but the Lakers remain committed to his long-term vision, team sources say. He also appears to have full backing from the locker room. Doncic praised Redick’s coaching style, calling it “amazing,” and James has publicly supported him as well.

“These things take time,” Redick said, echoing comments from Lakers president Rob Pelinka. “Particularly with star players.”

Pelinka added that the Lakers now have a rare window to recalibrate.

“When you make a seismic trade at the deadline, your roster and the building around it, it’s kind of like trying to build an airplane in the sky,” he said. “Now we get a chance to land that plane, put it in the hangar, and really figure out the parts of it that we need to retrofit and change. That’s what we’ll do.”

The Lakers believe they’re still building something special. Whether Doncic joins them on that ride long term? That answer may define what comes next in Los Angeles.