Extension Sements wound dončić as Centerpiece Los Angeles Lakers

El Segundo, California – Nearly six months ago, Dončić’s wound sat in the same place he was on Saturday afternoon in the Los Angeles Lakers training facility, but there was a significant contrast in his attitude.

During the press conference with his franchise in early February, the smile and smile found the face of the 26-year-old Slovenian star, but it was clear through his tone and body language that he was still emotionally and mentally staggered from the shocking trade that took him to Los Angeles from Dallas Mavericks.

It was not a Saturday case, when Dončić felt slimmer and the new lakers signed an extension of a three -year contract, $ 165 million which increasingly established Dončić as the face of franchise.

“I thought, even clearly not when I was traded, but then when I started playing, I wanted to be here,” Dončić pondered. “This is an extraordinary organization. We have trust in each other. Honestly, I decided (to sign the extension) beautifully (fast).”

There was no bleak emotions this time from Dončić, with Balkan music exploded in all training facilities before he and Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka held a press conference to celebrate Dončić’s extension.

“Six months ago, Los Angeles Lakers chose the wound of dončić through trading where he came to our franchise,” Pelinka said. “(On Saturday) the wound of Dončić chose Los Angeles Lakers, and that was a monumental moment in the history of Lakers.

“And we cannot be more grateful for (dončić) chose this partnership. The best young basketball players in the universe join for the long -term future of the best sports franchise in the world.”

An unforgettable photo collection from Dončić’s short time with Lakers and with the Slovenian national team on display on the training floor.

“Being a laker is an honor and I want to be here,” said Dončić. “Obviously, when you look here, there are so many big names and what they achieve. I also want to be there one day.”

And when dončić sat with Pelinka, with championship banners and the number of retirees of Lakers legend around them, it was a reminder of the purpose of Dončić and the franchise for the future – short and long term.

“We have a great team. We have what we need to compete for the championship,” said Dončić. “I will try to win every game whatever happens. We have some great people in the team, so, you know, we will do it.”

Even with dončić approaching the peak of his career and lakers made an increase in the list that also allowed them to maintain flexibility to improve the list in the future, Pelinka clarified the importance of the Dončić agreement for the team’s ability to become challenger challenges now.

Dončić is the center of the offseason lakers movement outside the contract extension, helping to recruit Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles.

“This is the middle and the foundation part,” Pelinka said about signing Dončić to the extension. “We like the improvement we can make for the list. But that does not mean we will be satisfied. Every year we are in an unlimited cycle to try to improve this team and win the championship and we will remain committed to the work.”

Many key members from the Dončić camp – including his father, Sasa, Agent Bill Duffy and Business Manager Lara Beth Seager – Present. Likewise, Lakers coach JJ Redick and several teammates of Dončić teams, including Ayton, Smart, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Adou Thiero.

Six months ago, Dončić and Lakers celebrated the start of the new chapter while Dončić closed the page on the others. And Saturday is a commitment to a commitment for sustainable partnerships.

One important absence from Saturday’s event was the Lakers Star LeBron James, MVP four times 40 years old who chose a choice of $ 52.6 million for 2025-26 for the 23rd NBA season that had never happened before.

Shortly after James, the top scorer of the 41 -year -old league in December, chose to the agreement, his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, released a statement that reiterated James’s desire to compete for the championship and that they would “evaluate what was best for LeBron at this stage in life and career.”

James has a clause without trading in his contract.

“All the interactions we have with LeBron and the camp, rich in particular, have been positive and supportive,” Pelinka said. “Dialogue with him has been open and constant.

“And then in terms of LeBron’s career, page 1 that we have to do there is the respect that he and his family in how long he will play – that is the first and especially. And we want to respect his ability to make a very important schedule.

Initially published: August 2, 2025 at 21:09 EDT