Aug 2, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka attends a press conference for guard Luka Doncic (77) announcing the signing of a 3-year, $165 million contract extension at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Did the Lakers do what they needed to in free agency this offseason to win a championship with Luka Doncic and LeBron James?

Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean believes Luka Doncic's improved fitness is still a work in progress.

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Luka Doncic consistently highlights the Lakers' leadership in a calculated way.

When the monumental trade of Luka Doncic from the Mavericks to the Lakers went down back in February, legendary Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki was on the road. He learned of the deal much the same way the rest of us did, when stunning reports of the very hush-hush trade finally leaked out.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as How Much The Los Angeles Lakers Will Pay Luka Doncic Next NBA Season. Luka Doncic is going into his first full season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Following a whirlwind season, he will now be able to start fresh.