Lakers Face Crucial Gamble: Who Will Step Up as Luka Dončić’s Game-Changing Partner?

While the Lakers do have Austin Reaves, he’ll likely be a free agent in 2026 and his contract is worth dramatically less than his on-court production. Reaves, who is also more of a playmaker who needs the ball in his hands to be effective, isn’t necessarily a clean fit with Dončić, and the organization should be looking for either a big wing or an All-Star-caliber big man to pair with the Slovenian.

With Dončić now signed, the Lakers will pivot toward identifying a secondary star who eventually will take over for 40-year-old LeBron James.Well, here we go again—the Los Angeles Lakers have locked in Luka Dončić with a hefty three-year deal worth a cool 5 million, with that intriguing third year giving Luka the power to decide his own fate. It’s no surprise, really; when you’ve got a talent like Dončić on your roster, you want to make sure he’s in the fold as you chase those championship dreams. But this isn’t just about the digits on the contract—it’s a game-changer for the Lakers’ blueprint moving forward. Now, with Luka secured, the Lakers are on a ticking clock and the hunt for a true co-star begins, someone who can seamlessly step up as LeBron James steadily moves toward the twilight of his storied career. What shifts will the Lakers make? Which pieces will fall into place to build around Luka’s undeniable talent? There’s a lot at stake, and honestly, the coming seasons will reveal just how much the organization believes in the star they’ve just doubled down on. Intrigued? You should be. LEARN MOREThat said, it certainly appears Dončić is also keeping his options open. While the path toward nearly half a billion is now laid out, it’s also fair to consider Dončić’s own competitiveness in all of this, especially as someone who has been to the NBA Finals recently.

The chase for another star begins now

That said, it certainly appears Dončić is also keeping his options open. While the path toward nearly half a billion is now laid out, it’s also fair to consider Dončić’s own competitiveness in all of this, especially as someone who has been to the NBA Finals recently.

That said, it certainly appears Dončić is also keeping his options open. While the path toward nearly half a billion is now laid out, it’s also fair to consider Dončić’s own competitiveness in all of this, especially as someone who has been to the NBA Finals recently.

By 2028, Dončić will be eligible for 35% of the cap, as he then would have 10 years of service, meaning he’ll be eligible for a five-year deal worth 7 million, assuming the annual salary-cap increases don’t vary too much.Deandre Ayton, who signed with the Lakers after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, is likely to be given a real chance at establishing himself as the center moving forward, but given the uncertainty of their fit, it’s too soon to write his name into the lineup over the next few years.Let’s put the deal into context and break down where we go from here.Dončić didn’t sign an extension for what is a full ride, and he can thus be a free agent earlier, if he so chooses, via his player option.