Luka Dončić may have only spent a few months with the Los Angeles Lakers, but by all accounts, he is ready to make a longer-term commitment. On Aug. 2, the extend-and-trade restrictions limiting what Dončić can earn in a deal with the Lakers expire.

It's been a fruitful offseason thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers, who saw LeBron James opt in for the 2025-26 season and who addressed major needs by signing center DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart.

The body, the publicity, the determined look in his eyes, the sweat reflecting the spotlights, it’s all part of Dončić’'s bigger plan.