Why Deandre Ayton Chose The Lakers: Luka Doncic Is Irresistible originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

Conversely, while James' future in L.A. still remains up in the air, it's expected that Doncic will re-sign with the team, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2, or he can sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a 2028 player option.

The Los Angeles Lakers are putting the pieces together for their run in the coming 2025-26 NBA season. After trading away big man Anthony Davis in the deal that brought Luka Doncic to L.A., the Lakers were unable to fill the void that Davis left in the frontcourt before the trade deadline.