Overview

• Dončić averaged 34.7 points at EuroBasket with visibly improved mobility and defensive impact, as Lakers leadership attended games and maintained a supportive group chat with his camp.
• Pelinka signaled a willingness to add multi-year salary for the right player, with reporting describing an aggressive approach ahead of the February trade deadline using expiring contracts and a future first.
• Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension on Aug. 2, keeping him under contract through at least 2028 with an opt-out that preserves a potential supermax in 2028.
• Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason, retaining flexibility with multiple expiring deals as the team shapes a roster around Dončić.
• Sources say Dončić tells the team daily his goal is a championship and that he trusts the front office; in a separate interview he said he could someday finish his career with Real Madrid.