Lakers rumors: Luca Doncic s offseason plan is revealed, contract negotiations follow

It is reported that Los Angeles Lakers star Luca Doncic plans to represent Slovenia in the 2025 European Basketball Championship in the offseason.

For Los Angeles Lakers star Luca Doncic, 2025 is a turmoil, and he was deeply hit after being traded by the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers were unexpectedly out of the playoffs and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which would give Doncic more rest than expected, but he would still have a busy summer. ESPN's Dave McMenaming reported that the Lakers star plans to represent Slovenia in the 2025 European Basketball Championship that will begin in late August.

As McMenaming noted, Doncic will be "alongside the company of his 'physical team' throughout the offseason - Slovenia national team physical coach Ange Machek and physiotherapist Javier Barrio Calvo - throughout the offseason". There was some friction between Doncic's "body team" and the Mavericks, and his weight, physical condition and recent injury problems all led to the heavy deal.

The Lakers and their fans certainly want Doncic to get back healthy this summer and use the offseason to get back to form, but participating in the European Basketball Championship means a lot to him. Although there is a risk of injury in the competition, participating in the European Basketball Championship will allow him to stay in a better shape early in the 2025-26 season.

Luka Doncic's Lakers contract situation

In addition to participating in the European Basketball Championship, Luka Doncic also needs to make an important contract decision. The Lakers can offer a four-year, $229 million contract extension on August 2. He could also consider signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension that includes player options, which would allow him to sign a larger maximum salary contract in 2028.

McMenamin reported that Doncic "will slowly consider his decision", but despite his loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there is no evidence that he wants to leave. Doncic has publicly stated that he wants to stay, a source told McMenamin that he feels “welcome” in Los Angeles.

LeBron James has no intention of affecting Doncic's contract decision, he will let it go. LeBron has his own decision for the future, but unless there is an accident, the two are likely to become teammates again next season.