The La Lakers landed a bargain when they ran a trade that surprised basketball.
It’s been two months since La Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks agreed to Luka Donsic’s trade. The shock movement changed the potential timeline of success for both teams by MAVS shortening the window.
Luka Doncic has averaged 27.5 points per game for the Lakers so far, including a triple double against the Mavericks when the two teams face off.
The move was a dream acquisition that team president Jeannie Bass didn’t believe was impossible, and from a value standpoint, the Lakers have acquired one of the top stars who are more valuable than the money the team pays him.
The Dallas Mavericks have moved from Luka Donsic. Because they were worried that they would have to pay the Slovenians a qualified Super Max contract.
Doncic was no longer eligible for Super Max when he attacked free agency in 2026.
Even if the Lakers end up paying, other teams will land a bargain on that.
Tim Macmahon, an ESPN expert and author of Luka Doncic’s new book, explained when he appeared on Johan Buva’s YouTube channel.
He said:
“To be honest, like you talk to people around the league, and I asked a lot, I’m what is his worth to people in the analysis?
“And a lot of them will tell me he’s $100 million. $100 million a year. SuperMax averages under 70.”
This estimate speaks to Luka Donsic’s impact and his potential lifespan for the team. At just 26 years old, if they managed to re-sign him, the Lakers could enjoy his service in the best part of the next decade.
MacMahon individually said that a single team executive and insider agreed to Mavericks’ decision and said he added that he “broke Luka Doncic’s heart.”
The best paid player of the current NBA season is Stephen Curry, according to ESPN, who has made $55.7 million between 2024 and 25.
On average over the contracts agreed over that period, Joel Embiid is the best paid player in the NBA. It is set to earn $64.3 million a year through 2028.
Luka Donsic’s salary for the current season is $43 million. The improved deal will mean he will make more landfalls, but he is still under $100 million, which is estimated to be truly worth it.