Luka Dončić Poised to Copy Kobe Bryant’s 2013 Loyalty Move

LOS ANGELES – Luka Dončić’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the league. The first-round exit that followed? Disappointing. But Dončić didn’t sulk. He went to work. Luka transformed his body and silenced critics about his conditioning. He stepped up off the court too. Dončić helped bring Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to L.A. after buyouts. Now, he’s set to make his biggest off-court move yet—sacrificing salary. Luka Dončić’s ‘discounted’ contract will be the Lakers’ biggest offseason win.

Luka Dončić Poised to Copy Kobe Bryant’s 2013 Loyalty Move With Contract ‘Discount’

Why Luka’s Playing the Long Game

Dončić’s six-month trade restriction expires August 2. That opens the door to more lucrative options. Until now, he’s only been eligible for a three-year extension worth $156.7 million. But starting August 2, he can sign a four-year deal projected at $222.4 million—or up to $228.6 million if the cap jumps.

Still, this extension doesn’t make up for what he lost in the trade. Dončić was eligible for a five-year supermax—projected at $336.9 million—with the Mavericks.

That’s nearly $100 million in lost earnings.

Had he taken a shorter three-year deal with a player option, he could have opted out after Year 3. That would have set him up to sign a new max deal worth 35% of the cap.

Instead, reports suggest he’ll go for the four-year deal now. This cements Luka Dončić’s contract ‘discount’ as a calculated, team-first decision.

Why the Lakers Win With Luka’s Choice

If the deal happens, Dončić will earn around $61 million in 2029-30. For comparison, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will make $70 million that year. Nikola Jokić could earn more if he extends next summer.

Dončić is easily in their tier—but he’ll be making less. That $10 million gap could be the difference between adding role players or being handcuffed by the second apron.

Once again, Luka Dončić’s ‘discounted’ contract could reshape the Lakers’ ability to contend in the years ahead.

Loyalty Like Kobe—But With a Twist

In 2013, Kobe Bryant took a pay cut. He signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal when he could’ve earned nearly $68 million. His decision was about loyalty. He wanted to retire a Laker. He wanted to help the front office rebuild.

Dončić’s situation is different. He’s not approaching the end—he’s in his prime. Still, the message is the same. Kobe sacrificed dollars to stay and lead. Now Luka Dončić’s ‘discounted’ contract signals his commitment to doing the same.

And like Kobe, he’s betting on the big picture.

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Luka Dončić Poised to Copy Kobe Bryant’s 2013 Loyalty Move