The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season concluded with a disappointing first-round playoff exit, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Despite entering the postseason as the No. 3 seed, the Lakers failed to capitalize on homecourt advantage.

The Mavericks brought in Daniel Gafford at the 2024 trade deadline to fill that exact role. And the fit was so seamless with Dončić that Dallas was jostling with the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals just a few months later.

The Lakers have until August 2 to sign Doncic to an extension. He can sign a four-year, $229 million extension with the Lakers, however he recoup some of the money he lost followi