“The pressure is on the organization between now and August 2 to get Luka [Dončić] to sign that extension”, Brian Windhorst said about Luka Doncic and his future in LA. It’s been a conversation ever since the shocking trade went through. Luka Magic envisioned his entire career in Dallas. While he does regard the Lakers to be a top-tier franchise, this wasn’t a decision he made. And as much as NFL legend Shannon Sharpe supports the Purple and Gold, he too is unsure about Doncic’s forthcoming decision.

The former Broncos tight end was at odds with his co-host Chad Johnson about the Slovenian guard wanting to be in LA. Ocho believes the temptation of being part of one of the biggest franchises fits the talent and Doncic’s popularity. To him, it’s a no-brainer decision. However, Sharpe has his reservations.

You see, the NFL Hall of Famer sees some big differences in Doncic’s arrival in LA. Unlike the countless superstars who have graced Laker land, Luka Doncic never asked to be there. “He wasn’t Wilt, he wasn’t Kareem, he wasn’t Shaq, he wasn’t Bob McAdoo, he wasn’t LeBron. He didn’t request to go there,” Sharpe noted on Nightcap.

Yet it seems to be a smooth fit. Doncic is only 25 years old and promised to be the face of the franchise. The question is does he want such attention? Sharpe relates it to the European mindset. He doesn’t think foreign-born players are in any way enticed by the big market teams.

“Does Luka strike you as a guy that’s in awe of that kind of stuff? Remember, the European players are different. You look at Nikola Jokic, he’s like when can I go home? We got the parade, oh man I can’t go back and get to my horses. They don’t see, you’re looking at it through the lens of an American playing for the Lakers,” he argued with Ocho.

This is why Shannon Sharpe isn’t considering it a done deal. “I’m not saying it’s not a foregone conclusion that he will re-sign,” Sharpe said.

Why Luka Doncic might end up signing with the Lakers

Initially, it might be possible to believe Luka Doncic could leave after this season. He has the option to opt-out after next season. Furthermore, his current dynamic with LeBron James hasn’t delivered. The former First-Team All-NBA guard is averaging less than 15 points per game. But his recent injury is also playing a part in it.

But the main concern is his fit besides James. With the Akron Hammer still the pivotal contributor, the Lakers have no reason to take the reins away from him. But it isn’t going to last long. With the caliber of player that Luka Doncic is, he is bound to get over the slump he is facing and even adjusting playing beside his idol.

After that, Los Angeles becomes Doncic’s kingdom.

Once LeBron James retires, the Lakers will have the cap space to sign a superstar who compliments Doncic’s game. JJ Redick can already sense the Slovenian’s devotion to the Lakers. “He’s all in. He’s [over] the mental part of the shock and everything, he’s in a really good place,” he told reporters.

It might not be a long-term contract which will delay his ability to get a lucrative extension after Year 10. However, Luka Doncic is embraced in LA and the future is set for him to take over the franchise. His characteristics also seem fit for the Lakers. Doncic is expressive and yearns to play on the big stages.

In the coming years, he will have an opportunity to construct a unit that suits him. Not just that, but he could be a historic player who brings the Lakers an 18th title and more if things go right. From what I can comprehend, the Lakers shouldn’t face a situation where their future cornerstone leaves after just 2 years.

A run without LeBron James is what will determine his long-term plans, though. If Doncic can trot to success with the Lakers, there is no reason for him to part ways. And that might be the decisive metric. How do the Lakers cope in an era post-LeBron by making Luka Doncic the face of their pristine franchise?