The Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade not just shocked the world, but raised questions about what loyalty means today. Yes, this is not just you, but fans across sports are failing to crack this. But of course, it doesn’t come free. Franchises are here to earn, win, and do what suits their business. So in the era of money, emotions can’t take you further. So as Dallas fans cry to have lost a gem, what did the ‘Hero’ of the poor fans earn out of this?

Before we jump, let’s decode his salary at the Mavericks. According to the sports finance specialists Spotrac, the Mavericks signed a $215 million extension as part of a five-year in 2022. There, Doncic’s yearly guaranteed figure was set to rise to $45.9 million in 2025-26 and $48.97 million in 2026-27. Over that, his deal also included a player option for the 2026-2027 season, which provides him with the flexibility to opt out if he wishes to explore other opportunities.

Fast forward to 2025. He is now Lakers’, and you might think he has a huge deal. But who knows what’s in the store? Although the Lakers have acquired one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, his contract is not that dynamic. Confused? Wait, he will still be playing under the terms of his existing contract with the Mavericks, which is a five-year, $215 million deal. Poor guy, everything stays the same. In short, it is a jersey change for the young guy. But he could choose to opt-out at the end of the 2025-2026 season.

Do you feel like reading the same thing again? What if you come to know he is set to lose some money?

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

His move to California comes with significant tax implications. Salt on the wounds, Texas has no state income tax, where he once played. California has one of the highest income tax rates in the United States and this will probably affect the Slovenian guard’s earnings as he transitions to life with the Lakers. Post this contract, he might sign a shorter deal. Why? If he signs a shorter-term extension now, he will have the opportunity to sign a Supermax deal later in his career.

The Supermax Potential and Financial Considerations

The Supermax contract is the holy grail for NBA players. This type of extension offers players up to 35% of the team’s salary cap, meaning it’s an incredibly lucrative option. However, to qualify for the Supermax, players need 10 years of service in the NBA, or stay with the same team that drafted or traded for him during his rookie contract—He meets this criterion with the Dallas Mavericks, and with the trade it’s a lost opportunity. His current contract and the Lakers situation now make it unlikely that he will receive such a deal anytime soon.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the hoopster could sign a shorter-term contract with the Lakers. However, later he could negotiate a deal worth nearly $420 million in his 11th year in the league. So, this is a hit. But, this is all contingent on his long-term fit with the Lakers, his relationship with LeBron James, and his future with the franchise. The Lakers have a window of opportunity to secure one of the best players in the league long-term, but the situation remains fluid.

In Los Angeles, he will join the legendary LeBron James. Could the pairing of Doncic and James create excitement, like the one like James-Davis? James is 40 years old and unlikely to play many more years at an elite level. Will Luka Doncic be able to carry the Lakers after LeBron’s eventual retirement? He has to because he did not gain much from the recent trade. The team’s success, Doncic’s personal preferences, and how he adapts to his new environment will determine his bargain with LA, or anyone in the NBA.