Luka Doncic Takes Less Money to Lead Lakers While De’Aaron Fox Becomes Highest Paid Spur in Team’s New Era

About a week ago, a monumental shift in NBA dynamics was cemented when Luka Dončić signed a 3-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. On the surface, the contract might seem surprising—not because of the amount, but because of what Dončić chose not to take. By agreeing to this deal, the 25-year-old superstar took significantly less than the maximum allowable salary, sending a loud message to the NBA: his goal in Los Angeles isn’t personal wealth—it’s championships.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio, the Spurs made a major move of their own. The franchise agreed to a 4-year, $229 million extension with newly acquired point guard De’Aaron Fox, who came over via trade this summer. That contract makes Fox one of the highest-paid players in the league and the highest-paid Spur in team history. At roughly $57.25 million per year, it even edges out Luka’s new annual figure by about $3 million. More importantly, the extension gives San Antonio an extra year of control over a dynamic veteran to run point alongside their young core.

With the two franchises on divergent but equally ambitious paths, one question naturally arises: Does Fox’s bigger contract make him more important to the Spurs than Luka is to the Lakers?

The answer isn’t so simple.

On one hand, De’Aaron Fox is clearly a vital piece to San Antonio’s immediate and long-term plans. The Spurs are a team on the rise, built around generational talent Victor Wembanyama, rising rookie guard Stephon Castle, and this year’s No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper. That’s a staggering amount of young potential, but with Chris Paul’s short tenure now over, they needed a true floor general—a leader who could facilitate, defend, and score in high-pressure moments. Fox fits the bill. He’s in his prime, playoff-proven, and hungry to lead a team in ways he rarely had the chance to do in Sacramento.

The Spurs didn’t just need a veteran; they needed this veteran. At 27, Fox is young enough to align with the team’s timeline but experienced enough to teach a winning mindset. His speed and skill in transition will allow Wembanyama to run the floor with ease. His pick-and-roll command will unlock more space for Castle and Harper to develop. And his leadership off the court may prove as crucial as anything he does on it.

So yes—Fox’s contract is massive. But it makes sense. He’s not merely being paid for what he has done; he’s being paid for what the Spurs believe he will do in ushering them into a new era of competitiveness.

Now, let’s talk about Luka.

If De’Aaron Fox is San Antonio’s present-day investment in leadership, Luka Dončić is Los Angeles’ future. And it’s a future the Lakers are wholly committed to building around him.

The decision to take less money wasn’t just a financial move; it was a strategic and cultural statement from Luka. He recognizes the pressure that comes with wearing purple and gold, especially as the torch slowly passes from LeBron James, who is currently surrounded by trade speculation. For nearly two decades, LeBron has defined the Lakers’ identity. But in the blink of an offseason, that identity shifted to Luka.

And for good reason.

Dončić is one of the most gifted offensive players the league has ever seen. His court vision, shot creation, and ability to control the pace of play put him in elite company. But what’s more impressive is his willingness to adapt. Choosing a shorter, cheaper extension gave the Lakers front office breathing room. That cap flexibility could allow them to sign or trade for a second star—perhaps another elite wing or big—to complement Luka’s skill set.

Los Angeles, for all its history and glamour, has been stuck in the murky middle ground since their 2020 bubble title. Injuries, roster turnover, and chemistry issues derailed multiple promising seasons. Now, they have clarity. Luka Dončić is the Lakers. He’s the engine, the identity, and the future.

Still, his current deal runs only three years. That may seem like a short-term commitment, but it’s a signal of confidence—not a lack of loyalty. If the Lakers can build a true contender, Luka will be more than willing to re-sign long term. And by giving them financial flexibility in the short run, he’s doing his part to make that contender a reality.

The comparisons between Fox and Dončić will continue, especially with both playing pivotal roles in high-profile franchises. And when you line up the deals, it’s tempting to measure their value based purely on dollars. But that misses the nuance.

Fox’s deal was about necessity. San Antonio had cap space and needed a veteran cornerstone. They paid for leadership, experience, and immediate impact. In the context of the Spurs’ roster and goals, it was a move that makes them instantly more dangerous.

Luka’s deal, in contrast, was about vision. It’s rare to see a player of his stature prioritize team-building over a max contract. But that’s exactly what Dončić did. He’s betting on himself and the Lakers organization to deliver the help he needs. It’s a long-term play, both on the court and in the locker room.

If the Lakers can pair Luka with the right pieces—perhaps a two-way big man, a reliable catch-and-shoot wing, or a gritty perimeter defender—they could return to contender status as early as this season. The West is deep, but a team led by a motivated, unselfish Luka Dončić should never be overlooked.

Ultimately, there’s no need to pit the Fox and Luka signings against each other. They reflect different situations and different strategies. But if the question is who means more to their team, the answer is clear:

Luka Dončić is the face of the Los Angeles Lakers. Full stop.

The Lakers have gone all-in on their new superstar. They’ve publicly embraced him as the heir to LeBron’s throne. And Luka, in turn, has embraced the pressure, the spotlight, and the expectation that come with playing in LA.

Fox may be more expensive, but Luka is more symbolic.

He represents a new era for the Lakers—one defined not by aging superstars chasing one last ring, but by a young phenom who chose legacy over luxury. That, more than anything, shows his importance to the franchise.

Whether Fox leads the Spurs back to playoff glory or Luka resurrects a Lakers dynasty, both players will shape the future of the Western Conference. But one thing’s for sure: no amount of salary figures or contract years can overshadow what Luka Dončić has already become in Los Angeles.

A leader.
A builder.
And most of all—the franchise.