After Luka Doncic committed to the Los Angeles Lakers long-term with a three-year, $165 million extension, they celebrated the momentous event with a surprise gift.
A backstage pass to his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys.
Lakers officials — team governor Jeanie Buss, soon-to-be-majority owner Mark Walter, team president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick — along with Doncic’s teammates Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes and rookie Adou Thiero watched the Backstreet Boys concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
The videos of Doncic’s backstage interaction with Backstreet Boys members Brian Littrell and Nick Carter have gone viral.
@bleacherreport Luka celebrated his contract extension at Backstreet Boys concert 🙌 (via nickcarter/IG) #nbabasketball #luka #lakers #backstreetboys #nickcarter
Doncic revealed during his press conference after signing the extension with the Lakers on Aug. 2 that there was a “surprise.” Little did he know it was to meet and greet with his favorite boy band.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, it was Doncic’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, who orchestrated the surprise with the Lakers.
Doncic previously revealed that the Backstreet Boys were his favorite boy band and the Lakers, according to Sporting Tribune, “clearly tapped into that personal detail when planning the surprise outing.”
Pelinka described Doncic’s extension as a “monumental moment” for the franchise. The celebration in Las Vegas after the signing was an unforgettable moment for their new franchise star.
Luka’s First Act After Extension Moved Fans
Doncic’s first move after signing a lucrative extension endeared him more to the fans.
Doncic wasted no time committing to the Lakers long-term on the first day he was eligible to extend.
The Lakers superstar also announced shortly that he’s giving back $5 million of his new contract.
“Today I’m also committing $5 million to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything, and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation,” Doncic wrote on X.
Fans were quick to shower Doncic’s generosity.
“This is an incredible gesture, Luka. Great to see. 🙏 ,” replied one fan.
Another fan wrote: “HUMANITARIAN LUKA.”
“Heart,” one fan simply but meaningfully described Doncic’s generous donation.
“Amazing basketball player, but an even better human being. 🙏🏻 ,” wrote another fan on X.
Pelinka Lauds Luka’s Generosity
It was not the first time Doncic made such a generous donation.
Shortly after his trade to the Lakers, Doncic, through his foundation, donated $500,000 to L.A. wildfire recovery efforts. He also pledged to work with local organizations to help rebuild basketball courts, playgrounds, and other sports fields damaged by the fires in the L.A. area.
Doncic also donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign to restore a vandalized mural depicting Kobe and Gianna Bryant in Los Angeles.
Pelinka lauded Doncic’s humanitarian efforts in the Los Angeles community after the 26-year-old global superstar signed his extension.
“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase,” Pelinka said in a team statement. “You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game. Luka is an absolute killer on the court and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”
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