Los Angeles.
Lakers headquarters.
Inside Mitch Kupchak's office, a tense negotiation was underway.
In attendance—aside from Link and his agent Andrew—were Jerry Buss, Phil Jackson, and Mitch Kupchak himself.
Link had just returned from San Antonio when he received Andrew's call.
The Lakers had officially initiated contract extension talks through his agent.
And they made their intentions crystal clear: they wanted to lock up the team's rising star with a lucrative long-term deal.
The Lakers were showing real sincerity.
"Link, I have to say—you made the right call signing a short-term deal this offseason," Kupchak said with a smile as he opened the meeting.
"19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals per game, and 41.3% from three."
He paused deliberately.
"Your performance this season speaks for itself—which is exactly why we're sitting here today."
He leaned forward slightly.
"We want you in Los Angeles long-term. We see you as a core piece of the Lakers' future."
Kupchak slid a document summary across the table.
"Based on the current collective bargaining agreement and your years of service, the maximum contract you're eligible for is four years, seventy million dollars."
Andrew's breath caught.
He'd prepared himself mentally—but hearing that number out loud still made his hands tremble slightly.
Kupchak watched Link's expression, paused, then continued.
"Considering your upside, your market value, and the growing chemistry between you and Kobe…"
"The team is willing to offer you the max: an average of $17.5 million per year."
The moment his words fell, the office went quiet.
Dr. Buss and the Zen Master remained calm.
Clearly, this decision had already been discussed.
Four years. Seventy million.
The number landed like a boulder dropped into a lake.
Andrew was barely containing his excitement.
Even Link felt a brief sense of unreality.
This contract would mean he'd truly secured his footing in the NBA.
His production and salary were already comparable to Klay Thompson in his previous life.
Maybe not quite as explosive from three yet—
But he'd firmly established himself as a key perimeter weapon.
And he'd done it in less than two seasons.
Even if the gap between Klay Thompson and Kobe Bryant was still massive—
Link finally felt confident he could get there.
Andrew took a deep breath, steadying his voice.
"Mr. Kupchak, Dr. Buss—thank you for the organization's confidence. This is without question an incredibly generous offer."
He paused and glanced at Link.
But instead of joy or shock, Link looked… thoughtful.
His mind was racing.
The offer was fair—more than fair.
It was the maximum return allowed under the current CBA.
But Link wasn't limited to the present.
His first concern was immediate.
Pau Gasol.
He knew how history was supposed to unfold.
Next season, the trade that reshaped the league would happen.
Kobe would finally get the perfect big man.
The Lakers would instantly become true title contenders.
If Link signed a max deal at $17.5 million per year now—
His contract would immediately become the second-largest on the roster, behind only Kobe.
That would complicate any major trade for Gasol.
But that wasn't even the biggest issue.
The second concern was long-term.
Link knew the salary cap was about to explode in the coming years.
What looked like a max contract now might soon become a bargain deal.
If he locked himself into a long-term deal today, he'd lose leverage when the cap jumped.
After reaching that conclusion, Link didn't hesitate anymore.
He lifted his head, his gaze moving from Dr. Buss to Phil Jackson—
And finally settling on Kupchak.
"Thank you, Dr. Buss. Mitch. Coach," Link said calmly.
"I understand exactly how significant this offer is."
He chose his words carefully.
"But I see things a little differently."
Kupchak's eyes sharpened. "Oh? How so?"
"I'd like a three-year, fifty-million-dollar deal—with a player option," Link said directly.
Kupchak frowned slightly.
Andrew had discussed this approach with Link beforehand—
But hearing him turn down a four-year max still made his heart pound.
"Can you explain why?" Phil Jackson asked gently.
Link didn't dodge the question.
"Honestly, I don't want to lock myself into the next four years with a long-term deal."
He added quickly, "That doesn't mean I lack confidence in this team—or loyalty."
"It's simply about maximizing my value. I hope the organization can understand that."
Kupchak nodded slowly.
"Three years, fifty million—that's still over $16.6 million per year."
"And the player option…" He looked directly at Link.
"You realize that would put you in a very strong position in just two years."
He let the implication hang.
From the team's perspective, player options were risky.
Short contracts with player control were usually reserved for true superstars.
They shifted leverage heavily toward the player.
The room fell quiet again.
Kupchak's message was clear:
The Lakers were willing to pay—but hesitant about the uncertainty.
Link exchanged a glance with Andrew, then spoke firmly.
"Mitch, I understand the team's concerns—but the player option is non-negotiable for me."
He adjusted his posture, making his tone more constructive.
"To show my sincerity, I'm willing to adjust the total value."
He took a breath and glanced at Jerry Buss.
"Three years. Forty-five million dollars."
"That's $15 million per year."
"This is my concession in exchange for the player option."
Four years, seventy million—
Down to three years, forty-five million.
Link was voluntarily giving up $2.5 million per year.
Ten million total.
Andrew jumped in smoothly.
"Mr. Kupchak, think about it—"
"A $15 million annual salary gives the team far more flexibility for future roster moves. From a cap perspective, this is a win."
Kupchak fell into deep thought, fingers tapping the desk unconsciously.
The financial concession was significant.
But was it worth a player option?
He looked toward Jerry Buss.
Dr. Buss had been quietly observing the entire time.
His experienced eyes moved between Link, Kupchak, and Phil Jackson.
Finally, he cleared his throat.
Everyone's attention snapped to him.
He looked at Link with clear approval.
"Kid, you've got guts. And you know what you want."
"I like that."
He paused, then delivered the final decision.
"Three years. Forty-five million. Player option in the third year."
"Let's move forward on that framework."
He added calmly, "But Link —the Lakers are giving you trust and flexibility."
"You'll need to repay that trust with performance and wins."
He smiled slightly.
"When you're ready to talk about player options—or even a no-trade clause someday…"
"I hope it's because you've become one of the faces of this franchise—not just a line in a contract."
The decision was final.
Link finally let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
"I understand, Dr. Buss. I won't let you down."
The rest was left to the legal teams.
Contract details, incentives, trade bonuses—everything was finalized.
In the end, both sides reached an agreement.
The Los Angeles Lakers officially announced an early contract extension with Link.
Three years.
Total value: $45 million.
The first two years fully guaranteed.
The third year: player option.
The contract also included a 10% trade kicker.
---