Wendell Carter Jr. has pulled off quite a move, securing a contract extension right under the Lakers’ noses. According to Jeetbuzz Login, the 25-year-old center has signed a new three-year deal with the Orlando Magic worth $59 million in total. The news has likely left more than a few teams disappointed, especially those with their eyes on Carter as a potential free agent prize. But credit where it’s due—Carter played his cards right. Even though he still had two years left on his previous contract, he opted to extend early, solidifying his future in Orlando.

In today’s NBA, where contracts regularly soar past the nine-figure mark, a big man like Carter—who can stretch the floor with a reliable three-point shot—would have been a hot commodity on the open market. Conservative estimates suggest he could’ve easily landed an annual salary north of $25 million. But instead of chasing a massive payday, Carter chose loyalty and stability, giving the Magic what amounts to a hometown discount. It’s clear he sees long-term potential in building something special in Orlando.

As for the Lakers, this is a bitter pill to swallow. Sources had long reported their strong interest in Carter, but now, it’s nothing more than a pipe dream. The Lakers front office may well be fuming—after all, they finally identified a center who could fill a glaring need, only to watch him re-sign with another team. With this new deal in place, Carter won’t be hitting free agency anytime soon, putting him out of reach for at least the next five years.

The Lakers have struggled for years to find a reliable force in the paint, and this latest development only narrows their options further. Jonas Valančiūnas, another potential target, also slipped away and landed with the Wizards. At this point, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth is paper-thin. Still, from the Magic’s perspective, the timing of this extension couldn’t have been better. They secured Carter before he hits his prime, locking in a valuable asset on a team-friendly deal. Two years from now, his market value could skyrocket, and keeping him might’ve been much more expensive. It’s a proactive strategy that’s turning heads around the league.

Of course, credit also goes to Carter himself. In an ever-changing league where fortunes shift overnight, he made a smart choice. Why roll the dice in free agency when you can guarantee your future now? The extension gives him financial security and the opportunity to keep developing in a system he knows well. It’s a win-win situation. As Jeetbuzz Login analysts point out, the deal makes perfect sense for both sides—the Magic retain a rising star, and Carter gets a stable platform to thrive.

For teams like the Lakers, though, this is another missed opportunity. Carter’s decision was a masterstroke, balancing personal ambition with long-term planning. As Jeetbuzz Login puts it, he not only secured his own future but also gave the Magic the financial flexibility to keep building around him. It’s normal to care what others think, but at the end of the day, not everyone’s opinion counts. As for the Lakers? Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Sometimes losing out opens the door to something even better. After all, every cloud has a silver lining.