This paper addresses theoretical analysis of projective–lag synchronization between two different discrete-time chaotic systems. We overcome some limitations of previous works where projective–lag synchronization can only be achieved in continuous-time chaotic systems. In this paper, we realize projective–lag synchronization in discrete-time chaotic systems with the same order. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and a nonlinear control scheme, the controllers are designed by using the relevant variables of master and slave systems, and we find sufficient conditions for the stability of the error dynamics. The correctness of theoretical analysis is verified by 2D and 3D discrete-time chaotic systems, respectively.