Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[DanSchwartzgan]

https://x.com/FirstTake/status/189259935...wcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.as.com%2Fnba%2Fluka-doncic-misses-first-lakers-game-already-amid-departure-rumors-he-never-wanted-to-be-a-laker-n%2F


August 2nd deadline to get Luka signed to
extension.

I wonder how we will feel about AD/Christie/2029 if Luka doesn't extend.  How will LA feel?  Are the post-Lebron Lakers really that attractive a destination?

Would LA trade him immediately or take the chance on getting "Brunsoned" the next summer.    

Yes, LAL could work out a S&T with someone else in 2026 and recoup some assets.  But, recall that a S&T hard caps a team at the first apron.  So those kinds of deals aren't as easy to construct as they once were and the return won't be what it might have been with all the best teams already up against one of the aprons.  And you know someone will have or create cap space for Luka giving him a viable threat to walk which also holds down a S&T return.  

So, if he doesn't extend, I think they have to trade him.  Does he let them know something in June/July or does he wait until August?  I personally think LA works this out...its LA, they always land on their feet.  Luka has to put up with the rest of this year and the Lebron farewell tour in 25/26.  But, at that point LA will have ton's of space with which to rebuild.

But, you start to see the issue with getting a better return from them for Luka.  You also see the risk of an open auction.  Luka simply says "I'm not committing to anyone" and suddenly you can't even get AD/Christie/2029 type value.