Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[mvossman]

Assuming Luka (which I do not), there is max money for new guy or for LeBron, but not both. It's about a max and a half. 

I don't think LBJ would be willing to be the guy getting the half max, and being the 3rd highest paid player. If he plays, in his mind he's the guy, and he gets paid like it. 

I don't think LA says no to LBJ wishes.

If LBJ retires, the door opens. That's their solution, but I think they intend to give him the full Kobe (max money as long you'll be in uni for us) until he's ready to quit. LA understands what Nico does not -- when a player sells a massive number of tix, you milk that until he drops.

I'm curious what he would do.  I recall he was willing to take a pay cut for Klay.  I can't remember how much, but I am guessing that was not nearly half max.  But a third star makes them legit contenders.  I'm not sure Lakers will handle this the same way they did Kobe.  I don't recall them having an MVP candidate on the roster when they paid Kobe all that money at the end.