Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[omahen]

I don't know how the money works out for LALs, but I'm wondering how the LBJ-Luka relationship is going to develop. No matter where he has been, LBJ always makes sure he is viewed as Player #1. Obviously the original CLE team was all about LBJ, but 4 years in MIA still had LBJ with DWade and Bosh as (well paid) sidekicks, never mind the drama around the "Decision". Returning to CLE, which was building around Kyrie, it became all about LBJ bringing a title to his "home" team. Enough so that Kyrie wanted OUT. Moving to LAL changed nothing, no matter the quality of players who joined the squad.

Looking at box scores and highlights of the last few LAL games, it's like LBJ is determined to out-Luka Luka. Scoring more, and more efficiently, similar rebounds, similar assists, etc. seems to me an effort by LBJ to show he's still "the man" and remove the media spotlight from the pile of scheissen that was THE TRADE. It will be interesting to see if Luka is OK with being a (well paid) sidekick.

I don't think Luka will have any problems with the optics, as long as LeBron can perform at the current level. It will certainly also take best version of Luka for Lakers to be contenders, so plenty of fame to share. I think he is more interested in titles than being the no doubt alpha. LeBron is the kind of name that even Luka respects and submits to when needed. On the other hand, I think LeBron is smart enough to allow enough spotlight for Luka to shine, because it also works great for him playing with Luka. His life is much easier. 

The question for them is not now but what happens if (when) LeBron starts to decline. I mean, he is human, right? It is already not normal that a 40 year old can perform at his level, how long can it last beyond this season? I think Luka and his camp would have a problem waisting his prime if LeBron starts to decline yet still demands the attention and salary, blocking the team to be built around Luka. I think the longterm outlook of Luka future will be raised and considered when discussing the new contract this summer. Even if Luka wouldn't care, his vast camp of agents and proffessional advisors will care.

I agree with HoosierDaddyKid, that Lakers will slowly move on from LeBron and build around Luka in one way or another. Either he retires or he starts taking lesser role. Not because he would submit to Luka, but because age will probably take its toll at some point soon. Unless he is a robot, of course. I think they will have another run next season, than LeBron retires or takes more of a back-seat.