Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[SleepingHero]

Good points. As to your final question. They will need and want one, because age will catch up even with LeBron at some point. There is absolutely no problem to have 2 stars on the roster. Still plenty of space left for supporting players. But, key for this is, that LeBron is no longer paid as a star in 2026. Assuming he does eventually start to decline. I mean, if he can keep playing like he is now, he is a star and Lakers don't need another one. But, it is really difficult to imagine this would last through next 4-5 seasons. 

LeBron is smart. If Lakers bring in another star, life will be even easier for him and it will be far easier for him to keep up even as he gets even older. Life got much easier for him since they got Luka. He can focus on things he is best at and other guys can "waste" energy on other things and they are good at it. He looks much better now and Lakers are winning.

Age may catch up with LeBron, but what is “catch up” for his standard? Can he maintain 18-20ppg with good passing and defense and still be able to take over a quarter or two? If so then isn’t that basically what Kyrie provided already? 

LeBron’s standards are different than anyone. I don’t think the Lakers are pressed to find a star right now, even if LeBron takes a step back. Because even if he does, Luka will take a step forward and fill in the gaps in terms of star power. The Lakers need high quality depth right now imo. It will be Luka’s 10 year vet contract where the Lakers will go star hunting. They’d have a max cap slot by then and the math just gets a lot easier.