Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[joshuadx89]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm having a similar experience with my Dad. The Mavericks were one of the things that most often brought us together, and this trade has really made talking about the team feel weird.

I think the natural reaction is to try and make sense of it, but it just doesnt make sense.   Basketball is a much different sport than say football.   The stars in the NFL make your team better but they dont make your team per se.    The NBA is about your superstars.  If you can keep them for long enough, they end up being engrained in the fabric of your franchise.

[F Gump]

I think they will try to improve while keeping max cap space in 2026/27, which is the year they will imho target another star to join Luka and then ...

They have almost nothing on their cap for 2026 right now, but if they keep both Luka and Lebron under max contract, they won't have max cap space. Way less. In fact, with the few salaries they have on the books for 2026, and if they just let everyone else walk, they would then be working as an over-cap team (ie, less cap room than the big MLE).

Of course, there's no guarantee they will have EITHER Luka or Lebron. LBJ might retire. And there's no guarantee Luka will want to stay in LA. He will be a FA in 2026, and can sign a max deal with anyone. Where does LUKA want to play?

[SleepingHero]

When the trade happened, I found out through text from a friend I play old guy basketball with.   When my son woke up and I told him, he was devastated.    I thought back to being 13 or 14 and being completely in love with this sport and wondered how I'd feel if I woke up and found out the Bulls had traded Michael Jordan.   We've continued to watch the Mavericks when possible.  It's not the same.   We've also continued to watch Luka.  Its also not the same.   Luka looks wrong in a Lakers jersey.   The entire thing is wrong.   The sad part is its fairly obvious Luka still wants to be in Dallas.   I will hold out a sliver of hope that he comes back after next year.   

All of that said, I think the Mavericks' front office came across clueless and classless when trading Luka.

You've hit the nail on the head with this right here. Felt very seen having it described that way. It's akin to the Mavs trading Dirk in 2005 after he was partying with Nash and had just got out in the first round. I couldn't imagine being a 13 year old waking up to their franchise icon being shipped out overnight with zero warning.

I feel for your son and all Mavs fans. I am also holding out hope that eventually Luka returns for one last rodeo to go out on his terms and have a proper farewell he deserves.

[SleepingHero]

Nico needs to go. The trade can't be undone, but his management of the aftermath - rather than offering any comfort or ability to move on - has only served to alienate the fanbase more and more. Firing him yesterday would be preferable, but the sooner the better, since he's demonstrating day after day that he's inept at both dealing with basketball stuff AND dealing with the public. If you win with AD but no one cares, did you win?

[HoosierDaddyKid]

I've read this board for a few years now but never posted.  This probably isn't great use of my first post but did want to chime in on the trade and the aftermath.

A little background.   Like many 90's kids I grew up a Bulls fan.   Continued following the Bulls through the Derrick Rose/Noah years but my fandom of the NBA in general fell off a lot towards the end of the 2010's.  

Fast forward a bit to when the Mavs drafted Luka.  My at the time 7-year-old son fell in love with basketball, and almost instantly was a Luka/Mavericks' fan.   Over the last 7 years he and I have bonded a ton over sports.   His love of Luka made us both Mavericks' fans.   We watched as many games as we could on the east coast.  That culminated last year when we watched our favorite team go to the NBA Finals.    My son has grown into a 13 almost 14-year-old with an absolute love of the game.   He's modeled his game after his favorite player.  So much so I had a stranger ask me if he was my kid at his last game this year.  When I said yes, he told me he plays like little Luka.  

When the trade happened, I found out through text from a friend I play old guy basketball with.   When my son woke up and I told him, he was devastated.    I thought back to being 13 or 14 and being completely in love with this sport and wondered how I'd feel if I woke up and found out the Bulls had traded Michael Jordan.   We've continued to watch the Mavericks when possible.  It's not the same.   We've also continued to watch Luka.  Its also not the same.   Luka looks wrong in a Lakers jersey.   The entire thing is wrong.   The sad part is its fairly obvious Luka still wants to be in Dallas.   I will hold out a sliver of hope that he comes back after next year.   

All of that said, I think the Mavericks' front office came across clueless and classless when trading Luka.

Nice compilation of your story. But I digress Luka would ever come back to the Mavs.  Pride is a tough thing to recover from, and Luka was hurt from this trade.

[omahen]

They have almost nothing on their cap for 2026 right now, but if they keep both Luka and Lebron under max contract, they won't have max cap space. Way less. In fact, with the few salaries they have on the books for 2026, and if they just let everyone else walk, they would then be working as an over-cap team (ie, less cap room than the big MLE).

Of course, there's no guarantee they will have EITHER Luka or Lebron. LBJ might retire. And there's no guarantee Luka will want to stay in LA. He will be a FA in 2026, and can sign a max deal with anyone. Where does LUKA want to play?

I will be extremely surprised if Luka doesn't resign in LA this summer. I give it at least a 95 % probability. Lakers will of course do everything possible to convince him it makes sense to stay, compete and win titles. Despite what might look like limited options at this current moment. The key for their longterm future is LeBron. As good as he is, he will not get better with age. So keeping him on max deal will be a huge obstacle. As it looks now, everything seems set that LeBron is no longer on a max deal in 2026. 

If by some chance Luka doesn't resign this summer, Lakers best move might be to trade him this summer and start a rebuild. They will still get a lot, even if he pinpoints only a few teams he wishes to resign with. Losing him for nothing would be a disaster. A young up and coming teams would probably be a win-win situation for everyone in this case. Houston, Orlando or Detroit, for example. All of them can offer young high upside players, have a bunch of picks and can still become an instant contender, if they add Luka.

[SkenfromLMF]

You've hit the nail on the head with this right here. Felt very seen having it described that way. It's akin to the Mavs trading Dirk in 2005 after he was partying with Nash and had just got out in the first round. I couldn't imagine being a 13 year old waking up to their franchise icon being shipped out overnight with zero warning.

I feel for your son and all Mavs fans. I am also holding out hope that eventually Luka returns for one last rodeo to go out on his terms and have a proper farewell he deserves.

I remember how upset my 11 yr old son was when I told him the Rangers traded Ian Kinsler. He was the one who called me to let me know he got the Sham's Tweet and that was what started this thread.
We were both just gut punched and angry. How could this happen? How could it be to the Lakers? How can that be IT on the return???

We were spoiled by Dirk and just assumed it was a Mavs Fan's right to grow and root for a player for their entire career.

Dark Times. Reality sucks... this might be worse!

[omahen]

I don't like this guys screaming, but he made a nice compilation of problems LA offense will create for opposing teams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH8SfX5abpo

[omahen]

They have almost nothing on their cap for 2026 right now, but if they keep both Luka and Lebron under max contract, they won't have max cap space. Way less. In fact, with the few salaries they have on the books for 2026, and if they just let everyone else walk, they would then be working as an over-cap team (ie, less cap room than the big MLE).

Of course, there's no guarantee they will have EITHER Luka or Lebron. LBJ might retire. And there's no guarantee Luka will want to stay in LA. He will be a FA in 2026, and can sign a max deal with anyone. Where does LUKA want to play?

One more on Lakers cap situation in 2026. Assuming Luka resigns, they only have roughly 70 mil on the books on guaranteed deals as it is now. According to Spotrac, the projected cap limit is at 170 mil that year. This leaves Lakers 100 mil to play with in free agency. A lot of money left for LeBron (or Reaves) and still have max cap space. 2026 free agent class is weak and good players rarely make it to free agency anyway. I think the goal is to have max flexibility for a trade for a star that will ask out of his current team (preferably on an expiring deal for higher leverage). Giannis, Booker, Mitchel as a few names to consider. Jokic fits the expiring contract part, but I think he will end his career in Denver.

[Jmaciscool]

Nico needs to go. The trade can't be undone, but his management of the aftermath - rather than offering any comfort or ability to move on - has only served to alienate the fanbase more and more. Firing him yesterday would be preferable, but the sooner the better, since he's demonstrating day after day that he's inept at both dealing with basketball stuff AND dealing with the public. If you win with AD but no one cares, did you win?

You've always had a good read on the business side of things.  What's your prediction on the next step with Nico?  Does he last the rest of the season or do you think Dumont gives him another season to see how Nico's vision plays out?

I initially thought he would get through next season to give things a chance to work, but I think the blowback has been much so much greater than Nico/Dumont thought it would be, and I imagine Dumont has to be weighing the value (not much) vs the cost (more than expected) of keeping Nico around.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Nico needs to go. The trade can't be undone, but his management of the aftermath - rather than offering any comfort or ability to move on - has only served to alienate the fanbase more and more. Firing him yesterday would be preferable, but the sooner the better, since he's demonstrating day after day that he's inept at both dealing with basketball stuff AND dealing with the public. If you win with AD but no one cares, did you win?

It's a fake problem, we do not win with AD unless we will find another superstar like the one we gifted.

In my country we say "magna tranquillo"  

[omahen]

I think Lakers have three possible long term scenarios for the next 4-5 year window:
1) They keep LeBron for "five more years" as a face of the franchise on max deal. Money and hype would still be great, but they will be mediocre. Difficult to see Luka staying in this scenario and Luka agents (if not Luka himself) will certainly consider this as less interesting option moving forward for Luka. Why waste his prime years without having a chance to compete?
2) Keep Luka and find a budding star in 2026. LeBron either retires or stays and takes less money to help team build a contender.
3) Trade Luka for a young good player or two and a bunch of picks, tank next season for hopefully drafting a star of the future in 2026. LeBron doesn't make much sense on such a team (tanking impossible) and probably retires or signs with someone else.

My bet would be on the second scenario.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Guys, are you really talking about Fakers future moves? Who cares? I hope they will burn in hell.

[Chicagojk]

I think Lakers have three possible long term scenarios for the next 4-5 year window:
1) They keep LeBron for "five more years" as a face of the franchise on max deal. Money and hype would still be great, but they will be mediocre. Difficult to see Luka staying in this scenario and Luka agents (if not Luka himself) will certainly consider this as less interesting option moving forward for Luka. Why waste his prime years without having a chance to compete?
2) Keep Luka and find a budding star in 2026. LeBron either retires or stays and takes less money to help team build a contender.
3) Trade Luka for a young good player or two and a bunch of picks, tank next season for hopefully drafting a star of the future in 2026. LeBron doesn't make much sense on such a team (tanking impossible) and probably retires or signs with someone else.

My bet would be on the second scenario.

When can Lebron extend?    It will be fascinating to watch.  He has been great!    All I am saying if Lakers have a solid playoff run and hit the ground running next year, Lebron is not going to be someone who says let me tak 20 million so we can win it all.   He will say I am him, now give me my max.    At least that is what I think.  And if he is anywhere close to his current level, it will be deserved.

[omahen]

When can Lebron extend?    It will be fascinating to watch.  He has been great!    All I am saying if Lakers have a solid playoff run and hit the ground running next year, Lebron is not going to be someone who says let me tak 20 million so we can win it all.   He will say I am him, now give me my max.    At least that is what I think.  And if he is anywhere close to his current level, it will be deserved.

He has a PO this summer. He is basically signing one year deals where he controls everything (no trade clause). It was already reported last season, LeBron is willing to take less money if it would help the team. As I said in previous post, Lakers will basically need to decide about their future and LeBrons place in it. As good as he is, he will not get better.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Guys, are you really talking about Fakers future moves? Who cares? I hope they will burn in hell.

Dude, it’s a bunch of basketball nerd up in here. I’d be happy to discuss what Portland or Detroit should do next. I mean, I’m happy to talk about who I think the Cowboys should take at12 in the draft. And I’m not even a Cowboys fan.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

I think Lakers have three possible long term scenarios for the next 4-5 year window:
1) They keep LeBron for "five more years" as a face of the franchise on max deal. Money and hype would still be great, but they will be mediocre. Difficult to see Luka staying in this scenario and Luka agents (if not Luka himself) will certainly consider this as less interesting option moving forward for Luka. Why waste his prime years without having a chance to compete?
2) Keep Luka and find a budding star in 2026. LeBron either retires or stays and takes less money to help team build a contender.
3) Trade Luka for a young good player or two and a bunch of picks, tank next season for hopefully drafting a star of the future in 2026. LeBron doesn't make much sense on such a team (tanking impossible) and probably retires or signs with someone else.

My bet would be on the second scenario.

The most hilarious outcome would be the Lakers flipping him for MORE than we got for him. Not out of the realm of possibility.

[Scott41theMavs]

The most hilarious outcome would be the Lakers flipping him for MORE than we got for him. Not out of the realm of possibility.

They would have to bend over backward until their spines broke to avoid getting back at least double the value they gave up for him if they flipped him.

[ballsrchr]

I will be extremely surprised if Luka doesn't resign in LA this summer. I give it at least a 95 % probability. Lakers will of course do everything possible to convince him it makes sense to stay, compete and win titles. Despite what might look like limited options at this current moment. The key for their longterm future is LeBron. As good as he is, he will not get better with age. So keeping him on max deal will be a huge obstacle. As it looks now, everything seems set that LeBron is no longer on a max deal in 2026. 

If by some chance Luka doesn't resign this summer, Lakers best move might be to trade him this summer and start a rebuild. They will still get a lot, even if he pinpoints only a few teams he wishes to resign with. Losing him for nothing would be a disaster. A young up and coming teams would probably be a win-win situation for everyone in this case. Houston, Orlando or Detroit, for example. All of them can offer young high upside players, have a bunch of picks and can still become an instant contender, if they add Luka.

I have it on good authority that Luka plans to sign with the new expansion team.  I won't name the city, but the team will be named the Las Vegas High Rollers.  Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo also plan on being there.  Just a fly on the wall...

[F Gump]

One more on Lakers cap situation in 2026. Assuming Luka resigns, they only have roughly 70 mil on the books on guaranteed deals as it is now. According to Spotrac, the projected cap limit is at 170 mil that year. This leaves Lakers 100 mil to play with in free agency. A lot of money left for LeBron (or Reaves) and still have max cap space. 2026 free agent class is weak and good players rarely make it to free agency anyway. I think the goal is to have max flexibility for a trade for a star that will ask out of his current team (preferably on an expiring deal for higher leverage). Giannis, Booker, Mitchel as a few names to consider. Jokic fits the expiring contract part, but I think he will end his career in Denver.

I assume Lebron will demand the max, and get it, if he is still playing. (I have a hard time envisioning him being willing to be the 3rd highest paid player on the roster, and making about half the max.) If he retires, that fixes their problem, but isn't the sales pitch about playing on a super team with both Luka and Lebron?

Cap calculation for signing a free agent:
Luka 51
LBJ 60
Already Under Contract (2 players) 17
8 empty slot holds  13
TOT (12 players)  141

Last player = about 29