Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[audiosway]

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

LA is going to be interesting to see what happens. I honestly don't think you can have 3 max players anymore and win titles. I'm glad to see it. I want to see well built team basketball.

[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.

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.

[F Gump]

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.

I would fire him now and hire Dennis Lindsey. Or yesterday. My issue is not just the trade (which is already done), but also his tone-deaf approach to his customer base (which is going on and on and on). He has thin skin (tossing fans who boo him), he hides in Dallas but is front and center on the road, he leaks whispers "off the record" to bash Luka and try to make himself look good, and he doesn't step forward and man up and hold himself accountable to Mavs Fans. Where's a public fan forum where he takes any questions, listens, answers, and takes the abuse he has made exist? That's how you dissolve a crisis, not by hiding and not letting the opposition vent. At any big corporation, his crisis management would NOT be what you want in your leader., and he would have already been fired.

One issue is that he just signed a big extension last summer, so with money on the line, I expect their tolerance might be longer than mine-- sadly, since he's making the situation worse day by day.

So I think he must be on a short leash. I doubt he can survive if the Lakers get to the Finals, or if the Mavs don't make the playoffs while LA has a deep run. Remember, he said this was a "win now" move, presumably he made those commitments to his bosses, and going backwards isn't win now. The fact AD isn't playing is not an excuse, but rather his own failure, because it was on him to make sure they are getting a player you can count on in exchange for a supreme player like Luka.
 
He has no value or future in Dallas if the basketball result is bad. He MIGHT survive if it's favorable.

I think how those factors play out - how is LA doing with Luka, and how is Dallas doing without him - will also flow down to ticket sales if they turn out badly, and if there's a real yawn factor developing around the Mavs, his bosses can (and should) use him as a public scapegoat to try to bring fans back. Fire him publicly, make a big deal about how the Mavs can't tolerate incompetence, and invite fans back because Nico is gone. I think it should be VERY public - get out in front of this whole fiasco, in a way that Nico has been too weak to do, admit Nico sucked big time, and throw him under the bus as a sop to fans needing some way to like the Mavs as a team.

I want Dennis Lindsey back, to be Nico's boss on things like trades and contracts and roster building. Nico can't be trusted with the keys. The Adelson's have the money, and money can hire them who they need. They NEED someone way better in those areas.

[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.

[The Jom]

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

I have always hate the Lakers. But now they have Luka, Doe-Doe, and JJ. And they don’t have Nico or that Pat Dumont asshole. So my loyalties are pretty darn mixed right now.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

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

This guy is a little over the top, but he makes some good points about how hard it will be to defend Luka and LeBron.

[SleepingHero]

@LegionHoops
Kirk Goldsberry says the entire Lakers front office knew for a month that they were trading for Luka:

“This was not kept quiet. I don’t believe the Lakers kept this between Jeanie and Rob Pelinka…”

[SleepingHero]

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 mean as much as I want Luka to (language) the Lakers over in the highest possible fashion, there is historical evidence that Lebron is open and willing to take a paycut to create a superteam. In his prime, he took roughly a 13% paycut to get Bosh+Wade.

On a smaller scale with the Lakers, he took roughly the amount off his contract so they could give his son that money (I suppose you can argue this wasn't a paycut but more a donation, so back to the original point).

You're telling me you are 100% absolutely sure that Lebron won't be open to take a big discount in his final years to get a mega-in-his-prime superstar to pair with his other mega-in-his-prime superstar so they can form a mega superteam? If this was prime Lebron I'd agree, but we'd be talking about 42 year old Lebron. Who's to even say he'd be good enough to command "highest paid" status? I know that might be a stupid thing to say but I mean 42 is still 42 in the NBA. 

I'd deem it even likely that Lebron will take a paycut to whatever number is needed to get another superstar. But if I am the Lakers, why would I want to tie up my entire cap space into 3 guys and a bunch of minimums? I don't even think that'd be a great team given you also need depth in the NBA. God forbid Luka gets injured or Lebron is out a signficant time and you're stuck playing Bol Bol 30 minutes a game.

So yeah, I think the Lakers are going to have zero problems getting another star. The real question is, do they even want that?

[FireNicoHarrison]

I have always hate the Lakers. But now they have Luka, Doe-Doe, and JJ. And they don’t have Nico or that Pat Dumont asshole. So my loyalties are pretty darn mixed right now.

You have to hate the Lakers no matter why.

[omahen]

I mean as much as I want Luka to fuck the Lakers over in the highest possible fashion, there is historical evidence that Lebron is open and willing to take a paycut to create a superteam. In his prime, he took roughly a 13% paycut to get Bosh+Wade.

On a smaller scale with the Lakers, he took roughly the amount off his contract so they could give his son that money (I suppose you can argue this wasn't a paycut but more a donation, so back to the original point).

You're telling me you are 100% absolutely sure that Lebron won't be open to take a big discount in his final years to get a mega-in-his-prime superstar to pair with his other mega-in-his-prime superstar so they can form a mega superteam? If this was prime Lebron I'd agree, but we'd be talking about 42 year old Lebron. Who's to even say he'd be good enough to command "highest paid" status? I know that might be a stupid thing to say but I mean 42 is still 42 in the NBA. 

I'd deem it even likely that Lebron will take a paycut to whatever number is needed to get another superstar. But if I am the Lakers, why would I want to tie up my entire cap space into 3 guys and a bunch of minimums? I don't even think that'd be a great team given you also need depth in the NBA. God forbid Luka gets injured or Lebron is out a signficant time and you're stuck playing Bol Bol 30 minutes a game.

So yeah, I think the Lakers are going to have zero problems getting another star. The real question is, do they even want that?

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.

[F Gump]

I mean as much as I want Luka to fuck the Lakers over in the highest possible fashion, there is historical evidence that Lebron is open and willing to take a paycut to create a superteam. In his prime, he took roughly a 13% paycut to get Bosh+Wade.

He was getting the same salary as the others. He was NOT opting to be the 3rd banana when it comes to salary. 

Unlike in MIA, they can't get that close to the max for each of the 3. 

In essence you could have about 140M to split 3 ways, but that means Luka takes a 5M pay cut, Lebron signs for about 75% of his max, and so does an outside free agent. It's not close to everyone getting what they would consider full pay. I just don't buy it.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/4404...alks-quiet


Jeanie Buss says keeping Luka talks quiet was key.

[FireNicoHarrison]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/4404...alks-quiet


Jeanie Buss says keeping Luka talks quiet was key.

This woman and Pelinka were considered incompetent until a month ago and now they act like super geniuses.

it's all disgusting.

[michaeltex]

He was getting the same salary as the others. He was NOT opting to be the 3rd banana when it comes to salary. 

Unlike in MIA, they can't get that close to the max for each of the 3. 

In essence you could have about 140M to split 3 ways, but that means Luka takes a 5M pay cut, Lebron signs for about 75% of his max, and so does an outside free agent. It's not close to everyone getting what they would consider full pay. I just don't buy it.

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.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

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. Returning to CLE, which was building around Kyrie, it became all about LBJ bringing a title to his "home" team. Moving to LAL changed nothing, no matter 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.

He won't be a ""well paid sidekick" for long. In a year or two, it will be his team.

[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.

[SleepingHero]

He was getting the same salary as the others. He was NOT opting to be the 3rd banana when it comes to salary. 

Unlike in MIA, they can't get that close to the max for each of the 3. 

In essence you could have about 140M to split 3 ways, but that means Luka takes a 5M pay cut, Lebron signs for about 75% of his max, and so does an outside free agent. It's not close to everyone getting what they would consider full pay. I just don't buy it.

I just want to make it clear that I am in total agreement that the Lakers cannot get a 3rd star IF Lebron is dead set on getting paid his money. The math just does not work. 

But I am finding a hard time believing that Lebron wouldn’t be open to getting yet another star to take the load off for him. But there are way more other factors here that make it unlikely for the Lakers to go star hunting.

For the Lakers aspect, do they really want to give LeBron that type of money too? They have a new shiny toy they want to build around after all…

Finally, and why I think it’s even less likely the Lakers go for a 3rd star is the depth issue. They are a top heavy team as it is. They need more depth, not more star power. Lebron is basically a souped up Kyrie for Luka with added size. They really just need a good starting center and a couple of more bench pieces to be a top 3 team in the league.

[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.

[FireNicoHarrison]

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.

Agree.

They need just a good C and they will contend for at least  the next 5/7 years.

[hakeemfaan]

Luka paired with Bron is must watch TV. Once Bron goes, I am not sure. Then again LA will somehow find another stud. They always seem to do.

I still don’t get Nico and he needs to be let go . I would have been fine with Nico trading Luka away for a boatload of picks or some young stud like Scottie Barnes or a package of picks and potential like Sarr and Coulabaly. At least I could see the vision. Getting a much older close to the basket big man who despite his two way game doesn’t make the team better than with Luka right now is as puzzling as frustrating. Worst case we could have just made a strong title push this year with Luka and let him walk if he wanted to.

At the same time along with the good, there were an equal number of things lst night where you were reminded why after close to a decade, many fans here were getting frustrated at certain aspects of Luka’s game, despite his generational scoring and passing abilities. I can fully understand Nico’s disenchantment with him though I can never understand the trade itself