Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Maybe I'm just a hater but he looks emaciated to me. Like he is taking Ozempic and/or eating 1200 calories a day for rapid weight loss. He doesn't look like a professional athlete like he did at Real Madrid.

[Chicagojk]

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1m...ticism_of/

[BigDirk41]

Maybe I'm just a hater but he looks emaciated to me.  Like he is taking Ozempic and/or eating 1200 calories a day for rapid weight loss.  He doesn't look like a professional athlete like he did at Real Madrid.

He definitely looks like a professional athlete now. I'm happy for him personally. This is absolutely what I expected him to do this off-season after he was publicly shamed by the Mavs through leaks. The league better look out. He's about to win his first MVP.

[ThisIStheYear]

Luka was in good enough condition two years ago to play the most minutes of any player in the NBA, lead the league in scoring, nearly average a 30 point triple double, lead all playoff performers in pretty much all statistical categories, and carry his team to the NBA finals.

[Chicagojk]

I think the Lakers had a good offseason. Although, I think most of the west teams had good offseasons.

If I were to say a concern is it appears there is not much long term foundation currently. I mean besides maybe one of the best pieces in the world in Luka and maybe a resigned Reeves next offseason.

It is potentially the last year for Lebron in LAL. Ayton and Smart want to rebuild their value. Rui is an upcoming free agent.

It always concerns me when you see potential of players looking out for themselves. Especially if you get off to a cold start. Now maybe the NBA is turning into mini 3 year runs moving forward.

I wouldn't say this is a huge concern but just something to monitor. Especially if you consider this Lakers team a good, but not great team.

[omahen]

I think the Lakers had a good offseason.  Although, I think most of the west teams had good offseasons.

If I were to say a concern is it appears there is not much long term foundation currently.  I mean besides maybe one of the best pieces in the world in Luka and maybe a resigned Reeves next offseason. 

It is potentially the last year for Lebron in LAL.  Ayton and Smart want to rebuild their value.    Rui is an upcoming free agent. 

It always concerns me when you see potential of players looking out for themselves.  Especially if you get off to a cold start.  Now maybe the NBA is turning into mini 3 year runs moving forward.   

I wouldn't say this is a huge concern but just something to monitor.    Especially if you consider this Lakers team a good, but not great team.

I think you made a very good point on Lakers. I am busting my head wondering what the long term plan is for them. They had a very good offseason and they covered the biggest holes. They lost DFS, but I think Smart will be better in same role, assuming he will be reasonably healthy. He was a much better defender and he can provide much more on offense. Ayton, even in his worst version, is an upgrade at center compared to last season. LaRavia is likely another decent rotation option, probably also better than Goodwin.

But what is the plan for next season? Smart and Ayton have player options and if they play well, they will most likely reject them looking for more money. As they don't have their bird rights, the only way to give that is using cap space. LeBron is most likely gone, so they will also need to replace him. They will have 3 FRP to trade (assuming they don't trade a FRP until TDL this season), but most of the team is expiring and the only contract that could be used in a trade is Vando. Hachimura is also expiring and will likely look at least for a similar deal. So, no matter how Smart and Ayton work out, they will be looking for a center, starting level PF (LeBron replacement) and starting level SF (Rui or replacement) and a 3-D (Smart or replacement) guy. If they let everyone walk in FA, Smart and Ayton reject their options (if they keep their options, we can assume they were not really playing well and they need a replacement anyway) and keep Reaves cap hold, they can operate with some 55 - 60 mil of cap space. If they are able to resign Smart, Rui and Ayton (or their replacements) at MLE level, they will only have some 15 mil left to replace LeBron. If they spend most of their cap space on one guy (lets say they strike a trade into cap space for Giannis or Jokic), they will have huge limitations building a team of decent supporting cast around them. They really lack a couple of guys on their rookie contracts, that would be able to be in a rotation.

FA market outlook is pretty bad for next offseason. There is one player, that still didn't sign extension and would be an ideal fit next to Luka and Reaves - Bridges (NY one). But again, it would be difficult to throw a big offer to him that might make NY walk away (they are already expensive) and then fill all other positions of need.

[mvossman]

They lost DFS, but I think Smart will be better in same role, assuming he will be reasonably healthy. He was a much better defender and he can provide much more on offense. 

Will they play the same role?  I see Smart as the POA defender who can provide some secondary playmaking.  Dorian is a big wing who can provide some spacing.  Smart is the better defender but he has shot worse than 35% for the last 6 years and his overall efficiency is poor.  I would argue Dorian has the better offensive fit with Luka.  That reasonably healthy assumption is also dicey.

[omahen]

Will they play the same role?  I see Smart as the POA defender who can provide some secondary playmaking.  Dorian is a big wing who can provide some spacing.  Smart is the better defender but he has shot worse than 35% for the last 6 years and his overall efficiency is poor.  I would argue Dorian has the better offensive fit with Luka.  That reasonably healthy assumption is also dicey.

They were using DFS as point of attack defender as he was by far the best defender on the team (excluding Vando, who is unfortunately a total zero on offense). He was the primary defender on Edwards, for example. While DFS has shot a better percentage, he is just too limited on offense. He was scoring only 6ppg against Minnesota in the playoffs (and less than 8ppg in the regular season). I think they need more offense from such a heavy minute role, even if efficiency is a bit worse. It will be much more difficult to rest on Smart on defense than it was against DFS.

[Chicagojk]

They were using DFS as point of attack defender as he was by far the best defender on the team (excluding Vando, who is unfortunately a total zero on offense). He was the primary defender on Edwards, for example. While DFS has shot a better percentage, he is just too limited on offense. He was scoring only 6ppg against Minnesota in the playoffs (and less than 8ppg in the regular season). I think they need more offense from such a heavy minute role, even if efficiency is a bit worse. It will be much more difficult to rest on Smart on defense than it was against DFS.

It will be interesting to see Smart next year.  To see if he is moving better.  I don wonder if his elite ability to guard guards may be in the past and may be much better suited to guard bigger players.    Maybe similar to what DFS is now...although Smart has been a much better overall defender.    If he is not suited to guard elite guards that could be an issue considering Luka and Lebron are better suited to guard bigger players as well.

[Chicagojk]

I think you made a very good point on Lakers. I am busting my head wondering what the long term plan is for them. They had a very good offseason and they covered the biggest holes. They lost DFS, but I think Smart will be better in same role, assuming he will be reasonably healthy. He was a much better defender and he can provide much more on offense. Ayton, even in his worst version, is an upgrade at center compared to last season. LaRavia is likely another decent rotation option, probably also better than Goodwin.

But what is the plan for next season? Smart and Ayton have player options and if they play well, they will most likely reject them looking for more money. As they don't have their bird rights, the only way to give that is using cap space. LeBron is most likely gone, so they will also need to replace him. They will have 3 FRP to trade (assuming they don't trade a FRP until TDL this season), but most of the team is expiring and the only contract that could be used in a trade is Vando. Hachimura is also expiring and will likely look at least for a similar deal. So, no matter how Smart and Ayton work out, they will be looking for a center, starting level PF (LeBron replacement) and starting level SF (Rui or replacement) and a 3-D (Smart or replacement) guy. If they let everyone walk in FA, Smart and Ayton reject their options (if they keep their options, we can assume they were not really playing well and they need a replacement anyway) and keep Reaves cap hold, they can operate with some 55 - 60 mil of cap space. If they are able to resign Smart, Rui and Ayton (or their replacements) at MLE level, they will only have some 15 mil left to replace LeBron. If they spend most of their cap space on one guy (lets say they strike a trade into cap space for Giannis or Jokic), they will have huge limitations building a team of decent supporting cast around them. They really lack a couple of guys on their rookie contracts, that would be able to be in a rotation.

FA market outlook is pretty bad for next offseason. There is one player, that still didn't sign extension and would be an ideal fit next to Luka and Reaves - Bridges (NY one). But again, it would be difficult to throw a big offer to him that might make NY walk away (they are already expensive) and then fill all other positions of need.

Things tend to work out for the Lakers.  I know they have had some really poor runs but stars tend to want to play there.  With LAC being a real franchise now they also have competition now in LA, but LAL are still the kings of the city.  

So a star could force his way there.   It is tricky though.    AD forced his way there.   NO did get a pretty solid return.  A young Ingram, a young Lonzo, Josh Hart, draft picks.   That is not equal value for AD, but solid.    AD was saying he would sign there next year regardless.   The only real assets (lets assume Reeves is not included) the Lakers have are distant first round picks.    They are Lakers picks, so a team may not be willing to bet on Luka and X star failing.   Trying to think if that type of package gets anywhere close for Jaren Jackson, Bam, or players in that range.  I have difficulty believing it.   

It is real tricky.   The west is young and deep.   Having a Superstar though is the hardest thing to get, so they did the most difficult thing already.

[Dahlsim]

I think you're going to be surprised. 

Luka sounds pissed. If there is one thing we know for sure is that Luka locks in when he is challenged the most time and again. It is why he can bury entire franchises on the road in the first quarter. This is basically the off-court version of that.

I think we're going to see an insanely in-shape Luka. I am happy for him. I am sad it couldn't have been for the Mavs.

Yeah, it will be painful for Mavs fans to have to watch the Lakers this year I imagine. As I predicted the Lakers and League would definitely manage somehow to piece a contending roster around Luka and last-Lebron. 
Insanely in-shape Luka?  Truth is most of us know it wouldn't have been for the Mavs.  

Lakers will get the best Luka because he's been insulted and challenged.  Mav's would have gotten the normal star Luka, not the never-seen-this-body-before version.     Dallas would have paid more for their Luka and some other team would have Cooper Flagg right now.  

So there's that MFFL's.

[mvossman]

Yeah, it will be painful for Mavs fans to have to watch the Lakers this year I imagine. As I predicted the Lakers and League would definitely manage somehow to piece a contending roster around Luka and last-Lebron. 
Insanely in-shape Luka?  Truth is most of us know it wouldn't have been for the Mavs.  

Lakers will get the best Luka because he's been insulted and challenged.  Mav's would have gotten the normal star Luka, not the never-seen-this-body-before version.     Dallas would have paid more for their Luka and some other team would have Cooper Flagg right now.  

So there's that MFFL's.

I'm not sure I buy into this narrative.  

First, I'm not sure Luka will be significantly better than what he has been for us (the bar is very high).

Second, to whatever degree Luka does improve his conditioning, I think it would have happened here eventually.

Third, are the Lakers paying less for Luka?  My understanding is that by timing his contracts Luka is going to make close to what he would have with the Mavs.  Assuming Lakers sign him to his next max contract, I don't think they are saving much.

I do agree that Flagg is very nice consolation prize for organizational ineptitude.

EDIT: Also, I don't see that Lakers roster as a contender. Ayton does not seem like a good fit with Luka and I'm not sure what Smart has left in the tank.

[DallasMaverick]

Yeah, it will be painful for Mavs fans to have to watch the Lakers this year I imagine. As I predicted the Lakers and League would definitely manage somehow to piece a contending roster around Luka and last-Lebron. 
Insanely in-shape Luka?  Truth is most of us know it wouldn't have been for the Mavs.  

Lakers will get the best Luka because he's been insulted and challenged.  Mav's would have gotten the normal star Luka, not the never-seen-this-body-before version.     Dallas would have paid more for their Luka and some other team would have Cooper Flagg right now.  

So there's that MFFL's.

The Lakers will be interesting in the same way that an old girlfriend might be interesting.

Not really relevant to our current fandom, but there will be some cool Luka highlights from time to time.

Maybe tune in to a game every once in awhile.

But when the playoffs start, not really a contender.

[Dahlsim]

I'm not sure I buy into this narrative.  

First, I'm not sure Luka will be significantly better than what he has been for us (the bar is very high).

Second, to whatever degree Luka does improve his conditioning, I think it would have happened here eventually.

Third, are the Lakers paying less for Luka?  My understanding is that by timing his contracts Luka is going to make close to what he would have with the Mavs.  Assuming Lakers sign him to his next max contract, I don't think they are saving much.

I do agree that Flagg is very nice consolation prize for organizational ineptitude.

EDIT: Also, I don't see that Lakers roster as a contender.  Ayton does not seem like a good fit with Luka and I'm not sure what Smart has left in the tank.

First, I'm not sure Luka will be significantly better 
I'm not sure either.  I'm guessing that being in much better shape and condition has a good chance of producing a better player at least marginally so.  

degree Luka does improve his conditioning, I think it would have happened here eventually. 
Of course again, we can only make an educated hypothetical guess here.  I disagree though. 
Luka is basically a lifelong professional basketball player.  He's never showed signs of working out to get both his weight and conditioning to the level he did this offseason.  

I think we have to be naive to think it had nothing to do with being traded and publicly insulted.  

by timing his contracts Luka is going to make close 
Maybe so but even still by any measure the Mavs were going to pay more for their version Luka on this contract. 

I do agree that Flagg is very nice consolation prize for organizational ineptitude. 
No argument about Nico's ineptitude in making the trade the way he did, but Flagg is more than a consolation prize for a franchise that gets the #1 overall pick for only the 2nd time in 45 years. 

The Lakers will be interesting in the same way that an old girlfriend might be interesting. 
Not really relevant to our current fandom, but there will be some cool Luka highlights from time to time.

Maybe tune in to a game every once in awhile.
But when the playoffs start, not really a contender.

Yeah definitely not a real favorite but in the top 10 as a contending roster.  Lakers are ranked high enough to not be a shocker if they have a real contending season. 

• ESPN and Draft Kings have them at #7  https://www.espn.com/nba/futures  / https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/league...am-futures&subcategory=champion 
  
• Fanduel  and Odds shark at #8 https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigatio...nba-finals 
  
• https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigatio...nba-finals 
  

It seems all have them higher than the Mavs.

[DallasMaverick]

It seems all have them higher than the Mavs.

That would be a great poll question!

[F Gump]

The easy (and very logical) assumption is that Luka's presence makes LA a title contender, almost by himself. But is that enough?

One qualifier is his health (not just off-season conditioning) and that is subject to what he does during the season too.

Another is the team around him. If it's meh, he can only do so much. See his team this summer. In LA, however, LeBron is also there, so it doesnt take all that much more to consider them a real threat. You really need 2 top players who will each be available for the vast majority of 100 games, and once that's a given, you're probably going a long ways.

I do think that Luka getting in better shape will help him, but if it's not accompanied by a desire to expand and sharpen his game skills in various areas, I question his ability to truly dominate the NBA (which he has the building blocks to do).

How? In particular, making a higher pct of 3s and FTs (in fact an elite shooting pct), opening his arsenal to play without the ball in his hands (including passing the ball ahead on the break rather than forcing the pace to only be at his personal speed up the court), using his size and length to become a superior defender, and letting go of the constant whining that takes him out of so many plays (especially on defense). I think he has the capacity for all of those, because he is big, skilled, and smart, but not sure he has the aptitude to pursue those better game habits, which leaves him as a brilliant one man show filling up the stat box, but lowers his impact and dominance.

I would have loved to see Luka still a Mav and each year we keep seeing those improvements emerging with more and more improvement. I think this coming season, after he has worked harder in the summer, will help us see whether the game habits will be changed too, where his potential for dominance can begin to turn the corner, as the better conditioning will NOT by itself change any game habits. That has to come from within Luka, and he's done very well with doing it his way to this point, so does he even see a need for change in THOSE areas? Or will he still be showing the same game habits as always, only with better stamina? Will be interesting.

[ThisIStheYear]

As far as Luka goes, I’m optimistic for his season, but it remains to be seen if super lean Luka is the right NBA body for him. Certainly, last season’s “fat” Luka was a disaster waiting to happen. But the actually in pretty good shape but Dad bod Luka that nearly won us a title with a still deficient roster the year before may yet be the best Luka. The NBA body takes a pounding and Luka does alot of his best work in the paint where he gets hammered. A few extra pounds to absorb all that contact may be helpful to a point. I’ll be interested to see how the lean body holds up to all the contact this year. But, I expect he’ll be great, much better than Davis.

[SleepingHero]

Luka became 1 of 5 people to ever record a triple double at Eurobasket.

It's truly unfortunate that Slovenia has been so weak. Without Luka I don't think their team scores 50 points. Luka almost singlehandedly took down France.

Just some crazy performances from the Don.

[DallasMaverick]

Luka became 1 of 5 people to ever record a triple double at Eurobasket.

It's truly unfortunate that Slovenia has been so weak. Without Luka I don't think their team scores 50 points. Luka almost singlehandedly took down France.

Just some crazy performances from the Don.

I think he thrives in that mode, where he’s the ball-dominant superstar, carrying a group of weaker teammates.

[Mavs2021]

(edited for language) Nico forever. Luka outscoring Italy by himself 15 minutes into the game. 27 points in 15 minutes against triple teams of the statistical best defense.