Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[Chicagojk]

I think the first part (up to ownership in panic) is totally realistic, whether the source is legit or not. From then on, it gets more interesting.

A good FO/owner would have to predict the backlash. I think it was obvious to happen. No one reasonable could think that Davis would just replace income generated by Luka. Injuries and lack of results made things worse. Probably they didn't think Davis would miss 18 games and obviously couldn't predict the Irving injury, which made things worse. Still, a good FO would absorb the backlash and continue with the plan.

A bad FO/owner would be surprised by the backlash. I can buy that Nico was so blinded by his irrational feelings towards Luka (I think this irrational feelings were the main driver for the trade) that he was actually surprised vast majority of fans didn't share his feelings. Dumont is the guy that should provide a more rational view. This kind of decision is on owner, you can't just leave it to a "hired hand". 

It is obvious that the plan was to win now with Irving, AD and probably another move or two in the summer. I wonder if Irving injury changes that. Their window is short and I am not sure they can afford to wait for him. They would really become extremely hated franchise if they let him go. But then again, can it really get worse for them? Their only chance to start winning back the fanbase is to win quick. So if Irving needs most of next season to come back and perhaps never looks the same again, will they really be willing to wait for him?

It is amateur hour.   I am sure Nico was not fond of Luka.  Although, I still don't think we know the full story.  It wouldn't suprise me to find out Dumont told Nico they are not going to offer Luka the supermax or even to trade him.    Maybe because that is what I heard a few weeks ago from someone supposedly connected.   Nico thinking that he really liked the pieces of the current team and thinking he was under the gun to make a move now, looked for a win now piece instead of breaking down the team.  Who knows.   BTW, the guy I heard from this also told me Cuban was in deep financial trouble and the league sort of forced his hand.  Again, this is hearsay.

All I know about Billionaiares is no matter how much money they have, if you mess with their money there is hell to pay.  I think it is pretty clear Nico has messed with their money.   How much?  Time will tell.