Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[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.