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Well I have to admit I was pretty wrong about this. I thought the Lakers were in real danger of losing him, once he got to understand our financial situation, and the lack of picks in our future. I would appear that our brand is still incredibly strong, and we're "good for it" when it comes to building a winner. Or perhaps Luka is more of a commitment guy than I gave credit for? Maybe a bit of both? Don't know, but I was wrong here for sure. Wonderful news, IMO. It takes a HUGE question mark out of this season. We won't have to walk on eggshells and kiss his arse. Both sides are all in.

3-year $165 mil is a butt-ton of $$$....good for him.

This is kind of cool. We have a superstar entering his prime. We have new owners with deeper pockets than the last (that deal actually went through, I assume....it hit the news cycle, and sorta went away)....and what I'd call the skeleton of a pretty decent roster. I wish, wish, wish, we'd not kept trying to pry that obviously closed window open, with desperation moves, and horrible pick management the last 2-3 years...but it is what it is. Things could be better, but they could also be a whole lot worse. Now players thinking about joining know Luka's committed, and that will help.

Let's do it! Build another winner. We're not there yet (imo) but our journey begins hand in hand....player and team. Super important first step.

Dave McMenamin from ESPN article:

After Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick took Doncic and his business manager, Lara Beth Seager, to dinner in May, the 6-foot-6 guard left with a greater understanding of the team's books. The team left with a better understanding of Doncic's desires.

"I don't want to wait," Doncic told the table, a source familiar with the conversation told ESPN. "I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So let's do whatever we can now."

Pelinka and Redick used the dinner to examine future cap space, the picks they owned, the picks they didn't own and to discuss how to tackle their future together.

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This is good as well. They've had all the discussions, all the truth is on the table...warts and all. He knows our situation, and is fine with it. He has obviously taken the offseason incredibly seriously...has helped sign a couple guys, and is taking over as leader of the team. Will pouty mc pout-face get with the program, or will he be moved? Sadly for him, I don't think the Lakers really care! lol....suck on that buddy. If we can get someone we want for him...great. Otherwise, we're good. Your gone in a year, so hop on board and let's give it 100% this season, or don't.

And folks were sayin we lost the offseason. Lol

Thank You Nico!

Next step ... Giannis in FA

danfantastk32 wrote: I would appear that our brand is still incredibly strong, and we're "good for it" when it comes to building a winner. Or perhaps Luka is more of a commitment guy than I gave credit for?

Not sure why you'd think otherwise, especially since he wanted to be a Mav for life.

Thank You Nico!

Glad his a LaLuka

SlimShady83 wrote:Thank You Nico!

Next step ... Giannis in FA

Amen

Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet's Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

jeeeez

Danny Darko wrote:

Read on Twitter

jeeeez

lol and people saying Lakers lost the trade

Yea, its insane how the Lakers got Luka on a such a "discount". Had Nico not **** Luka, he would be eligible making the super max paying him a good 5-10mil+ a year more than he would be with us on that deal. It gives the team a small window of opportunity to get his future long term running partner, while Luka is making 30% of the cap and everyone else on the roster is cheap (except for Vando 12.4mil and whoever the team signs long term next offseason).

Just get the Lebron farewell tour out of the way and retool around Luka in 2026 in earnest. Recruiting will be waaaaaaay easier, since the Laker path forward is so crystal clear. Also gives the new ownership a season to get an elite infrastructure in place (develop, train, scout, etc), which will cost alot of money that the Buss family notoriously cheapskated out on.

Congrats Luka

Now take us to the trophy!

This is an awesome development.

Love Luka and his game.
We'll be able to surround him with solid players with shooters, defenders, and rebounders.

I love what LBJ has given us over the last several years and I think we should honor his last year or two with us.

Can't wait to watch the Lakeshow next year.

OKC, HOU, and DEN will be elite next year.
There are several more great teams in the West.
We may not be top 1 or 2 in our conference.

But we have enough talent to compete very well.

Classy move by LBJ to call and congratulate Luka.

New ownership locks in the security. Meaning, in the future, if the 417 Million dollar deal comes up. We won't do a Dallas Mavericks and be afraid or scared to Pay the Bill.
We have that money, and we can take care of our SuperStars long term