What would Luka need to do to be associated as a Laker over a Mav in his career?

Post #1 » by **zimpy27** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 9:45 pm

Luka did a lot on the Mavs in 6.5 seasons.
He was ROY, 5x All Star, 5x NBA 1st team, dragged them to the finals, was scoring champion.

It's likely he plays more seasons as a Laker than a Mav when he's career is done.

What would he need to do as a Laker to be more strongly associated with the Lakers over the Mavs?

SkyBill40 · Post #2 » by **SkyBill40** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:08 pm

He'll always be seen as a member of the Mavs over the Lakers. I don't think any accomplishments he piles on will change that perspective.

Post #3 » by **tsherkin** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:18 pm

He's been a Mav for 6.5 seasons, a Laker for half a season.

If he plays the rest of his career in LA, and especially if he wins a ring and/or an MVP, then perhaps perception will shift.

Post #4 » by **og15** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:21 pm

Play longer on the Lakers would be one, winning with the Lakers or getting to the finals would add to it

TheGeneral99 · Post #5 » by **TheGeneral99** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:21 pm

Play for LA at least 6-7 years, win an MVP and win a chip - which would also put him ahead of Lebron as a Laker in terms of overall ranking.

Post #6 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:29 pm

5 1st team all NBA, MVP calibre season, WCF with a weak roster with very memorable take down of 64 wins team, and finals run with a good roster.
He needs to out perform this, and if Nico is right about Luka's health trajectory, fat chance, if Pelinka stays a GM, also fat chance.
MVP and a title will be enough IMO.

Maxthirty · Post #7 » by **Maxthirty** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:31 pm

Not much. A lot of people only learned who Luka is when he became a Laker.

levon · Post #8 » by **levon** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:34 pm

SkyBill40 wrote:He'll always be seen as a member of the Mavs over the Lakers. I don't think any accomplishments he piles on will change that perspective.

Just as Kareem is always seen as a member of the Bucks and Shaq is always seen as a member of the Magic.

Post #9 » by **og15** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:42 pm

Maxthirty wrote:Not much. A lot of people only learned who Luka is when he became a Laker.

Who are these "a lot of people" lol

NZB2323 · Post #10 » by **NZB2323** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:44 pm

Either play more as a Laker or win a championship.

SkyBill40 · Post #11 » by **SkyBill40** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:44 pm

levon wrote:
SkyBill40 wrote:He'll always be seen as a member of the Mavs over the Lakers. I don't think any accomplishments he piles on will change that perspective.

Just as Kareem is always seen as a member of the Bucks and Shaq is always seen as a member of the Magic.

Bucks4005 · Post #12 » by **Bucks4005** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:45 pm

Play in LA twice as long, and win an MVP or title, or two of one of those at least if I HAD to say something.

I don’t think there’s a specific thing though. Just that you know when you do. One example I’d bring up is Pau Gasol. Do people identify him as a Laker or Grizzly? I personally go with Lakers, because he was part of the title teams, but that’s a prior example I feel people could use. But you could also point to LeBron, who likely will always be remembered most as a Cav for his career, but also things that have nothing to do with his career like being his hometown team even though he won 3 of his 4 titles elsewhere. He could win another 2 titles in LA, and I’d still always consider him a Cav. Its a pretty fluid thing, I dont think you can really point to one thing specifically.

Maxthirty · Post #13 » by **Maxthirty** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:57 pm

og15 wrote:
Maxthirty wrote:Not much. A lot of people only learned who Luka is when he became a Laker.

Who are these "a lot of people" lol

Jonathan at my work and some other people.

Post #14 » by **og15** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:04 pm

Maxthirty wrote:
og15 wrote:
Maxthirty wrote:Not much. A lot of people only learned who Luka is when he became a Laker.

Who are these "a lot of people" lol

Jonathan at my work and some other people.

Sounds like very few people then :lol:

SlimShady83 · Post #15 » by **SlimShady83** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:11 pm

Back to back chips, but at least one would be ok

liquidswords · Post #16 » by **liquidswords** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:16 pm

uhhhhh win a title?

Optms · Post #17 » by **Optms** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:19 pm

About 3 years I think.

He will get 10 times the coverage as a Laker so it will probably happen quicker than that. People will get used to it especially with social and main stream media.

CS707 · Post #18 » by **CS707** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:25 pm

I don’t think his identity has ever really been tied to the Mavericks in the first place.

Blame Rasho · Post #19 » by **Blame Rasho** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:31 pm

It isn’t string theory… win more and get more awards.

WolfAddict · Post #20 » by **WolfAddict** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:43 pm

Maxthirty wrote:Not much. A lot of people only learned who Luka is when he became a Laker.

This is so ridiculously untrue I couldn't help but comment - I live in Aus, who aren't known for their NBA knowledge (we love our footy) and even my 10 year old son, who doesn't even have a favourite team, or watched a full game, knows who Luka is...

I even had a guy at work who, and I quote, "hates basketball with a passion" recognise the Luka 1's I was wearing at time (apparently his hate doesn't extend to sneakers).

A lot people knew who Luka is long before he went to Lakers - But I do acknowledge that you're a Lakers fan so being somewhat short-sighted when it comes to other franchises is in your genetic makeup :wink: