Build around Luka or Edwards?

[___Rand___]

Luka is the better player right now. Ant could be better in the future. As a GM I'd still go with Luka to build a brand for the franchise, fill butts in the seats, and hope and pray that he sees the light one day and gets in shape. Because a GM's job isn't just to build a championship team, but also to sell TICKETS and build a team's brand. In the meantime, build a fast tall quick athletic team around him to compensate for all of his weaknesses. If Warriors won with Steph being a liability on defense, a team built properly for Luka can still win a championship. But the most this version of Luka can win is ONE chip. MAX. During a fluke year when everyone else is mediocre and injured.

[BodieB]

Hasn't even been a year since Luka dominated Ant's team to go the finals lol.

[Nate505]

The out of shape whiner or the in shape whiner? I'm going with the in shape whiner.

[fanofthegreats]

Ant. Luka is a better offensive player statistically but his play style is predictable and IMO one dimensional. Also his longevity prospects are questionable with his lack of work ethic.

[azcatz11]

Luka. I’d roll the dice and bet he gets into great shape. He is 3 tiers above Ant assuming healthy conditioning

[OkcSinceSGA]

I’m gonna shock myself as a previous huge Luka homer, Edwards hater and pick Edwards.

I think with regards to Luka’s conditioning, desire to stay fit and healthy he may be on the Bird trajectory of peaking early and having a short career due to injury issues.

So while Luka is the better player at his best, and has more upside I trust Ant’s competitive drive, work ethic and health way more. Plus Ant shows a desire to also be an elite defender.

Watching a highlight video of Luka 2-3 years ago where he was way faster, craftier, more athletic was eye opening. Like currently he’s what 25? But plays like he’s 33.

[LuckyGreen7]

Don Luka Magic Doncic.

He carried Dallas to the finals just last season, y’all forgetting he’s coming off an injury this season missing a significant portion of the season and not getting a proper training/conditioning camp, Luka should bring multiple championships to LA he’s just that good.

You don't need a "proper training / conditioning camp" to get into shape. It can be worked on during the actual season. Luka didn't do squat to improve his body / fitness since arriving in LA this summer and you can bet dollars to donuts he will also not be in great shape next season. He's just a lazy person.

People who say Luka carried the Mavs to the finals last year forget how well Kyrie also played in the 2024 playoffs up until the finals. They wouldn't have made it without Kyrie's strong play as well.

[Archx]

Looking at the results of the poll, I now understand why Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins are getting those huge paychecks: hot takes and "what have you done for me today" culture at its finest.

Or maybe defense is half of the game, and that guy who plays defense is 2.5 years younger and not a fatty?

This is how not injured and (in shape) Luka season looks like compared to the roller-coaster year he just had.

Read on Twitter

[shrink]

Luka is the better player right now. Ant could be better in the future. As a GM I'd still go with Luka to build a brand for the franchise, fill butts in the seats, and hope and pray that he sees the light one day and gets in shape. Because a GM's job isn't just to build a championship team, but also to sell TICKETS and build a team's brand..

I’m surprised you think the marketability argument doesn’t favor the charismatic and electrifying American.

[Godymas]

Anthony Edwards is multiple tiers above Luka on defense

Anthony Edwards is a better three point shooter than Luka

Anthony Edwards drives better than Luka

Anthony Edwards is more athletic than Luka


Luka is a better passer than Edwards

Luka is a better isolation scorer than Edwards

Luka is a better rebounder than Edwards

It’s the same reason why Tatum wins out over Luka. Adaptability as a two way star is much easier to build around.

Give me the hyper athletic two way stud over the doughy Euro boy 9/10 times.

Same reason why Giannis > Jokic

[dirkdiggler4177]

It's so hard to tell right now. I have been following Luka since he got into the NBA. He is a very emotional person, and he seems a bit immature. He says all the right things, saying everything is his responsibility, he needs to be better, etc., but he never really does. He is very well media-trained.

He also got his own trainer and chef, etc, but my guess is that they are all yes-men.

So after this trade, he might eat himself into really bad shape this offseason and not really care. He knows this team is not really good and the current roster needs big changes. Does he really think that these playoff problems were because of his body shape? At the same time, he knows how brutal this league is.

If he got some sort of eating disorder, where he uses food to handle his feelings, while also being immature, where nobody tells him no, I don't know where he will end up.

Meanwhile, you got Ant-Man, who is a beast, who plays both sides of the floor and wants it. With that said, he does not really have a good basketball IQ. He still has some years to improve and mature, but will he have that mental part of the game?


It can anyway, right now I feel. So hard to tell.

[RoyceDa59]

Edwards without hesitation. Younger, healthier with more upside and a much better shooter and defender.

Luka just looks slow these days, I do expect a fast decline.

[shrink]

Looking at the results of the poll, I now understand why Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins are getting those huge paychecks: hot takes and "what have you done for me today" culture at its finest.

“If you don’t agree with me, here’s insults for you, and nothing to explain my position.”

And 6 And1s! Regardless of your position on the topic, I would hope posters could do better than this for a discussion board.

[sikma42]

I’ve been a big Luka guy since before he was drafted. I’m starting to get hard to ignore the characters issues on the basketball floor (ant has off court issues).

Right now I’d still lean Luka but

1. Don’t think he can be a leader
2. Isn’t cut from the same cloth as other great competitors. Competing happens on and off the court. Being in amazing shape is part of it. Defending is part of it.

Honestly I just question how much he cares about winning. I’d still take Luka bc he is the much better talent, but he isn’t living up to his god given ability. It’s not the numbers, it’s the intangibles. Still have him as a top 3/4 guy but I thought he had a chance to be a top 15 all time guy and I’m not sure he can get there.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[Jedi32]

Ant plays both sides.

I can't really take Luka serious when he doesn't even care to play defense. He will never win a championship until he plays on that side of the ball.

Just curious if you feel the same way about Jokic?

[MrBigShot]

Ant is one of the best talented players in the NBA. Luka is one of the the most talented players ever.

Ant at his best can be a better player than Luka sandbagging. I'm becoming increasingly doubtful that Luka will ever take his conditioning seriously capitalize on all the talent he has.

[JustBuzzin]

Ant plays both sides.

I can't really take Luka serious when he doesn't even care to play defense. He will never win a championship until he plays on that side of the ball.

Just curious if you feel the same way about Jokic?

Jokic doesn't flat out quit on defense. He may not be the best defender, but he at least gives effort.

[Shaka_Zulu]

I'm a Wolves fan and it took me only couple seconds to vote Luka.


Despite his effort/defensive flaws and heliocentric way, Luka is a GENERATIONAL offensive savant. His last season of 33/9/9 is burned into my retina. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing...

To cut it short: he is still better then Ant right now.



That may change in the future tho.

[uncleduck13]

Luka is the better player but I’d rather build around Ant when you factor age, conditioning, motivation, play style, defense, intangibles, etc. History has shown that a player of Ant’s archetype (Dwyane Wade) is far more likely to win a championship over Luka’s (James Harden).

[Coach Carter]

Edwards is good at basketball where's Luka is basketball. Just doesn't have the level of discipline and maturity to look after his body like Bron, Giannis and Kobe. He's a kid at heart that just wants to play. He coasts on his natural ability. I'm convinced, had they allowed him to stay, he wins Dallas a championship.