Having now seen a couple Lakers posts...you guys are hilariously underselling this. Luka is probably one of the five best best (at this point in career, and maybe even third best) player ever to join the Lakers. Definitely behind Magic. I think behind Kareem. But LeBron was already past his prime, I'd take Luka over Wilt, and Luka has been better every season of his career than a rookie Kobe (or any Kobe year honestly).
Could he have some secret devastating leg thing and never materialize? Maybe.
But this guy is behind ONLY MICHAEL JORDAN on the playoffs scoring per game list. It's like him, Oscar, and LeBron for P/A/R averages.
He's so far and away the best player any team has ever traded for in the history of the NBA that it should blow your mind.
There's a real (I'm not saying high, but definitely real) chance he retires as the best player in Lakers history. That's the kid of guy we're talking about. GOAT potential. Seriously.
Why do you think basketball people in Dallas are considering jumping off a bridge? It's ****ing NUTS.
Uh, we're overall thrilled to get him. I'm just saying what they've got around him here right now isn't exactly a good fit. Needs retooling. They weren't building this with the slightest notion that Luka would be here and AD gone up to now.
I'd expect the Mavs to go farther in the playoffs than the Lakers this year if both teams are healthy. Subsequent seasons are a totally different story, assuming the Lakers can do better building around Luka than they have LeBron and AD. Which maybe isn't a great assumption...
As far as his place among the greatest Lakers, we'll have to see. Sure if his career trajectory in the future follows what he's already done, there will be a strong argument for best ever. Also, you forgot Shaq on your short list. He was kind of a big deal.