As Los Angeles Lakers fans continue to celebrate Luka Doncic's long-term commitment, it is important to give some necessary props to Rob Pelinka. The heist of the century would never have been possible without Pelinka remarkably convincing Nico Harrison of the 'risks' involving the trade.
No, that does not have to do with the conditioning, attitude, or any of those silly narratives spewed by the Dallas Mavericks. Harrison and the Mavericks front office did a fine job of talking themselves out of a generational player with those conversations.
Pelinka somehow managed to raise additional doubt regarding Doncic's loyalty and the flight risk that was involved with the Lakers making the move to acquire the superstar point guard. Sam Amick of The Athletic reminded everyone just how brilliant the Lakers general manager was in negotiations.
"They essentially used the fear of not being able to re-sign Luka as one of the justifications for not having another first-round pick in that deal," Amick said. "They could rightfully say [that], and that's why that matters."
Luka Doncic's flight risk was always minimal for the Los Angeles Lakers
One of the immediate discussions surrounding the Doncic trade was NBA fans and personnel wondering how someone as great as Luka only commanded one pick from the Lakers. Now, everyone knows. It was a Pelinka masterstroke that helped Los Angeles get the bargain that they did.
Anthony Davis plays no small part in this either. For any of the criticism that might surround the former Lakers big man, Davis is certainly no small get for the Mavericks.
Still, Doncic gives Los Angeles the better end of that deal for a multitude of reasons. No one really needs to be sold on that point.
The sell job still worth circling back to was Pelinka's. Amick highlighted the Lakers' longstanding culture of treating their superstars exceptionally since the Buss family takeover in Los Angeles as an immediate advantage of retaining Doncic.
The other part of this equation, that makes the Mavericks look particular foolish, is Luka's personality. Amick stated that Doncic is well-known to not enjoy too much change.
Now, after the initial commitment, that three-year extension has Doncic poised for a massive megadeal north of $400 million to remain with the Lakers for a very long time. At the very least, it appears likely the Slovenian superstar will be in Los Angeles for the best portion of his playing days.