Copying someone else's homework was always frowned upon and scolded for everyone while they were growing up. At the NBA level, though, Rob Pelinka may just have the right idea with what he's trying to do for Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks have already given him everything he needs to do.
During an appearance on Run It Back TV for FanDuel, NBA insider Chris Mannix offered insight as to what the plan was for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming summer. The message was unsurprising in the best type of way. Pelinka is going to follow a proven blueprint.
"It's really about reinventing this team around Luka Doncic and building the kind of team that Dallas had in its last couple of years," Mannix said. "...They just really want to make Dallas 2.0. They feel they can succeed with a backcourt of Luka and Austin Reaves ... if they get the right type of players."
Replacing Deandre Ayton with a better fit and adding more 3-and-D players were brought up by Mannix as the two primary concerns for the Lakers. The plan should not blow away anyone in shock. However, it is in its predictability that Los Angeles should be smiling.
Lakers are not overthinking the Luka Doncic model for success
Building around Doncic should not be complicated, and the Lakers are giving no indication they will needlessly make it that way. This should offer a ton of reassurance to the Los Angeles faithful who are ready to finally have another contender in the building.
Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. That much will continue to be true no matter what some members of the media will try to feed you. Contrary to what some may have you believe as well, players should be lining up to play with Luka when the summer arrives.
Are you a two-way big man who can protect the rim and serve as an outlet for Doncic's playmaking on offense? Excellent, the Lakers will have a spot for you.
Are you someone who can reliably defend the perimeter and hit an open shot? Fantastic, go off and buy a home in Los Angeles.
Are you trying to prove yourself for a payday? Superb, Doncic has been an elite floor raiser since his sophomore season, and has gotten several of his teammates steady contracts in the process.
Any retool will naturally have obstacles, and despite the financial flexibility, the Lakers will still have a finite ballpark to operate inside of. Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers influence increasing in the front office, this is not the MLB. There is a salary cap.
Nonetheless, the Lakers should be poised to have the type of makeover they are envisioning. It's just about getting the right players in the building for Pelinka. Free agency has previously been the avenue for setting up a championship team. It can be once more, if done right.