The Lakers just made their second big mistake of the Luka Doncic era

 Hoops Habit had an interesting article today.

While the term "elite" is doing just so much work here, there is a valid point being made. Theis is a decent player. He does have world stage experience and success. However, let's be honest, there is a reason no one is buying his jersey. 

Let's assume they don't "blow it". Who had Theis under contract at the time? OKC. What would LA be able to give to OKC for Theis? I know what Presti would want... But LA wouldn't do it. (Reeves) Anything they'd be willing to part with wouldn't be enough, I mean the guy is "elite" level "perfect fit" right?

But OKC released Theis and LA didn't grab him up. I don't think this was LA "blowing it". I think this was LA realizing he ultimately isn't someone to come in as a starter and actually contribute the way you'd want him to. He's a bench guy for a team looking to contend. Start him if you're rebuilding and he will be awesome. Highlight of the team in fact, I'm sure. 

So, let's discuss something real fast. Luka does nothing to fill in the issues that LA had. He ads points as an actually elite scorer, but defense is abysmal. He just doesn't play it. And when he does, it's not much effort and he knows he can just get it back and go score. So, LA sent away their All Star, but constantly hurt, post guy who was carrying probably 40-50% of the defense that wasn't good already and you sent him to Dallas for the name Luka and no improvement?

The Lakers first big mistake in the Luka Doncic era was trading for Luka Doncic. 

Both Luka and the Lakers were in better places before the trade IMO. We will have to wait to see if that is true or not. But Bron gets what he wants and what he wants often does not work out or make sense.