Lakers' gift from Nico Harrison looks even sweeter after latest blockbuster trade

On Sunday morning, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Magic traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap to the Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. The Los Angeles Lakers knew they stumbled into the trade of a lifetime when they acquired Luka Doncic in February for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick, but the latest trade further solidified that.

Luckily for LA, Nico Harrison didn't want to open up the Luka Doncic trade sweepstakes to the rest of the league. Other teams could've easily outbid the Lakers, but Harrison wanted to keep things under wraps. Sunday's trade put an even larger spotlight on Harrison's incompetence, as Memphis fetched a larger haul for Bane than Dallas did for Doncic. Imagine reading the last 12 words of the previous sentence in January.

Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from deep in 69 contests this past season. Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in a combined 50 contests for the Mavericks and Lakers, shooting 45% from the field and 36.8% from deep. Lakers fans (or anyone else who follows the NBA) didn't need to compare their statistics side by side to know that they received the better player for a significantly cheaper price, but it is eye-opening.

Magic-Grizzlies blockbuster trade makes Lakers' Luka deal look even better

The trade kickstarts what should be a busy NBA offseason. Kevin Durant is waiting to be traded by the Suns, with the Spurs, Rockets, and Heat sitting atop his destination wishlist. If the Grizzlies got four first-round picks and a pick swap for Bane, what will Phoenix get for KD?

Lakers fans can sit back and watch the trade drama unfold, knowing that they have the perfect post-LeBron player in Luka, who is 26. Los Angeles isn't in desperation mode like other teams in the league (Orlando), but the Lakers do have a list they need to check off this summer to make the deep playoff run they hope for with Luka and LeBron, starting with finding a quality center.

Los Angeles might have to pay a higher price than it wants for a center, but at least fans know that the Lakers fleeced the Mavericks for one of the best players in the league. You can't beat that kind of luck.