At the outset, there's just no way to look at this deal from L.A.'s perspective as anything but a resounding, colossal, slam dunk of a win.

They traded a soon-to-be-32-year-old, oft-injured big man for a soon-to-be-26-year-old perennial MVP candidate who just carried his team to the NBA Finals.

And they did it for a trade package that is truly difficult to believe is real.

THE LAKERS GOT LUKA DONČIĆ AND ONLY GAVE UP ONE FIRST-ROUND PICK.

Huh?

Five years ago, the Los Angeles Clippers gave up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, five first-round picks and two pick swaps for Paul George. Two years ago, the Phoenix Suns gave up multiple rotation players (Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges) and four first-rounders for then-34-year-old Kevin Durant. Not long after that, the Milwaukee Bucks got Damian Lillard for a package that included three first-round picks.

And again, L.A. just got Luka in his prime for one.

Yes, AD is a great player, but this collection of assets feels like pennies on whatever dollar several other teams could've offered.

Think about how many future picks the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz have. There's just no there was an open bidding on this.

And of course, that's not the Lakers problem. They'll gladly take the win. And that's exactly what this is.

Luka has played six total seasons. He's made First Team All-NBA five times. He's already in the top 50 all time in career MVP shares.

Landing a player of this caliber in his mid-20s for a past-his-prime non-playmaker, a young player you've already declined a team option on (Jalen Hood-Schifino), a semi-intriguing young wing (Max Christie) and ONE first-round pick is mind-blowing.

Five plus signs in that subheading probably aren't even enough.