I find the reasoning beyond stupid:
Yeah, Luka carried us to the Finals, but we don't think we're good enough to WIN the finals because of him. MVP candidates that take you to the Finals don't grow on trees. It's like a woman breaking up with a guy who makes her orgasm every time, but "I want a guy that gives me multiple."
But let's say, you decided Luka wasn't worth the money and the world agrees. The best you could do is 31 year old injury prone Anthony Davis and a 1st? A 1st like 4 or 5 years from now. The Lakers will probably be a power house built around Luka. The Mavs will be outside of whatever contender window they think they have.