Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers need to get LeBron James through the regular season with as little wear and tear as possible. Easier said than done, obviously, given the challenging nature of the West, and the grind of an 82-game schedule. One idea, says Lakers great Shaquille O'Neal, is simply to take fewer shots and play more of a "Magic" type facilitator role. Let Anthony Davis handle the heavy lifting, and even allow Austin Reaves to be the team's #2 scorer. It sounds like a nice plan, but it's got some problems. Can the Lakers afford to load up more on Davis, who already carries the team's defense in some pretty absurd ways? Is Austin Reaves capable of being a consistent second option offensively? Do you really want LeBron being that deferential while he plays? Are there other ways -- better ways -- to lighten his workload? The answers to all of those questions, and more, are the focus of this episode, which naturally leads to the question of whether or not Reaves is capable of being the team's 3rd best player? Would he need to improve? How much better would he need to get for him to be a 3rd guy comparable to the 3rd best player on title teams? What's the best way to compare these guys, anyway, since not all "3rd bests" are asked to do the same thing. What does all of this say about the Lakers roster? HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Shaq says LeBron should take a step back. SEGMENT 2: Is this the best way to keep LeBron AND Davis fresh? SEGMENT 3: Is AR capable of being a 3rd guy? Right now how does he stack up against other players cast in that role?  For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

With the offseason winding down and the trades of any real substance presumably done, we're able to take stock of where the Lakers stand against teams around the Western Conference, and even more specifically, their division. How, for example, do the battle-tested but aging duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis stack up against a talented Sacramento Kings squad led by  De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, old friend Malik Monk, and new foe DeMar DeRozan, who'd been linked to the Lakers during the offseason before the Chicago Bulls worked out a sign-and-trade sending the Compton native to Sacto. Among the topics discussed: The strength of the Pacific DivisionShould the Suns, Lakers, Kings, Clippers or Warriors be considered strong contenders?The importance of strong starts for both teamsDeRozan's impactAustin Reaves' ceiling(Also, a technical issue with the podcast software prevented Andy from using his laptop while recording the show, so he instead had to use his phone. Apologies for a different look and slightly different sound.)HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt George (Locked on Kings) SEGMENT 1: How Good is the Pacific Division? SEGMENT 2: How Much will DeRozan Help the Kings? SEGMENT 3: Can Austin Reaves become a third star? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor has noted a couple of times throughout the offseason that the Lakers are keeping an eye on Luka Doncic, should something sour in his relationship with the Dallas Mavericks. Now, the Mavs just went to the Finals, have Luka under contract for another few years (including an option) and he's also extension-eligible, and there's no reason to believe at this point that Doncic won't ink that paper with Dallas. Of course, none of that means he can't still be traded, but the point is, this isn't a matter of a disgruntled star making noise. So what are we doing here? Is this really a thing to watch, or just a massive Captain Obvious moment? (Of course the Lakers are keeping an eye on Luka, just in case. So are 28 other teams.) Or is there something more because it's the Lakers? The important thing: It's not really about Luka, or any of the stars out there for that matter. Doncic here is shorthand for "the next guy the Lakers would bring in to pair with Anthony Davis after LeBron retires." When will that be? Nobody really knows. The biggest question from the Lakers standpoint is how they view the process of finding that player. Is it something they start thinking about now? Do they begin hoarding cap space for a certain summer when Player X might become available? How aggressive would they be in the interim? These are the questions that will determine the kind of product the Lakers will put on the floor until Luka, or whoever, becomes (potentially) available. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers are reportedly "keeping an eye" on Luka Doncic. SEGMENT 2: What exactly does that mean, and how does it impact the Lakers? SEGMENT 3: What do the Lakers "owe" LeBron?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

Most Lakers fans were quite pleased when the team re-signed young forward Max Christie to a four year, $32 million dollar deal this offseason. It's seen as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dull summer. But it's not a move that has received a ton of attention or scrutiny, either, other than maybe a couple lifted eyebrows at the dollar amount, given how little he played to this point, and some criticism that the Lakers put themselves in a position of needing to re-sign Christie after year 2 vs. year 3. For fans, though, the idea of giving Christie some money and now being in a position where he basically HAS to play seemed like a revelation. But is it? One critic is The Athletic's John Hollinger, who sees it as an overpay for a player who simply hasn't performed well at the NBA level. Plus, it's an opportunity cost - the Lakers, by signing him, took themselves out of position to be able to use an exception on a player who could potentially help them more now. Who? Not sure. The market for that guy was limited. But is he right?Meanwhile, it's not just Christie the Lakers are counting on to make a big jump this season. They need the same from Christian Wood. Not so much a jump in talent level vs. the rest of the NBA - Wood is too established for that - but a big jump in impact. Like Christie, Wood has a skill set not easily replicated at the position he plays. The Lakers need him have a much better, more consistent year than he did a season ago. How much of this, whether talking Christie or Wood, is about JJ Redick? HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Was re-signing Max Christie a mistake? SEGMENT 2: No, but it's not without risk. SEGMENT 3: Wood says he's coming back with a vengeance.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

For Lakers fans, the Olympics were a bittersweet event. On the one hand, Anthony Davis, and especially LeBron James, played some great basketball. They won a gold medal. James, pushing 40, was named MVP. On the other hand, it was a reminder that the Lakers are not title contenders, despite having a still-elite James at the top of their roster. It was, for many, a reminder that the Lakers haven't followed up on the promise of the 2020 title with any more hardware, and don't have a clear path to send James into retirement (whenever that comes) with another shot at a title. Are the Lakers squandering LeBron's final act? That's the position of The Ringer's Michael Pina, who has a great column up breaking down where things have gone wrong and why. He joins the show, talking about LeBron's accomplishments, Rob Pelinka's work, and the missteps that have occurred over the last few years. Can they get themselves back on a title track?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Michael PinaSEGMENT 1: LeBron's remarkable run at the Olympics.SEGMENT 2: Have the Lakers squandered his final act? How did it happen?SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers fix things in time?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.  BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers are hoping to get healthy again this year. Not with their stars, of course, since Anthony Davis and LeBron James played as many games as anyone could/would have hoped last season. But Jarred Vanderbilt was a non-factor for most of the season thanks to injury, and the Lakers suffered greatly for it. More than most people would have anticipated. So this year, even with most people expecting Rui Hachimura to start—though that's not necessarily guaranteed—the Lakers need to figure out a way to maximize the potential contributions of Vanderbilt. He brings skill sets the Lakers need more of, namely: Defensive versatilityReboundingEnergyOff-ball movementBut he's also limited. Vanderbilt shrinks the floor in real ways, since he's not a shooter (and if we're all being honest, isn't likely to become one). He can pass some... but it can be argued he's prone to unearned sauciness on the break. There are situations on D where he's not necessarily optimized. So how Redick deploys him will be significant. On that front, Redick has shown that he's approaching the offseason a little differently than Darvin Ham, starting with what happens in offseason workouts. Early reviews on the young players (Lewis, Hood-Schifino) are positive --- could any contribute this year?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Can the Lakers get the most out of Vanderbilt? SEGMENT 2: How is Redick changing the offseason? SEGMENT 3: Can the young players contribute?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.  BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a remarkably quiet offseason. This is no secret. And as we finish up transaction season and start taking stock on where teams in the Western Conference (and across the league). Not surprisingly, perhaps, the reviews aren't good. The pundits of ESPN, for example, overwhelmingly picked the Lakers to be "Team Turmoil," i.e. the squad most likely to tumble this season. But why? ESPN cited the lack of movement, and improved Western Conference and (of course) the threat of injury to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They stayed healthy last season but most people don't seem to think the Lakers will get lucky two years in a row. Certainly the team's stars have an injury history, last year notwithstanding. But how much of this is based on reality, and how much is vibes? Certainly the vibes aren't great, but how much does that matter? ESPN wrote that the Lakers face "plenty of questions" on the court. But do they? In a lot of ways, the Lakers are as known a quantity as there is in the league. How much does getting bounced by the Nuggets in consecutive years have to do with it? Doesn't seem to help, at the least. So what does an honest assessment of the Lakers look like right now?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers are not faring well in offseason evaluations by NBA experts. SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers really the best candidate for the team most likely to tumble this year? SEGMENT 3: Are we dealing with vibes, or real issues?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.  BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Lakers get a ton of attention when it comes to the lack of offseason improvement. They are the only team in the NBA to not make a signing or trade of any kind to bring in a new player, and are leaning hard into LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The only fresh faces come from the Draft. But while the Lakers didn't make themselves better... they also really didn't get worse. If you think Dalton Knecht is a reasonable facsimile of Taurean Prince, than the Lakers are basically what they were last year. A 47-win team with some upside if things break right and considerable downside if they don't. But now across town—and now it really is across town—the Los Angeles Clippers have had their own issues. They lost Paul George to Philadelphia, and while they did add a few depth players, stand to be less talented up top, with just as many nervous fans praying for the health of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. So where do they stack up out West? Which team is set up better for success, now and down the line? How does opening up a new building impact the dynamic between these teams, now and down the road? Ultimately which team is set to have the better season? Oh, and what about that guy JJ Redick took from their coaching staff? It's all on the table with The Athletic's Law Murray, who does outstanding work covering the NBA and the LAC. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers and the Clippers both had hard offseasons. Which team did worse? SEGMENT 2: How does the new building impact things? SEGMENT 3: How do they stack up in the West?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.  BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers have a bit of a challenge to start the year. They need to get off to a good start, in part because the second half of the season features some difficult stretches, and they'd really like to avoid having to go full tilt in, say, early February just to make sure they get into the postseason. That wears down the battery of the LeBron James/Anthony Davis duo before the playoffs start, which shrinks the team's ability to advance. So a little wiggle room would be nice, which they can get from a high-end start to the year. On the other hand... James and Davis are coming off the Olympics, and A.D. admitted they might need to ease into things a little. What does that mean? Hard to say, but at the least it implies the team will have to moderate what Davis and James are doing early in the season, whether in training camp, or in the first couple of weeks. What kind of impact will that have? It gets to the tricky nature of this Lakers season, one where every bit of upside needs to be leveraged effectively in order for the team to reach it's maximum potential and have a shot with the most elite teams in the league. So how do the Lakers manage this? Is it really a LeBron/AD question, or something more related to the supporting cast? Rui Hachimura taking another step. Austin Reaves avoiding the slow start that plagued him last year. Dalton Knecht making an impact as a rookie, Max Christie stepping up after signing a new contract, and of course D'Angelo Russell playing like the guy who is hard to trade (because he's playing too well). Meanwhile, how did a flicker of talks between the Lakers and Warriors around LeBron get shut down?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Keeping the stars fresh while getting off to a good start. SEGMENT 2: How much pressure is on the supporting cast?  SEGMENT 3: Ending LeBron-to-the-Warriors before it started.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.  BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

It's schedule day! Among the most hyped and least consequential days of the NBA summer, one here to remind us all how much we want the games to start. But while it's easy to overstate the importance of schedule day, it does set the table for the upcoming season, and can either seem to raise roadblocks to a successful season or, at least on paper, set more favorable terms for the 82-game campaign. To that end, the schedule for the Lakers does have a couple nice features (including a reduction in the number of back-to-backs) and notifications about happy events (the jersey retirement for Michael Cooper). It demonstrates the incredible difficulty baked into the Western Conference because there just aren't very many stretches where you look at the calendar and say, "this is an easy stretch." Why? Because there are only so many games in a chunk where you can avoid the West. So how do things shape up? What does the end of the season look like, if the team needs to finish in a sprint, as it did over the last couple of seasons? How about the first 15 games? Do the Lakers have a decent shot of getting off to the type of start that would preclude a helter skelter finish? Meanwhile, have the Lakers squandered the final years of LeBron's career? That's a question central to a recent column in The Ringer.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a schedule! Highlights and lowlights. SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers get off to a fast start, finally? SEGMENT 3: Have the Lakers squandered the end of LeBron's career?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

It's August, so there's not really a news cycle to follow, which is good because it leaves space to have in-depth conversations with someone like friend-of-the-show Aaron Larsuel about the just-ended Paris games. It's a chance to think not just about what the games did for LeBron's legacy and Anthony Davis's reputation, but also how the performances impact what's coming for the Lakers this season. Davis, for example, was in fantastic shape for the tournament. Does that put him ahead of the game heading into training camp in a few weeks? Is there a real risk of residual fatigue? What lessons can the Lakers learn from the ways in which Davis was deployed? As for LeBron, he said himself that he can't picture playing in the LA games four years from now. But is it that far fetched? The answer to that question seems to have much more to do with LeBron's willingness to play, as opposed to his capability, at least based on current trajectories. He's signed up for two years beyond this one. Getting to an Olympic year wouldn't require much more. The Lakers, in their heart of hearts, likely didn't expect James to still be this good at age 40. And while the lack of drop off is a nice thing for them -- they've still got one of the league's elite players -- it also creates a problem around planning. If it's not that far-fetched that James might play in '28, or at least still be capable of it, definitionally it means he's still capable of playing for the Lakers.Like a lot of things about LeBron, it's an unprecedented set of circumstances facing the team. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (with Aaron Larsuel) SEGMENT 1: LeBron James, AD and the Olympics. What made the competition so much fun? SEGMENT 2: What was at stake for James? SEGMENT 3: Is it crazy to think James will play in '28? How can the Lakers plan for the future? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

The Lakers have a problem. Or at least seem to. D'Angelo Russell is not exactly well-loved inside the building in El Segundo, at least not to the degree of an Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura, or other supporting players about whom the Lakers seem to express more enthusiasm. But they can't afford to just dump the guy in whatever trade they can find, because Russell was probably their third best player last season, and the team can't afford to get worse just to avoid a personality conflict. But Russell is hard to trade, because good teams that could use his talent don't want him (bad rep, shaky vibes, problematic defense) and bad teams don't need him (doesn't fit a rebuilding timeline, not someone people are clamoring to use as a mentor). So that means both parties are, for now, stuck with each other, right? Is that something that can get rectified before training camp? By the trade deadline? What do the Lakers do in the interim? Those questions and more are big on today's show, with guest Anthony Irwin, who has some thoughts about Russell and what the Lakers ought to do with him. From there, it's a discussion about the lack of movement this offseason, and where improvement might come, internally. Is it just Max Christie? Can Reaves improve? Rui? Is it possible to get minutes from Jalen Hood-Schifino? Can Dalton Knecht be better than Taurean Prince? How many wins is JJ Redick worth? If the Lakers are going to build on their 47-win season last year, they'll need good health, first and foremost, but then a path to internal improvement.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Anthony Irwin SEGMENT 1: What to do with D'Angelo Russell? SEGMENT 2: Could Russell come off the bench?  SEGMENT 3: Where can the Lakers gain meaningful improvement, internally?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

One good way to learn about your team is to compare it to others, especially a franchise that shares many common points. For the Lakers, that team (in a lot of ways at least) is the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix, like the Lakers, is basically all-in on their roster, one dominated by top end stars and lacking in reliable depth. Both teams are up against the cap (though Phoenix, as a second apron team, has issues the Lakers don't). Both teams are using a model for success that feels like the rest of the league doesn't use anymore. Both teams lack a cupboard full of resources to make significant improvements. And both teams are simultaneously too good to tear it down and not quite good enough to be title favorites. Most pundits put the Suns above the Lakers in terms of preseason odds/projections, but the gap isn't huge. So the similarities aren't perfectly aligned. It's not totally apples to apples. But it's definitely not apples to chicken wings, either. How does ownership compare? Philosophy? Coaching? Where do these teams stack up in a crowded Western Conference?  HOSTS: Brian Kamenetzky with Brendon Kleen SEGMENT 1: How the Suns and Lakers are similar... SEGMENT 2: Which team is better equipped to win a title?  SEGMENT 3: How the teams stack up in the West.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The US won a gold in Paris on Saturday, in an entertaining game featuring a Steph Curry heater for the ages as the Americans beat France. But it was LeBron James who walked away with the tournament MVP award, based on a run of consistency and high performance that outdid Curry, who really only played well for the semi-final vs. Serbia and then again vs. France. Not for nothing, because those games were important, but James was a deserving recipient for sure. And while it's reasonable to discuss where this achievement fits in a long list of incredible accomplishments, one thing is clear -- winning this gold was a very meaningful thing for him. As it was for Anthony Davis, who played big minutes on Saturday, including down the stretch, and was a monster on both ends, coming up with four blocks overall, grabbing critical rebounds and generally shoving the French around. AD says he plans to play in LA in 2028. LeBron says he doesn't see it happening. But is it that far fetched? Let's say James is still active, or is just wrapping up his career in the summer of '28. Is it that crazy to think there could be a spot for him? Especially since this format suits him so well? Long rest before the games, light load during the tournament, last hurrah and all that? It's fun to think about at least, because it gets to larger questions about just how long his career is going to last. Because right now, at least, it seems like his own willingness to play will be the deciding factor, not health or decline.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Team USA wins gold, LeBron is MVP.SEGMENT 2: Where does this fit into LeBron's career legacy? SEGMENT 3: Who plays in '28? AD says yes, is it crazy to think LeBron might, too?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

It wasn't easy, but Team USA got it done on Thursday, thanks to a huge fourth quarter comeback that eliminated Serbia and sent the Americans to the Gold Medal game vs. France. Final score, 95-91. Not terribly surprising, but in the middle of it all was LeBron James. Yep, the oldest guy on the team was arguably its best player throughout (at least the best player not named Steph Curry). 16 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and a steal in a summer-high 30 minutes on the floor. And the US needed every bit of it in order to advance. It's easy to repeat the platitudes for James... and there's a reason for that. It's simply incredible for someone who has been doing it this long to maintain this level of play. The same, or nearly the same at least, can be said for Steph and Kevin Durant, who was also excellent on Thursday. Really, it was a good day for the old guard. Now the US moves on to play the French, who eliminated Germany in a thriller earlier in the day. Once again, Rudy Gobert barely played, which sets up an interesting conversation not only about US vs. France, but Gobert vs. the NBA. Meanwhile, there are updates on two players who barely had a chance to suit up last year for LA -- Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino. Any chance the latter contributes after a disastrous rookie year?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron leads Team USA.SEGMENT 2: US vs. France for the gold. SEGMENT 3: Updates on Vincent and JHS.  For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective.  Click HERE to listen now.  Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The betting markets aren't necessarily a perfect way to measure or forecast an NBA season. After all, they're created with gamblers in mind, encouraging them to put their money in spots where maybe it shouldn't go. Remember, that includes casual fans, not just hard core NBA enthusiasts. But given how awards work, they're also a pretty decent shorthand for how people view the league broadly. It's hard to win MVP, for example, on a 35-win team. What about a 43 win team? 44? 45? Because 43.5 is where the Lakers are currently projected in the over/under at FanDuel. So where players land on these preseason odds lists are a fun snapshot of sentiment at a particular point in time. And to that end, the folks at FanDuel have some interesting numbers related to the Lakers. What are the odds of LeBron or Anthony Davis winning MVP? Of Dalton Knecht winning Rookie of the Year, or JJ Redick Coach of the Year? (LA's rookie coach is on the board, if nothing else!)Is there a convenient destination for any petty cash a Lakers fan might want to put on a home team winner of Sixth Man? What about Most Improved?The answers to all of these questions say a lot about the Lakers, and their competition.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Looking at the big board in early August. What does it say about the Lakers? SEGMENT 2: What has to happen for A.D. to win some hardware? SEGMENT 3: Why it's problematic that the Lakers are absent from some categories.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

As Lakers fans watch Anthony Davis and LeBron James help push Team USA deeper into the Olympic hoops tourney, there's a lot of chatter among online purple and gold fans about how Davis is performing, and the way he's playing. Paired often with another great defensive center in Bam Adebayo, Davis looks at times much more like the old PF he was when he arrived in Los Angeles. There's talk that he's slimmed down from the bulkier version we've seen. (It can be hard to tell, honestly.) But what does AD's body type mean? Is he looking for more minutes at power forward vs. center? He's certainly very effective there when paired with the right frontcourt mate. Are there alternate reasons he might look to change his body shape? Take some weight off? Change his functional strength? Well, there's how he matches up against the bigger, bulkier centers in the West, first of all. Is he better off trying to get stronger? or lean into his quickness advantage? And as he gets older and the mileage piles up, extra weight is the enemy of good health. There are all sorts of positionally agnostic reasons for Davis to slim down. Either way, it's enormously complicated for the Lakers to give Davis extended minutes at PF. In part because they don't have a backcourt mate that looks anything like Bam Adebayo (or even Myles Turner, who is a Laker on Earth 2, 3, or 4), but because AD at the 4 means LeBron James at the 3. And at age 40, that's a tall order.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis... slimmer? SEGMENT 2: Why are we having the AD-at-PF conversation again? SEGMENT 3: Why it just doesn't work... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

Last week, Mike Richman from Locked On Blazers helped explain why trading for Portland forward Jerami Grant, while at least a somewhat defensible idea on paper, was much less positive for the Lakers in practice. Well, it seems like that's the consensus among NBA execs, as well. Reporting from Sean Deveaney, writing for Heavy.com, confirms the consensus from the scouting report episode: That giving up real value for Grant doesn't make sense. Moreover, doing it at the expense of Rui Hachimura (who would almost have to be included to make the money work) may not even make them noticeably better, especially when you factor in other rotation players who would have to go. Grant doesn't improve the team's weaknesses enough to justify the move, and his strengths don't help the team enough to make the cost worth it. Meanwhile, listeners/viewers chime in with other potential deals, including one for Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, but when you start having to add more players things get real complex real fast. Let's say the Lakers did manage to create a deal where they used both first rounders to get multiple players back (Grant, Simons and Cameron Johnson from the Nets)... given all the $ they'd have to send out, would they actually get worse? You only get to trade assets once. The Lakers have to ask whether any player currently out there is worth making the move now. How much do they really lose in waiting? Things could shift a little after Lauri Markkanen's future gets more clear, which should happen today. At the least, we know if Markkanen isn't moved by the Jazz on Tuesday, he either won't have a chance to sign an extension with a new team until after the season. If he signs with Utah on Wednesday, that makes him ineligible to be traded until after the February deadline. Clarity on Markkanen, in either direction, could shake a few things loose around the league. Finally, JJ Redick has a full coaching staff. It's filled with experience, which is good, but is it a dynamic, forward thinking crew?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Execs weigh in on a potential Grant deal. SEGMENT 2: JJ Redick has a coaching staff. SEGMENT 3: How Markkanen is the key to any additional offseason movement.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers on Friday unveiled a new statue outside Crypto.com Arena, honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant. It is, as you might suspect, very different from the other statues and honoraries in the plaza outside the arena. But it's not just the presentation — capturing that iconic photo of the two courtside following Kobe's retirement — but also because unlike the other statues, which honor athletic achievement, this one, after memorializing the loss and their relationship, honors an idea. Specifically, the value and ascendance of women's sports, and how Gigi's ambitions to play in the WNBA are echoed in the dreams of countless girls. And even more who play other sports with dreams only differentiated by the desired end point. Say what you want about the way the Lakers have handled the on court product, but they continue to do excellent work with this sort of thing. Meanwhile, Kobe's locker was auctioned off over the weekend, for (a hair under) $3 million. Apparently a small handful of folks drove the bidding up from under a mil to the final price. it's a lot to give up for a locker, but the conversation brings up some fun memories. Finally, Rui Hachimura couldn't finish Japan's (short) Olympic run, leaving with a calf injury before the team was officially eliminated. In theory, he should be fine, but it's a reminder of what makes this whole process of watching Anthony Davis and LeBron James finish out the tournament so nerve-wracking.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers honor Kobe and Gigi.  SEGMENT 2: What is this statue really about?  SEGMENT 3: Kobe's locker, and Rui's calf. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

Among the more confounding of Darvin Ham's habits in the mind of many Lakers fans was his unwillingness to give steady minutes to Max Christie, even if the team seemed to need some of his skill set at different points throughout the season. Well, having signed an four-year, $32 million contract this offseason, Christie is going to play. Now it's a matter of whether new coach JJ Redick is more willing to deploy Christie without reservation. And more than just giving him a consistent role and not penalizing him for whatever it was Ham saw last year (Darvin never really got into depth about it), will Redick be able to optimize Christie? Getting the most he can from him as a player while mitigating his weaknesses?If so, in many ways Christie would then become like a free agent acquisition. Someone essentially not available to them last year, who makes a big contribution without giving up existing talent. Obviously Christie isn't a summer signing—nobody on this roster is, as of now—but that would be the effect. It's something, for that matter, the Lakers are hoping for with Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, as well. Two guys that were, for all intents and purposes, unavailable to the team last year. So between internal improvement and the arrival of Redick, where does this team stand (assuming a little bit of injury luck)? Does all of this point to a scenario where the Lakers really are better off being patient now rather than pushing for a summer trade under very suboptimal circumstances? HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Christie gets a new deal. Will he get new opportunities? SEGMENT 2: The Lakers are hoping Christie is just one of a few returning players who give the team MUCH more this season.SEGMENT 3: Is Christie part of the reason the Lakers are smart to wait to make a deal?   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)