Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
2,218 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 1.5K ratingsLocked On Lakers podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. Hosts Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, who have covered the Purple and Gold since 2005 for media outlets including the LA Times, ESPN and The Athletic, offer traditional journalism, informal commentary, and offbeat humor to provide expert, local analysis. Locked On Lakers takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Lakers locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Lakers podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
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Episodes
The Lakers Crush Memphis 134-107, Anthony Davis Stakes an Early Claim for Defensive Player of the Year
November 15, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBThe Lakers couldn't have scripted Tuesday's game against a broken and battered Memphis Grizzlies squad, the front end of a back-to-back continuing tonight at the Crypt against the surging Sacramento Kings. The Lakers won the first quarter by 11. They won the second quarter by 12. Only a couple of days after winning a game despite making only four (4) 3-pointers—almost unheard of in the modern NBA—the Lakers tied a franchise record with 22 makes from downtown, drilling their triples at a 63...
Update on Jarred Vanderbilt's Return, and are the Lakers Better off with Austin Reaves as a Sixth Man?
November 14, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBThe Lakers have played with multiple lineups and juggled multiple players in and out of the lineup thanks to wide range of injuries. But one guy that's been missed, and has proven his value by his absence, is Jared Vanderbilt. And good news! The Lakers said Monday that Vanderbilt's heel injury has healed to the point he can now resume basketball activities and ramp up to a return to game action. How long will that take? Nobody knows! The Lakers didn't say. But while fans surely would have l...
Anthony Davis Leads Lakers to 116-110 win over Portland, LeBron Misses Game with Shin Injury
November 13, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBIn many ways, Sunday's 116-110 win over Portland at the Crypt was reminiscent of stretches last year when the Lakers pushed their way up the Western Conference standings. No LeBron James? No worries. Anthony Davis (as it was last year when LeBron was hurt) stepped up in the biggest of ways. With James sidelined after banging shins with Kevin Durant on Friday—Darvin Ham says LBJ was definitely uncomfortable, but the Lakers were definitely being cautious and seemed unconcerned—Davis went for 3...
Lakers Come Alive Late, Beat Phoenix 122-119 Behind LeBron James and ... Cam Reddish!!!
November 11, 2023 07:33 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBFor most of the first three quarters, Friday's game in Phoenix looked a lot like some of the other lesser efforts for the Lakers this season, including Wednesday's debacle in Houston. Terrible perimeter shooting, horrible defensive rebounding. Disjointed offensively, sloppy on defense, very little spark. Then, the lid came off the rim. Six straight made and a lift in defensive pressure and suddenly the swagger was back. And everyone was getting involved. Cam Reddish, though, really stuck ou...
Why Has the Lakers' Offense Been So Bad? Can They Turn it Around Tonight vs. Phoenix Suns?
November 10, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBThe Lakers are going to be shorthanded tonight in Phoenix against the Suns, the question is just by how much. Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are out. Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes are questionable. Meanwhile, Phoenix might have their Big Three on the floor together for the first time this season, if Devin Booker can return to the lineup (it's a possibility) and Bradley Beal, who made his season debut on Wednesday, doesn't suffer a setback. So winning tonight could be a tall order. But ...
Without Anthony Davis, Lakers Get Rolled by the Rockets in Houston, Drop to 3-5...
November 09, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIt has been a tough go for the Lakers in the early going of the 2023-24 NBA season, no question. Huge chunks of the rotation have either been in and out of the lineup, or in the case of Gabe Vincent and Jared Vanderbilt, basically out. Austin Reaves got off to a terrible start before starting to right the ship, and now Anthony Davis is on the shelf with muscle spasms in his hip/groin area. Meanwhile, the strength of schedule has been intense. But Wednesday, the Lakers did something they ha...
Why Can't LeBron James Get Any Calls? Plus, James vs. Dillon Brooks Tonight in Houston
November 08, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBThe Lakers are likely to have Rui Hachimura tonight when they face the Rockets in Houston. They might have Anthony Davis, who sat out the second half of Monday's loss to Miami. They might have Jaxson Hayes, who missed the entire game on Monday. They won't have Jared Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, for sure. So maybe the Lakers will be significantly more whole than they were on Monday... or maybe they won't. That's been the story of the season so far for the Lakers, who haven't been awful, but ...
Lakers Lose 108-107 to Heat... Anthony Davis Leaves Game with Injury, D'Angelo Russell Ejected
November 07, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe Lakers were down a point with just over two minutes remaining Monday in Miami. And they were down a point when time expired. They had five possessions to try and take the lead, but missed four shots and committed an offensive foul. The result was a 108-107 loss to the Heat. And it was a tale of contrasts, because on the one hand, the Lakers played without Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes (while welcoming Taurean Prince back into the lineup). Anthony Davis le...
Breaking Down the Lakers' Bad First Quarters and Rebounding Issues. Plus, does Russell-Reaves work?
November 06, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBInjuries have become a significant issue for the Lakers as they take the court tonight against the Heat in Miami. Taurean Prince should return to the floor, fingers crossed, but Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino remain out, and now Jaxson Hayes has found his way to the injury report as well. Most teams would struggle missing multiple players from their rotation, even while the stars are in uniform. But the Lakers have other issues that have shown themsel...
Did Austin Reaves Break His Slump? Plus, Christian Wood's Surpising Defense for the Lakers.
November 03, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBThere is still a buzz around the Lakers following Wednesday's incredibly exciting 130-125 OT win over the Clippers at the Crypt. It was a game that featured big comebacks on both sides, incredible performances by each team's stars, big moments for role players, and—thankfully from the Lakers' perspective—the first real moments of productivity from Austin Reaves this season. It came after arguably his worst half of basketball as a pro, where he missed four of five shots and tied a career hig...
Shorthanded Lakers Beat Clippers in OT, 130-125, in Gutsy Team Effort
November 02, 2023 07:31 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBIn theory, it should have been the Clippers who were short on players, having executed a significant trade for James Harden that for the time being, at least, left them with fewer live bodies to put on the floor. But in reality, it was the Lakers. Jarred Vanderbilt was already out. Rui Hachimura is now in the concussion protocol. Gabe Vincent was downgraded to doubtful, then just to out thanks to a back injury. Jalen Hood-Schifino? Already shelved with a bum knee. And as the team was warming...
Clippers Get James Harden! How Does this Trade Impact the Lakers and the Western Conference?
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBThe Lakers may have won on Monday and evened their record at 2-2, but the big postgame news had nothing to do with them. The Clippers and Sixers agreed on a massive trade, sending James Harden to LA for draft compensation, mostly. Other human basketballers also moved in the deal, and whether PJ Tucker going to the Clippers or a host of dudes (K-Mart Jr., Nic Batum, Marcus Morris, etc.) going to Philly, some might make a difference, if only on the margins. But the big thing for the Lakers is...
Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell Lead the Lakers to a 106-103 Win Over Magic.
October 31, 2023 07:34 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBIt wasn't pretty, but the Lakers got it done on the second night of a back-to-back, facing a much improved Orlando Magic team at the Crypt. Final score, 106-103, and on a night where LeBron James was present and game—but fairly inefficient and looked very much like a near-40 year old playing on consecutive nights—the Lakers needed Anthony Davis to be a scary, scary monster on the floor. And man alive, he was terrifying, if you're a Magic fan. 26 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, a steal a...
Lakers Lose to Kings in OT, Darvin Ham to Tighten Rotation. Plus, Austin Reaves Is Struggling.
October 30, 2023 06:18 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBIn context, 1-2 is neither bad nor surprising for the Lakers three games in. They opened on the road against the Nuggets, the defending champs and current consensus "best team in the league." They won at home against Phoenix (albeit in less-than-dominant fashion), and then Sunday lost in OT to Sacramento, who return basically intact a team that was the 3-seed last season. But Sunday's 132-127 loss is nonetheless a disappointment, because the Lakers had a chance to win, and instead let it ge...
Lakers Grind Out a Comeback Win Vs. Phoenix Suns as LeBron Plays the Entire 4th Quarter
October 27, 2023 07:29 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBWith Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the sidelines, the Phoenix Suns came into Thursday's game at the Crypt at a decided disadvantage. But for most of the game, the Suns were ahead. Down by 12 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Lakers had to play true shut-down defense over the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Suns 28-11 to get the win. LeBron James, whose minutes the Lakers would like very much to limit as much as possible, blew through the team's 28-32 minute target, playing the who...
No Booker, No Beal? Thursday's Game vs. Suns Now Must-Win Opportunity for The Lakers.
October 26, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBFans were hoping to get a truly marquee matchup Thursday night in the Lakers home opener, with the high-powered, star-driven Phoenix Suns paying a visit to the Crypt. Well, with Bradley Beal and Devin Booker both listed as doubtful, that seems unlikely. Players don't typically get upgraded after being downgraded, and certainly not this early in the year. So that means it's the Lakers vs. Kevin Durant and ... well, a lot of players casual fans might not know exist. So in a tightly packed, c...
Lakers Lose to Nuggets... Zero 2nd Half Points for Anthony Davis, Only 29 Minutes for LeBron James
October 25, 2023 05:01 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThe Lakers have long struggled in openers, last winning one in 2016. Tuesday in Denver against the defending champions was no different. The Lakers put themselves in a big hole with a horrible stretch of play over the last half of the first quarter and into the second, but fought back and made a game of it. Until it wasn't, and Denver pulled away to win 119-107. Without question, the Nuggets showed that they still appear to be the class of the conference, and over time the Lakers will need...
Lakers vs. Nuggets: A Rivalry Brewing? Plus, Bold Predictions for the 2023-2024 NBA Season
October 24, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBThe Lakers kick off the 2023-24 NBA season tonight in Denver, and nobody on either side wants to make it a big thing, or add significance to the game, or talk about bad blood or certainly not to call it a rivalry. Which, as it turns out, is the best sign it's a rivalry. And after all, the Nuggets -- especially head coach Mike Malone -- spent plenty of time talking about the Lakers in the wake of their title run. The Lakers had knocked them out a couple years earlier, too. And while they tri...
Darvin Ham Confirms Taurean Prince Will Start ... at Least Until Jarred Vanderbilt Returns???
October 23, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBThe Lakers kick off the regular season Tuesday in Denver, and after a strong training camp have very few questions of significance still in need of an answer. Over the weekend, Darvin Ham said that Taurean Prince would start against the Nuggets at small forward. He did leave the door open to a dinged up Jarred Vanderbilt, however, to re-enter the starting lineup once he's recovered from the heel injury that has cost him most of training camp. But while for many teams, "Who is in the startin...
LeBron, Davis, Russell, Reaves and... Hayes (!!!) Look Good as the Lakers Finish the Preseason
October 20, 2023 07:26 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe Lakers finished off the preseason Thursday night in Palm Springs, losing to the Phoenix Suns, 123-100. The score? Doesn't really matter. As it is with virtually everything in the exhibition games, it's much more about process and how certain players—and combinations of players—look on the floor. And for the Lakers, there was again much to like. Anthony Davis was huge defensively in the early going, racking up five blocks in the tirst eight minutes of play. Davis looks very much like a gu...
Ultimate NBA Preview Contenders?: Can They Win the Title? | Lakers, 76ers, Warriors, Clippers, Cavs
October 19, 2023 19:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBAre any of these teams real NBA contenders? Could the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, or (dare we say) the Philadelphia 76ers emerge as threats to win the NBA Title? Tenitra Batiste is joined by Brian Kamenetzky (Locked On Lakers), Cyrus Saatsaz (Locked On Warriors), Keith Pompey (Locked On 76ers), Darian Vaziri (Locked On Clippers), and Evan Dammarell (Locked On Cavaliers) to preview the NBA Season. Can Lebron James & Anthony Davis get...
Darvin Ham to Treat Preseason Finale vs. Suns as a "Dress Rehearsal" for Lakers.
October 19, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBDarvin Ham says tonight's preseason finale against Phoenix in Palm Springs will serve as a "dress rehearsal." Meaning for three quarters, he's going to treat everything about it, from player combinations and rotation choices, as if it was a real game. Fortunately for him, too, he'll be able to do it with most of the actors available. Among players expected to play a role in the rotation, only Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to miss the game, thanks to that bad heel. (He'll be evaluated again o...
Even With a New Contract, Austin Reaves Still Has a Massive Chip On His Shoulder
October 18, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBThe Lakers have one more game remaining in the preseason before opening next week in Denver. Every indication is that Taurean Prince has locked up what was really the only lineup spot in real question coming into training camp - the starting small forward gig. Still, Tuesday at practice, Darvin Ham nonetheless refused to publicly name who will fill that spot. At this point, he's just messing with folks for fun, right? Because he's really leaning into the bit. But it really does feel like p...
Has D'Angelo Russell Truly Committed to Playing Better Defense for the Lakers?
October 17, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBAmong the better stories of a very strong preseason for the Los Angeles Lakers has been the play of D'Angelo Russell. His offense has been outstanding, including some red hot shooting from the perimeter, and improvements in his ability to attack the rim and finish effectively. The change of speed has been very effective, and he's been a leader in setting up his teammates. In short, he's a big reason the Lakers offense has been so strong. But the other thing that has stood out? Russell's wo...
Has Darvin Ham Settled on Taurean Prince as the Starting Small Forward for the Lakers?
October 16, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBThe Lakers finished off another successful weekend of preseason basketball at the Crypt. Yes, they lost both games (Friday to Golden State, Sunday to Milwaukee) but in the moments where rotation players were on the floor, the Lakers continued to play very solid basketball. And the offense, particularly, has been outstanding. Not just the shooting from 3-point range, but all around the floor. Anthony Davis has looked great in his minutes, with a solid shooting stroke and the activity level t...
ESPN Ranks the NBA's Top 100 Players: How Many Lakers Made it? Plus, D'Lo Vows Better Defense.
October 13, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBEvery year, ESPN's hoops department ranks the top 100 players in the NBA. Every year, it causes a little bit of controversy, because people tend to get really worked up about rankings and lists. But while they're certainly arguable and definitely easy to overrate (does it really matter if someone is the 7th best player or the 9th, the 58th or the 62nd?) lists like these can be instructive. Particularly in trying to figure out roster depth around the league, and how different teams compare t...
Without LeBron, Davis or Reaves, the Lakers, led by D'Angelo Russell, Get Preseason Win Over Kings.
October 12, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBNormally, when Anthony Davis and LeBron James don't play in a preseason game, it's easy to shrug your shoulders and basically ignore anything that happens over 48 minutes of ball. When those guys are missing, plus Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt, the temptation is to completely discount the game. But for the Lakers, who are surely expecting James and Davis to miss a relevant chunk of games (some of which might come at the same time) it's actually really important to get a feel for how c...
Did NBA GM's Disrespect Anthony Davis's Defense? Plus, Ham Wants Davis Taking 3-Pointers. Lots!
October 11, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBOk, so the NBA's GM Survey was released Tuesday, and while this space isn't one for homerism... Anthony Davis is simply not getting the respect he deserves on the defensive end. Start scrolling through the categories, and you find that Davis is either further down the voting lists than he should be, or simply isn't included at all. And while it's understood that at different times over the course of his career he hasn't quite met the moment... did anyone watch the playoffs last season? Davi...
LeBron James, Austin Reaves Make Preseason Debuts, as Lakers Pick Up Win.
October 10, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBThe Lakers got some strong frontline performances in their preseason opener Saturday against the Warriors, as D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis put up big numbers in short minutes. But two of the big headliners weren't in the lineup. Monday in Vegas against the Nets, LeBron James and Austin Reaves suited up for the first time this season... and looked pretty good, too! LeBron looked like he had found the bounce that had been stripped during the playoffs thanks to that foot tendon issue, go...
Russell, Davis, Christie Shine, but Reddish, Wood Struggle in Los Angeles Lakers Preseason Opener
October 09, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBLeBron James and Austin Reaves both sat out LA's preseason opener Saturday in San Francisco against the Warriors, so in one sense, it's hard to view anything about the results of the game (the Lakers lost) as any sort of barometer about what's coming this season. But just because the final score didn't really matter doesn't mean stuff that happened was unimportant. There was much good: Anthony Davis looked smooth and sharp, particularly with that perimeter jumper that's been winning praise...
How Much Should LeBron James (and Other Important Los Angeles Lakers ) Play During the Preseason?
October 06, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBLeBron James noted Thursday that he won't be playing in the preseason opener on Saturday in San Francisco, but he does plan to play in about half of LA's six games before the real ones start later this month. That's a pretty decent amount of run, but is it enough? What is too much? The Lakers have, in the past, gone extremely conservative with preseason playing time for stars. We remember a couple years back when James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook didn't get any time together in dre...
Who Will Start at Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers? Rui, Vanderbilt or Prince?
October 05, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBBecause the Lakers are fairly set heading into the 2023-24 season - the primary members of the rotation are more or less set, there are no big controversies, no huge position battles - fans are intensely curious about the one big thing that isn't yet settled: Who's gonna start at small forward? Darvin Ham, not surprisingly, hasn't yet committed to answering that question - they haven't even had three practices or played a preseason game - but different players are getting a chance to audit...
Lakers Cautious with Austin Reaves After TEAM USA, and is Christian Wood Too Concerned with Stats?
October 04, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBThe Lakers had their first official practice on Tuesday, and (not that anyone expected otherwise) Darvin Ham was quite pleased with the results, praising the spirit and energy of the Lakers as they prepare for what everyone hopes will be a long run into the playoffs. He talked up LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who looked like their normal selves, and noted the work Christian Wood was doing defensively, and the commitment he showed to communication and detail. Worth noting as well that the...
Media Day: LeBron James Discusses his NBA Future, says Anthony Davis is Lakers' Franchise Face.
October 03, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBThe Lakers kicked off training camp with Media Day on Monday, and man alive, there was plenty of interesting stuff on the agenda. (What there wasn't? Drama! Tension! Controversy! It was ahistorical for a Lakers Media Day, to be honest.) So without all the low-hanging, headline grabbing stuff available, the focus was on what's in front of a team that rightly has extremely high expectations following a run to the Western Conference Finals. One big thing everyone was happy about? Continuity. A...
The Season Starts Today! The Lakers are Legit Title Contenders. Plus, Jrue Holiday to Boston.
October 02, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe long offseason is over. The season starts today, as training camp kicks off with Media Day and the first official practices. And it promises to be an exciting season for the Lakers, who are undoubtedly in the mix of the most elite teams in the NBA. Should they stay healthy - a fairly big if given the age and injury histories of their stars - LA seems likely to be one of the two or three best teams in the West, which makes them one of the best teams in the league. Nice spot to be. So w...
Pelinka, Ham Discuss Russell-Reaves Starting, Anthony Davis' Leadership, Preserving LeBron
September 29, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBWith training camp set to open next week, GM Rob Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham met with the media Thursday, and covered a ton of ground. After all, compared to where they were at this time last season, Pelinka especially was far more comfortable and confident answering questions about the team, and the direction in which it is headed. To the point where he didn't have to try and talk up their title chances. Frankly, that sort of thing is assumed. This is a group that expects to contend,...
How the Damian Lillard Trade Impacts the Lakers and the Western Conference
September 28, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBWell, that turned out a little different than many thought it would! Wednesday afternoon, the NBA finally got the blockbuster it's been waiting for, as Damian Lillard was traded away from the Blazers. But not to Miami, as Lillard had been pushing for since asking out of Portland. Instead, Lillard ends up in Milwaukee, teamed up with Giannis in a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns, who sent D'Andre Ayton to Portland in exchange for some depth pieces that help fill out the ro...
Austin Reaves: Lakers are NBA's Most Talented Team. Plus, the most Intriguing Training Camp Battles!
September 27, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBThe Lakers know Christian Wood's talent. Heck, everyone knows Christian Wood's talent. But the big question about him (one of them, at least) has been attitude. Is he willing to play a role? Can he accept one that might not totally be in line with his self image? On the one hand, he thinks he's really good (which you want in every player). On the other, this is a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It has title aspirations, and other quality players around the roster. Wood was, or sho...
Christian Wood can Play with LeBron. Or Anthony Davis. But Not Both At Once. Plus, the LAL Centers!
September 26, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBWith training camp only a few days away, it's easy to start to think about what the rotations will look like. One place that's getting a lot of attention? With the addition of Christian Wood, how will the Lakers fold him in a way that makes the most sense offensively AND defensively? To that end, one prevailing argument (expressed on this show, for sure) is that Wood isn't a great option to start because it leaves LeBron James playing far too much small forward by design, which is not a good...
The Lakers in a Great Spot as Training Camp Opens Next Week. Plus, Breaking Down the Guard Options.
September 25, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBWith training camp set to open in a week - I think we're ALL ready for that - it's fascinating to consider where they are now vs. where things were at this point last year. A year ago, the Lakers were still in play for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner from the Pacers. We were all still wondering if the Lakers really were going to enter the season with Russell Westbrook even while Darvin Ham was saying all the right stuff. Today? While the Lakers have questions and concerns (as all teams do) nob...
Buddy Hield Will Not Be a Laker. Seriously. And Christian Wood Says Darvin Ham Recruited him Hard.
September 22, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBThursday, Christian Wood met the LA media for the first time, and said a lot of "meeting the media for the first time" type things. How excited he is to be in Los Angeles, how (as a Long Beach native) he's always wanted to play for the Lakers. And how he has a great relationship with Darvin Ham... who called him every day during free agency. Every day? That's a lot of days, and a lot of calls. But even if it's an exaggeration, it also makes some sense. The Lakers didn't have any extra money...
Is Anthony Davis Scrutinized More Than Other Stars? Plus, Damian Lillard defends LA's Bubble Title.
September 21, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBJeanie Buss was a guest on The Athletic's NBA podcast, and had some interesting stuff to say about Anthony Davis. Namely that for the stretch of play last season after he returned from injury (the big one, where he missed 20 games), AD was the best player in the league. It's not worth debating the point in the most literal sense - everyone remembers how dominant Davis was over that period - but it illustrates how individual the conversation is around Davis. Obviously the expectations he car...
What does Darvin Ham Need to Prove as a Coach Next Season? Have Lakers Fans Bought Into Him?
September 20, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBTuesday's show was all about the sea change in strategy for the Lakers when it comes to roster building. Where once it was all about cap space above all - meaning no long term contracts for anyone but the biggest stars - now the Lakers have a bunch of multi-year deals for non-elite players. This, by the way, is a good thing, promoting continuity, and actually providing more flexibility for the front office than simply being locked into that "clean sheet" strategy. But why did they shift? Th...
Have the Lakers Changed their Roster-Building Philosophy? Plus, "Winning Time" Gets Canceled.
September 19, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBMonday's show was all about Jarred Vanderbilt's contract extension with the Lakers (which became official on Monday). It covered the meat and potatoes of the deal, from his long term fit to the quality of the numbers. Did the Lakers get good deal? Listen to the show to find out. But one thing went undiscussed: Vanderbilt's contract represents the last move in big change in team-building philosophy for the Lakers. They've gone from a team that once defined flexibility purely in terms of crea...
Reacting to Jarred Vanderbilt's Contract Extension. Good Deal for Both Sides? Did the Lakers Get a Steal?
September 18, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBFriday, the news broke that Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers had agreed to a four year contract extension worth $48 million. The terms (slightly) surprised your hosts, not necessarily on the length, but in the value - on the relative high side of what seemed like the right value. Much, perhaps even most, of the audience disagreed. Responding to a poll, almost a quarter think the Lakers made out like bandits, because were Vanderbilt to hit the open market this summer, he'd surely get $15 or ...
BONUS MINI-PODCAST! The Lakers and Jarred Vanderbilt Reportedly Agree to 4yr/$48M extension!
September 15, 2023 17:33 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MBThe Lakers have capped an extremely busy offseason (retaining key free agents, signing - among other free agents - Gabe Vincent Taurean Prince, Christian Wood, extending Anthony Davis) by reportedly agreeing to a four year, $48M extension for versatile defensive utility man Jarred Vanderbilt. The deal is fully guaranteed, with the fourth year a player option. Basically, as player-friendly as one could imagine. Now a potential Laker through the 2027-28 season, the Lakers are tied to Vanderbil...
How Will the Load Management Rules Impact the Lakers? (Especially with the "LeBron Loophole?")
September 14, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBEarlier in the week, news broke that the NBA would be stiffening its policies against stars missing games for rest. Wednesday, the rules were approved, and Adam Silver is clearly looking to dial back the load management movement and make sure more of the league's best players are on the floor more often. Among the rules: For teams with two "stars" (defined as All-NBA or All-Star over the last three seasons), only one is allowed to miss a game in a night due to rest. Those games shouldn't be...
Do Lakers Fans Want LeBron, Anthony Davis to Play In 2024 Olympics? We asked. You Answered.
September 13, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBNext summer, LeBron James will have finished his 21st season, and will be pushing 40 years old. Anthony Davis will be a year older, and even in his early 30s, no less injury prone than he is today, at the very least. They will, hopefully, both be coming off a long, long playoff run. Ideally, one ending in a parade. So the notion they'd turn around and play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics in 2024 right after that might give some Lakers fans pause. Or maybe not. Turns out, at least based ...
Is LeBron James Playing in the 2024 Olympics? Anthony Davis, Too? Is That a Good Idea?
September 12, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBTeam USA suffered some real embarrassment in the World Cup, finishing without a medal of any color following the loss to Canada in the bronze medal game over the weekend. And when Team USA loses with less than its best, typically that's the bat signal for the Avengers to assemble and start getting ready for the next big tournament. In this case, it's the biggest tourney of all - the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the Avengers, led by LeBron James, have reportedly responded. That's LeBron, Steph, ...
Anthony Davis Still Wants to Play Less Center. Does Signing Christian Wood Make That Happen?
September 11, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBAnthony Davis wants to play power forward, not center. This is not something new. He said it last year, too, but in the end played (not an exaggeration) 99% of his minutes at center. Some of that was context, some of it was the evolution of Davis as a player. The numbers, for a while, have indicated the Lakers are more effective team when he plays there. So reportedly, Davis again wants to play more PF, and the Lakers did just sign someone who could theoretically make that possible in Chris...