L.A. Courtside Podcast

Kawhi Leonard has missed four games and will miss the next two games on the road. Clippers fans are very nervous about his surgically repaired knee. Ray discusses this issue and also the dumpster fire that is the Brooklyn Nets! LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LAKERS finally in the win column! Russ off the bench? Go figure! CLIPPERS struggling without KAWHI. LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has given their opinion on Russell Westbrook, so I guess I'll give you mine! Also, the Clippers after three games looks locked and loaded, even though they haven't played that well. LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lakers took a right cross from the Warriors. Should Laker fans start to panic after ONE game? Also, it's do or die for the Clippers. NO EXCUSES this season. LA Ray discusses both topics, and also gives an opinion on the upcoming game between the teams who share CRYPTO.COM ARENA! LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What ever happened to a live band on stage at a concert! I went to an Isley Brothers and Con Funk Shun concert in Orlando and had a blast! Also, let the NBA regular season begin with the trolling between the Lakes and Clippers fan bases. LA Ray talks music and LA basketball! LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week one of the NFL season has concluded with the Rams getting their asses kicked by Buffalo, and Herbert and the Chargers looking damn good! Also, Ray briefly discusses other NFL matchups in Week 1. LACourtside Podcast is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and is sponsored by DraftKings and Raycon earbuds, who is our newest sponsor. LACourtside Podcast Twitter handle: @lacourtsidepod If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms.

What NBA current or former player can you compare to Serena Williams in terms of being the GOAT? NBA Executive poll on the upcoming season. L.A. COURTSIDE PODCAST is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and sponsored by DRAFTKINGS.COM and Raycon Wireless Earbuds! For inquiries, contact L.A. Ray at lacourtsidepod@gmail.com

Is there anything to talk about in the NBA during this dead period? The LAKERS are still stuck in the mud, and the CLIPPERS are just chillin', waiting for the season to start! L.A. COURTSIDE PODCAST is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and sponsored by DRAFTKINGS.COM! For inquiries, contact L.A. Ray at lacourtsidepod@gmail.com

The LAKERS fans are pining for Kyrie Irving after disappointing FA signing period; The CLIPPERS have added JOHN WALL. Can he regain his form of a few years ago? MILES BRIDGES is strictly a coward if all allegations are true. L.A. COURTSIDE PODCAST is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and sponsored by DRAFTKINGS.COM!

Let the Kyrie Irvin sweepstakes begin! Will he stay with the Nets? Should the Lakers or the Clippers take a flyer on the mercurial yet talented Irvin? Ray discusses! Plus, hometown team Detroit Pistons wins the NBA Draft. WELCOME TO DETROIT!!! L.A. COURTSIDE PODCAST is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network, and sponsored by DRAFTKINGS.COM!

Are you all getting tired of the Draymond Green antics on the court? Is he helping our hurting #DubNation? Ray talks about Dray and the series overall between the Celtics and the Warriors.

The Lakers have hired Darvin Ham to replace Frank Vogel. Can he work with a perceived, demanding LeBron James? Can he light a fire under Anthony Davis to unleash his real potential to be a dominant big? Can he somehow find a way to get Russell Westbrook to be more effective and efficient? Ham has a tall task ahead of him. Is he the answer? Also, Ray gives his take on the NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors. Lastly, Ray talks about the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, TX, and the sorry state of affairs called "American Politics".

The NBA playoffs are coming down to the wire! The Celtics and Bucks are vying for a spot against the Heat, and the Suns and Mavericks are vying for a spot against the Warriors. This year's playoffs are definitely living up to the hype! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The choking Timberwolves are out; the dysfunctional Nets have gone fishing; Ben Simmons is still a choke artist; and Ray gives his opinion on the semi-finals in both the Eastern and Western Conferences! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Where do the Lakers and Clippers go from here to prepare for next season? Ray also talks about two riveting NBA Playoff series; the Boston Celtics vs. the Brooklyn Nets, and the Minnesota T'Wolves vs. the Memphis Grizzlies! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Patrick Beverley, formerly of the Clippers, got a sense of revenge as his Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers in a play-in tournament game 109-104. Despite the loss, the Clippers still have an excellent chance to make the playoffs with a win in L.A. against either the Spurs or the Pelicans. Also, Ray talks about the Lakers exit interviews! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Lakers have finally been put out of their misery by missing the NBA play-in tournament. Changes will certainly be made in the offseason; however, how significant will the changes be? Will Vogel keep his job? Will LeBron bolt? Can they even find a team that may want Westbrook in a trade? L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Lakers and the Clippers are having disappointing seasons for different reasons. The Lakers can't seem to get out of their own way, while the Clippers are continuing to play scrappy basketball despite being outmanned on most nights. Ray talks about the progress, or lack thereof, after coming back from a two-week vacation in Sunny Florida! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Clippers have now won 7 straight and an ASTONISHING 32 out of the last 39 games against their crosstown rival Lakers. Even Stephen A. Smith says last night's performance by the Lakers made him want to throw up! When both these teams become healthy, are the Clippers really the better team top to bottom? Ray talks about this, the blowout loss by the Lakers, and what to look for moving forward for both teams. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Have the Lakers hit rock bottom? They were blew out by the Pelicans by 28 points, and their play and body language seems to suggest that they may have thrown in the towel on this season. Also, a shout out to Laker fans on twitter: @LakeShow95 and @LakersGuru! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Clippers continued their recent mastery of the Lakers by pulling out a 105-102 victory at the Crypt. LA Ray breaks down this game, including comments on LeBron James possibly having Cleveland Cavalier eyes! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Anthony Davis of the Lakers suffered another injury, sending "some" Lakers fans into a negative frenzy! Is he the most unlucky player ever to play in the NBA? L.A. Ray gives his UNBIASED opinion! Also, Ray comments on the irrevelant NBA All-Star game this weekend in Cleveland. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Lakers came up empty at the trade deadline. The Clippers strengthen their team with the addition of Norman Powell. The Nets get the better of the Harden and Simmons deal. Artist Eazy E is featured. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Reggie Jackson lived up to the name "Mr. June" by hitting the clutch shot to propel the Clippers over the Lakers 111-110. Anthony Davis however, is balling his ass off and shutting up some of his Lakers fans' distractors. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Cool hand Luke in on Fire(Ball)! Seven points in 10 seconds seals the deal against the Wizards. Also, the Clippers come back from 14 down to defeat the Magic! Who should win the MVP? NOT CHRIS PAUL! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Had a nice trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico! A woman got slapped on the ass by another woman at the swimming pool, and they didn't know each other! The Lakers and King LeBron get a nice win over the Nets. The trade deadline is approaching. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Wish me traveling grace and mercy as I embark on a vacation to Los Cabos San Lucas, Mexico! The Clippers are hovering around the .500 mark so far this season. However, if they can stay the course until Paul George returns, they still can make some noise in the Western Conference. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

I leave for vacation and the Lakers are on a 4 game winning streak. I get back from vacation to see that they have lost 3 games in a row! How inconsistent can this team be! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

First semester report cards are out for the Lakers and the Clippers. Report cards for Paul George, Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard, along with Lakers Report cards for LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. "Throw some D's on it", by artist SouljaBoy is featured. L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Aren't we all getting sick of the COVID Virus? 10-Day contracts ruling the NBA. The LeBron James is defying his age and playing like a young 18-year old stud! The Clippers young fellas have an opportunity to step up and show what they've got! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The COVID19 virus has taken the NBA by storm, much like it has in society as a whole. Without getting too political, Ray discusses the effect COVID is having on the NBA. Also, the Clippers lost to the Spurs in which they played with very little emotion and determination. Lastly, Anthony Davis has become the whipping boy of the struggling Lakers. Ray compares AD with the old school tune "New Jack Swing" by WRECKX-N-EFFECT! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

This episode includes some tunes from my all-time favorite rap group ...RUN DMC! Although the Lakers have won 3 out of their last 4 games, it seems as though Frank Vogel may still be on the hot seat. If he gets fired, who's to blame? Vogel did not assemble this team, but as we know you can not fire the players, especially LeBron James, who by all accounts orchestrated this team. At the (16:46) mark of this episode, I discuss the Clippers, who have on 5 out of their last 6, and 3 of them without alpha-dog Paul George. They are a cohesive team that has role players stepping up, including my whipping boy of last year by the name of Luke Kennard. Kennard has finally shut me up! My dream of an All L.A. Western Conference Finals is still alive!!! L.A. CourtSide is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

In the first meeting of the season in the Battle of L.A., the #Clippers outlasts the #Lakers 119-115. Coach Lue is proving to be a much better game manager than Frank Vogel. Also, do Lakers fans complaint about LeBron shooting too many 3's, much like they complaint about Anthony Davis. My dream of an All L.A. Western Conference Finals is still alive!!! L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The first game between the Lakers and the Clippers is tomorrow night (Friday) at the Staples Center. Which team is going to have bragging rights at least for one night? L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Clippers lost a tough one to the Mavs in OT. The Mavs were led by of all players ... Kristaps Porzingis; the forgottone one! Also, a preview of tonights Lakers game versus the Pacers. Lebron is back after his 1-game suspension. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Lakers lose to the Celtics in an embarrassing 130-108 loss in Boston. Anthony Davis, despite what many fans think, is not the issue with the Lakers in my opinion. Also, rumors will begin to swirl about a Ben Simmons for Russell Westbrook trade possibility! L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The march to an ALL L.A. WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS continued as the Clippers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-92. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The march to an ALL L.A. WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS continued today as the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-106. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The march to an ALL L.A. WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS continued last night with the Clippers defeating the Trail Blazers 117-109. They are currently on a five game win streak and are playing some of the best ball in the NBA. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has won a grand total of two games so far this year ... BOTH against the loaded L.A. Lakers! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially become the LAKER KILLER of the NBA! OKC, which is the youngest team in the NBA, have come back from 26 and 19 points respectively in those two wins. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

In this Clippers only episode, Paul George leads the way in a gut-wrenching win against the OKC Thunder. Also, at the (19:08() mark when L.A. Ray goes across the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are on FIRE!!!! L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Other than Paul George, the Clippers have not seemed to find their consistent shooting. Reggie Jackson and others are struggling in this early part of the season. The Lakers are 4-3, and Russell Westbrook is beginning to find his comfort zone. However, his outburst against the OKC Thunder was unwarranted in my opinion. L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

"Back in Stride" - Are the Lakers back in stride with the victory over Memphis? As the great Frankie Beverly says: We like the joy, but we can't really stand the pain! Lakers fans love it when the team winning, but can they stand the pain when they lose? The Clippers blew out the Trailblazers for their first win of the season. The ball movement looks crisp this early in the season. BOTH TEAMS ARE LOOKING GOOD! L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Although the final score was respectable in the 115-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers pretty much got their ass kicked! They need to regroup and work extremely hard to find the chemistry needed to make this team a championship contender. Going around the NBA, the Chicago Bulls, although not Eastern Conference Title contenders yet, are a fun team to watch. Also, why are T-Wolves fans getting upset because I asked the following question: Will the T-Wolves and Warriors regret not drafting Melo Ball? L.A. Courtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network (TBPN) and sponsored by DraftKings.com.

Even after being torched by Stephen Curry who scored 45 points (25 in the first half), the Clippers came storming back to almost pull off the impossible. Fans should be encouraged and not discouraged by the showing of this team in the opening game. They played hard; tough; physical, and they showed they will be a forced to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. LACourtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network and sponsored by DraftKings.com!!!

After ONE game, some Lakers fans are ready to jump off the cliff into the Pacific Ocean! NOOOOO! L.A. Ray brings them away from the cliff! Also, a take on Ben Simmons (again?), and The Greek Freak is wearing on L.A. Ray! LACourtside is brought to you by The Basketball Podcast Network and sponsored by DraftKings.com!!!

The game against Golden State was the first time the Big 3 of Lebron, AD and Russ were together on the floor at the same time. There were some positives and negatives, but Lakers fans focused more on the negative side of the action.

With the uncertainty of Kawhi Leonard's availability this season, what are the expectations for the Clippers?

Both the Lakers and the Clippers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in last season's playoffs. Both teams have added to their rosters to try and redeem themselves by making another run at an NBA Title. L.A. Ray offers an analysis on both team's chances this upcoming season. **SUBSCRIBE**RATE**REVIEW Twitter: @LACourtsidePod YouTube: LACourtside Lakers and Clippers analysis and other NBA news throughout the summer and into the 2021-2022 season! Presented by The Basketball Podcast Network & DraftKings - Use Promo Code TBPN to sign up for exclusive DraftKings offers!

LA CLIPPERS: A Ben Simmons acquisition by the Clippers would be a show of desperation and panic There have been plenty of rumors swirling around NBA circles that Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is seeking a trade to a California based team. If the Clippers make such a trade, it will show that the franchise is desperate to win their first ever NBA championship. Although the Clippers team as it is now constructed is good enough to at least make it to the Western Conference Finals as they did last season, there are still question marks going into the 2021-2022 season. Will Kawhi Leonard play at all this upcoming season, and if so, how effective will he be after recovering from a torn ACL? Can Reggie Jackson play as consistently as he did during last season's playoffs? Will Luke Kennard's game improve enough to justify a 4-yr, $16M per year contract? Ben Simmons is not the player that will take the Clippers over the top Pundits across NBA circles agree that Ben Simmons is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, is very athletic, and has a high basketball IQ. However, are those three attributes worth is current contract which has four years remaining at roughly $36M per year? Watching Simmons in the playoffs last season with the 76ers was very painful. I have never seen an NBA player with the accolades given to Simmons who is flat out scared to shoot the ball from the perimeter. There were times where Simmons was relegated to the bench in favor of rookie Tyrese Maxey. Former Clippers coach and current coach of the 76ers Doc Rivers obviously did not have much confidence in Simmons down the stretch in pivotal playoff games. Not only does Simmons refuse to even attempt to shoot from the outside, he is also a horrible free throw shooter for a guy who has the ball in his hands as much as he does. Last season, Simmons shot only 61.3% from the charity stripe. That simply is not going to cut it for a point guard on a team trying to win a championship. Even if the Clippers wanted to acquire Ben Simmons, who are they going to give up to match the salary of Simmons? The first player that comes to mind is the aforementioned Luke Kennard, who again will be in the first year of his $16/yr contract. Having said that, you would have to give up much more than Kennard to acquire Simmons. Your core players of Leonard, Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and the recently acquired Eric Bledsoe are not going anywhere anytime soon. Based on all of these facts, the Clippers should pass on Simmons and allow him to get traded to another California franchise such as the Sacramento Kings. Now is not the time for the Clippers organization to be desperate or panic. Stay the course and stay away from the Ben Simmons sweepstakes. **SUBSCRIBE**RATE**REVIEW Twitter: @LACourtsidePod YouTube: LACourtside Lakers and Clippers analysis and other NBA news throughout the summer and into the 2021-2022 season! Presented by The Basketball Podcast Network & DraftKings - Use Promo Code TBPN to sign up for exclusive DraftKings offers!

Rajon Rondo has come full circle and has returned to the team he helped lead to the 2020 NBA Bubble Championship in Orlando. Rondo's addition adds to the mystery of what starting lineup Frank Vogel will put on the floor. Although the Lakers are an older team, Vogel has plenty of options to mix, match, and deploy load management strategy to keep all of the older players fresh and healthy throughout the season. If this plan goes will for the Lakers in terms of brining in veterans who are hungry to win a championship, and also younger players who are out to prove themselves in the league, other GM's will try and mirror that success if the Lakers go on to at least make it to the Western Conference Finals and possibly win an NBA Championship. **SUBSCRIBE**RATE**REVIEW Twitter: @LACourtsidePod YouTube: LACourtside Lakers and Clippers analysis and other NBA news throughout the summer and into the 2021-2022 season! Presented by The Basketball Podcast Network & DraftKings - Use Promo Code TBPN to sign up for exclusive DraftKings offers!