Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The 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 should have been, humbled by the market. So will he fit into LA's culture? So far so good, but it's never been about first impressions, but what happens once things get going. This is the sort of thing tackled on this episode with guest Dan Woike of the LA Times! Will Wood start? Come off the bench? Woike thinks it's the latter. And who will be starting? Woike has a potential name that might not be getting quite as much buzz as he should. But what happens when the game gets going? The Lakers will be looking to give players consistent roles, but there are tons of options at play, here, especially as the team decides who starts at small forward. Finally, it's a quick look around the West. Austin Reaves, guesting on Zach Lowe's podcast, said he thinks the Lakers have the most talented roster in the league. Like, in talent. And depth, and versatility. Are they the best team? Dunno, but in terms of how you look at talent, you can make an argument. Maybe you don't come down on the Lakers, but it's not absurd. Then Reaves said something perhaps more bold: That he's the best golfer in the NBA. Most people would say it's Steph Curry. (Steph Curry likely would, at the least). Whether he's right or wrong, the fact that Reaves believes this and pushed back on Lowe when he suggested it might be Steph? This is as revealing as anything about the guy. Reaves is scarily competitive. If someone doesn't set up some sort of match play event with Reaves and Curry, everyone is doing it wrong. HOSTS: Andy Kamenetzky, with guest Dan Woike! SEGMENT 1: Will Christian Wood fit in well with Lakers culture? SEGMENT 2: Who starts at small forward? Could it be Taurean Prince? SEGMENT 3: Reaves speaks! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 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 idea for a nearly 40-year old player in his 21st season. So in response to a viewer question about the Davis/James/Wood rotation dynamic, we break down how it could work. Yes, the three of them might get a few minutes together here and there, but it's likely not a regular thing. That said, Wood can absolutely, and will absolutely, play with both guys. It's just that more attention goes to his fit with Davis, both because in theory Davis protects Wood defensively, and because it's Wood that helps Davis spend less time at center, vs. power forward. To say the least, Darvin Ham has a wealth of options at his disposal. As camp gets closer, we're focusing on position groups. Monday was the guards, today the centers. Another big contrast between last year's group and this year's (remember Damian Jones?). Davis, Wood and Jaxson Hayes are the three main C's, with LeBron and Jarred Vanderbilt likely to get a few minutes here and there in small lineups. It looks like there's a blueprint for Davis and Wood... but what does that leave Hayes? Is there a path to playing time for him, especially in the games where Davis and Wood are available? Finally, another great viewer comment about the way the bar is likely to be raised in the West this year. Last year wasn't exactly easy, but it's fair to say the Conference played along as the Lakers struggled, and left the door open far longer than it might have been in a typical year. And this season is shaping up to be truly brutal. So how tough is that path to a high seed? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Optimism to start the season, and a look at the James/Davis/Wood dynamic. SEGMENT 2: Breaking down the centers. SEGMENT 3: It's gonna be very, very tough out West this year. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 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) nobody has to squint or twist themselves into pretzels to feel genuine optimism about where this season could go. There is no leaning into best case scenarios. Instead, this is a group that, if healthy, should be very good. With real balance up and down the roster. That's basically it. And it's really great! If there's a spot that shows the contrast between last year and this season, it's in the guard rotation. Last year, there was Russ and Reaves, Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, a rookie Max Christie, plus Kendrick Nunn coming off an injury. That's a lot of question marks. And even while someone like Walker had some good moments and overall played just fine (relative to expectations), it's worth noting that only two of those players finished the season on the roster, and only one actually played a role. This year, Reaves will be joined by D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent to form a very solid core of guards (given that the team's star power is in the front court). With them, you'll hopefully see Christie, and then hopefully not that much Jalen Hood-Schifino (because that means things have gone incredibly right, or really wrong, and the latter would be far more likely in this scenario). It's hard to overstate how much better a place they're in. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What a difference a year makes. SEGMENT 2: Breaking down the guards. SEGMENT 3: More analysis of the guards. Who starts, who finishes? What of Christie? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thursday, 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 to offer, but what they could sell were vibes and opportunity. And whether you're a big Darvin guy or not, there probably aren't too many guys around the league who can sell culture to a player better than he can. And really, context should drive home to Wood the critical nature of this opportunity. If he doesn't make it work in LA, if he can't accept and then thrive in a role on a good team, where does he go from here? But red flags aside, the Lakers got the most talented player left available on the free agent market. And if you want him, it can't hurt to sweet talk him a little. Meanwhile, Pat Beverley was on his podcast, talking about the Jarred Vanderbilt extension. Interestingly, he told him that his advice was not to sign an extension. Why? Because players who do that get paid appropriately. Players who get signed during free agency? They get overpaid. Whether that would have applied to Vanderbilt is an open question, but it's a fascinating view of how folks get paid in the league. And finally, Buddy Hield is on the trade market. But this is a Buddy Hield safe space, because the Lakers do not have any players they can trade for him until at least mid-December. But what's really interesting is that the need for someone like Hield is a lot lower now than it was a year ago at this time. Please leave your Hield comments to yourself until then. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Christian Wood meets the media. Is this his last/best opportunity to change the narrative? SEGMENT 2: The Lakers don't need Buddy Hield. SEGMENT 3: Pat Bev on Vanderbilt. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply.  Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeanie 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 carries are justifiably high, but at the same time, is there to much focus on what he's not doing vs. what he is? You'd think, for example, that based on last year's arc that there would be a notable difference between Davis's first and second half stats, but they looked basically the same. So is AD being judged more on optics than results? Well, sort of. Because sometimes with Davis, the optics dictate the result. Few players can put up games with identical numbers but totally non-identical impact like Davis. So between that and the natural inclination to believe he's about to get hurt (it's a defense mechanism for many Lakers fans to prep themeselves for a letdown) and his freakish talent at his full capacity that makes him seem like an alien, maybe that explains the discourse? Finally, Damian Lillard seemed to find some (non-trade related) controversy when he said it was easier to win in the Bubble. But as he clarified, he didn't mean easier to win a title. In fact, winning a title in Orlando was actually harder, because all the advantages a 1 seed like the Lakers would have had were stripped away. Home floor, home crowd, less travel, and so on. It may have been contextually unrepeatable - the Lakers (God willing) will never have a chance like that to rest their stars before the postseason starts... but then again EVERYONE got to get healthy. And moreover, the Lakers rolled through the playoffs that year. 4-1, 4-1, 4-1, 4-2. So can we finally put this question to bed? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why do we talk differently about Anthony Davis than other stars? SEGMENT 2: Is it fair? What is, and what isn't, and what is the biggest flaw in how fans and media judge him? SEGMENT 3: Dame defends the Bubble Championship. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply.  Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tuesday'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? That was a question left on the Locked On Lakers YouTube page. Was it the opportunity presented by a team that advanced to the Western Conference Finals after playing together for only a few weeks? Was it a reaction to a shift in the league towards continuity and depth? Was it the lack of any realistic way to add a big name star? Could be some of each, but this year now becomes a bit of a referendum on the shift, and an opportunity to build. That doesn't mean the Lakers won't make moves over the next year or two - they obviously will - but to what end? Is the stars-at-all-costs era over? From there, another question looks at Darvin Ham. While he's not on the hot seat this year, after last year's run, what about his staff? Do the Lakers need more "big names" on it? And what are reasonable expectations for Ham in Year 2? What was good last year, what wasn't? Have Lakers fans fully bought in? Finally, Jarred Vanderbilt was recently asked about players he patterned his game after growing up. One was Penny Hardaway. The other? Another very popular former Lakers lefty. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why did the Lakers shift strategy around the roster? What prompted it? SEGMENT 2: How long does the new strategy last? SEGMENT 3: What are the expectations for Ham in Year 2? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba. at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply.  Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monday'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 creating massive amounts of cap space to go out and recruit The Next Big Free Agent. Now, though, the Lakers (even as LeBron nears retirement) aren't hoarding future space. Instead, they're, like, signing players. Good, young, appealing players. So does this limit their flexibility? Spoiler alert: It does not, and (assuming the players they've signed don't regress) likely increases it. In the meantime, they get the best of both worlds - a very good team now, and the ability to work with agility, adjusting if adjustments become necessary or opportunity knocks. From there, it's a look at the most intriguing teams in the Western Conference. Which teams qualify, and why aren't the Lakers in that group? (Remember, there's a difference between exciting and intriguing.) Finally, with "Winning Time" on HBO officially cancelled, we look back at the series and read responses from viewers about which seasons of Lakers basketball they would have loved to see dramatized on the show. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What Jarred Vanderbilt's extension represents (beyond, you know, Jarred Vanderbilt himself). SEGMENT 2: Why the Lakers are better off doing things this way... SEGMENT 3: A look back at "Winning Time." Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Friday, 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 more, annually. Maybe... but maybe not. Vanderbilt is in a strange position, where his path to significant playing time is hardly clear, particularly if (as many believe will happen) Rui Hachimura moves to the starting lineup after re-upping with LA for significantly more money earlier this summer. (And while it seems less likely, if Christian Wood ends up starting at center, the same basic principle applies - it gets harder to find minutes for Vando.) But while Vanderbilt might not have as much flexibility to shine this year, at least while the roster is healthy, it's easy to imagine a different group where he could have a role that outstrips a $12 million salary. Particularly as the salary cap rises, the chances of this deal being onerous or an albatross seem pretty small. But that doesn't mean Vanderbilt will come off as a huge bargain, either. It might even shift year to year as the roster changes. And do expectations for Vanderbilt change now that he's signed a bigger contract? Finally, HBO's "Winning Time" will not be picked up for a third season. If you watched the show, how disappointed are you? Is there an era of Lakerdom you'd like to have seen depicted? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Reacting to Jarred Vanderbilt. SEGMENT 2: "Winning Time," and more Vando. Do expectations change around him now that he's making more $? SEGMENT 3: Vanderbilt and the regular season vs. the playoffs. Why too many people discount the value of contributions in the former, even if certain players (Vanderbilt included) can be harder to play in the postseason, matchups depending. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 Vanderbilt as long as AD and Austin Reaves. Which is to say, as long as any Laker on the roster. What are the implications of this news? Andy Kamenetzky hits some of the high points with a few quick thoughts. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier 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 national TV games, or in the mid-season tournament, and preferably not on the road, either. And for teams that might be trying to either tank or move disgruntled stars? The NBA will be paying a lot more attention to that, too. Those guys need to be on the floor, barring injury. (Though, perhaps, not "injury.") How the league enforces all this is hard to say, but for the Lakers, there are obvious implications for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two players who certainly will need to be maintained throughout the year. Then again, the league built in a type of grandfather clause for older players, where they can, with some heads up, to the NBA receive permission for scheduled rest days. That could be important. It'll be interesting to see how these new rules, combined with the higher standards of games required to be eligible for postseason awards, tilt things in the league. Will guys play more? Does it matter the Lakers have two stars, but the Nuggets (seen as the favorite in the West) only have one? Where will these new tweaks have an influence on the standings in what's expected to be a tight Western Conference race? Finally, we were asked to dive into the schedule again by a viewer on the YouTube channel, so that's where we head for the final segment. It's a very, very different deal this year for the Lakers than the last two, with potential implications and challenges that haven't been as acute in years past. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The NBA hands down it's anti-rest rules. SEGMENT 2: How much will the new rules impact the Lakers, LeBron and AD? SEGMENT 3: How the schedule isn't so cooperative this year for the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next 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 on some relatively unscientific polling of Lakers fans, a majority want to see both guys repping the red, white and blue next summer. Whatever the reason, from the enjoyment and pride of seeing the best play for Team USA to the story it would be for LeBron to get one more Olympic gold to the cool factor for many fans of watching players from their franchise play internationally, the fear of injury or fatigue setting the 2024-25 season up for failure before it begins doesn't seem to be a huge fear. It's interesting to think, too, about how the team's performance this season impacts the calculus, both for those guys going to play and for the longevity of LeBron's career. What if the Lakers win a title, and LeBron then wins gold? Hard to construct a glide path to retirement that is more storybook than that. Could that be a consideration, especially if the Lakers win it all? Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks is paying tribute to Kobe. Which is nice, except... Dillon Brooks. And finally, we get into the YouTube comments section to talk about lineups and those who disagree about whether it makes sense for Davis to get more burn at power forward. Plus, a great comment about the nature of "positionless basketball," and why it never seems to apply to defense. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More fans want to see the two Lakers stars play in Paris than not. SEGMENT 2: Is there an alternate reason LeBron might want to play next summer? And Dillon Brooks shouts out Kobe. SEGMENT 3: Opening up the comments section! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team 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, KD, AD, Draymond... even CP3 was noted in the report (as if he has any business playing on a team like that at this point in his career). Fortunately, other players like Devin Booker, De'Aaron Fox and Jayson Tatum are also included in the group, keeping it from going full into a hoops version of The Expendables, but it's still an older group. But more importantly for Lakers fans, do you want LeBron playing in this tournament, following what everyone hopes will be a long season with a deep playoff run, leading into an option year (we all assume) he'll pick up? Pushing 40? Or are we thinking of this wrong? Does his enthusiasm for playing in the Olympics signal that maybe he's ready to go out with a bang? That maybe he won't be hanging on as long, especially now that it looks like Bronny, while on the road to recovery, might not be ready to enter the Draft next year? Meanwhile, in related news, the NBA is cracking down on rest. Load management, specifically, discussing rules that will seriously raise the bar on the threshold for allowing players - or the stars, at least - to miss games just to have a breather. They would push players to avoid doing it on national TV games and during the in-season tourney, preferably not on the road, and only one "star" player can sit at a time. And if you're a team that's trying to sit guys to lose games at the end of the year? Better come up with a better justification than has happened in the past. Now, that could mean a lot more players coming down with sudden bouts of back spasms or tendinitis or flu or whatever, but at the least, the NBA is going to require they do some work. The Lakers have two stars. That get hurt a lot. That need rest. How might these rules impact them this season? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron says he's going to play in the Olympics. Does this signal something about how much longer he's planning to play? SEGMENT 2: Do you want LeBron to play? Or AD for that matter? SEGMENT 3: New rules on load management, and how they impact the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony 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 Christian Wood. So does Wood's arrival mean that Davis is bound to get his wish? Well, sort of? The ability of Wood to play with Davis, at least on paper, means that the two of them should be just fine on the floor together. Wood, meanwhile, is someone who can, in theory, play 25 minutes a night. So Davis to the four! Not so fast. The issue isn't just about Davis, but LeBron James. And if Davis plays 75% of his minutes at the four, that means James is playing about that many at small forward. And, that, in terms of defense along with wear and tear, is a really poor idea. But could Wood and Davis play together while LeBron isn't on the floor? OR for a few minutes when he is? Sure! So maybe that number drops from 99% to 80% 85% is that enough difference to make Davis happy? Next... Austin Reaves and Team USA lost in the bronze medal game to Canada this weekend, and whenever the US loses to ... well, anyone in basketball, people get mad. And Reaves took plenty of flak for his defense in the last few games. Did anything happen in the tournament/lead up that should cause real concern? Finally, Friday's show was all about Jarred Vanderbilt, and his new extension eligibility. Both of us had numbers in mind for what would make sense. Many people thought we were lowballing him, though, reflecting a more broad undervaluing of his skills. So are they right? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: AD wants to play the 4. Does he get his wish? SEGMENT 2: Reaves and Team USA finish fourth... SEGMENT 3: Did we undervalue Jarred Vanderbilt? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers, after signing Christian Wood, have what most teams would consider to be the best kind of problems. Namely, they have more good players capable of playing rotation minutes than they have spots available to actually give them real minutes from night to night. Sure, guys will get hurt, space will open up... but when the roster is healthy someone is going to have to sit. So who? One candidate could be Jarred Vanderbilt. Particularly if Wood comes off the bench and Darvin Ham chooses to start, say, Rui Hachimura at forward. If that's the case, where can the Lakers find minutes for Vanderbilt in a suddenly crowded frontcourt? Now maybe Vanderbilt starts... but then it becomes hard to find enough minutes for Wood and Rui. And all of this happens as Vanderbilt himself becomes extension eligible with the Lakers. Ironically, the addition of Wood could make it hard to play Vanderbilt this year. But then again, if Wood plays really well, he's likely gone next season... when Vanderbilt's extension would kick in. The question, though, is more complex than it seems, because Vanderbilt is such a particular player, with value that can ebb and flow in profound ways based on how he's used, which is directly influenced by the rest of the team's roster from year to year. So what would be a good number? What's too much? Finally, the Lakers have a roster. 14 guys (plus the 2-ways), and a ton of depth. Where do they stack up against the rest of the West? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Whose minutes get squeezed with the addition of Wood? Because playing time in the frontcourt is going to be hard to come by. SEGMENT 2: How should the Lakers handle the possibility of an extension for Jarred Vanderbilt? SEGMENT 3: Where do the Lakers stack up out West? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A day after the Lakers added free agent center/PF Christian Wood, there are plenty more questions to ask. His talent, at least offensively, is undeniable, but what about attitude and fit? Well, to that end he said some stuff to Marc Spears at ESPN's Andscape that raised some eyebrows. There are other important questions to kick around. Like, does Wood start or come off the bench? On the one hand, given Anthony Davis's long expressed preferences to play power forward, many have assumed that this move allows him to do just that. Wood starts at C, right? Well, maybe not. There are many, many compelling reasons to bring Wood off the bench. So which side of the argument will win out? Moreover, plenty of people are talking about this as a "risk-free" move for the Lakers. Is that the right framing? Meanwhile, there is a lot of attention being paid to Wood the talent, but what about Wood the guy? Some believe he's seen himself as entitled. Well, on the way out the door from Dallas, he said the following to ESPN, expressing great enthusiasm for joining the Lakers... and taking a shot at his former employer: "I've always wanted to be a Laker. I know we can win a championship,” Wood told Spears. “Communication with a coach is a big key. Coach Ham and I go back to our Milwaukee days and we've had great conversations everyday about this opportunity. He believes in me and told me I'll be playing a big role and knows what I can do.” Okay! Good start! Now, the kicker: "I'm looking forward to this and fasure motivated after what Dallas did.” What did they do? And is it smart to even go in this direction? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What is Christian Wood's role for the Lakers? Does he start? Come off the bench? SEGMENT 2: Listeners/Viewers react to the Wood signing. SEGMENT 3: Wood takes a shot at the Mavs... and adds real options to Darvin Ham's rotation. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a bad weekend of press, Team USA and Austin Reaves bounced back on Tuesday with a blowout win over Italy to advance in the World Cup. The backlash against the team, and Austin Reaves along with it, disappeared for a day, at least. And for this game, Reaves wasn't the story. He played well, no question, but Tyrese Halliburton and Mikael Bridges combined for 42 points on 14-20 from the floor, and 10-14 from 3-point range. Comparatively, Reaves (12/4/3) was just hanging out. But he continues to shine in ways that reflect some of the commentary from a recent story at The Athletic from Jovan Buha, in which he reports the Lakers, always searching for that third star, wonder if Reaves could become that guy, in one form or another. They've also, though, reportedly looked at more conventional names, including Atlanta's Trae Young, a name a that always seems at least tangentially tied to the Lakers, chatter wise. But is Young a good idea, literally or figuratively, before even discussing what it might take to get him? He's a name that leads to a larger discussion about what kind of "star" the Lakers should next pursue, whether now or after LeBron retires. From there, LeBron has played in an era of incredible media scrutiny. And as Rich Paul explained to Gilbert Arenas on his podcast, a level of attention and immediacy that no other star has seen through the course of his career. Certainly not Michael Jordan, or even Kobe. The combination of 24/7 traditional media combined with the explosion of social media? It's a different animal. How much credit does he deserve for moving through it basically free of controversy? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Reaves bounces back, and are the Lakers still looking for a star? SEGMENT 2: Is Trae Young a good idea? (Literally or figuratively?) SEGMENT 3: Rich Paul on LeBron and the media era in which he's played. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While maybe it happened a little faster than expected, Tuesday evening what seemed like the inevitable move actually happened, as the Lakers and F/C Christian Wood agreed to a free agent deal. Two years, with a player option (to benefit Wood and let him re-enter free agency faster) for the second year, at the league minimum (which is all the Lakers could offer). Wood is, unquestionably, the most talented big the Lakers could have signed. He's probably the most talented free agent that had been left on the market at any position. He should be a phenomenal fit offensively, not just when Anthony Davis doesn't play, but also when he does. Wood expands Darvin Ham's option tree in important ways. He can make life easier for LeBron James, by lightening his scoring burden, especially in games where he plays but AD doesn't. But if it was just about talent, Wood wouldn't have been gettable for a two-year, minimum contract deal. The Mavs would have kept him, or someone else would have signed him for more money, or something. So what's good about the signing? What's bad? What is yet unknown, but angst inducing to say the least? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get their man. SEGMENT 2: What's good about the Wood signing? SEGMENT 3: What's... not so good (or certainly risky) about bringing him in? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the time most people engage with this episode, the US will likely have finished its game with Italy in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, and in one way or another, moved the weekend's loss to Lithuania off the front burner. But that one was interesting for a couple reasons. First, the USA lost, which always gets people upset. But beyond that, Austin Reaves had a really bad game. Easily his worst as a member of Team USA. And the internet let him have it. No question, there are just a lot of people out there who don't like the Lakers and don't appreciate all the attention Reaves has garnered, and want to see him knocked down a peg or three. But it's also because, yeah, Reaves has been not just the darling of this tournament, but really one of the more hyped stories of the offseason, from the great contract the Lakers signed him to, to the genuinely good story surrounding him coming to, and thriving on, Team USA. We've talked about him a ton on this Lakers-centered show. But the reality is, the Reaves News Cycle has lasted an unusually long time without something knocking it back a little. It probably should be trade rumors around Damian Lillard and James Harden, but those stories are completely dormant right now. So instead, we're a little oversaturated on the Reaves front. Meanwhile, Pat Beverley is suuuuuuuper salty when it comes to the Lakers, and seems to have taken this notion the team got better once he left - not because he left, but it's part of the timing - very personally. Not a surprise, sine salt is basically the foundational layer of his entire career. But still entertaining to see. Bev was a guest on Gilbert Arenas's podcast, and had some stuff to say about how the Lakers handled Russell Westbrook. Finally, we do open, almost accidentally, talking about Lonzo Ball and what might have been. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lonzo Ball, what might have been, and how players get labeled too fast. SEGMENT 2: Austin Reaves haters and gave them ammo over the weekend. SEGMENT 3: Pat Bev and salt! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A prospective option for the 14th roster spot (that's the backup C, or the backup to the backup C, depending on your POV and the play of Jaxson Hayes...) is already off the board before most Lakers fans really had a chance to lean into any possibilities. JaVale McGee, three time NBA champ, one time Lakers champ, who was released by the Dallas Mavericks at the end of last week, has quickly moved on. He'll be joining the Sacramento Kings, via Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports. Smart move for JaVale, who quickly moves to a team that will play meaningful basketball this season. No reason to sit around waiting to see if there are better offers (especially since his salary is bigger than a minimum, courtesy of the Mavs). But it does indicate that the Lakers didn't see him as a priority relative to Christian Wood, Bismack Biyombo, or any other player hiding behind Door #3. Mistake? Smart? Discuss. Meanwhile, there's a novel approach to ranking NBA GMs up at Yahoo! and it leaves Rob Pelinka smack in the middle at 15. Which feels appropriate, given the extreme highs and lows of the last few seasons. But the story really raises questions about how we evaluate the moves these guys make. What's a fair level of expectation for the success or failure of an undrafted free agent? Of a second round pick? What makes a trade successful, vs. another that might be a failure? Are all signings and trades created equal? (Spoiler alert... they are not.) HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: JaVale McGee heads to Sacramento. SEGMENT 2: Rob Pelinka, the NBA's 15th best GM? SEGMENT 3: Are we using the right criteria to fairly evaluate how GMs operate? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED.  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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday's show, we talked about Austin Reaves, his great run to this point with Team USA in the World Cup, and how he might be a catalyst for helping lighten the load on LeBron James this season, something the Lakers have been trying to do for a couple seasons now. One viewer of the show wondered if that's possible, saying in his mind, LeBron wouldn't let that happen. But is that really the issue? Dig into the numbers, and it's clear the team hasn't had any success lowering his burden, even last season after the deadline and the Lakers had a better roster. Why? Well, in part because on offense at least, deemphasizing LeBron is a questionable hoops choice. Is he old? Yes. But he's also still elite, and better at _____ offensively that pretty much anyone the Lakers are going to use (particularly in the role of an orchestrator). Plus, with superstars, it's often the teammates who do the deferring. So can Reaves help? Well, he does share an ethos and some of the skill set that LeBron brings offensively (though obviously not at the same level). But really, if LeBron is playing, he's going to be LeBron. So the can the Lakers get him to play less? Maybe that's where guys like Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and (obviously) Anthony Davis play a significant role. Can the Lakers get off to a strong start this season? Can they put games away so stars can sit late? Meanwhile, Robert Horry says Michael Cooper should have his jersey retired by the Lakers, and has his reasons. They are, especially for someone like Cooper, who many think is worthy of the Hall of Fame, very reasonable. The Lakers, as everyone knows, only retire the jerseys of HOFers. But would/should Coop be the exception to the rule? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Can Reaves really lower the burden on LeBron? Can anyone? SEGMENT 2: How could the Lakers actually take some burden off LeBron? SEGMENT 3: Is Michael Cooper worthy of having his jersey retired by the Lakers (given their rules)? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED.  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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's August, sure, but when reporting notes that one of the two or three best players in the NBA may—may—not be fully content with his franchise (or at the least, is going to wait and see in order to keep pressure on them). So as Marc Stein on his Substack noted, with Giannis Antetokounpo unwilling to commit (years earlier than he has to, no question) to a forever future in Milwaukee, and then noting that the Knicks and Lakers would be potential destinations? Well, there isn't much else to keep the mind from engaging with the possibilities. First, the Lakers will very likely have some space available at the superstar level when something like this occurs, because LeBron James won't play forever. Second, it's impossible not to be giddy and the mere thought of Anthony Davis and Giannis, who could play together with the right combination of people around them, working on the same team. And especially, playing defense together. Because that would be insane. And if you're interested in trade math... Meanwhile, Austin Reaves keeps Himming it up with the US World Cup squad, putting on another steller performance (and remaining a plus/minus monster) as the Americans moved to the next round after an easy win over Greece. Reaves keeps moving the bar on what people think he's capable of, and expectations for the regular season are rising. What if his top end is a little higher than anticipated? People already figured he'd give the Lakers, more or less, what he did after being inserted into the starting lineup, and through the playoffs. But what if there's more than just incremental improvement there? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves continues to tear up the World Cup. Does it change expectations for his regular season? Would more pressure be good for him? SEGMENT 2: More AR, plus Giannis might, maybe want out of Milwaukee eventually, if the Bucks don't stay competitive. FIRE UP YOUR SPECULATION MACHINES, LOS ANGELES! SEGMENT 3: Well, the Lakers will have a need for a new star in a couple seasons. Plus, Mookie Betts talks Kobe. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED.  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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers still have an open roster spot that is earmarked for a center, to help fill in the depth chart behind Anthony Davis and (hopefully) Jaxson Hayes. For most of the summer, that choice has been framed, ideally, as one between Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo. Very different players, but both established NBAers with defined skill sets. Of course, the Lakers have no leverage to get either one, since all they can offer is a veteran's minimum contract. So the wait continues. Now, though, a third player is ready to emerge as at least a possibility, since the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly ready to do what has been rumored for most of the offseason: Release McGee if they can't find a trade partner willing to take him. And since he played here already, and no former Laker can hit the market without being linked back to the team when back on the market, and because there are (in theory) reasonable arguments to be made for his return, well, people will make them. But is he what the Lakers need? Would they be better off waiting out Wood or Biyombo? Taking a flier on the most promising G-League center they can find? What about Colin Castleton? Where might he fit into this discussion? Finally, the Kobe Bryant statue unveiling will come on 2.8.24, a date with significance to the Bryant family and Lakers fans alike. Certainly the context around what a statue honoring Bryant might look like has radically and tragically changed. How the family and the franchise approach this moment will generate a great deal of discussion. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: JaVale McGee is reportedly going to be back on the market, finally. Is he a good option? SEGMENT 2: What are the scenarios in which McGee would make sense? SEGMENT 3: The Bryant statue unveiling date has been announced. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED.  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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Reaves is getting no shortage of press these days, including a new feature from Jovan Buha at The Athletic. It's a deep dive into how Reaves got here, and where he might be going. And while it's worth noting (again) that saying he's not dating Taylor Swift is exactly what someone who didn't want people to know he's dating Taylor Swift might say, those rumors from earlier in the offseason weren't close the big takeaways. One big one? Reaves is keeping that chip on his shoulder that tells him people still don't believe he's all that good... even as it's clear people are starting to understand, even begrudgingly, that he is. That ability to create slights where they don't exist is a common feature among the most hyper-competitive athletes. And make no mistake, while Reaves is aw-shucks as the day is long... he will cut you. And might he be the next great recruiter for the Lakers to help bring the next star post-LeBron James? Who on the Lakers are the players with the greatest variance? Where the ceiling and floor have a good amount of space between them? Is Reaves still one of those guys? What about Rui Hachimura? Gabe Vincent? Or are we talking the Max Christies and Jaxson Hayes types on the roster? Finally, Steph Curry created an offseason news cycle when he declared himself the best PG of all time. Which, definitionally, means he thinks he's better than Magic. Is he right? Not sure that really matters, or if that's the most interesting part of the question. What is fascinating, though, are the similarities between two guys who, on the surface, don't have a lot in common. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves, master recruiter. SEGMENT 2: Who are LA's "variance" players? SEGMENT 3: Steph or Magic? Magic or Steph? Or does that miss the point? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Los Angeles, it's basically become a holiday. They light up the Santa Monica Pier, and buildings around the city to commemorate 8/24, or Kobe Bryant Day. Given how important this day is for so many fans, and the impact Kobe still has on the league and the city, we looked back at his career and took questions from viewers/listeners to the show. First, it's interesting to think about the different ways Kobe impacts different fans, and the multiple eras he spans. For some, he's an athlete they covered professionally. For others, an athlete they watched for 20 years as an adult. That's a different experience than cheering for him as a kid, or engaging in the mythology of Kobe at the end of his career, after he retired, or even after the helicopter crash that took his life. There are many eras of Kobe Bryant, one of the many things that make him such a fascinating presence. The mailbag asks: What are some of your favorite memories covering Kobe? How did he interact with his teammates? What are the What Ifs? What if he hadn't been drafted by the Lakers? What if he hadn't hurt his Achilles? Could he have still been performing at a LeBron-esque level in his year 20? How much life did those legs have left? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: It's 8.24. How many different ways did people experience Kobe Bryant? SEGMENT 2: Covering Kobe. Memories of interacting with him, and favorite moments. SEGMENT 3: What if? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis has said he wants to win Defensive Player of the Year. He'd like to make All-NBA teams, and more. The NBA says you need to play 65 games, at least, to qualify for those, and any other end-of-season awards. The Lakers have 15 back-to-backs. So when you start to put all of this stuff together, it creates an interesting potential question. Should A.D. stay healthy enough that injury doesn't fully threaten the 65 game awards threshold, the Lakers will still likely be looking to manage his workload in an effort to help keep him healthy for the postseason. So what happens if his (completely understandable) personal goals are in conflict with what the medical staff thinks is best? It's not just a question about Davis, really, but whether the NBA's efforts to get stars playing in more games, and resting for fewer, works. Meanwhile, many people are assuming the Lakers will start Rui Hachimura at power forward this year, because they paid him a bunch of money this offseason. But is that the best course of action? Might a better argument be made for Jarred Vanderbilt, one that emphasizes the ability to get the most out of both players? Finally, Austin Reaves is playing excellent basketball for Team USA, and showing the rest of the NBA fan universe what Lakers fans have been saying for a while now. And even the non-Lakers fans out there (and that's a lot of folks) have to accept that Reaves is for real. All of this and more in Part 2 of our conversation with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Spectrum Sportsnet and so many other places. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Will AD play enough games to qualify for DPOY? What happens if he wants to play but the staff says he should sit? SEGMENT 2: Who starts at power forward? SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves is showing the rest of the world what Lakers fans already knew. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis is, to say the least, a conversation starter. In Part I of our two shows with Mike Trudell (Lakers.com, Spectrum Sportsnet, and more!) we dive deep into the Anthony Davis Experience. Does he get less credit than he should for high level of his play? When people are complaining about his performance, what exactly are they complaining about? Do people focus too much on some inconsistencies in his offensive dominance, without fully accounting and crediting him for his play defensively? How are the Lakers going to give Davis more support defensively this season so that he doesn't get burned out over the course of the year? How are they better prepared to play good D this year compared to last? Just how good do they need to be to get where they want to go in the regular season? How will it help the Lakers to have a little bit of continuity going into the season, as opposed to everything they've been doing for the last couple of seasons? Are people overrating the shooting question for the Lakers? Whether because the perimeter shooting will be substantively better, or perhaps because it's just not *that* big a deal? Maybe a little from column A, a little from column B? Finally, is a little bearishness on Rui worthwhile? Or does the context in which he now plays - fitting in on this team with these Lakers - change the equation completely, to where old numbers and trends don't matter as much? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Does A.D. get more grief than he deserves? SEGMENT 2: What kind of D will the Lakers play around him this year? SEGMENT 3: Rui and Reaves. Why Hachimura is such a perfect fit, and why that might make his regular season performances to this point kind of moot. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The schedule was released on Thursday... but we recorded this before that happened, so all the big post-schedule-drop-hoodoo will come on Monday. In the meantime, Darvin Ham says the Lakers have championship caliber depth. Is he right? And more importantly, what exactly does that mean? The answer, particularly the focus on depth, is an interesting change for the Lakers compared to different points in their history. There certainly have been times where depth was measured in the number and quality of stars, rather than viable rotation players going down seven or eight or nine or ten roster spots. This Lakers team has two bonafide stars. Top 5-10 guys around the league (and better, depending on the day). But they also have Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura -- three high end members of the NBA non-star class. They've got Taurean Prince and Jarred Vanderbilt, along with Gabe Vincent,, and some young players worth a flier. What does championship depth mean? How is that different from championship talent? Is there a difference? And why are we talking so much about depth? The answer says a lot about the direction the league is going. Remember, it's a copycat organization. Finally, with the in-season tourney schedule out -- remember, we recorded before the big schedule drop -- we revisit the NBA's new event. How will teams like the Lakers react? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham says the Lakers have championship caliber depth. SEGMENT 2: Why are we talking about depth now, more than stars and talent? SEGMENT 3: The mid-season tournament drops! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, Harrison Faigen of SB Nation/Silver Screen and Roll joined the show, and we spent much of the show talking about Rob Pelinka, and the redemptive arc he's been riding over the last several months. On the one hand, he has unquestionably fixed the mess the Lakers were in. On the other, he was the one who created it. So how has Pelinka grown? Is he a different type of GM now than he was when he arrived in LA? Has he been humbled? Has he evolved? Is it a matter of gaining more confidence, so he's not trying as hard to impress? What's going on here, exactly? And how should Lakers fans feel about it going forward? This time, we explore Pelinkaville with Andy, who is back from vacation. Given the criticisms we've had for Pelinka over the years, it only seems fair to open the conversation at a time when things are going well, the future looks solid, too. So are we all at a point where we can say that Pelinka is a high quality GM? Or are circumstances just lining up well for him now? It's hard to argue against everything that's happened from the Rui Hachimura trade on, and for the first time he has a roster with balance both positionally and financially, including contract length. There is an opportunity to create something sustainable, no question. Finally, Stephen A. Smith was a guest on Paul George's (quite excellent) podcast, and was asked if there was something specific over the course of his career he wishes he could take back. His answer was one that might resonate with Lakers fans. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Has Rob Pelinka fully rehabbed his image? SEGMENT 2: Is Pelinka really a good GM? What is different about the guy now? SEGMENT 3: Stephen A. Smith apologizes for turning Kwame Brown into a meme before memes were a thing. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a mess they've got on their hands in Philadelphia, with James Harden declaring GM Daryl Morey a "liar," and that he won't play on the team as long as he's there. He wants to get traded to the Clippers, and reportedly will make things as "uncomfortable" as possible for the Sixers until he gets his wish. Mercifully, this turn of events has, other than the potential impacts on a conference rival, literally nothing to do with the Lakers. There is no rumor, no supposition, no anything linking Harden to the Lakers that is even two percent plausible. Or one percent. Or half a percent. Given the scope of Harden's star power, that's a nice turn of events, and indicates a change in how this sort of thing works. We saw a glimpse with the post-deadline path of Kyrie Irving, where, sure he was connected to the Lakers but there was no momentum there. What does it mean that the Lakers aren't the automatic "What about?" when stuff like this happens? And how does this Harden moment compare to another one that certainly did impact the Lakers... specifically when Kobe Bryant demanded a trade, called Dr. Buss an idiot and found himself as one of the earliest subjects of amateur video in the summer of 2007. So how does that summer compare to this one? We reminisce. And from there, what does the Harden controversy say about the decision of the Lakers to quickly and enthusiastically give Anthony Davis a max contract extension? Hint: It should make fans feel much, much better about it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: James Harden is a cartoon, creating real problems for the Sixers that, in a twist, will not touch the Lakers in the slightest. Is this a new trend? SEGMENT 2: Comparing the Harden controversy with the Summer of Kobe. SEGMENT 3: What the Harden controversy says about the Anthony Davis extension. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Reaves is the only undrafted free agent playing for Team USA in the World Cup this summer. He's one of only two players (Jalen Brunson, the other) who wasn't a first round pick. But while surrounded by some of the best young talent in the NBA (including some All-Stars), Reaves is showing that he absolutely belongs. He's playing very well, providing a real spark for the US as it preps for the real tournament later this month. For Lakers fans, this isn't exactly surprising. And it's certainly not for this show's hosts, who predicted Reaves would play a significant role on Team USA, and that his coaches would love what he brings. But it's meaningful for the Lakers that Reaves, called a connector by Steve Kerr, has an ability to do just that - connect players - while still asserting himself in important ways throughout a game. That's a difficult thing to do, and something critical if your running mates in your day job are, say, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There are some who wonder whether Reaves can carry through his final stretch of the season/playoffs over 82 regular season games when he will, once and for all, sneak up on nobody. More people are wondering if this will be a true breakout season. Which begs the question, what exactly does a breakout season for Reaves even look like? It's an interesting question for a guy who is already seen as a very productive player, and has a bit of a cult following. Meanwhile... James Harden! Ha! These are the things you can have fun with when the disgruntled star-you-don't-want isn't even slightly connected to the Lakers. Like, at all. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves is playing well for Team USA, which should surprise... nobody. SEGMENT 2: What does a breakout season for Austin Reaves look like? SEGMENT 3: Let's talk about James Harden. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have many, many Hall of Fame players. And now they have one more. Pau Gasol entered the Naismith Basketball HOF over the weekend, and did so in typical Gasol fashion - meaning with class and grace, honoring his family and teammates and, of course, Kobe Bryant. Gasol isn't in the Hall because he is a tremendous person, but it's hard not to focus on that. He is as well-respected a player and person as you'll find in this industry. There are players who have excellent public reputations where, off the record, players/coaches/media/team personnel will roll their eyes or flat out contradict the public image. That doesn't happen with Gasol. Moreover, he's taken the burden—and it is that—of being a leading voice to carry on the legacy of Kobe. Talking about him, honoring him, and so on, in ways and in moments where doing so diverts attention to the quality of player he was. And he was truly outstanding. But Gasol gives up some of that shine and undivided attention in service of something he believes is more important, and to honor his friend. But a reminder, Gasol is in the HOF because he was a stunningly good player, with a multitude of skills and a hoops IQ that was truly off the charts. Meanwhile, whenever a Laker makes the Hall of Fame, it points attention to the fact that the team doesn't have any level of honor below jersey retirement, which requires admission to the HOF. Meaning a ton of excellent players, from Michael Cooper, Byron Scott and Norm Nixon on down, don't have any sort of formal honorary. So let's say the Lakers had one of those... who would get in? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Pau makes the HOF, and does so in typical Gasol fashion. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers don't have a Ring of Honor. If they did, who gets in? SEGMENT 3: What about the folks from the Eddie Jones Era? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA released its Christmas Day slate, and no surprise, the Lakers (who are also featured on opening night against the Nuggets) are right in the center of it. A marquee time slot hosting the Boston Celtics. The NBA went for tradition in a year where both teams are expected to compete for a title. Nice. Not featured? Arguably the most challenging team in the Western Conference, and perhaps the entire league, to predict, the Los Angeles Clippers. Why? Let's break that, and more, down with Darian Vaziri, the host of Locked On Clippers and the DimeDropper Podcast. Where have the Clippers gone wrong? Is it just injuries? If they stay healthy, where do they stack up against the rest of the conference? Against the rest of the league? And what about that massive win streak the LAC have against the Lakers? After adding significant wing depth over the last six-plus months, are the Lakers finally built to beat the Clippers head-to-head? If so, how should fans react? From there, the Daily Mail is reporting that the Kobe Bryant statue is coming to LA Live next August. 8.8.24 to be exact, a date picked for obvious reasons. Now, dig deeper into the story and it's easy to wonder about some of the details, but whatever. It's a chance to talk Kobe with someone who experienced him in a very, very different way. Darian was a kid in Kobe's prime, watching him on TV and experiencing him as kids do their sports heroes (as opposed to the way that sports journalists do the same). We kick around some of our favorite memories, and talk about the Bryant Experience. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (Guest, Darian Vaziri) SEGMENT 1: Lakers vs. Celtics on Christmas... No game for the Clippers. SEGMENT 2: Is this the season the Lakers break the losing streak? SEGMENT 3: Remembering Kobe Bryant from very different points of view. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices