Podcast appearances and mentions of Rui Hachimura

The long offseason is over. The season starts today, as training camp kicks off with Media Day and the first official practices. And it promises to be an exciting season for the Lakers, who are undoubtedly in the mix of the most elite teams in the NBA. Should they stay healthy - a fairly big if given the age and injury histories of their stars - LA seems likely to be one of the two or three best teams in the West, which makes them one of the best teams in the league. Nice spot to be. So when the Lakers open camp, it's going to be about how to keep LeBron and Anthony Davis healthy and fresh, about finding the right lineup combinations, and maxing out the impressive depth available on the roster. Two players that have big roles to play that aren't stars? Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Both had a lot of attention paid to them last week when Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham med the media. Reaves was the recipient of high praise from Pelinka, who compared him to Kobe Bryant as an owner of "the Mamba gene." Not that he's as good as Kobe (nobody even kind of thinks that) but Pelinka noted the similarities in competitive drive and commitment, and it's worth noting how much Bryant appreciated players who maxed out their talent. And while Reaves has more of it than perhaps NBA scouts thought, he's certainly not resting on any laurels. Fair to say Kobe would have loved the guy. Meanwhile, Hachimura has experienced what Pelinka called a renaissance since coming to the Lakers. And they expect that to continue. One reason to be optimistic? Context with role players is critical, and the Lakers believe that, especially next to LeBron, Hachimura has been put in the best position to succeed. Finally, big news in the Western Conference... as Jrue Holiday's stay in it was very short. And while Lakers fans might not love his destination -- he's once again put the Celtics at the top of the odds list after being traded from Portland to Boston -- it's a lot better that he land with an Eastern Conference contender than turning a team like the Clippers into a much more potent squad. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers open training camp today, and the vibes are really solid. SEGMENT 2: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Celtics, and that's good for the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: The Lakers will be depending on Hachimura and Reaves, and are excited at the prospect. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you're beating inflation no matter what you're purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked.  Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.  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

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham met with the media on Thursday for nearly an hour, touching upon a wide variety of topics ahead of the 2023-2024 NBA season. Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane and Daniel Starkand broke down the highlights of the presser, including LeBron's role, the team's lineup versatility, massive expectations for Rui Hachimura, the team's faith in D'Angelo Russell and tons more.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D'Angelo Russell's re-signing may not have inspired the same enthusiasm from fans as when the Lakers brought back Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura, but D-Lo's return is nonetheless significant. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Russell's place on this roster, the many ways his contributions and skill set elevate the team, and where some of the concerns about his style of play still exist — particularly in the playoffs. 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, 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

We discuss which Lakers players are most likely to exceed expectations this season, the growth that can be found in Rui Hachimura's game, what to do with Jarred Vanderbilt and the quickly-approaching window to offer him an extension, plus we open up the mailbag.... 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

Jeremy Jones made a national championship appearance and was Academic All-Conference Honorable Mention for the Gonzaga University Men's basketball team. Jeremy is now in Japan playing professionally for the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles. While Jeremy has played with a plethora of NBA players such Rui Hachimura, and Brandon Clarke, his most important teammate overall may be his co-founder JT Trauber, who runs JonesTrauber Capital alongside Jeremy. JonesTrauber seeks out a variety of investment opportunities, including early stage Venture Capital deals. We reflect on the Santa Clara/Gonzaga match ups, raising a fund while still playing professionally, and the industries JonesTrauber is looking to back next! Episode Breakdown: 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Santa Clara proud 1:45 - Don't poke the bear (Mark Few) 3:40 - The Bulldogs' future4:56 - Motivation for entrepreneurship 6:23 - Beginnings of Jones Trauber Capital 7:31 - What is VC? 8:16 - Jones Trauber also does private equity 8:57 - Bring athletes along for the ride 10:30 - Source of information for peers 11:56 - Current VC market 13:26 - Co-investing with larger firms 14:29 - Jones Trauber gets roasted 16:11 - Why Jones is the next big VC 17:01 - Industries of choice 18:30 - Skills that make an investor 19:25 - Why you should invest with Jones Trauber 21:11 - Jones Trauber's lineup 24:10 - Airline startup 26:46 - Noah's genius idea 28:28 - Japan had Ring 20 years ago 29:31 - Jones Trauber 5 years from now --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a--and--a/support

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers overall depth, their open 14th roster spot and how the choice made in filling that spot impacts the optionality Darvin Ham has for different lineups. And then later, the guys debate Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt as potential starters. 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

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

The Lakers still have an open roster spot, could the recently-waived Usman Garuba be an option? Plus, Rui Hachimura looks significantly leaner (and with a different jump shot?), plus we talk Team USA and more... 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

On Monday, Aaron Larsuel (Official Lakers Podcast, All Access Lakers on Playback) joined the show for a deep dive on Anthony Davis. Today? We hit a bunch of subjects, starting with who ought to get that 14th spot. What type of player are the Lakers looking for? What matters more, the ability to play with Anthony Davis, or effectively sub for him in the games he (very likely) misses? How important is predictability? A good discussion to lay out the differences with Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo, and who might serve the team's needs better. Next? Is it fair to have a wait and see attitude about Rui Hachimura, not quite ready to buy his playoff performance as a sign of things to come this season, while having full faith that the Austin Reaves we saw (particularly over the last half of the season) is what's coming this year? Especially as a shooter? A viewer on the YouTube page asks, and we answer. Finally, FanDuel Sportsbook has its NBA Futures odds posted. Some interesting lines for: The Lakers winning a title. Anthony Davis as MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. Austin Reaves as Most Improved Player. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (Guest, Aaron Larsuel) SEGMENT 1: Christian Wood or Bismack Biyombo? SEGMENT 2: What are fair expectations for Rui Hachimura? Are people putting too much faith in Austin Reaves, given a relatively small sample size? SEGMENT 3: Early NBA Futures, title odds, individual awards. 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

Thursday's show centered on big questions in the Lakers rotation. How will Darvin Ham chop up the minutes at point guard between D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent? Is it really possible that Anthony Davis spends more time at power forward, which would open up center minutes (while also demanding LeBron James guard small fowards, and put a real minutes crunch on some of the team's better players) for Jaxson Hayes and/or big-man-to-be-signed-later? That conversation still left one big spot on the table: the forward rotation. That includes Rui Hachimura, who many people think will start... but should that be taken as gospel? What about the usage of Taurean Prince and Jarred Vanderbilt? Could Vando get squeezed if the Lakers find themselves in more consistent need of floor spacing or scoring? How does his defensive versatility match up with Prince's? Where does Max Christie fit in? These are all good problems for Darvin Ham to figure out, and he does it with a roster that has much more balance this season than last. One of the glue guys in that regard is Austin Reaves, who got some attention on Thursday's show thanks to footage of him trying on his new Team USA jersey for this summer's World Cup tournament. That he's on the roster is a genuinely impressive achievement, given his status as an undrafted player. But one subscriber to the YouTube channel raises a good question: Should the Lakers, who will lean heavily on Reaves this season (to the point that it wouldn't be shocking to see him lead the team in minutes) worry about fatigue, given his offseason schedule and what's to come? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Corrections and retractions, plus more rotation questions. SEGMENT 2: The forwards: Hachimura, Vanderbilt, Prince - how does all of this shake out? SEGMENT 3: Is fatigue a real concern with Austin Reaves? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code MLB when you register.Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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 a roster that is far more balanced than the one they had at the beginning of August in 2022. It features coherent parts that make real sense together. There is a sense of legitimate depth, as well. But with these first world problems come challenging questions about how to divide up a limited amount of minutes. Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, has a story up this week providing and early projection about who starts, who finishes, and how many minutes guys get. Among the big questions: If the Lakers really do want to play Anthony Davis as a power forward as much as they did in earlier seasons, what does that do to LeBron James? To the rest of the forward rotation? Is it a good idea, before even unpacking whether Jaxson Hayes/center-not-yet-signed ought to be playing in the starting lineup? What does the point guard situation look like? Does D'Angelo Russell start? Assuming he does, will he finish games, or does that job go to Gabe Vincent, thanks to his better defense? Is everyone sure Rui Hachimura starts? How influential is he in answering the question about Russell vs. Vincent and those late fourth quarter minutes? The whole conversation about Russell gets into his history, both with the Lakers and around the league, and the ways he's currently perceived. That all became relevant Wednesday as people reacted to Russell's appearance on the podcast of former Laker Pat Beverley, in which he (with some egging on by Beverley) seemed to agree that perhaps he wasn't as widely appreciated as he should be. (Not necessarily by the Lakers, per se, but the league broadly.) Is he right? Is he wrong? Is this another moment where D'Lo isn't quite reading the room? Finally, Austin Reaves is officially starting his run with Team USA in the World Cup. It's worth noting, an ascention like his, where a guy goes from undrafted to a national team in two seasons... well, it ain't the norm, that's for sure. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is it practical for Anthony Davis to play power forward? SEGMENT 2: D'Lo vs. Gabe Vincent. Who gets the start? Who gets the finish? SEGMENT 3: Russell visits Pat Bev's podcast... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code MLB when you register.Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

For a guy potentially slated to make a veteran's minimum deal, the final destination for free agent big man Christian Wood has garnered a lot of attention and rumor mill grist, much of connecting him to the Lakers, who are outwardly on the market for a forward/center. But has Wood, often regarded as an empty calories, me-first scorer, unwanted among the most important Lakers? According to what Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane (joined here by LN cohort Sean "Spaces" Davis) heard while in Vegas for Summer League.... Maybe?? While it wasn't clear exactly which Lakers are cold on the idea of Wood, that his presence could prompt mixed enthusiasm in the locker room is a big deal. Lane and Davis help chop up what it all means moving forward, and whether that apprehension could mean going in another direction. We also discuss the potential fifth starter alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and (most likely) D'Angelo Russell. Many are assuming Rui Hachimura, with his new sizable contract and scoring skills, is the frontrunner, but is there a case to be made for Jarred Vanderbilt or Taurean Prince? Plus, Davis found an interesting stat about the history of NBA championship defense that could underscore the Denver Nuggets as a vulnerable defending champ. What does that mean for the Lakers, who lost to the Nuggets in the conference finals? Host: Andy Kamenetzky, with Guests Trevor Lane and Sean "Spaces" Davis. Segment 1: Are there important Lakers who don't want Christian Wood? How much should that matter? Segment 2: Who's the ideal fifth starter? Segment 3: Is Denver vulnerable against a repeat, and why? Support us by Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Make Every Moment More. Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today to get started PrizePicks Today's episode is brought to you by PrizePicks. First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers still need a center so what's taking so long? Are they simply waiting for Christian Wood? Plus Cam Whitmore vs Jalen Hood-Schifino and LA's decision, pumping the brakes on Rui Hachimura, and the LN Pod's origin story with Trevor Lane... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The moves the Lakers made this summer have them as one of the winners of free agency but what we haven't talked enough about is how well set up they are for future success, even in a post-LeBron world. Additionally, Trevor Lane takes a look at the debate between starting Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt as well as whether or not these Lakers are truly a championship-caliber team.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Timpf breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves and discusses how LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have a shot at dethroning Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets this coming year. The Lakers are mostly running it back in 2023-24 after re-signing Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, while adding some extra depth in Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent. Will it be enough to get them to the 2024 NBA Finals? #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 O'clock call of the Day! and that is Rui Hachimura as he has re-signed with the Lakers after being traded in the middle of last year's season. We talk about Shohei Ohtani, IF he decides to go and he chooses the Dodgers who can the Dodgers trade for him? PEPE MANTILLA is in studio with the guys ready to have fun. And the topics are in for another version of WASSUP FOO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Timpf breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves and discusses how LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have a shot at dethroning Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets this coming year. The Lakers are mostly running it back in 2023-24 after re-signing Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, while adding some extra depth in Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent. Will it be enough to get them to the 2024 NBA Finals? #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Timpf breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves and discusses how LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have a shot at dethroning Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets this coming year. The Lakers are mostly running it back in 2023-24 after re-signing Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, while adding some extra depth in Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent. Will it be enough to get them to the 2024 NBA Finals? #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs have contacted multiple high level guards in the NCAA transfer portal, but recently struck out on Paul Mulcahy (Washington) and Joe Toussaint, giving them a lot less options to work with as they look to fill the Malachi Smith role as a third guard on this roster. Jeremiah Williams, Noah Williams, and Jahvon Quinerly are all options previously discussed on this podcast, and other options could include Jalen Carey (Rhode Island) and DeMarr Langford (Boston College). We then talk about Chet Holmgren's excellent summer league debut, where he had 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks for the Thunder after missing the last year with a foot injury. Finally, we close out the show discussing new contracts for Domantas Sabonis (five years, $217 million) and Rui Hachimura (three years, $51 million) who is also expected to start next year alongside LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/p8R3y5JF Link to national college basketball national podcast: https://linktr.ee/LockedOncbb https://linktr.ee/LockedOnZags Locked on Zags - Part of the Locked on Podcast Network. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

NBA free agency isn't over, but it's mostly over for the Lakers. Save a 14th spot likely to go to a center, and a 15th spot likely to stay open until the Lakers decide it needs to be filled later in the year, the Lakers basically filled out the roster in the first two days of free agency. To review: Brought back Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell on contracts that are all ranging from very reasonable to excellent values. Signed Miami G Gabe Vincent (to replace Dennis Schröder), veteran F Taurean Prince, C Jaxson Hayes, and F Cam Reddish, who has been linked to the Lakers for so long this felt like an inevitability. All of this done going the route of using the big exception and allowing themselves to be hard capped at the first apron (about $172 million). for what it's worth, even after they bring in their 14th guy, the Lakers will still have some wiggle room beneath that ceiling, which could definitely come in handy down the road. They brought back the core players that would really constitute continuity, something Rob Pelinka said the team valued. They added some upside, and balance to the roster (letting Prince fill some of the shooting lost with Lonnie Walker and Malik Beasley, but from a position of greater need, and also providing versatility that protects some of Jared Vanderbilt's shortcomings). Any big criticisms? Did the Lakers sign the right guys, now that the dust has settled? Anyone they should have targeted instead? (Like Bruce Brown last seasons?) Finally, Jake Madison, host of Locked On Pelicans, stops by to give a deep scouting report on Hayes. What went wrong in New Orleans that could be corrected with a change of scenery in Los Angeles? Can the Lakers get out of him what the Pelicans couldn't? Especially since he's just a cog here, albeit an important one, as the only backup C on the roster (currently)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Free agency is over for the Lakers (more or less). So how did they do? SEGMENT 2: Did the Lakers miss out on better opportunities? SEGMENT 3: Scouting Jaxson Hayes with Jake Madison of Locked On Pelicans. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA for 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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 Hour 2 of today's edition of The Odd Couple, Chris Broussard and guest host Veejay Huskey discuss trade scenarios for 76ers G James Harden. Chris and Veejay also dive into a scenario where Joel Embiid could want out of Philadelphia in the future, if the team fails to build around him with great pieces. 76ers columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer Keith Pompey joins the show to break down how Nick Nurse is handling all of the confusion surrounding the future of the 76ers roster, if Embiid could be on the move in the future, and what kind of trade package James Harden could bring in. The guys also discuss Rui Hachimura re-signing with the Lakers, Fred Van Vleet landing on the Rockets and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony is joined by Aaron and Raj to recap a really fun first day of free agency. Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince are the big new additions. Rui Hachimura is back. Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell aren't, yet, but could be on their way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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We dive into a busy first day of NBA free agency for the Lakers, with the club agreeing to terms with Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Cam Reddish. We break down these decisions and take a look at what's next for LA.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Player movement on Day 1 of NBA free agency wasn't as rapid fire as last offseason, but it was nonetheless pretty busy, and the Lakers were very active, moving quickly to leverage both exceptions available to them. The rundown of activity: Signed forward Taurean Prince to a one year deal worth a reported $4.5 million, likely the team's biannual exception. Signed Miami guard Gabe Vincent to a 3 year, $33 million deal, with the team's full midlevel exception - the one opened up when they declined their option on Malik Beasley, and released Mo Bamba. Signed forward Cam Reddish to a two-year deal at the veteran's minimum. This, like Thanos, was inevitable. Can the Lakers actually help him meet his potential? Re-signed forward Rui Hachimura to a three year deal at $17 million per, a nice payout for Hachimura. A little higher perhaps than the Lakers hoped, but still low enough that... ...the Lakers still have enough to re-sign Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell (assuming he doesn't get something way above what market price looks like it'll be). The Lakers will then fill the rest of the roster out with minimum, or near minimum deals, depending on the exact number Russell (presumably) agrees to in his return. That's the plan, at least. Whether the rest of the league cooperates it's hard to say. After all the movement on Friday, there are fewer teams with cap space to make Russell an offer above the full midlevel. And how many of those teams would go there? Bruce Brown, a major target of the Lakers, went to Indiana for more than the Lakers could offer. Dennis Schröder is heading to Toronto on a two year deal, again for more than the Lakers could offer. So did the Lakers do well on Day 1? A lot will depend on what happens with Russell, but overall signs are promising. Prince, while flawed, will provide a presence they didn't necessarily have last year, and Vincent is a nice replacement for Schröder. Reddish is a flier worth taking. They had to bring Hachimura back, and did. So a good start! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

On Tuesday, introducing the team's two draft picks to the local media, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka reiterated the idea the team enters this offseason valuing continuity. They want to keep this core group together, and build on what was accomplished following the trade deadline last season. Of course, continuity can mean a lot of different things, as can core. Some guys are more core than others, right? So who might get left out if the Lakers decide to run it back... mostly? And if they go that direction, do they have a path to better players? Well, on Wednesday reports indicated the Lakers would be very, very interested in Denver's Bruce Brown, were they to free up use of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception, worth a little over $12 million. They'd have plenty of competition, and even getting to a place where an offer could be made would mean parting ways with Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba, and perhaps more. And it would also require a very astute reading of the free agent market, because using that exception would hard cap the Lakers and they'd need to squeeze a lot of folks in with the money available (Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell being the most important). It would limit their flexibility, potentially... but it would also open up an avenue to maximize the talent that could be had on the free agent market. It's a tough choice for Rob Pelinka... unless he has a good feel for what's coming this summer. And certainly early signs are that the market for Russell and even Hachimura might not be as robust as initially thought as the season was winding down. There's a world in which the Lakers keep everyone that matters, even potentially Dennis Schröder, and still manage to improve the team. There's also a path where they swing and miss and find themselves short on valuable supporting pieces. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers value continuity... meaning what, exactly? SEGMENT 2: Could the Lakers make a run at Bruce Brown? SEGMENT 3: Is it worth the attempt to get a guy like Brown? Because after him, there aren't a lot of realistic upgrades, and they could be left holding the bag having sacrificed depth and flexibility. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss Rui Hachimura's market and how his deal could affect the Lakers flexibility, and discuss a couple other targets at various price points (Watanabe, Bates-Diop, Crowder) and how they could fit in LA's plans if Rui doesn't return. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball launch their SUMMER SERIES of Lakers Coverage, going live on Playback at 6:00 PM PST every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of the offseason. Featuring guests, video, and live whiteboard analysis! NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers made a few moves yesterday, including giving Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura their qualifying offers and picking up the contract of Jarred Vanderbilt. We break down what this means, plus Rob Pelinka reveals his philosophy for building the Lakers' roster this summer and we discuss the dilemma with D'Angelo Russell. Trevor Lane and Sean Davis dig deep on this one.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into free agency with restricted free agents they would like to retain, unrestricted free agents who were key contributors and could be back, and players with contract options for next season that need resolving before July 1st. Whether it's Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley, or Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Schröder, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the many different decisions the Lakers have in front of them for free agency and how the salary cap and spending will impact those choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Draft is done, and now the NBA is getting ready for the rush of free agency. In a twist on the normal run of things, the Lakers really aren't a big part of the rumor mill. The reasons are fairly obvious: They lack cap space, and to create any, it would require the Lakers to clear the decks of too many important players. Way too many. Meanwhile, the types of guys they can afford aren't the shiny names that get attention at this point of the process. But logic and reality has never been a big part of determining whether people talk about the Lakers and free agent action. Instead, the focus really is much more on the market for their own free agents, and whether the Lakers will make a real effort to run it back. That starts with D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. And the market for Hachimura might have taken shape over the weekend, when Minnesota's Naz Reid signed an extension with the Wolves for about $14 million a season. And while some Lakers fans had pipe dreams of somehow getting Reid to LA - that was never going to happen - that the Wolves got him for just above the full midlevel is a good sign for the Lakers. At first look, it's hard to see how many teams will go much higher than that for Hachimura. The teams with cap space (Houston, for example) don't benefit using it on Rui. Really good teams that might have a defined role for him don't have the money. So maybe the Lakers keep him for something like that $14 mil, which is a few mil less than what the top end could be, and given all the tax math the Lakers are doing, that could be a big deal. They also have a choice to make on Mo Bamba, who would get a little more appealing on the open market with Reid gone as an option. Should the Lakers decline his $10 million option for next year, would they be able to lure him back on a smaller deal? If they let him go, who could replace him? It's a pickle! Bamba may not be perfect, but he's very likely better than who the Lakers could get on a minimum deal, and to use their exception to fill a hole they created would be painful. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers aren't a big part of the discourse as free agency talk heats up. SEGMENT 2: Did Naz Reid set the market for Rui Hachimura? SEGMENT 3: To Bamba or not to Bamba? That is the question. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

Over the weekend, the Phoenix Suns acquired All-Star guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards for... well, not a lot. It's a trade that, at least for now (the deal isn't official) has no direct involvement with the Lakers. That is unlikely to change. But that doesn't mean it won't impact the team in significant ways. For starters, the Suns now have a core of Beal, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and (oh yeah) Kevin Durant. That is a group that will be able to score tons and tons of points. On the other, they don't have any depth, meaningful assets or flexibility, and at least two of these guys (Beal, Durant) have disturbing injury histories. So did this deal vault the Suns to the top of the Western Conference? There is plenty of skepticism among those who follow the league. Then there's Chris Paul, who is heading to Washington, at least for now, as part of the deal. That means his contract will be guaranteed for this season at about $30 million. There was talk before he'd be released by the Suns, which could make him available to teams like the Lakers for a veteran's minimum or taxpayer midlevel exception. Now, if that happens, it'll have to wait until the Wizards (or another team) buy Paul out. Washington is trying to trade him, with the Clippers out front of the rumor mill, and it seems very, very unlikely the Lakers would be players at that price. Which obviously impacts D'Angelo Russell and Dennis Schröder. And finally, if the Wizards are truly tearing it down to the foundation and want as little long term money on their balance sheet as possible, it might mean Kyle Kuzma, who was considered a lock to re-sign with Washington this offseason, might be available. The Lakers can put together a reasonable sign-and-trade package for Kuz. Would he be a better option than Rui Hachimura? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Bradley Beal is headed to Phoenix. SEGMENT 2: What does all of this mean for the prospect of Chris Paul and the Lakers? SEGMENT 3: What about Kyle Kuzma? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they'll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 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.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

Pete, Mike, and Darius are back to discuss the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA championship and how that win informs their thought process on what the Lakers need to do to take the next step. Then later they discuss Austin Reaves' and Rui Hachimura's free agency and their positions next to LeBron and AD as core players and their initial thoughts on team building around needs and most desired positions to fill in the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA season is now over, which means the Lakers are officially figuring out how to top their recent Western Conference Finals appearance. This means taking stock in what was real, what was lightning in a bottle, and how to make the money work with whatever answers they come up with. LeBron James ain't getting any younger, Anthony Davis is always a risk for injury and the clock is ticking loudly. What are their best options moving forward? Do they include retaining Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimiura? (Will that be feasible if desired?) How good will the west be next season? Where do the Lakers stack up? These are the pressing questions during a critical offseason for Rob Pelina. All this, plus a wild story from Jerry West about Kobe Bryant, will be chopped up by longtime NBA scribe Howard Beck. HOST: Andy Kamenetzky, with guest Howard Beck SEGMENT 1: Where do the Lakers stack up against the NBA moving forward? SEGMENT 2: How competitive will the free agent market be for Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura? SEGMENT 3: Jerry West shares a mind-boggling about an Earth Two possibility for the second half of Kobe's career... and Andy isn't buying it. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they'll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

One of the big tricks in forecasting free agency is trying to figure out how much value a player has to a large number of teams around the league. Certain players - your stars, or near-stars - generally fit anywhere and will perform as advertised. Others are clearly more dependent on context. Like Rui Hachimura. His statistics, particularly in the regular season, weren't much different than the numbers he posted in Washington, his impact with LA, and the niche he filled around LeBron and Anthony Davis, was important. He gave them another large body defensively, a guy who could create his own shot off the dribble in the mid-range, and - at least in the playoffs - step out and hit a 3-pointer. So while Hachimura may not be a great fit or merit a huge payday with every team, with the Lakers he is a key piece. Particularly when you consider who else the Lakers might find to replace him, should Hachimura land in another city next year. While LA can match any offer he receives, they won't have that flexibility to offer a potential replacement. It's a double whammy - perhaps they'd be forced to use their larger exception to sign a good player, meaning that same exception couldn't be used for adding talent to last year's team. The same principle applies to D'Angelo Russell, as well. His name was again in the news, as Toronto guard Fred VanVleet announced he'd be opting out of his deal with the Raptors, making him a free agent. Would a sign-and-trade to Toronto make any sense? Well, maybe more than one with Dallas... but not a ton. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How much is Rui Hachimura worth on the open market? SEGMENT 2: Is there a limit to what the Lakers might pay? Breaking down potential replacements, should they let him go. SEGMENT 3: Does VanVleet opting out change the trade market for Russell? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they'll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

On today's episode of The Forum, Patrick details the Lakers off-season moves in order to compete in 2024. With LeBron James' decision looming, it'll predicate what the team does moving forward. He then discusses Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves' contract extensions will be crucial. A free agency recruit to a lone superstar in order to help the Lakers title chances; along with Kyrie Irving's pitch to lure LeBron away from Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the one hand, the Lakers entered the final minute with a real chance to win in three of the four games they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets. On the other... they lost all of them. And while you could argue it means the gap between Denver and LA isn't as big as 4-0 might indicate, there's still definitely a gap. How big? The NBA Finals, which kicked off Thursday, might provide a clue. Both to how the Lakers stack up against the Nuggets, but where they might fit in that next tier of contenders, and how crowded that group might be. One thing that will help close the gap next year? Internal improvement. Assuming the Lakers bring back the expected group of players, a lot of attention will be given to the relative youth of the supporting cast. Generally, young players are talked about as having "upside." Often, teams have a couple prospects that they hope will become franchise cornerstones, and even elite NBA players. The Lakers don't have that level of prospect, but how much better can Austin Reaves get? How about Rui Hachimura? What about Max Christie? For the Lakers, if a guy like Christie can become a reliable, game in/game out rotation player for the regular season next year - even for 10-15 minutes a night - that's like acquiring an extra free agent, or pulling off a trade. The Lakers will certainly look to get better by dangling players like Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley and D'Angelo Russell (in sign-and-trade scenarios). How appealing will those options be, though? So while they've remade their depth, getting significantly better could be tough. Unless, of course, that improvement happens internally. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What could the Finals teach us about the Lakers? SEGMENT 2: Which young player on the Lakers has the most upside? SEGMENT 3: Why internal improvement could be tremendously valuable for LA... and how context really matters. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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

Chase Thomas is the Sports Renaissance Man, Atlanta Sports Guy & VFL. On today's program, Chase is joined by The Athletic's Jovan Buha to talk about LeBron flirting with retirement after the Lakers were eliminated by the Nuggets, trying to keep Austin Reeves and Rui Hachimura, if D'Angelo Russell is back, the Kyrie Irving question, why the Nuggets should beat the Heat in the Finals, coverage of Denver, Monty Williams taking a huge deal to coach the Pistons and much more. Host: Chase ThomasGuests: Jovan BuhaTo learn more about CT and the pod please go visit: https://chasethomaspodcast.comBy the way, this is a free, independent national sports podcast now. To keep it that way, I'm going to need some help from you guys. If you're a fan of the pod and you haven't already, take a second right now and leave the show a rating and a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help, and it's so quick and easy to do. Thanks, y'all!Keep up with Chase on social media:Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodChaseThomasFollow me on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kFHPDnFollow me on TikTok: https://bit.ly/3JdZ3RF'Like' me on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ZmURo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might have been a holiday across the US this weekend, but that doesn't mean it was a holiday for the NBA's rumor mill. To wit: Marc Stein, on his Substack, reports that the Dallas Mavericks have zero interest in building a sign-and-trade around D'Angelo Russell that would result in Kyrie Irving finding his way to Los Angeles. Now, the Mavericks certainly have no incentive to make any interest public (would be horrible for their flexibility/negotiating position), but at the same time, the idea they'd want Russell as a potential replacement for Irving at a time where they're trying to make Luka Doncic as happy as possible? Seems a little far fetched. So if Russell isn't going to Dallas in an S/T, does that mean he's likely to stay in LA, even after a terrible Western Conference Finals? That depends a lot on how much money he's offered on the open market. It won't be a max- nobody's giving him that- and it probably won't be the $25 mil he wanted from Minnesota. Could it be $20 mil? $15? The answer makes a huge difference to LA, who probably need him more than other teams, and can also pay him more, too. Meanwhile, any concern the great playoff run Rui Hachimura had, one that drove up his price this free agency season, might be something the Lakers regret in a couple years? The answer has a lot to do with what kind of ecosystem the Lakers maintain. It's true of Hachimura, and other role players like him. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is a Kyrie-for-Russell Sign and Trade already dead? Was it ever alive? SEGMENT 2: If it's not this one, Russell will be added to many, many more sign-and-trade hypotheticals between now and the end of the offseason. Which begs the question... how much money is the guy going to make, anyway? SEGMENT 3: Any worries that Hachimura's sample size isn't big enough to feel totally comfortable giving up big money? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go 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