Episodes

  • The Lakers Are Winning More Games, But What Have We Really Learned About Their Postseason Potential?

    The Lakers Are Winning More Games, But What Have We Really Learned About Their Postseason Potential?
    Apr 2 2024

    Even as the Lakers are winning more games (7-3 over their last 10, 18-8 over their last 26), it's still a little tricky to figure out exactly what they are. How good are they? Are they more contender than pretender? What do you make of some of the big wins, like Milwaukee I and II, Minnesota, OKC, etc?

    They're clearly much too good to be the genuinely mediocre/middish team they looked like they might be after the post-IST slump. Likely the Lakers finish 10-12 games over .500, which last year would have been enough for around a 4-seed in the West. Now? Likely ninth. But they're clearly not among the elite, either. Unless you're just thinking of results against the high end teams, in which case... they kind of are?

    So much to sort out.

    One big Q: Do the Lakers themselves- players and coaching staff- feel like they know? And more importantly, do they agree on the answer?

    Meanwhile, the Lakers are getting nothing from their bench. Two points on Sunday, and not much more than that on most nights. How important is that, especially as we get closer to the playoffs, and a theoretical return for Jarred Vanderbilt, as well?

    Finally, LeBron's greatness creates hard questions for Rob Pelinka now, and down the road.

    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Aaron Larsuel!

    SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are winning, but do we really know what they are?

    SEGMENT 2: Is the bench really a problem?


    SEGMENT 3: LeBron now, LeBron down the road...

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    33 mins
  • Who will Start at Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers? Rui, Vanderbilt or Prince?

    Who will Start at Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers? Rui, Vanderbilt or Prince?
    Oct 5 2023

    Because the Lakers are fairly set heading into the 2023-24 season - the primary members of the rotation are more or less set, there are no big controversies, no huge position battles - fans are intensely curious about the one big thing that isn't yet settled:

    Who's gonna start at small forward?

    Darvin Ham, not surprisingly, hasn't yet committed to answering that question - they haven't even had three practices or played a preseason game - but different players are getting a chance to audition for that spot. Jarred Vanderbilt, Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura will all get reps with the named starters (Russell, Reaves, James, Davis). Ham's decision will probably be less about who "wins", and rather which player makes the most sense with that group, and how the choice impacts the rest of the rotation. Which combinations in the second unit would make the most sense? Well, you can't always put those together as easily if one of those dudes is a starter.

    The good news? Nobody in that crew is going to complain if they're not in the opening five. Hachimura has already made it clear he's much more concerned about finishing games than starting them.

    Other things to watch: Anthony Davis.

    His jumper has been receiving a fair amount of attention, with Reaves praising it on one of the many, many podcasts on which he's appeared. The perception is that Davis's outside game has fallen off over the last couple of seasons... but is that really the case? 3-point shooting, for sure, but is that the only thing that matters? Does it really matter anymore if Davis stretches a defense all the way past the arc? It seems like he's a lot less interested in that part of his game, based on shot attempts over the last few seasons.

    Finally, Denver head coach Michael Malone said Wednesday that he's not paying attention to the Lakers, and hasn't heard what players have been saying about having a little extra interest and motivation to play his Nuggets following all the post-playoffs chatter this summer. From Denver. Mostly from Malone.

    He was very complimentary towards the Lakers... but is he really being serious?

    Just another reminder, whether talking about the Lakers or other teams, never ever expect the things they say to motivate their team, frame the challenge or anything similar to actually reflect reality. That's not how this works.


    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky


    SEGMENT 1: Who is going to start at small forward?


    SEGMENT 2: What are the tradeoffs Ham is balancing?


    SEGMENT 3: AD's jumper and Mike Malone's amnesia.

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    30 mins
  • Report: Lakers Ready to Make an Offer for Donovan Mitchell. Plus, Coaching Search Updates.

    Report: Lakers Ready to Make an Offer for Donovan Mitchell. Plus, Coaching Search Updates.
    May 16 2024
    The dirt has barely settled on the 2023-24 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers after they lost to Boston in Game 5 Wednesday night, but that means it's now time to talk about the future of Donovan Mitchell. The Cavs star has the opportunity to sign an extension worth A LOT of money to stay where he is for a while, but at the same time, there have been persistent rumors that Mitchell wants out. And if he does, many teams are ready to jump on the opportunity. One, of course, is the Lakers. Reports indicate the Lakers have their offer ready to go, should Mitchell become available. It would like have to be, basically, everything. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, all the picks and pick swaps the Lakers can muster. Cleveland should ask for Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie (rules for RFAs notwithstanding) and everything else not nailed to the floor. Should the Lakers jump at the chance? Would they be better with Trae Young? Giving up much less for Dejounte Murray? Trying use assets to upgrade the depth? They only get one swing at this, if they go for a star. Is Mitchell the right one? More reports indicating that JJ Redick is at the front of the line for the Lakers in the coaching search, this one from Marc Stein. It might be his job to lose? But would the perception that he's too much a LeBron hire keep the Lakers from pulling the trigger? It kept them away from Ty Lue... HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers are ready to make an offer for Donovan Mitchell. SEGMENT 2: Is Mitchell the best way to go? SEGMENT 3: Why would the Lakers back away from Redick? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! 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)
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    32 mins
  • Anthony Davis (2nd Team) and LeBron James (3rd Team) Earn All-NBA Honors. Good Sign for the Lakers' Future?

    Anthony Davis (2nd Team) and LeBron James (3rd Team) Earn All-NBA Honors. Good Sign for the Lakers' Future?
    May 23 2024
    The Lakers and their two stars got some good news Wednesday, when the league announced its All-NBA squads for the season. LA was represented by Anthony Davis (2nd Team) and LeBron James (3rd Team). Not super surprising, but still a nice honor for two very worthy players. (You could argue, too, that LeBron deserved Kawhi Leonard's spot on the 2nd Team, were you the type of person who likes these sorts of arguments.) The question, though, becomes how these performances reflect on the team's larger goals. On the one hand, the Lakers are going nowhere if those two guys can't perform at an elite level. And this year, they did, and (health aside) there's no reason to expect a big drop off from either guy next season. On the other hand, they had about as healthy a run from both Davis and James that could be reasonably expected, but the Lakers still couldn't manage to get out of the first round. So is the window open a little wider than thought? Shutting faster? Probably depends on the work Rob Pelinka does this summer. And, to be completely honest, a degree of luck as well. With matchups, with health (for the Lakers and their rivals) and about 500 other things. Finally, we dip into the mailbag to talk about D'Angelo Russell, the Everlasting Gobstopper of players spending time on the block. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: AD and LBJ to the All NBA teams. SEGMENT 2: Are you encouraged or discouraged by the news of the day? SEGMENT 3: The Lakers, again, have a D'Lo Dilemma. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! 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)
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    31 mins
  • The Lakers Coaching Search Begins. Do They Know Who/What They're Looking For?

    The Lakers Coaching Search Begins. Do They Know Who/What They're Looking For?
    May 7 2024

    The Lakers have to find a new head coach, meaning there are a lot of decisions in front of them, some small, some large. But even before it comes time to actually start the interviews and begin negotiations with a preferred candidate, the Lakers need to decide a couple things, themselves.

    First, what do they really want in a coach? What qualities do they value? And then from there, what kind of basketball do they want to play? Different coaches have different strengths and styles. For the Lakers to know if they're getting the right guy, they need to have an idea of what type of team they're trying to assemble, anyway. If the ethos of the organization doesn't match the ethos of the coach, there will be problems.

    Are those conversations happening?

    How good are the Lakers at making choices like this when there isn't an obvious choice? Because if there isn't an obvious choice, chances are you'll need to do a nice bit of work to match your team's strengths to your coach's.

    Finally, the Lakers have basically three categories of coach to choose from. The Budenholzer, Stotts, Atkinson type (i.e. former head coaches), a category of well-respected assistants most people think will make good head coaches (Adelman, Modi, Lee) ... which is basically like hiring from the same category as Darvin. Shouldn't be the reason they don't hire if the Lakers find themselves enamored with a rookie head coach. But what about the Never Coaches Anywhere crowd? That's a leap of faith to say the least.

    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)
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    30 mins
  • Anthony Davis Has Six Blocks in Lakers' win 125-111 vs. Pistons! Spencer Dinwiddie Debuts!

    Anthony Davis Has Six Blocks in Lakers' win 125-111 vs. Pistons! Spencer Dinwiddie Debuts!
    Feb 14 2024
    The Lakers, don't look now, have started to put some wins together.Seven of 10 now, factoring in Tuesday's 125-111 win over the Pistons at the Crypt. The starting lineup that swapped Rui Hachimua for Taurean Prince, has won five straight. The offense is flying around, the passing has elevated and turnovers are trending in the right direction.So with that in mind, and with the addition of Spencer Dinwiddie (who made his Lakers debut Tuesday), is there reason to crank up the optimism around the squad? Especially if Dinwiddie plays like he did in Dallas, there's every reason to believe he'll make a significant difference for a squad that needs more ball handling.Joining in to break it all down is Darian Vaziri, host of Locked On Clippers and the DimeDropper empire (search it out on YouTube). What accounts for the turnaround? Is it important for the Lakers to lean into a new identity, built more around big offense than lockdown defense?What kind of impact will Dinwiddie have, particularly as the Western Conference gets rougher and rougher. The Lakers, at 7-3 over their last 10, have played well but not actually gained any real ground in the conference. Meanwhile, there seems to be two tiers of squads. But even if one team has a gaudy record, do they have a kryptonite a little lower in the standings?HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat Detroit, and are starting to put wins together.SEGMENT 2: The impact of Dinwiddie.SEGMENT 3: How do the Lakers stack up against the West?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.RobinhoodRobinhood has the only IRA that gives you a 3% boost on every dollar you contribute when you subscribe to Robinhood Gold. Now through April 30th, Robinhood is even boosting every single dollar you transfer in from other retirement accounts with a 3% match. Available to U.S. customers in good standing. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer.LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelGet buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet wins! 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Will Darvin Ham Keep the Same Lakers Rotation, Even as Players Return From Injury?

    Will Darvin Ham Keep the Same Lakers Rotation, Even as Players Return From Injury?
    Feb 21 2024

    The Lakers managed to turn some bad mojo into good vibes heading into the break, and not surprisingly it was built at least in part around not just consistency in the rotation, but a type of consistency that played towards the preferences of the players on the roster.

    Of course, all (or at least much) of this happened with certain guys, namely Max Christie and Cam Reddish (let alone Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent) unavailable. That simplifies things for Darvin Ham. But they won't stay simple forever. Reddish and Christie are both expected to be back if not on Thursday when the Lakers kick off the "second half," soon after. They've both played real roles in the rotation to this point in the season. What does Darvin do when they're available again?

    What should it look like? Which players ought to play? How does Spencer Dinwiddie's presence impact all of this?

    Meanwhile, the Lakers don't have the flexibility going forward to screw up any of their remaining games against the league's lesser teams. That might be Friday against San Antonio, or two games against the Wizards, or Toronto or anyone else. Because when it's not those guys, it's nothing but high end playoff teams. In one upcoming stretch, the Lakers play seven straight against teams currently qualifying for some type of postseason play, and 10 of 12.


    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky


    SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have shifted the vibes heading into the second half.


    SEGMENT 2: What does Darvin Ham do with the rotation going forward?


    SEGMENT 3: We'll find out quickly how much the Lakers have improved.


    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)

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    31 mins
  • LeBron James Says He's Happy With the Lakers, Hopes He Finishes His Career in Los Angeles

    LeBron James Says He's Happy With the Lakers, Hopes He Finishes His Career in Los Angeles
    Feb 20 2024

    In the wake of an All-Star Game for the ages—not in a good way—it's important to remember that for Lakers fans, the most important thing to come from the weekend wasn't anything related to the competition, but things LeBron James said.

    Talking to the media ahead of the game, James made it clear that he's happy in L.A., happy being a Laker, has been happy being a Laker for the last six seasons, and (assuming nothing drastic changes, and not being able to see everything in the future) anticipates finishing his career in a Lakers uniform.

    That, in theory at least, should put most of the speculation around LeBron's future, after the emojis and Knicks flirtations and all the other stuff. Right? Right???

    Well, maybe not, but for a lot of reasons, this has always been the most likely outcome, assuming the Lakers don't decide early to call off the relationship, or LeBron doesn't have some wholly unique opportunity with another team (likely related to playing with his son). So what does that mean for the Lakers going forward? On the one hand, it gives the Lakers a sense of predictability. On the other, it reinforces the tricky nature of building a team with him as a main cog.

    Meanwhile, his ankle thing is real, and treatment, he said, might cause him to miss Thursday's game in San Francisco. If that's the case, should James have played at all on Sunday?

    Finally, a very interesting statistic regarding the Lakers offense and Anthony Davis.


    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky


    SEGMENT 1: LeBron says he's happy in LA.


    SEGMENT 2: What does LeBron's commentary at the ASG do for them going forward?


    SEGMENT 3: LeBron's ankle, plus #s on Davis.


    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)

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    27 mins