Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Brian's last day of vacation and in his place is friend of the show Jovan Buha, Lakers beat writer for The Athletic and host of the podcast, Buha's Block. After recounting the vibe in Las Vegas towards Bronny James during Summer League, Jovan digs into the 43.5 win over/under for next seasons' Lakers, set by our friends over at FanDuel. Does Jovan predict a number closer to 47 in 2024, or closer to .500 (or below!)? There's also talk about next season's rotation as the roster currently stands. Presumably, four starters (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell) are set, but will that fifth starter be either Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt? Will Dalton Knecht get minutes next season, and if so, what will be the factors keeping him on the floor or on the bench? And if no big man is added, should Jaxson Hayes or Christian Wood get the nod as the backup center? Plus, Robert Horry says he wants that iconic game-winning three vs. the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals played at his funeral. That got Jovan and Andy thinking about the coolest moments in Lakers history they've witnessed live and in person. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Jovan Buha SEGMENT 1: FanDuel has the Lakers' over/under at 43.5 wins for 2024-25. What's Jovan's prediction? SEGMENT 2: Jovan offers thoughts on the Lakers rotation next season. Rui vs. Vando? Dalton Knecht to see PT? SEGMENT 3: More on the rotation, and our coolest in-person Lakers moments. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Brian's still on vacation, so today we're joined in his place by Matt Peralta from Lakers Nation, a site and show with as big of a reach among Lakers fans as Locked On Lakers. As such, it felt useful to talk with Matt to get his take on how Lakers fans are feeling about an offseason where LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been provided no new faces by Rob Pelinka to help them, save Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. (And JJ Redick, who does matter.) Are fans angry? Resigned? Or perhaps even optimistic? Former Laker (and Lakers killer upon joining the Nuggets) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, along with former NBA player Austin Rivers, both think the Lakers roster isn't too far off from contention. Are they correct? Plus, what to make of the strong performances of LeBron, AD and Rui Hachimura during the Olympics exhibition games? How much does this translate to tangible success for the Lakers during this regular season? Is the upside worth the constant worry about those three (and especially LeBron) getting hurt or just putting on excess wear and tear? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt Peralta SEGMENT 1: How do the Lakers fans feel about the slow offseason? SEGMENT 2: KCP and Austin Rivers say the Lakers are close. True? SEGMENT 3: LeBron, AD and Rui in the Olympics. 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)

Brian remains on vacation, so L.A. Times Lakers beat writer Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) is in the house! We begin by talking about how the Lakers front office feels internally about the roster, as it currently stands. Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a position to compete at the highest level and how do they evaluate what assets they're willing to sacrifice to reach another tier? What's the cost/benefit math determining whether it's better to move or keep one or both of their first-round draft picks? The Lakers aren't working with a surplus, so they have to be careful, but overcautiousness could result in paralysis by analysis. How much better does it need to make the team in order to pull the trigger? Could the improvement come with better health from Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, plus development with youngsters like Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Jalen Hood-Schifino? Plus, the eternal question lingering over the franchise for Lakers fans: How much patience does Jeanie Buss have for Rob Pelinka? She's clearly loyal, but are there limits? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Dan Woike. SEGMENT 1: How do the Lakers feel about the roster as it stands? SEGMENT 2: How do the Lakers evaluate trades that are worth it? SEGMENT 3: Jeanie's patience with Rob. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Brian remains on vacation, so today's guest spot is taken by Aaron Larusel (@AaronLarsuel), who's worked with many NBA teams and currently is a consultant with the Lakers. Fans are dying to see new pieces added around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but thus far, it's been slow goings. Is this a Lakers or a "whole league" thing? Aaron offers insights about the mechanics of making trades. How difficult is it to turn "talks" into actual trades, and how much is the new CBA in the "Apron World" preventing movement around the league. Aaron also discusses the franchise's view of player development, Max Christie's potential, Jarred Vanderbilt's importance and much more. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Aaron Larsuel. SEGMENT 1: What makes trades tough in the NBA, and with this new CBA? SEGMENT 2: The Lakers and player development. SEGMENT 3: Can Max Christie and Jarred Vanderbilt provide internal improvement for the Lakers? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Brian is out of town, so it's a week of awesome guests. We kick things Claire de lune (The Guardian, Tiny Deaths) stops by to talk about the state of the Lakers. Other than drafting Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers have made no additions to the roster, which is essentially unchanged. How big of a problem is this... now? Is there a timeline before which stuff needs to happen or LeBron James and Anthony Davis will start getting outwardly displeased? Plus, is it possible to have a conversation about Bronny James that's neither pandering nor hyper-critical hot takes? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Claire de Lune. SEGMENT 1: What to make of the Lakers' slow offseason? SEGMENT 2: When does it become problematic for the Lakers to have not made a move? SEGMENT 3: How to talk fairly and smartly about Bronny James. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

The Summer Lakers were a rough watch for five games or so, but over the last two? A lot more fun! Thursday, the SPL crew won its second straight game, beating the Summer Cavs in a nailbiter. They were led by Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Colin Castleton. Knecht is the only guy in the group expected to play a regular role on the big club, and he continued to play well. Not perfectly, and you can see some of the holes in his game but when you think about how he'll be used contextually in JJ Redick's offense it's easy to see how Knecht could be successful. Meanwhile, the Lakers are looking for a "big bruising" center, Redick says. That's not Castleton, but last year's two-way signing has overcome a slow start to the summer and has shown this week why he could have some value. Castleton might get pushed around defensively and struggle with quicker, more athletic players, but he's a clever passer and is fundamentally sound. There's a good chance he won't actively screw things up, were the Lakers to play him. Really, his shortcomings emphasize the weaknesses in the group. The Lakers just don't have a guy they feel confident in on a night in, night out basis. And finding that guy? Won't be easy, that's for sure. Finally, Matt George of Locked On Kings joins the show to, after some Kings/Lakers trash talk, provide a scouting report on Lindsey Harding, who was added to Redick's staff this week. George says her addition goes well beyond being the first female coach on the basketball staff for LA. Great information about what he believes is a very good up and coming coach. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt George! SEGMENT 1: Dalton Knecht is playing well! SEGMENT 2: Could Castleton help the big club? Can they find the big body they want? SEGMENT 3: Scouting Lindsey Harding... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

The disappointment with missing out on Gary Trent Jr. for a minimum contract continued into Wednesday, at least on the show's YouTube page. Beyond all the contextual reasons why Trent might choose the Bucks over the Lakers -- cleaner fit, bigger role, chemistry with Dame, etc. -- there is a feeling that the Lakers simply can't lure players the way they used to. But is that history actually real, or is it more mythology? Certainly there's a lot of the latter. So what does that mean about how the Lakers have to do stuff? About how fans think of these moments where the Lakers and the front office can't close a deal? There's always been a belief that the Lakers are, based on the brand, a preferred destination for free agents big and small. But is that true? Has it ever really been true, at least in what we'd consider the modern era? If it's not true, how do the Lakers respond? Meanwhile, JJ Redick says the Lakers are looking for a "big, bruising center," indicating both that the team isn't super happy with the Christian Wood/Jaxson Hayes backup situation, and that they may be reserving whatever roster spot they can open up for this type of player... as opposed to someone like Trent Jr.. The Summer Lakers won behind good games from Colin Castleton and Bronny James. Something to look forward to following Thursday's game. Could they win two in a row? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why did Gary Trent sign with Milwaukee over LA? SEGMENT 2: Is Lakers mystique dead? SEGMENT 3: How do the Lakers respond? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

For much of the offseason, the inability of the Lakers to make anything happen with the roster has been a point of frustration for fans. But then again, there were always extenuating circumstances. Contextually, the Lakers either couldn't offer the right role, the right money, or the right role with the right money. They lack trade pieces teams seem to want, which isn't exactly a great defense of the front office but does explain the inactivity. The Lakers also don't have a ton of draft capital to toss around, either. Put it all together, and you get Gary Trent Jr., a quality floor spacer, decent defender and probably the best remaining free agent on the market signing in Milwaukee for the veteran's minimum without the Lakers even seeming to get involved. Of all this offseason's misses, this one probably bothers Lakers fans the most. The Lakers are apparently so boxed in, they can't even make a play for a good player at the lowest possible financial commitment. How did this happen? What can be done about it? They preached patience at the trade deadline, looking towards the summer. Now they're preaching patience in the summer, looking towards the regular season and the deadline. Not ideal. Bronny's contract obviously takes up a spot. Would the Lakers have had the foresight to give the 55th pick a 2-way deal in a non-Bronny year? Finally, Jaylen Brown seemed less-than-impressed with young James so far, getting caught by lipreaders watching him play in Vegas. Brown thinks Bronny will be with the big club all year, because that's what dad wants. This, as opposed to the G-League. Is he right? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Gary Trent Jr. signs in Milwaukee. Fans are not happy. SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers get out of this box? SEGMENT 3: Jaylen Brown on Bronny... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

The US Men's National Team typically has some games in their prep for Olympic competition that give people reason to worry. Monday vs. Australia, they had just that, squeaking by the Aussies by six. People didn't like the results, but if you're just focused on the Lakers, it's harder to complain. Anthony Davis once again had an excellent game in relatively short minutes. 17 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks in only 19 minutes. One again, Davis was making a bit of a statement, one that's positive for him not just because it can help change the conversation around him and the way he's talked about relative to other stars, but there's also real value for Davis in playing like one of the best players on a team filled with the best players. And while most Lakers fans will be holding their breath with every minute he (and LeBron James) is on the floor, as long as he's playing Davis (and by extension, Lakers fans) might as well get the highest level of benefit possible. Should he start? Will he? Don't know, don't particularly care. If he dominates, and plays an important role for a team that wins big, that'll be a good result. Meanwhile, the Summer Lakers continue to struggle. Some of the problem is structural. The Lakers don't have an efficient point guard, and in the context of Summer League play, that lack of on-floor organization can be difficult to overcome. Especially since the Lakers also lack guys who are good shot creators, outside Dalton Knecht, who has been forced into a LOT of tough shots but for the most part looks like a player who could be effective in the role he's expected to play in the regular season. Bronny James? Maxwell Lewis? Colin Castleton? These are all guys seeing different degrees of success (or, more often, non-success) but they're likely not going to contribute this year to the big club. That the Lakers only have one player this summer who we might see in the rotation is worthy of discussion, but doesn't change the reality of what these performances mean vis-a-vis the regular season. Finally, JJ Redick explained his thinking around Anthony Davis and awards voting. Does his logic hold? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis dominates again as Team USA struggles to impress. SEGMENT 2: The value of a good Olympics for AD. SEGMENT 3: Why the Summer Lakers are struggling. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

As it becomes more likely that the Lakers will head to training camp with the roster as currently constructed, more focus is being put on how new head coach JJ Redick might manage those players. What could the Lakers look like offensively? How will they look to improve their player development? What does that mean, beyond just working with the youngest players on the roster (like Bronny James, Max Christie or Maxwell Lewis)? Redick answered questions like these, and a few more, in a broadcast interview with Doris Burke and Mark Jones on ESPN. He covered, too, why he didn't include Anthony Davis on his All-Defense team, despite calling him one of the top defenders in the league. To the extent any of this matters, his answer holds up... sort of. Can the team finally instill a culture that genuinely seems to value both player development and success in the moment? How will they make those calls? Meanwhile, the Summer Lakers continued playing, and continued losing. But scores aren't as important as performances, and over the weekend, the performances were... mixed. And finally, the IST 2024 draw is out, and the Lakers have some intriguing matchups. The bigger question is really how they plan on treating those games. Because the 2023 title came at a cost. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: JJ Redick continues to reveal more about his philosophy and beyond. SEGMENT 2: What exactly does player development mean for a team like the Lakers? SEGMENT 3: The Summer Lakers are a mixed bag. As is the team's IST draw. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Well, if Anthony Davis and LeBron James are going to play in the Olympics - scaring many Lakers fans in the process - they might as well look good. And man alive, did Davis do just that on Wednesday in Vegas against Team Canada. 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks in only 19 minutes. That's some serious production. So while the nervousness is going to remain until Davis and James return from Paris unscathed (and even then, there will be concern about carryover effects), there is an opportunity for Davis to remind people just how good he is and maybe change some narrative in the process. Because there may not be an NBA star for whom the bar moves around more than AD. It's not that he's infallible. Davis has clunker games (often against specific opposing centers) that can and should be noted. But the guy was a second team All-NBA selection last season, while also landing on the first team All-Defense. That's a feat nobody else in the league managed to pull off. A player who does that is an elite level performer, full stop. And it seems like JJ Redick has a good understanding of how unique Davis is, talking about him not in specific roles or as a type, but as Anthony Davis, a singular player who can anchor a team on both ends of the ball. Hopefully Redick sees players for their individual strengths and weaknesses and adjusts their roles accordingly. If the Lakers are indeed going to (mostly) run it back, they need to do a better job maximizing the talents of each player and scheming away from shortcomings. Can Redick do that? Finally, the NBA is playing the waiting game, when it comes to more trades. And the key to it all could be in Salt Lake City. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Davis dominates Canada. SEGMENT 2: The opportunity in front of AD. SEGMENT 3: The NBA waiting game. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

On the one hand, it's obviously an honor to represent your country in the Olympics. You can't begrudge players for taking advantage of the opportunity to play when its given. And no question, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both worthy of a spot on the roster. So kudos to them, go bring home a gold medal. On the other... those guys have a lot of mileage. James has historic levels of mileage. The Olympics just add to that, and while the games and training in the aggregate may not be much more rigorous than what either guy does in the offseason, and playoff level intensity for games in July is just something that never happens. So the routine may not be harder, but it's definitely different. Different will make people nervous. Realistically, though, how much impact could there be from this? It definitely had an impact on Austin Reaves last season. Pluuuuuuuus, the Lakers lose again in Summer League, but the important players look better. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Olympic Lakers! SEGMENT 2: Does it make you nervous? We won't blame you! SEGMENT 3: Summer League recap, Game 3. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

There is tremendous frustration among Lakers fans about the inactivity in the offseason to this point. That much is clear. But how much has that frustration colored the view of how good the team actually is? The Lakers were a very, very un-fun squad last year. There was a poor vibe around the team for most of the year, and that sucked a lot of life out of things. There were injuries, there was Darvin Ham, and so on. But despite all of it, in the end the Lakers won 47 games, which isn't exactly trash, and there are many who believe that just with better coaching, they could have cracked 50. So if that's the case, is the same roster (subbing Dalton Knecht for Taurean Prince) gonna be trash next season? No question, the Lakers aren't at the top of the West. No question, they'll need some luck in the injury department. But if they get those things, LeBron James may not be wrong when he says the team isn't that far off. They're not there yet, and even with some moves likely don't crack into the elite out West without more good luck. But that's not a trash team, unless you define trash as anything less than a frontline title contender. What's the danger of the Lakers defining it that way? Meanwhile, if you're frustrated at the state of things, you have a great way to make your voice heard. Will it matter? Probably not! But activism is activism. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron says the Lakers aren't that far off. Is he right? SEGMENT 2: How vibes impact evaluation, and why the Lakers feel worse than they are, without being good enough to REALLY excite people. SEGMENT 3: Sign the petition! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

The Lakers would love to improve their standing in the Western Conference, which would likely require figuring out how to drop some of the lesser players on the 15 man roster. Easy enough to dump a guy like Cam Reddish on another team, tossing in a second rounder for their trouble, right? Well, not really. The Lakers don't have a lot of second round picks to give away. While they have one coming in next offseason, they have three of their own going out. Picks matter not just for the ability to take them, but the ability to trade them. Use one now to dump Reddish, and you'd better make that spot that opens up better. It needs to be for a guy who can/will play and fill a need. That's tough to do for a minimum contract guy. At least right now, when better players are still trying to maximize value even as available roster spots dry up. So maybe closer to the regular season? We'll see. Even trades are harder to construct because of the challenges related to roster construction. Meanwhile, what exactly do rookie performances in Summer League mean? What about second year performances? Should the decidedly mixed bags from Maxwell Lewis and Colin Castleton cause concern? And how much pressure is Rob Pelinka really under? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is it that easy for the Lakers to trade picks to dump players? SEGMENT 2: What avenues are available? SEGMENT 3: Summer League reaction, talking Pelinka and pressure? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

LeBron James, officially up and practicing with Team USA in preparation for the Paris Olympics, met with the media over the weekend. He talked about Bronny, and what has been a very, very quiet offseason. James didn't give a full throated defense of the front office, but he didn't fillet them, either. There was a strong, "it is what it is" kind of vibe. LeBron acknowledged that the Lakers at least tried, and certain moves were just beyond their ability to close the deal. So he's smart enough to recognize the challenges of making stuff happen this summer. Doesn't mean he's happy they're in the position they're in, but that's not something he went out of his way to complain. It's his job, he says, to make this group as good as he can. He was excited about the rookies and the coaching staff, which is good. Would he prefer the Lakers have improved themselves? Sure, but James does seem to have a pragmatic attitude, reflective of the relatively transactional nature of the relationship with the team. Meanwhile, up in San Francisco the Summer Lakers struggled badly this weekend. Saturday in a loss to the Summer Kings, the Lakers showed flashes of good stuff, but ultimately lost pretty big. Sunday... woof. The Summer Warriors blew them out of the water while everyone on the Lakers was godawful. They shot 25% as a team. Not from 3, but from the floor. Dalton Knecht missed his shots, Maxwell Lewis missed his shots (all of them), Blake Hinson, who was on fire Saturday, was 2-10 on Sunday. There's still a lot of time to learn what's going on with these guys and get a better feel. Early returns, for whatever they're worth, weren't fantastic. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron speaks to the media about the state of the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: James on the offseason. SEGMENT 3: Reacting to the first weekend of Summer League play. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

As expected, or at least as expected around these parts, LeBron James signed his new deal with the Lakers on Saturday and left just enough money on the table to keep the Lakers under the threshold for the dreaded second apron, where the NBA makes player transactions incredibly hard to execute. The difference in the contracts isn't massive - just under $3 million on a deal that is now worth $101 million and change, vs. $104 million and change, so no need to pass a hat for the guy - but it's not nothing, either. And by $45,000, it's enough to keep the Lakers in a better spot. What they do with it now? Who knows? The Lakers are still full in terms of roster spots. They're still in a box. It's just that the box is a better box than the alternative. And another big name came off the market Saturday when DeMar DeRozan agreed to a three-year deal with Sacramento worth about $74 million, which put him well out of LA's range (and calls into question whether the Lakers could have moved the right salaries to make this work, anyway. So the Lakers still haven't done anything, save sign their own guys and select a couple draft picks. And it might be a minute before that changes. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! BetterHelp This 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 Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COMand add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

The inevitable happened on Wednesday, as the Lakers and LeBron James agreed to a two year contract for max (or near max -- getting to that in a moment) money, about $104 million. The second year? A player option. So there's a good chance LeBron and the Lakers are right back here next year. It means, first and foremost, that the window LeBron opened by offering to take less money in year one so the Lakers could improve the team by acquiring a higher cost player that might require the full midlevel exception, for example, has likely closed. Well, the Lakers haven't been able to make that happen and don't appear to be in position to make it happen before the end of the free agent moratorium on Saturday. So was LeBron serious when he made the offer? Was it done in good faith? Was it done only with a mind to PR, and trying to manage the fallout of an offseason where, to say the least, the optics could tell a story of a star player getting A LOT of things he wanted? (His preferred coach, his kid on the team, etc.) Are these things mutually exclusive? Now the Lakers must go forward with a very constrained roster, one that will be difficult to manipulate without finding trade partners. Which is a tricky thing given the roster construction. They're also full, which gets to the roster spot taken by Bronny James, who signed his deal today. It is, in most ways, similar to the contracts given to most second rounders at this point, save a more generous buyout for Year 3 than some other players have received. On the other hand, the Lakers, realizing the roster crunch they'd be facing, still gave him a guaranteed deal, rather than a 2-way contract. Not all late second round picks would be afforded that luxury. (Many, yes. All, no.) It's just one reason why the chatter around Bronny isn't likely to dissipate fast, especially if he struggles in Summer League, which kicks off this weekend. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron agrees to a new deal. SEGMENT 2: Was Team James negotiating in good faith, when it comes to his offer to take less? SEGMENT 3: Bronny gets a contract. More nepotism? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Rob Pelinka's window to shop is apparently closing. As expected, the Lakers and LeBron James have come to an agreement for his next deal, and since the Lakers couldn't make a big move, LeBron will be signing for the max, or really, really close to it. Reportedly, the deal is for two years, with a player option in year two (you've seen this structure before). The wrinkle: LeBron reportedly is willing to take a million or two less for this year, because it'll keep the Lakers below the second apron, which not only costs them a lot of money in taxes, etc. but also has a significant impact on avenues the Lakers could take to improve over the course of the season. Second apron teams operate with hands, feet, and everything else tied behind their backs. So we'll see what's next, but the Lakers now do seem set up for a very quiet offseason. There are still potential trades out there, moves at the margins and so on, but until they can clear some roster space, the Lakers are in a bind. Meanwhile, the Lakers have signed a couple veteran coaches to JJ Redick's staff. Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks have agreed to come to LA, giving Redick a couple highly experienced voices to lean on. Good start. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Another day, another 24 hours of inaction from the Lakers. No trades, no signings, no nothin'. Not even an assistant coach to start populating JJ Redick's staff. None of this is to say the Lakers aren't trying, or are just killin' time before the regular season starts. Surely they're working the phones, and diligently trying to find some assistant coaches. But for now, nothing is actually happening. Maybe it turns out ok. The offseason is long. The world has a lot of coaches in it, many of whom could be an asset to Redick and the Lakers. But little by little, as the Lakers stack days without making moves, the option tree gets smaller. Golden State hired a couple of assistants on Tuesday. That shrinks the market, and changes its complexion, too. At some point, the Lakers are going to have to get things done. The team needs improving. Maybe Wednesday will be the day. Meanwhile, the Lakers did introduce their two draft picks, as the media met Dalton Knecht and Bronny James for the first time as Lakers. Needless to say, Bronny was the main draw when it comes to questions. He handled them well, but it was another reminder of the trade off he gets by coming to LA - much more scrutiny and additional pressure, along with a boost to the notion that he's only in the NBA because of his dad. On the other hand, it's been reported James will get a multiyear guaranteed deal, something the 55th pick in the Draft can't always get. That kind of security is invaluable for a developmental player like Bronny. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers introduce Knecht and James. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers have a roster crunch, which Bronny contributes to. SEGMENT 3: When are the Lakers going to do something? Even if something is hire a staff? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)

Was Klay Thompson a good idea? A bad idea? Well, the Lakers were, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, willing to go as high as three or four years around $20 mil a year for Thompson. And, he has, reportedly, decided to go to the Mavericks instead. But whether the Lakers dodged a bullet or not, the fact remains they haven't done anything yet in the offseason from a personnel standpoint. Meanwhile, players are sliding off the board at a variety of positions while the Lakers face a logjam on the roster and a weird Jenga puzzle of a roster that makes swapping players in and out in trades complicated. Is there any shot this gets better? Especially in time to take advantage of LeBron James's offer to take less money to bring in an impact player? (That deadline -- when he goes to start Team USA practices -- is coming fast.) So why can't the Lakers move forward? Is Rob Pelinka to blame? Is it really a matter of trying to buy a house when people aren't selling? Selling a house nobody wants to buy? What about DeMar DeRozan? On the one hand, he's the best remaining free agent on the market, on the other... he does not exactly address the team's defensive shortcomings. And while he's got a tremendous mid-range game, the lack of a 3-point shot could be a problem. Could the Lakers make that work? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers miss out on Klay. SEGMENT 2: Why are the Lakers stuck? Who is to blame? SEGMENT 3: What about DDR? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From 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. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list! 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)