Jello Jigglin - A Lakers Podcast with Ryan Ward

Bleav

Los Angeles Lakers reporter Ryan Ward brings his basketball expertise and 15+ years of experience covering the Purple and Gold to the podcast world! From interviewing icons like Kareem Abul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to covering the Lakers’ current stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Ward has you covered with a behind-the-scenes approach and unique perspective on perhaps the most iconic franchise in the NBA!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    The Tipping Point: Why the Lakers’ LeBron Era Is Falling Apart

    After another ugly loss, the Lakers’ issues are impossible to ignore. Ryan dives into the team’s defensive breakdowns, inconsistent effort, and mounting frustration as Los Angeles struggles against elite competition. He examines the concerning body language and defensive lapses from LeBron James, the offensive drop-off without Austin Reaves, and growing concerns surrounding Luka Dončić’s health. With the Western Conference tightening, Ryan questions whether minor roster tweaks are enough — or if the Lakers must make a drastic decision and fully pivot toward the future. The episode also touches on trade-deadline urgency and shifting MVP odds following Nikola Jokić’s injury. A blunt, honest look at a franchise standing at a crossroads. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

  2. 17/12/2025

    Luka Claus, LeBron-Brooks Beef & is Knecht Lakers' Trade Bait?

    Only three games are left before the Los Angeles Lakers play host to Kevin Durant's Houston Rockets on Christmas Day at Crypto.com Arena. In the meantime, Luka Doncic channels Santa Claus, LeBron James and Dillon Brooks still hate each other and Dalton Knecht could be on his way out before the NBA trade deadline. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min

  3. 30/11/2025

    Austin Reaves’ Rise, Ayton’s Redemption & LA’s NBA Cup Push

    This episode of The Jello Jiggling Podcast goes deep into one of the hottest runs in the NBA. Ryan opens by celebrating the Lakers’ perfect 4–0 NBA Cup performance and their advance to the quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs on December 10th. He recaps the team’s six-game winning streak, discusses the wild competitive imbalance around the league, and explores how Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton are driving a top-tier offense. Ryan also breaks down Victor Wembanyama’s injury situation, the Spurs’ potential without him, trade-deadline scenarios for LA, and how the West is shaping up. From standings surprises (Detroit?! Toronto?!) to teams collapsing (Clippers, Mavs, Pacers, Bucks), this episode covers every twist in the early season, and whether the Lakers’ hot streak is genuinely sustainable. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  4. 13/11/2025

    Lakers Roller Coaster: Luka & Austin Reaves Keep Cooking in Up & Down Performances, LeBron Nears Return

    In this week’s episode, Ryan breaks down a chaotic but revealing stretch for the Lakers, who have lost two of their last three games—getting blown out by Atlanta and OKC but picking up a needed win in Charlotte. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves continue to put up monster numbers even as the team wades through inconsistency and key injuries. We dive into why OKC currently looks unbeatable, how Luka and Reaves are carrying the offense without LeBron, and why the Lakers’ ceiling still feels unknown. We also discuss LeBron’s recovery and his full 5-on-5 practice with South Bay, indicating he may be just days away from returning. From there, the episode pivots into league-wide chaos: the Mavericks firing Nico Harrison, Dallas spiraling, and what Luka had to say about his old franchise. Later, Ryan reacts to Austin Reaves’ comments about his upcoming contract negotiations, the NBA’s unpredictable trade landscape, and how the Lakers’ schedule sets up heading into a crucial stretch in November and December. The episode wraps with betting picks, a FanDuel shoutout, and a look at whether 50+ wins is a realistic target for this team. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min

  5. 30/10/2025

    The Rise of Austin Reaves: From Undrafted to Unstoppable

    Ryan kicks off the episode in awe of Austin Reaves’ clutch performance, highlighting how the undrafted guard continues to elevate his game when the Lakers need him most. Despite injuries to major stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Reaves delivered a career-tying 16 assists, 28 points, and the game-winning shot. Ryan compares Reaves’ mentality and growth to Manu Ginóbili, labeling him “a bona fide star” who’s redefining his role in the Lakers’ offense. The episode expands into broader team analysis—how role players like Jake LaRavia, DeAndre Ayton, and Dalton Knecht stepped up in a depleted lineup—and Ryan praises JJ Redick’s leadership for keeping the team resilient and focused. He also discusses the Lakers’ injury struggles, rotation depth, and how this adversity might be shaping the squad’s chemistry for the long haul. Later in the show, Ryan transitions into breaking news: Mark Walter’s official acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers, signaling a new chapter in the franchise’s legacy. He reads quotes from Walter, Jeanie Buss, and Adam Silver, reflecting on the long-term implications of the deal and how Walter’s Dodgers success might translate to Lakers dominance. Ryan wraps up with a look ahead to the upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, potential returns for Luka and LeBron, and his optimism about the team’s direction. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  6. 27/10/2025

    Austin Reaves Erupts for 51 Points as Lakers’ Injury List Grows

    Ryan breaks down Reaves’ stat line — 51 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 6-of-10 from three, and 21-of-22 at the free-throw line — and how his performance completely took over the game in Luka’s absence. But as one hero rises, the Lakers’ health woes deepen. The episode details the growing injury report, including: Luka Dončić (left finger sprain + lower leg contusion) – out at least a week LeBron James (sciatica) – still without a firm return date Marcus Smart (quad contusion) – day-to-day Gabe Vincent (ankle sprain) – likely out multiple weeks Jackson Hayes (left knee/patellar tendon) – out multiple games Maxi Kleber (oblique strain) – re-evaluation in two weeks Adou Thiero (knee surgery recovery) – no timetable yet Ryan highlights how the Lakers, already thin, may have to rely heavily on role players like Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt while JJ Redick juggles lineups under pressure. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  7. 21/10/2025

    Warriors vs Lakers Season Opener: Luka vs. Steph & The Lakers’ Injury Woes

    With several rotation players sidelined, Ryan explores what this means for J.J. Redick’s starting lineup decisions, how the team can hold up defensively, and why Luka Dončić may have to carry an enormous early load. 00:00 – Intro & FanDuel Shoutout 01:15 – Lakers Injury Updates (Kleber, LeBron, Thiero) 04:20 – Roster Breakdown & Early Season Schedule 07:10 – JJ Redick’s Lineup Philosophy & Defensive Concerns 10:00 – Marcus Smart’s Impact and Health Outlook 12:30 – Dalton Knecht’s Struggles & Trade Speculation 16:00 – LeBron’s Offseason Drama & Team Dynamics 21:45 – Why It’s “Luka’s Team Now” 25:30 – FanDuel Betting Segment: Luka’s Props & MVP Odds 29:30 – Final Thoughts on the Season Opener SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    LeBron James Injury Update: Sciatica Timeline, Lakers Impact & What’s Next

    In this episode, Ryan Ward breaks down the concerning news surrounding LeBron James’ latest injury — a lingering sciatica/nerve irritation in his glute that will keep him sidelined to start the season. Ryan delves into Shams Charania’s report on the timeline, why the Los Angeles Lakers are concerned about the potential duration, and what this means for JJ Redick’s lineup decisions heading into the opening night. 01:20 – LeBron’s Injury Diagnosis (Sciatica Details) 04:30 – Shams Charania’s Update & Timeline Concerns 08:00 – Age, Durability & Father Time Discussion 12:15 – Lakers’ Future Without LeBron? Luka’s Role 16:00 – How the Injury Impacts Team Chemistry 20:30 – NBA Injury Trends & Tim Brown Interview 26:00 – Comparing Modern Durability vs. Old School Players 32:00 – FanDuel Segment: Lakers vs. Warriors Odds Preview 37:00 – Preseason Frustrations & Final Thoughts SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RyanWardLA/ FOLLOW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanwardla.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min
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About

Los Angeles Lakers reporter Ryan Ward brings his basketball expertise and 15+ years of experience covering the Purple and Gold to the podcast world! From interviewing icons like Kareem Abul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to covering the Lakers’ current stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Ward has you covered with a behind-the-scenes approach and unique perspective on perhaps the most iconic franchise in the NBA!

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