One of the last big pieces left to move in the NBA this offseason finally found a home on Wednesday, as Nuggets small forward Peyton Watson, once a rumored target for the Lakers, was flipped to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for ... nobody. A first and second round pick a few years from now. The only other human player of note in the deal (which expanded to five teams, enveloping last week's Dennis Schroder trade) was Max Strus, who actually went to the Clippers, not Denver. So the Nuggets continue to thin out this offseason, and while they're rumored to be working hard to bring in Demar DeRozan, who would help them, even if they do the team isn't as good right now as it was last year, and is relying on certain players with a VERY spotty health history to stay afloat. All of this at a time when there's at least some question surrounding the future of Nikola Jokic. So all of this is obviously good for the Lakers, who have stayed about the same as the conference shifts around them, something that should benefit LA over the course of the season. Some of the "next tier" teams behind San Antonio and OKC just aren't as strong. And, of course, this also influences the future of Jonathan Kuminga, since Cleveland was seen as one of the teams with interest in acquiring him. That leaves the Lakers as one of his only suitors, but as has been well established, that interest doesn't come at the price Kuminga wants to get. And even if they settle on a price, the Lakers would then have to figure out a way to complete a trade with Atlanta, who have 17 players under contract and no need for anyone the Lakers would trade them. So great work by Kuminga's agent, here. Top shelf. And finally, Luka is taking the Lakers to Slovenia! And it's a trip that could bode well for the squad's chemistry this season. At the least, it says something about how Luka is looking to lead the team this year. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Watson traded to Cleveland. SEGMENT 2: The West is getting weaker, Kuminga is running low on options. SEGMENT 3: Luka brings the gang to Slovenia. Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy EarthHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
