Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers Locked On Podcast Network

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.

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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)

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?
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.
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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. 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?



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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. 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.

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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...



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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.

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. 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)