Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Many tried to sell this NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana as a clunker. Two small market teams without the league's biggest stars (even though it does have, you know, it's MVP). Well, Game 1 showed how much potential for sheer entertainment this series contains. A jumper from Tyrese Haliburton won the game for the Pacers with .3 seconds left on the clock. Indiana's depth was on display, something the Lakers could certainly use. Moreover, Indiana's consistent ability (driven by Haliburton) to execute late in games has been a presence throughout the postseason. That is an area in which the Lakers have fallen short every series after reaching the Western Conference Finals a couple seasons ago. Twice against Denver, this year against Minnesota. Leads or close games in crunch time that they can't hold on to. And finally, Chris Paul reportedly wants to finish his career in Los Angeles, which means he has two choices. Lakers or Clippers. He's been on both teams (though not for very long as a Laker, and could certainly help the roster overall. But he's also over 40, can't defend like he used to doesn't score a ton anymore. He does pass the ball incredibly well, still. He orchestrates well. He's a pretty good 3-point shooter. So if the rumor is true, should the Lakers pull the trigger? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A thriller of a Game 1. SEGMENT 2: How Game 1 shined a light on what's wrong with the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: To CP3 or not to CP3? That is the question. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 NBA has become a wasteland for coaches over the last few months. This week, the Knicks canned Tom Thibodeau, despite just having made the Eastern Conference Finals. Why? The reasons are still emerging, but it's reasonable to say that Thibs is someone who tends to wear on players and organizations over time. The same can be said for Michael Malone, who did last a decade in Denver but clearly wore through his welcome despite having a successful team and a very recent title. Taylor Jenkins in Memphis? Fired. Mike Brown? Mike Budenholzer? All fired. Many had just received contract extensions. All had, on one level or another, been successful, either in that gig, or in others. All gone. So how does JJ Redick, who showed real promise in his first season on LA's sideline but also some shortcomings (particularly in the playoffs) parlay his best qualities into the type of long career the Lakers say they were hoping for when they hired him? How do ownership and management play into the equation? If he can't make it happen, what aspects of his coaching are personality are most likely to be his undoing? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Thibs is out, the NBA is cold. SEGMENT 2: How can JJ avoid that fate? SEGMENT 3: What qualities will help and hurt Redick? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

Basically every Lakers fan knows that Luka Dončić is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Everyone knows that the Lakers will give Luka whatever it is he wants, whether talking dollars, years, player options and whatever. What people may not know is just how long Luka has to make this decision. most of the good parts of the NBA offseason will be past by the time his date of eligibility rolls around. That's August 2nd. But Luka doesn't have to sign that day, or the day after, or the day after that. 8.2 is just the first day Luka can sign. The last day? June 30... of 2026. So what does all this mean for the Lakers? They need very much to display competence between now and August. That doesn't mean massive, roster reshaping moves that completely revamp LA's roster. (Though by all means, if great opportunities present themselves, go for it.) It means smart choices, well-reasoned and thought out, where each decision is made with the idea of how these players will fit together as a group, not just an assembly of talent. They have to display good communication skills, and basically appear to have their **** in order. Luka doesn't appear to have any desire to go anywhere. He doesn't want to move again, after gaining some comfort in LA. So don't give him a reason. PLUS... the bottom feeders in the West are making decisions about their futures, and all of it will impact the Lakers this summer. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka has a LONG timeline. SEGMENT 2: What does it mean for LA? SEGMENT 3: The cellar dwellers in the West are makin' plans. Why that matters for the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 will be looking to upgrade their talent any way they can going into next, year, and will have to get pretty creative about it. One source of improvement for the rotation that might be a little unexpected? How about Bronny James? That, via long time NBA writer Sean Deveney: "And it appears the Lakers are dead-set on pushing for Bronny James to be part of the rotation next year. "I don't think there's any doubt that's their plan," one Western Conference executive said. "I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we've seen a lot fo tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.... He's 20 years old," the exec said. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year." Is that really possible? What would it take for Bronny, who definitely improved over the course of the year but was still a ways off from being a positive contributor, to be a rotation player next year? Or even capable of being one? What would it mean for the Lakers if it happened? Plus, LeBron James has an idea on how to keep the physicality of the postseason, but not go from, in his words, 0 to 100 in terms of abrupt change from Game 82 of the regular season to the first game of the playoffs. Would it work? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron has an idea for the playoffs and officiating. SEGMENT 2: Would the fix make a difference? SEGMENT 3: Real PT for Bronny? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 NBA Finals are here, and the mediasphere seems unsure of what to do with a series that doesn't include big cities or the most name brand stars. Still, a Finals that features the league's MVP, along with a fantastic story out of the East (Tyrese Haliburton, going from spare part/meme on the Olympic team to Eastern Conference champ) should be something the NBA can market. And they should lean into it, because at some point it has to move past the LeBron/KD/Steph/Giannis/big markets-or bust mindset that has gripped the league. That this seems to be such a point of stress is a reflection of how often the NBA's media partners have failed to help promote the league in a positive way. But the good news? TV contracts are locked in. Ratings don't matter. If the league decides to showcase this group and treat it like an opportunity, it could do some long-term good. Meanwhile, when the Knicks lost to the Pacers, there were immediate questions about the future of Karl-Anthony Towns in New York. Not because KAT was bad in the playoffs—he wasn't— but because the defensive combination of Towns and Jalen Brunson is, to say the least, a challenge. The Knicks have surrounded those two with about as many capable defenders as you can, and still fell short. Does that mean it can't work at all? Do the Lakers face a similar question with Austin Reaves paired with Luka Dončić? Yes... and no. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: These Finals should be an opportunity. SEGMENT 2: What the league keeps getting wrong. SEGMENT 3: Do the Knicks and Lakers have similar problems? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 are a lot of ways teams are building winners around the NBA right now. One of the big topics of conversation is depth. Oklahoma City is already in the Finals. They've got depth in almost cartoonish quantities. Indiana is expected to join them, and have plenty of depth as well. The Lakers, as you may have heard, are lacking in that department. Whether it was a good idea or not, teams with reliable depth don't go entire halves without making a substitution. (And even had they stuck a couple guys on the floor, it would only have been for a few minutes.) Moreover, it's not just that the Lakers lack depth in numbers, they also have too much redundancy. So how do they fix it? With a limited number of assets, do they try and create a group with higher levels of more cohesive talent at the top of the roster? Do they try to give themselves more viable options 1-9, even if it means a little less high end talent up top? What's the best formula here to build around Luka? SEGMENT 1: The Lakers need talent. They need depth. They need more coherent pieces. SEGMENT 2: How does Pelinka approach the issue? SEGMENT 3: One big thing the Lakers are missing. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUFanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

After a season of upheaval, Lakers need to figure out how to create an identity heading into next year. The good news is that Rob Pelinka and Co. don't have to do a lot of thinking to figure out the core of that identity - It's Luka Dončić. The identity is a team that plays hard, plays defense, plays unselfishly. Sure. All teams say that. But the path to that is figuring out how to create those attributes with players that fit beautifully around Luka. It's a heliocentric model, where Dončić is the sun. LeBron James, the former sun, can work in this world (and have plenty of celestial moments himself). Austin Reaves? It can work, if the other pieces adjust accordingly. But right now the team is so out of balance, some changes will need to be made in order to create a more coherent structure. With that in mind... how about a blockbuster (hypothetical) trade, where EVERYTHING that isn't nailed to the floor and can be traded goes, in the interest of bringing more balance to the roster. Get a center, get a wing, and so on. Is this monster 3-team deal Andy constructed a good blueprint for LA? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What kind of identity should the Lakers construct around Luka? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers create better top end talent AND better depth? SEGMENT 3: How about this (hypothetical) blockbuster? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUFanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, LeBron James plans to pick up his player option for 2026, worth about $52.5 mil. While Shams noted there's still time for things to change, this appears to be the most likely outcome for LeBron and the Lakers. And in some ways, it's the most expected, given the options. While there was always the dream (pipe dream, really) that James might leave about $20 mil on the table so that the Lakers would have access to a larger mid-level exception, that's always felt like a longshot. It's also always been unlikely that James would decline the option and leave for somewhere like Cleveland or Golden State (which would cost him about $40 mil, at least). But the idea James would decline his option, then sign another 1+1 with the Lakers, giving him control until after the 2026-2027 season? That was always a live possibility. So among the realistic outcomes, this one was the best for LA, and arguably for James as well. We explain why. How the Lakers move forward, with some certainty around LeBron, is an interesting question. If the Lakers return the same group and make reasonable improvements at center, they'll be a good squad. But good enough to win the West? Can they make those types of improvements in one offseason, with limited resources? Would they be smarter to wait for next summer? That's up to Luka. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron is expected to pick up his option. SEGMENT 2: Why that's good for LA. SEGMENT 3: Gap year for the Lakers? That's up to Luka. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUFanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

Last week, early reports of Luka Dončić dedicating himself more seriously to fitness were giving Lakers fans some encouragement. This weekend, things looked even better. In the form of pictures! From Luka's Insta page, and from pictures taken of him in the crowd at Real Madrid and even food pics from his wife's social media. We saw a thinner looking player, and what appeared to be a healthy, delicious meal! So only a few weeks after the season ended, at the very least, Dončić -- who is not stupid and knows full well that pictures of him will be dissected to no end -- appears to have put himself on a solid path to begin a critical offseason. ONe that doesn't just matter for the Lakers this year, but as as a sign of what might be to come. Because remember, Nico Harrison bet that Luka was a bad long-term gamble for the Mavs. And as much as Harrison's logic (or his skill executing trades) might come into question, it's certainly true that long term, Luka needs to take better care of himself. All athletes do as they start to get older. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves's agent is setting expectations for this season, and he's setting them high. Meanwhile, there's a number out there for what Reaves might look for assuming he hits free agency after next season. Is it a good one for the Lakers? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Skinny Luka? SEGMENT 2: Does it matter why Luka gets in shape? SEGMENT 3: What's a good number for Reaves? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUFanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 virtually no limit to the level of scrutiny Luka Dončić is set to receive this summer around his fitness. So when anyone says anything on the subject that provides some potential insight, it'll get attention. That's the case with Jason Gallagher, a producer of JJ Redick's "Old Man and the Three" Podcast, as well as the "Mind the Game" pod hosted (formerly) by Redick and then and now by LeBron James, appeared on a Dallas sports pod, "The Dumb Zone." “I’ve heard from folks that are pretty honest about the conditioning stuff or whatever that Luka has already like begun to clean slate, like starting anew. He’s already like in this mindset of changing a lot about himself. Now, I’ve heard it before, but not from specific people that have been critical of him," Gallagher said. Obviously that doesn't relay concrete plans or things he's been doing, but if what Gallagher is being told is true, it is an indication that Luka at the very least gets the criticism and understands he can, and needs, to do better in this area than he has over the course of his career. It's critical for his rep, and obviously for the Lakers. Redick ended the season talking about the need for the Lakers to have championship level fitness, and certainly didn't exclude Luka from that, or imply that he's met the bar. Meanwhile, what can the Lakers learn from teams still in the playoffs? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka is rethinking his approach to conditioning, says one source. SEGMENT 2: Does it matter why Luka gets into shape? SEGMENT 3: What can the Lakers learn from teams still in the playoffs? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 is now the oldest player in NBA history to garner MVP votes. Wednesday, when the league announced the results, not surprisingly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked away with his first trophy, with Nikola Jokic the runner up. But down there in sixth was LeBron James. His first MVP votes came as a 19-year old with the Cavs in his rookie season. And now, he's finished 6th. Pretty remarkable, and well-deserved after a season where he averaged over 24 points, and almost eight assists and rebounds per game. So what does this mean going forward? LeBron has now played 141 games over the last two seasons, putting at least some of the durability and health questions to bed... except he's going to turn 41 this year so really, do those questions ever go away? Is it reasonable to expect more of the same from LBJ, especially knowing the team will be built around Luka Dončić, who will be assigned most of the heavy lifting offensively? Plus, the debate about Shai and foul-hunting consumed NBA social media after the Thunder beat Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Is "the discourse" on to something? Or does everyone need to get offline a little more? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron finishes sixth in MVP voting. SEGMENT 2: What can LA expect from him going forward? SEGMENT 3: Shai, the playoffs, officiating and how it all impacts the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 NBA announced its All Rookie squads, and (not surprisingly) Dalton Knecht wasn't among the 10 honored first year players. To his credit, Knecht was relatively close, finishing in a tie for 13th in vote total. It's a fair result for a guy who had a lot of highs and lows over the course of the season. His strong suits were clear (shooting, offense, athleticism) and his weaknesses (defense) equally so. Now the Lakers, who have already shown a willingness to trade him, have to make a decision this offseason. Is the guy more valuable to them? Or as a lure to fill holes around the roster? The goal for LA is to build a team that works for Luka Dončić. Knecht fits that profile. He can shoot, he can get to the rim, he can finish above it. On the other hand, he's one of about 2.5 human beings on the roster who have genuine value as players (as opposed to an expiring contract) in a trade (the others being Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura). So Rob Pelinka, just as he does with Reaves, is going to be confronted with some tough choices about Knecht, too. Plus... could LeBron actually leave? There's one at least semi-plausible scenario. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Knecht gets some All-Rookie love. SEGMENT 2: What to do with DK? SEGMENT 3: Could LeBron really go? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

NBA Squad Show: Conference Finals are set to COLLIDE as New NBA Era changes championship landscape Can the Oklahoma City Thunder overcome the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth in the Western Conference Finals? As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Thunder's defensive prowess faces a stern test against the Timberwolves, who have been a force in the West all season. Join Nick Engstad, Doug Norrie, and Ryland Styles as they break down the thrilling Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, and preview the upcoming conference finals. The discussion highlights key players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton, while exploring how the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement is reshaping team-building strategies. With insights into the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving NBA landscape. Tune in for expert analysis and discover how these playoff battles could redefine the league's future. 0:00 Intro: Denver vs OKC Game Seven analysis 5:46 Western Conference Finals: Thunder vs Timberwolves 13:55 Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers vs Knicks 22:08 CBA impact on team building and roster depth 28:16 Draft lottery results and tanking strategies

There was a lot of feedback to Monday's show running down the league's (mostly) starting centers and judging whether they qualify as a "foundational piece," i.e. the level of player the Lakers reportedly would have to receive in order to send out Austin Reaves in a trade. In the process, we saw a variety of opinions on: And obviously, for the highest level players on the list of guys we decided were even theoretically possible, it might cost Reaves plus more. Maybe Dalton Knecht, maybe draft capital, maybe both. But what about going the other way? Brooklyn's Nic Claxton is broadly believed to be gettable without sacrificing Reaves. But what about Claxton and someone like Cam Johnson, who could fill some needs for LA? Would that (type of deal, playing for depth) be worth AR? Plus... lots of former Lakers are playing big roles for conference finalists. Is it generating any nostalgia for Lakers fans? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More Reaves-for-a-center talk. SEGMENT 2: Is there an alternative to foundational pieces? SEGMENT 3: Looking back at baby Lakers, all grown up. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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, it is reported, would trade Austin Reaves for a "foundational piece." That doesn't have to be a center, necessarily, but certainly the five is LA's biggest need, and as LA's best trade chip, people are going to at least make those connections. But practically speaking, who exactly would that mean? Like, sure, the Lakers would trade Austin for Nikola Jokic or Wemby... but that's not a world we live in. So what names out there are even remotely possible? And of the guys that are even more possible, would any of them actually be worth sacrificing Reaves? It's a tricky place, for sure. Because the list of names worthy of Reaves isn't long, and the list of gettable centers includes many where Reaves would be too high a price to pay. It's a tough needle for Rob Pelinka to thread. Meanwhile, the league may get some clarity on the Giannis situation, as he and the Bucks are expected to meet this week to talk about his future in Milwaukee. A resolution to this doesn't mean he's coming to the Lakers - he's not - but would help keep offseason movement robust, which does favor the Lakers. If everyone is waiting around to figure out Giannis's future, that hurts LA. The Lakers need action. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Who are the centers that might be available for Reaves? SEGMENT 2: What does the rest of the market look like? SEGMENT 3: Giannis and Milwaukee and how it impacts LA. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 Austin Reaves Conversation is definitely a real thing. In his Thursday newsletter, Dan Woike of the LA Times relays how the Lakers are looking at things. First things first, Reaves is not untouchable. But to move him, the Lakers (quite rightly) will want a foundational piece in return, not some rental or a transitional player. Reaves is a very good player, and they'd need a very good player in return. That's how it should be. On the other hand, the Lakers are also (and this isn't new) very attached to Reaves, in part because they value his story. He's one of their guys, signed, developed in the G-League, and now good enough to be in that class of fringe, near All-Star caliber players. They like the win for themselves, and they recognize the popularity of Reaves with the fan base. Those are not good reasons to keep him. Reaves is a feather in the front office's cap no matter what happens, and fans want a winning roster. If they make a good trade that includes Reaves, the fans will be on board. One name that popped up this week as potentially available at a position of need? Jakob Poeltl, Toronto's starting center, coming off his best season as a pro. Is he on the same level as a guy like Reaves? Does he tick enough boxes for the Lakers to use their limited capital to make a run at him? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers don't consider Reaves untouchable. SEGMENT 2: One really bad reason to keep him. SEGMENT 3: Jakob Poeltl? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Hungryroot With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUMonarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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...

The assignment for Rob Pelinka is clear: Build a winning roster around Luka Dončić. In the short term, that (likely) includes LeBron James. In the long run, it won't. Is Austin Reaves part of the equation? It seems like it, but is that set in stone? The Lakers have a lot of needs—center, rebounding and wing depth at the top of the list—without a lot of assets to make it happen. Pelinka has some expiring contracts (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent most notably), some potentially appealing players (Hachimura, Dalton Knecht) and a few draft assets (a first rounder in '31 or '32, a second rounder, a handful of pick swaps). That's not much. Hopefully there's a lot of activity, which could help the Lakers pick off prized targets with less competition, but without question, Pelinka is going to have to choose carefully and make sure every player he acquires is a good fit around Luka. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What does Rob Pelinka have to work with? SEGMENT 2: How do the Lakers prioritize? SEGMENT 3: Is Knecht a good asset? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Hungryroot With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUMonarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

Lakers fans love wallowing in the misery of the Celtics, but even Lakers fans don't wish for this sort of thing. Monday in Game 4 against the Knicks, Boston star Jayson Tatum went down with a ruptured Achilles. He'll miss much of/most of/all of next season (the exact recovery is TBD, but even with modern surgery and treatment, it's a months-long recovery). So now Boston, a team that would have had major decisions to make even if they'd managed to repeat as champions, are looking at a potential down year without its star. So do you add the C's to the list of teams that could be active? On top of what Dallas does to reform its Cooper Flagg-having squad, or San Antonio leveraging it's gift of a 2nd pick to try and get Giannis? Will another Eastern Conference team smell opportunity and get super aggressive to try and try to take advantage of some weakness among traditional powers? All of this can impact the Lakers, who have some major improvements to make and could very well benefit from a very active summer around the league. More trades and more movement mean more opportunities for Rob Pelinka to do what's required. Meanwhile, we open the mailbag to answer a couple LeBron related questions. Could LeBron leave the Lakers to sign a low money deal with Cleveland or Golden State? And whether this summer or a couple summers from now, when LeBron finally walks away from the Lakers, how will he rank among Lakers greats? It's a different question than where he fits in among all time NBA greats. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Tatum Injury is the latest shakeup to the NBA offseason. SEGMENT 2: Is more offseason activity around the league better for the Lakers? SEGMENT 3: LeBron's place among Lakers greats. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Hungryroot With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUMonarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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...

The Lakers weren't part of Monday's NBA Draft Lottery, but they were definitely impacted by it. An already challenging Western Conference is set to get even harder, with the Dallas Mavericks overcoming incredibly long odds (1.8%) to win the top pick in this year's draft, otherwise known as the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes. This is a remarkable turn of events for a team far better equipped to compete and win than your typical lottery squad. And then the San Antonio Spurs, already on the rise with Victor Wembanyama and a host of draft capital, jumped six spots to #2, giving themselves yet another asset either to use or to trade. Perhaps as part of a Giannis deal? All of this is to say, the West just got even better. And it was already great. So the pressure for the Lakers to fill the cracks in the roster has increased. The landscape of the summer could be changed, completely. Are teams active, if it really does look like Giannis is ready to go? Or does action shut down and potentially limit how the Lakers can do business? What about Daniel Gafford? There were already rumors the Mavs would move him, because soon he'll be in line for a big pay raise. How does landing Flagg impact decisions like that one? And how does all of this fit into the Austin Reaves discussion? If nothing else, it emphasizes that everyone not named Luka or with a no-trade clause (i.e. LeBron) has to be on the table. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: WAS IT A CONSPIRACY? SEGMENT 2: The West got harder, meaning Rob Pelinka's job got harder, too. SEGMENT 3: Should AR be on the table? (The money question.) Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Hungryroot With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUMonarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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...

The Lakers have a lot of thinking to do this offseason about how to improve the roster. In theory, the idea would be to fill in areas of need—starting with center but not ending there—around the core of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. But the challenge comes in getting players good enough to meaningfully improve the team without having to give up ... well, it's not going to be Luka, and they can't trade LeBron. So is Austin Reaves on the trade block? Should he be? After all, he's coming off a horrendous playoff series against Minnesota where he was, relative to expectations and need, the most significant underperformer on the team. There's an argument to be made (one that's been made by some) that the postseason revealed lasting shortcomings for Reaves as an individual, and more broadly for the Reaves/Dončić defensive combination, in the playoffs specifically. What makes it complicated? Reaves was really good this year. He was one of only 12 players to average more than 20 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He's improved every year, and is still not fully in his prime. And in the regular season, the two-man combo with him and Luka was well above water (+6.5 net rating). So the idea that he has to go? Maybe that's extreme. But the idea he could go? It would be dereliction of duty not to consider it for the right players. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is it time to trade Reaves? SEGMENT 2: What works, what doesn't? SEGMENT 3: What's the upside? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Hungryroot With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. drd.sh/qnAXuUMonarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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...