Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers didn't have a first round pick in this year's NBA Draft, but they did enter Thursday's Day 2 with the 55th pick. One they managed to red paper clip their way—with the benefit of a little cash‚up to the 45th selection, and then with one more trade, up to 36. There, they selected Arkansas forward Adou Thiero, a 6'8" (6'6.25" at the Combine) wing with top level athleticism and an insane motor. He lacks offensive polish, but at that stage of the Draft represents an excellent gamble. If he's able to develop enough of an offensive game, Thiero will fill a major need on the roster, namely athleticism and defense. Moreover, the Lakers were solid in their process here, using the tool they had available (money) to get a player they wanted with a skill set they lacked. Were he a fully polished player, Thiero wouldn't have been available this late in the Draft. But there are reasons to believe he's got potential to improve as a shooter. We break it down with special guest Claire de Lune, who does outstanding work covering the NBA for The Guardian. Where do the Lakers go from here? How hard will it be to build a team that can compete in a brutal Western Conference? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers trade up, get wing from Arkansas. SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers pick up a C? SEGMENT 3: Competing in a brutal Western Conference. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 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. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba 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/lockedonnba 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 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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 were (no surprise) quiet on the first night of the NBA Draft. They didn't have a pick, and didn't have much leeway to acquire one. Meanwhile, few players switched teams (with one very notable exception), so there weren't many opportunities for the Lakers to sneak into another team's deal. So what happens now? Especially since one thing is clear: Centers are once again VERY highly valued around the league. With that in mind, would it be smart to pivot to different needs? Perhaps on the wing? Miami's Andrew Wiggins can be had, reportedly. HOSTS: Brian Kamenetzky with Guest Anthony Irwin! SEGMENT 1: What happened on the first night of the NBA Draft? SEGMENT 2: Centers are valuable again. SEGMENT 3: How about Andrew Wiggins? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 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. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba 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/lockedonnba 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 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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)

On Monday, the NBA's offseason center market got an interesting piece of news, when Dallas center Daniel Gafford signed a three-year extension that didn't make him trade-ineligible this offseason. Good news for the Lakers! More good news, potentially, on Tuesday when the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks. What does that have to do with the Lakers? Well, it makes it a lot less likely that Atlanta will bring back free agent center Clint Capela, who is without a doubt the most appealing option for the Lakers who could be had—maybe—for the taxpayer mid-level exception of about $6 million a year. That's the most the Lakers can offer any free agent. Will it be enough to get Capela? It might not be. The market still has some speaking to do. The trade has smaller ripple effects, too, as now it seems more likely that the Celtics bring back one or both of Al Horford and Luke Kornet, two centers with different skill sets that would have some appeal on the open market. In a supply-and-demand type environment, the Lakers benefit from more guys in the market. It would help, too, if there were fewer teams with real demand. Unfortunately, centers are coming back into vogue. Finally, Luka's gettin' skinny. This isn't just internet tea leaf reading, but actual reporting from real live reporters. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Capela more available now? SEGMENT 2: Is Capela good enough? SEGMENT 3: Skinny Luka! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 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. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba 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/lockedonnba 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 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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)

Mavericks center Daniel Gafford signed an extension with Dallas on Monday afternoon. Initially, reporting had the contract worth about $60 million over three years, which because of the totally arcane CBA rules would have made Gafford ineligible to be traded for six months. Bad for the Lakers, because it pulls a realistic center target off the market, and raises the price for everyone else. Then, more news. Turns out that deal is worth about $54 million over three years. And the difference means that Gafford doesn't have any trade protection and can be moved anytime. While this could raise the price for Gafford a little (the risk of losing him as a free agent next summer would mitigate his value, just as it does Austin Reaves for the Lakers) it also makes him a more appealing target. Were the Lakers to swing a deal, they'd have cost certainty for a 26-year old with some marketable skills, at a position of incredible need. Moreover, it helps keep the price for a player like Brooklyn's Nic Claxton a little lower, because the Nets don't totally have the market cornered. And what about Deandre Ayton? Would Portland move him... and would he be worth a flier for the Lakers? (It wouldn't come cheap.) Meanwhile, LeBron James is back on the floor working out - a good sign for next year - and Alex Caruso is telling the haters to eff off. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Daniel Gafford signs an extension. Good deal for LA? SEGMENT 2: Gafford or Claxton (or Ayton)? SEGMENT 3: Caruso has another ring, LeBron is working out. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 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. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba 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/lockedonnba 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 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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)

Life didn't get any easier for the Lakers on Sunday. First, the Oklahoma City Thunder won an NBA title, after winning 68 games in the regular season. While they caught a break with Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton's horrific injury in the first half of Game 7, making it easier to pull ahead in the second half to gain and maintain a lead, it's also very likely that the Thunder are not done improving. That knocking them off will be harder next season, given their assets and a young core that should keep ascending (especially players like Chet Holmgren and Jaylen Williams). And now that Kevin Durant has been sent to Houston in exchange for... nothing that should make the Rockets notably worse, even getting to the Thunder is going to be harder. Houston, a two-seed this year, solved their greatest playoff weakness (scoring) by acquiring Durant and sending out Jalen Green while keeping all of the young players they covet (Amen Thompson, Alperin Segun, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith, Reed Sheppard) and their most valuable draft assets, as well. Meaning they have plenty of stuff available to continue getting better. The day was a reminder that nobody can punt away a season, because opportunities that seem enduring can be fleeting. Just as Boston and now Indiana, both of whom will enter next season with severely dampened championship hopes based on injuries to their stars. On the other hand, a calm and realistic understanding of where you are as a franchise is key, because "all in" moves for a team that's not good enough to make that investment? That can bury a franchise. It's why Miami ultimately never made a credible offer for Durant. So the Lakers remain in a tricky position. Clearly a quality team in a stacked Western Conference, but just as clearly with a gap between them and the best teams in the conference. They have plenty of incentives to improve, but few assets to make it happen. So what's the risk/reward equation? And did the way the Finals squads were coached reinforce the playoff mistakes of JJ Redick? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: KD to Houston. Life gets harder for the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: Context is key with trades in the NBA. SEGMENT 3: What did we learn? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 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. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba 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/lockedonnba 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 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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)...

So how much will this ownership change, from the Buss family to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, actually impact the Lakers? And just as importantly, when? Those are the big questions that are yet to be answered. But early indications, delivered by reliable folks like ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, say that for the time being, at least, things are going to look pretty similar. Jeanie Buss will remain in charge, Rob Pelinka's job is safe, and Walter intends to be deliberate about how he moves forward. Which makes sense. He didn't make sweeping changes when taking over the Dodgers, either. They have always been operated by process. How Jeanie fits in long term will be fascinating. Walter apparently is very comfortable with how she's handled the business and the brand. And if we're all being fair, it's hard to think of someone who's necessarily more qualified to keep doing this stuff than her. Nobody really is disputing, or is even concerned, about that stuff. What people care about is how the basketball side will work. And over time, you would expect to see things beefed up on that end. More investment in scouting, in coaching, in training, and all the other places where it has lagged. No matter what Jeanie's job title is. From there... how does Luka feel about all of this? Well, if his social posts mean anything... he's pretty happy! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What change is coming, and how fast? SEGMENT 2: Luka's on board! SEGMENT 3: Of course competence matters for the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

NBA mock draft madness! Who's the top pick and where will they land? Nick Angstadt and the Locked On NBA Squad dive into a thrilling mock draft, exploring potential picks and blockbuster trades. From the 76ers eyeing Ace Bailey to the Heat chasing Kevin Durant, every move is dissected. The hosts debate Bradley Beal's impact on the Phoenix Suns and analyze the Magic's bold trade for Desmond Bane. Will these roster shakeups redefine the NBA landscape? Tune in for heated debates on draft strategies, star player valuations, and the art of NBA team building. You won't want to miss the hosts' surprising takes on which moves could make or break a franchise's future. 0:00 Intro: Mock draft surprises and big trades 5:13 Where does the actual draft start? 13:16 Kevin Durant trade in mock draft 18:40 Analyzing the Nets' mock draft moves 27:21 Teams discuss their draft legacies 34:11 Breaking down specific mock draft picks 40:43 Evaluating the Desmond Bane trade to Orlando 47:22 Debating the Bradley Beal trade to Phoenix 54:37 Paolo Banchero's potential as Magic cornerstone

It's an end of an era. The Lakers will no longer have controlling ownership of the franchise held by the Buss family. What started in 1979 ended on Wednesday, with reports that the Buss children have agreed to sell majority interest in the team to Dodgers owner Mark Walter at a price that values the franchise at about $10-$12 million. It's a massive number, but is the deal unexpected? People have been talking about a potential sale for a long time, and Walter, who already owned about a quarter of the team and had right of first refusal should the team ever be put up for sale, has always been the expected successor. Even if people didn't expect it for a little while longer. So what happens to Jeanie Buss? Well for now, she keeps doing her job. And reports indicate Buss might be around for a while, even, continuing as governor for the franchise. We'll see, but that's the current plan. What about Rob Pelinka? In the short term, nothing. But he's likely feeling a bit uncomfortable. In the meantime, the Dodgers can't suddenly rewrite the rules of the CBA to let them flex their money muscles. But what they can do is start investing heavily in all the places the league allows. They can build out staffs, hire the best people, and make the Lakers a prized destination. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are being sold to Mark Walter. SEGMENT 2: What happens to Jeanie? To Rob? SEGMENT 3: What changes for the Lakers? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

Well, a quiet offseason isn't quiet anymore. Wednesday afternoon, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Buss family is selling most of its ownership stake to Dodgers owner Mark Walter at a price that values the franchise at about $10 billion. (The Athletic reports that number might rise to $12 billion.) It's a stunning development in some ways, somewhat foreseeable in others. And the end result—Walter takes ownership of the team—has been laid out for years, with him having right of first refusal should the family choose to sell. So over time, a ton of things will change. While the Lakers can't spend like the Dodgers (different sport, different CBA), those places where the team doesn't face a salary cap, it's reasonable to expect more dollars to flow. Coaching, scouting, front office personnel, medical staff, etc... this is all stuff where the Lakers can use unlimited cash to do what they want. And organizationally, it's reasonable to expect that (again, over time) the Lakers will start to look structurally and culturally more like the Dodgers. Which, again, is a good thing for fans. In the short term, things might look pretty similar. The family is keeping a 15% stake in the team. Jeanie Buss will remain governor. But make no mistake, this is a new era, and one that should benefit the Lakers in significant ways. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

The Lakers need a center. Everyone knows it. Getting one, however, won't be easy. Earlier in the week, we broke down the challenge of filling the hole through free agency. There aren't that many good centers on the market, and the Lakers can't offer all that much money. So that leaves the trade market. And there, the Lakers only have a few genuinely marketable assets. There's the first round pick they can offer, Dalton Knecht, and Austin Reaves. Could Reaves bring back a high end C? Are there any even kind of on the market where you feel sacrificing Reaves is worth it? All of this points to another truth: It's a trap for the Lakers to only focus their trade efforts on a center. They have other holes that need filling, and the priority should be getting the best players possible with the understanding that not everything can be fixed at once. Meanwhile, Tuesday was the 15th anniversary of LA's epic Game 7 Finals win over the Celtics. We take a look back. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Can the Lakers get a center in a trade? SEGMENT 2: Looking back at the 2010 Finals Game 7. SEGMENT 3: Are there any C's available that would be worth Reaves? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

There was no real expectation that the Lakers could make a play for Houston center Steven Adams. The Rockets didn't want him to get away, and certainly wouldn't let it happen for the slightly-less-than-$6 million a year the LA can offer. But when Adams re-upped with the Rockets for $39 mil over three years, it's possible the Lakers hoped that number would be a little less. If Adams is worth $13 mil a year, how much will someone pay for Atlanta free agent Clint Capela? Brook Lopez (who is not even that good a fit, but is still a good player)? Orlando's Mo Wagner, who in theory could be put on the market by the Magic following Orlando's trade for Desmond Bane? (Note: There are signs the Magic are trying to find ways to keep him.) Given the lack of quality options, even a career backup like Luke Kornet might end up drawing a ton of attention. Does this mean the Lakers will have to focus on the trade market if they want to acquire a starting caliber five? Meanwhile, on Monday, we focused on the ways in which the Bane trade might impact the perception of Austin Reaves's value around the league. Could he fetch a similar package? If that's the case, is it worth listening to offers? And from LA's perspective, if a decision is made to trade Reaves—and to be clear, there's no indication such a decision has been made—are the Lakers better off using AR to get that center, or focus primarily on draft assets that could be used in future trades? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How Steven Adams staying in Houston impacts the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: How can the Lakers approach the center market? SEGMENT 3: What's the best way to use Reaves, if the Lakers decide to trade him? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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 Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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 Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

Sunday began with the NBA's first blockbuster move of the offseason, as the Memphis Grizzlies sent guard Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and -- this is the big part -- four first round picks. That is a big haul for a player who is an excellent shooter and a high end contributor, but nonetheless has never made an All-Star team. So what's going on here? First of all, it shakes up the West. The first domino of the offseason often influences everything that comes next. Has Bane set the market for future deals this summer? How does this impact the Kevin Durant talks. And if Bane is worth four first rounders, at least to Orlando, what would Austin Reaves get if the Lakers put him on the market? Is he a four first-rounder guy? It's not that simple. Because markets aren't linear. Bane's value to Orlando—the NBA's worst 3-point shooting team last season—is different than how another team would value Reaves. Context rules in all NBA trades. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets re-signed center Steven Adams to a three-year deal at $13 million per. No surprise he stayed in Houston, no surprise he signed for more than the Lakers could afford. But what does this mean for someone like Clint Capela? Or even a deeper level free agent like Boston's Luke Kornet? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A blockbuster deal sends Desmond Bane to Orlando. SEGMENT 2: What does the trade mean for AR's value? SEGMENT 3: What happens next? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. 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 Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

One of the quiet underperformances of the playoffs for the Lakers was forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who essentially disappeared in five against the Timberwolves. One reason? He wasn't healthy, something confirmed on Thursday when it was reported that DFS underwent surgery to clean up a problematic left ankle. It's been bugging him for a while—he was banged up when the Lakers acquired him from Brooklyn—and the Lakers had to do some maintenance work just to get him through the season. Finney-Smith has a $15 million player option he can pick up for next season, something that shouldn't be impacted much by the news, since he's expected to be ready for training camp. But if he chooses to opt out, likely it's with the idea of re-signing with LA. But like a lot of players in the NBA's middle class, the 32-year old veteran needs to try and read how the new CBA will impact the market... which ain't easy. Meanwhile, one of the names that keeps popping up as a potential addition for the Lakers this summer is old friend Lonzo Ball, who returned to the court after 2-plus seasons on the sidelines. Ball played well (all things considered) with the Bulls, albeit with some restrictions on playing time. In theory, his defensive capabilities and length, along with secondary playmaking and (if he regains some form from before he was hurt) better-than-you-remember floor spacing would be beneficial. But what would you reasonably give up for him? Can't give up a first. Hard to give up Dalton Knecht. Could the Lakers put a deal together working one-on-one with the Bulls? Or would it take something bigger? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: DFS gets ankle surgery. SEGMENT 2: How does this impact the offseason? SEGMENT 3: Lonzo returns? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 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/qnAXuU Monarch 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 codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

Every offseason, Luka Dončić is subject to criticisms about his level of fitness. This offseason brings plenty of that, but in a new context. This is the first time that Luka can't shrug off the chatter by pointing at his numbers. He's coming off of, for him, a subpar season. The Dallas Mavericks essentially said he's a bad bet, not worth the risk that would come with signing him to an extension. It might be a little much to call it a "prove it" summer—he's still Luka Dončić—but it's an important one. And Luka knows it... and has been leveraging social media to make a point of his offseason work. The man is not new to this scene. He knows how it will be interpreted to continue posting workout pics, videos, and even shots of the food he's eating. None of this is accidental. All of it, hopefully, ends up being a giant middle finger to the Mavs for letting him go. Meanwhile, Indiana has taken a pretty surprising 2-1 lead over the Thunder, following its Game 3 win in Indianapolis. The Pacers are currently shocking the basketball world, but from the perspective of the Lakers and what needs to change for them to compete next year, it's abundantly clear that both of these teams have a level of athleticism up and down their rosters that dwarfs what the Lakers can muster. That's something Rob Pelinka needs to address this offseason. He can't turn LA into the Thunder by the fall, but he can make it a point to bump up the level of athleticism available to JJ Redick. It won't be easy, though. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka keeps posting workout content. SEGMENT 2: The context is different this summer for Luka. SEGMENT 3: The Lakers badly need athletes. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 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/qnAXuU Monarch 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 codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

Tuesday, we talked a lot about the possibility—remote as it may be—that the Lakers could acquire Utah's Walker Kessler. It's a long shot first because there's no indication that while the Jazz might be willing to listen to offers for their young big, that they are actually interested in trading him. Second, the Lakers would struggle to put a package together that would appeal to Utah (without overpaying, at least). So what about other options? In Milwaukee, the perception is that Brook Lopez (former Laker) could be on the market, sooner rather than later. Still a good shot blocker, can definitely stretch the floor... but Lopez has never been a great rebounder and let's just say isn't the high flying rim runner Luka reportedly favors. Steven Adams? Again, fills some needs (rebounding, toughness, defense) without addressing many others. What about Atlanta vet Clint Capela, who is believed to be on the move this summer? He's a guy who seems to come as close as anyone will to ticking multiple boxes for LA... but will his market be higher than a taxpayer mid-level? Because that's all the Lakers can offer. Finally, we open the mailbag to talk about LeBron and maintenance. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Brook Lopez? SEGMENT 2: Ok, what about Steven Adams? Clint Capela? SEGMENT 3: Keeping an eye on LeBron. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 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/qnAXuU Monarch 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 codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

The Lakers badly need a center. Everyone knows it. Walker Kessler is a very good young pivot who rebounds, can catch a lob and has fantastic defensive metrics. He's the kind of player a team could build around. Buuuuuuuuut, reports out of Utah say they're listening to everything this offseason. Some guys (Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, John Collins) might be available, but someone like Kessler? For the right deal, they'd listen. Of course, the "right" deal in this context would mean the proverbial Godfather offer. Something Utah can't refuse. Can the Lakers even assemble a deal like that, whether for Kessler or anyone else? It's the bind LA is in. The best they could do would be Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura a pick and some swaps. That's obviously more than you'd want to give up for Kessler, but the question becomes relevant when trying to figure out how the Lakers compete with other teams putting together their best offer. The Lakers and Utah would be interesting trade partners, and if they're trying to get better (as the Lakers are) Reaves could be a fit. But then again, if they're trying to win, why would Utah trade Kessler? And if they're not trying to win and decide to continue stockpiling assets, then Reaves feels less logical, given that he's already 27 and about to get paid. LA's biggest trade chip is Reaves, but he might not have a universal market. It's tricky! So if the Lakers can't get Kessler, and they likely can't, there's a good chance they have to settle for a player that doesn't tick all the boxes. If that's the case, which boxes are most important? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Walker Kessler is available... but not really. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a "Godfather Offer" to make for him, or anyone else? SEGMENT 3: What qualities matter most in a C? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 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/qnAXuU Monarch 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 codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

The Lakers have some work to do this summer to improve the team enough to realistically compete for a title, but multiple reports indicate that might not be so easy. Why? Not just because the price for certain players (namely centers) might be steep, but because the rest of the league might be in the mood to punish them for being gifted Luka Dončić at the trade deadline. The Athletic's Jovan Buha (among others) reports that the "Lakers Tax" might be in play this offseason, as teams are at the very least sensitive to the idea of making a team that was just gifted Luka Doncic better. So if the Lakers want Daniel Gafford, the Mavs might insist not just on Dalton Knecht, but also a first rounder (and balancing salary). That's a lot for a guy who has never been able to establish himself as a starting center in the NBA. Plus, the Lakers are going to have to pay him next offseason. Do they like him that much? Broadly, how much can/should the Lakers overpay for a center, if at all? Are they in position to overpay at all? Meanwhile, Giannis is reportedly staying in Milwaukee. How does that impact the Lakers? Plus, we open the mailbag to talk LeBron. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers and Daniel Gafford. Is an overpay coming? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers overpay for anyone? SEGMENT 3: Giannis, trades and the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 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/qnAXuU Monarch 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 codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $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)

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)