Lakers Lounge

Anthony brought back one of the more popular segments from while Pete and he hosted Locked on Lakers together. They also jumped into the LeBron-Luka conversation. But really, orca facts.

After discussing how important Luka and LeBron operating together will be for next year, the guys discuss what kinds of sets or combinations they'd like to see.

One of our favorite guests stops by in this episode, as Kirk Henderson (Mavs Moneyball, Pod Maverick) checks in to talk about Luka Doncic's offseason. Is this body transformation actually different than past summers? The guys also talk about the Luka-Kyrie Irving combination and whether that willingness to make that work can extend to LeBron James. They wander around a little and then discuss the Mavericks as potential contenders.

One popular response to Luka Doncic's body transformation from Mavericks fans who've paid closer attention to his career than Lakers fans has been: "He always does this. He slims down in the summer than gains weight during the season." Anthony poses this take to Kirk, who explains why it holds some truth but does think this is a little different than years past.

Anthony asks Kirk about the process of getting Luka and Kyrie to work together and whether that can extend to Luka and LeBron compounding their strengths next season. They then discuss the Mavericks as a contender next season, which leads to a comparison of Italian and Mexican food.

Anthony tried out a new format for this episode. Seeing as so many people have their thoughts on who the Lakers' fifth starter should be, he figured he'd harness that and use some of the better takes he saw in a tweet he sent on the matter. This led to a really fun, multi-faceted and fair conversation on the matter. We'll be doing this again.

It most likely comes down to two guys for the final starting gig. Anthony has a preference but there is definitely a case to be made for either. Let's hash it out together.

One concept lobbed out there as an option for the Lakers' starters was a variable group where, on some nights, Smart starts against a team with a perimeter-oriented primary creator and, on others, Rui starts to match up with a different kind of team. Anthony explains why he likes the idea in theory, but why it likely won't happen. He then gets interrupted by Myles and wraps with a couple questions from the live audience.

Anthony opens all the various mailbags to answers your questions. First, though, he updates the Luka Doncic injury situation after he gave us all a scare over the weekend. Listeners asked about Rui sacrificing in a contract year, Luka's next co-star and plenty more.

Having to worry about injury scares in August just seems kind of mean, doesn't it? Anthony updates you on the situation and answers a mailbag question about whether the Lakers can step in to keep their superstar safe. It's not going to happen.