Lakers Lounge

This felt like a trap game going in. The Lakers made sure it wasn't going to be one with the way they played in the first. Anthony recaps the game and explains why he was fairly happy with how it played out, for the most part.

The Lakers have won seven straight. They're the two seed in the west. Luka, Austin and LeBron are potentially figuring out how to play basketball at a level offensively we haven't really seen very often (if ever) before. Yes, there are some questions about this team. Still, remember to stop and smell the roses from time to time, too.

The Lakers' starters have looked iffy in ways many predicted. So when can they be changed? Anthony and Pete discuss that, then list a few of their favorite parts of this season so far. They quickly preview tonight's game against AD and the Mavs, then answer some questions from the live audience.

Anthony draws a comparison between his golf game and the starters. It hasn't looked great in predictable ways. The guys discuss at what point they'd make a change and the risks of doing so.

The Lakers sit in the second seed in the west so clearly there's plenty to like. Anthony and Pete offer up a couple things they've particularly enjoyed, including: the beginnings of fourth quarters, hitting on their offseason gambles and the team's overall chemistry.

The guys open the conversation up for a quick Q&A and listeners wanted to know about Rob Pelinka. Anthony and Pete explain that the Lakers PBO/GM is safe, even after the firings of both Buss brothers.

After a great conversation about name choice, Anthony and Harrison discuss the Lakers' ceiling as currently constructed, what it would be with one trade and what they're capable of if they have the perfect trade deadline/buyout season. The guys also discuss the Lakers' win over the Clippers and, honestly a whole bunch of other random stuff.

Yes, a song.

It's small sample size theater, but the numbers on the starting group are pretty damning. They're so bad that they're sinking the net rating on Luka/LeBron/Austin minutes completely, something that can't continue. The guys discuss the Lakers' ceiling now, then what it'd be with one realistic move.

If the Lakers are truly going to contend for a championship *this year* it's going to require a very successful (if not perfect) trade deadline and buyout season. Anthony and Harrison discuss what that would look like and the team's ceiling if Rob Pelinka was able to pull it off.