Lakers Talk with Mike Trudell and Chris McGee

Hour 2 started with Trudell and Geeter marveling about the Lakers' Coaching Staff.   Then, ESPN NBA Senior Writer Ben Golliver called on with his impressions around the league so far in the Preseason and another update on Ben's bird, Gelato!  And, Trudell thinks the Lakers are better than "we think."  Plus, the guys make a comparison to Manchester City to the LA Clippers.

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The Preseason is here!  Mike Trudell and Chris McGee looked back on the first 2 games for the Purple and Gold, as they think that we shouldn't "take much away" from the loss vs Golden State.  Plus, Luka Doncic looked good in his first game, which really encouraged the fellas.  Who will be in the rotation come Opening Night?  The guys discussed. And, Geeter has huge expectations for Walker Kessler

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Trudell and Geeter continue their Lakers Media Day breakdown, including audio from this afternoon with Cameron Carr. The guys discuss the importance of preseason, Sandro Mamukelashvili, player roles and the biggest takeaways from Media Day.

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Trudell and Geeter recap their experience at Lakers Media Day, featuring audio from this afternoon with Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler. Plus, the guys share their early impressions of the Lakers as the team heads into preseason.

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HOUR 2: Guest Ben Golliver

7:00

Trudell talks about Cameron Carr and how training and Summer League is going for him. Greg is excited about Carr and Thiero and watching where they will fit in.

7:15

Mike and Greg talk about how they think Kessler will perform in this upcoming season. Kessler hasn't played that much so Greg is excited to see what he can do this year. JJ said that Kessler is "one of the best centers in the NBA". The NBA put a list out today with Giannis at the top of the offensive players in the league and the guys can't wait to watch him in Miami. The Lakers gave up a lot for Walter Kessler but it should be a good fit since Luka has wanted a center for a long time.

7:30/7:45

Guest Ben Golliver joins the guys to discuss the Lakers' off-season moves. Ben discusses today's press conference and how Rob and JJ seem to have a full understanding of how to build a team around Luka Doncic. When Luka is not happy with something he tends to spiral. Ben thinks this will be a very exciting offensive team. The part that he is worried about is defense and key possessions. Can the new players fully support Austin and Luka on the defensive end? This is the first that Greg is hearing about Ben's bird Gelato. Trudell wants Ben to train Gelato to say his name so they can include it into his show opens.

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HOUR 1: Guest Dan Woike

6:00

We start off the show by discussing the recent passing of Lakers' arena announcer Lawrence Tanter yesterday. Mike tells stories about interacting with Lawrence before Lakers games at Staples Center. Rebecca also worked closely with Lawrence Tanter when he was the program director for KJAZZ radio. Greg and Mike talk about the distinguished and original nature of Lawrence's voice. He will be greatly missed.

6:15

Mike opens the segment by talking about JJ Redick's press conference. Mike talks about how Austin Reaves can carry the offense when Luka is off the court. Walter Kessler is described as a huge individual in person by Mike. A wing player needs defensive capabilities according to Trudell. He needs to be reliable on the little things in order to back up Austin and Luka.

6:30

Guest Dan Woike joins Trudell to talk Lakers and what was said/not said about LeBron James. They also talk about the five starting positions are available and open. There was an acknowledgement at the press conference that this is not currently a full roster. There are gaps open that will need to be filled in the future but it may take a while. Dan feels that they have less top-line talent than they used to and the way that they defend is taking so much energy.

6:45

Trudell talks about celebrity sightings at Lakers games: Flea; Will Ferrell; Dyan Cannon; etc. Greg says he sees Mookie Betts at almost every game. Rob Pelinka said that Luka is the world's best offensive player. Trudell compares Doncic and Jokic and their offensive outputs. Greg thinks Anthony Edwards can fit in with Doncic and Jokic with his offensive output.

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HOUR 2 - MIKE TRUDELL & CHRIS MCGEE (Guest Ben Golliver)

8:00

Mike and Geeter take callers who ask which Laker will be under the most pressure this season? They definitely think that Luka is the leader of this current team and will be under the most pressure. However, they feel Austin will be under big pressure because of the big amount of money he signed for. But he is a very competitive guy and will most likely rise to the occasion.

8:15

ESPN NBA Senior Writer Ben Golliver calls in to join the show. They start off talking about his bird named Gelato. They open up discussion again into Steve Ballmer and the LA Clippers. Ben tips his hat to Adam Silver. They think Leonard has to be really nervous with the Feds getting involved. They discuss the involvement of Uncle Dennis. Kawhi hasn't done anything in the playoffs in the past 5 years. This scandal may have damaged Kawhi more than we even thought.

8:30

The guys start off this segment with their Walter Kessler takes. Mike thinks the Lakers can build a good defense with him. We need someone to pressure the ball after losing Marcus Smart. Luka and Austin are great at elevating guys so Geeter thinks they will meld great together. Geeter is really excited about Walter Kessler; he was a need and a must for this team. The Lakers will be missing Rui Hachimura and who will step up in his absence -- maybe Mamu.

8:45

Deondre calls in to talk about being the first one kicked out of his NFL fantasy guillotine league. The Kansas City-Denver game is the one that brought him down. He discusses his picks with Mike and Geeter and they can't believe he got kicked out of the pool first. But someone always has to be the first. It came down to injuries and to Davante Adams not producing on Thursday during the Rams game.

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LAKERS TALK

HOUR 1 - MIKE TRUDELL & CHRIS MCGEE (Guest Mychal Thompson)

7:00

The guys start off discussing Norman Powell. Trudell wants Funches and Mason to give him a team that has better Vegas odds than the Lakers. OKC, Knicks, San Antonio, Denver, Philly, Boston, Minnesota, Miami, Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto all have better odds than the Lakers.

7:15

Trudell starts with the Clippers and Steve Ballmer and their statement about rejecting the NBA's findings. Chris says the first response was emotional and the second response was very PR-firm. Both were disappointed with the Clippers' responses. They discuss how they have been trying to teach their children the lesson of personal accountability.

7:30

Mychal Thompson forgets about his scheduled phone call so Mike calls him live on air. But he doesn't answer. Even though 10 minutes earlier he texted Mike a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" meme from his couch at home. They talk about what he is doing while avoiding their calls.

7:45

Mychal Thompson finally calls in to talk to the guys. He wants to discuss how the entire WNBA treats Caitlin Clark poorly. They talk about how fun she is to watch and how she is the best thing in the league. The WNBA has become so petty when it comes to their young stars. And also Team USA. Mychal guesses she will play in the WNBA for 15 years but will never win MVP. Mychal also talks about Ben Shelton and the US Open.

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Things get heated from the jump as Funches puts everyone to the test with a game on former Lakers head coaches. Greg Bergman joins the show to break down the Lakers and explain how he managed to miss his fantasy football draft in Trudell’s league. Then, Trudell and Geeter bring it home with their best Phil Jackson stories.

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Trudell and Geeter react to the Clippers’ punishments and break down why the Kawhi era in L.A. was a bust. Trevor Lane joins the show to preview the Lakers and what’s ahead this season. Finally, the guys react to Phil Jackson getting a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

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