Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic sat out of Tuesday's preseason loss to the Warriors in Las Vegas. Not because of any reported injury, even a minor one, but just for what JJ Redick described as a "night off." 

Ziaire Williams, Cam Carr, and Collin Sexton were among the other players not in uniform. 

No question, the Lakers are incredibly conservative when it comes to injuries, and it also makes sense to be very careful in the preseason. Sexton, for example, is clearly dealing with something, given the length of his absence. (Redick expressed optimism that he'd be ready for the regular season, FWIW.) 

But when a healthy Luka sits in what was pretty likely a scheduled game off, are the Lakers missing out? They have a ton of new pieces, and a big need to get off to a good start, given the relative softness of the first 20 or so games vs. the post All-Star stretch. What is lost when players miss games, and practices? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

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Lakers fans have been waiting a while to see Walker Kessler in purple and gold following the massive offseason sign and trade that brought the giant center to LA. Tuesday in Vegas against the Golden State Warriors, they finally got their chance. 

And it's fair to say that the first impression was a very good one. 

Kessler had 11 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block in 16 minutes. He was a team-leading +15. Basically, he looked exactly like you'd hope. Rebounded effectively, was an obvious impediment to the Warriors around the rim, and showed opportunistic scoring off the pick and roll and on the glass. Very, very encouraging start. 

Austin Reaves, meanwhile, was cooking, with 28 points in only 25 minutes of play, to go along with seven assists. Seven turnovers, too, but Reaves was playing with an aggression and confidence that stood out even for a guy who normally has plenty of both qualities on display. Sandro Mamukelashvili continued his strong preseason, with 10/7/2 in 21 minutes off the bench. 

The other big performance for LA was the one that didn't happen: No Luka on the floor Tuesday. JJ Redick said it wasn't injury related, but given how cagey the Lakers are about these things, it certainly raised a little suspicion. And with guys like Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams and Cam Carr still out (Adou Thiero sat as well) the Lakers were a little shorthanded. 

Oh, they lost the game, but nobody really cares. 

Bottome line - Kessler and Reaves looked good. And should only look better with Luka. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Kessler back on the floor.

SEGMENT 2: Another good game for Mamu, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves shines. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

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The Lakers look like a team that should be pretty good, and have some balance and coherence to the roster construction. But everyone also knows the Lakers are, as currently constructed, a tick or two below the elite squads in the West. 

So what is their biggest need? ESPN says "starting caliber forwards," and explained thusly: 

"Look, there's going to be a little less positional certainty whenever LeBron departs. Rather than target a single replacement for the four-time MVP, the Lakers invested their resources into re-signing guard Austin Reaves, acquiring starting center Walker Kessler and compiling a grab-bag collection of unproven forwards with varying skill sets.

In his season tipoff news conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick said that both starting forward spots would be up for grabs. Redick's long list of options includes Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Adou Thiero.

Regardless of who wins the job, the Lakers will ask both forwards to function as high-activity defenders and auxiliary options in an offense led by Luka Doncic and Reaves. As the season unfolds, Redick will be in position to compensate for his lack of standout forwards by extending his rotation with a "quantity over quality" approach."

Big picture, it's a reasonable take. Most of the criticism around the roster construction, other than perhaps the price the Lakers paid for Kessler, was about the hole that was left on the wing. The whole Jonathan Kuminga storyline was founded in that understanding. But ultimately, the Lakers have chosen to take their time and try to fill it later in the season, or more likely in the summer with their exception. In the here and now, the preseason has shown how big a hold the Lakers have at backup center. And in terms of things they can more likely solve sooner rather than later, this one sticks out. 

So how you answer the question depends a little on the context and the timeline. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

PHOTO CREDIT: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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The Lakers entered the preseason with two starting spots theoretically up for grabs. (Though most people think one of those spots was always Quentin Grimes's to lose, and to this point, it doesn't seem that he has.) 

But that leaves one spot available. Who are the most prominent candidates? 

• Sandro Mamukelashvili
• Jake LaRavia
• Ziaire Williams
• Matisse Thybulle 
• Adou Thiero

The good news for JJ Redick is that all of these guys have had strong preseasons to this point. Williams has been hurt, but flashed the skill set that made him an early dark horse to win the gig. Thiero continues to show growth, and his absurd levels of athleticism. Thybulle's defensive reputation precedes him, while LaRavia has had a fantastic bounceback through three preseason games, after a terrible second half to last year. And Mamu has arguably been their best non-Luka player in the first three games. 

So what direction will Redick head? Which way should he go? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are still searching for the final starter. 

SEGMENT 2: Who gets eliminated from the list? 

SEGMENT 3: The case for Mamu, Williams and LaRavia. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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So there seems to be some reasonable optimism that Walker Kessler will be back on the floor soon, where he can make his Lakers debut. 

But what about Collin Sexton? 

The backup guard, expected to play a significant role off the bench as a playmaker, three-point shooter and bucket getter, is still on the sidelines, and has been described by JJ Redick as a little behind Kessler. The diagnosis is a somewhat vague "lower leg injury," so presumably something kneecap or below? On one of his two legs? 

For the Lakers, it's important to figure out how they're going to respond should Sexton miss real time, or in any instance where one of their three primary guards isn't available. 

One solution is to have Sandro Mamukelashvili handle as much work as possible. The Lakers certainly can put him in critical decision-making positions and have him use his court vision to their advantage. But there are certain things Mamu won't be able to do himself. So if they need more traditional guard skills, where do they turn? Bronny James is probably the most qualified member of the roster to step in there, but we've seen that he's not yet qualified to be a lead guard in high-leverage situations against first and second string NBA competition. 

So what do the Lakers do? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

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The Lakers have had some highlights this preseason, but one massive absence—literally and figuratively—has undercut some of the optimism. 

Walker Kessler jammed his left pinkie on the backboard early in the preseason, and has been limited since. He's missed all three of the team's preseason games. But this weekend, he was back on the floor, playing without restrictions (other than some tape on his fingers). Those bullish on Kessler's impact this season (including the hosts of this podcast) and his capacity to elevate the Lakers defense (especially via rebounding and rim protection) are excited to see what comes next. 

It also raises a significant question, one that has been somewhat answered in the preseason, with mixed results. What do the Lakers do when Kessler isn't on the floor? Whether the 15-18 minutes a night he's not playing while healthy, or the 48 minutes that open up in those games he's not available for? (Hopefully not too many of those.) 

We've seen in the preseason that the Lakers will struggle with rebounding and rim protection. Is there anything they can do to address those shortcomings? 

Plus, Collin Sexton isn't playing yet. The Lakers aren't giving up much info as to why. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Kessler to return soon? 

SEGMENT 2: What to do without Kessler

SEGMENT 3: No info on Sexton is... not exactly surprising. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

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)

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Luka Dončić is a tough nut to crack. He's not a basketball and global celebrity, but even more than a decade into his professional career is uncomfortable with fame. 

Still, he's the centerpiece of the NBA's crown jewel franchise, which has not been completely turned over to him. 

Doncic knows he needs to let people in a little, and has spent the offseason doing just that, as Chris Mannix reports for Sports Illustrated in a very good, highly insightful profile. Like his Lakers teammates and coach JJ Redick, Mannix went to see Luka in Slovenia, and profiled him there. That's been the mechanism for letting people in. 

The story details how Doncic is slow to let his guard down, but beloved once he does. His love for basketball is palpable, as is an increasing enthusiasm for golf. But more importantly, the story illustrates Luka's role in building this year's Lakers squad, and shaping the direction of the team. He talks about taking blame for last year's hamstring injury, which functionally ended LA's season. 

It's smart for Luka to open a window into his personality in the way he has. He's likely not going to change how he operates towards the media, so the work he did this summer is helpful for providing context that might not come through as much once the games begin. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

PHOTO CREDIT: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

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The Lakers still are waiting for the preseason debut of Walker Kessler, who sat out a third game with an injured finger. (FWIW, he in a halftime interview said it was fine, they're just being really, really cautious.) 

As for the guys who did play? 

Luka made it to the line nine times, and while he wasn't exactly hyper-efficient from the floor (6-16) he was playing with palpable joy and is very clearly ready to go. Austin Reaves made his preseason debut, and lived in the paint, piling up eight assists and five boards. Sandro Mamukelashvili finished with 19, along with four assists and continues to impress in the preseason. Jake LaRavia continues to build confidence after a terrible second half to last season. 

All in all, plenty to like in what finished as a 114-110 Lakers win. 

So what comes next? 

The Lakers don't play again until early next week, so it's very fair to start looking for Kessler on the floor between now and then. And Collin Sexton, who also hasn't played yet in the preseason. At some point, even more hearty fans will start to get nervous if some of these dudes don't play soon. Even if management says they're fine. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat Sacramento, but are still missing a few guys. 

SEGMENT 2: Reaves's preseason debut. 

SEGMENT 3: Mamu and LaRavia continue to impress. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

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)

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For Monday's big show, we talked with Lakers sideline reporter (and new Substacker) Mike Trudell about the big questions surrounding the team this year. What will the defense look like? Who is most poised to thrive in the new system? Which newcomers are you most excited about? 

And perhaps most importantly, how does the new architecture support the talents of headliners Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? 

Well, we're back with more questions, this time looking at where the Lakers stand relative to the competition in the Western Conference. Obviously they've had a lot of turnover, but so have the group of teams generally placed behind the Thunder and Spurs at the top of the conference. So are the Lakers, generally picked in that five or six slot, actually more of a three or a four? At least potentially? 

As good as the Rockets? 

A step above the Wolves? 

What about the Nuggets? 

Any surprises in there? 

How much does a bad Pacific Division help the Lakers? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Indeed
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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

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)

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The Lakers play their third preseason game of the very, very young season Thursday night, but already some signs are shining through, giving glimpses of what this team could look like over the course of the '26-'27 campaign. 

There's a lot to be excited about, and great storylines to follow. It starts with Luka Donćić, a perennial MVP candidate and arguably the league's most elite offensive weapon. There's Austin Reaves, trying to take the next step after being given a massive contract. All the new guys, from Grimes to Mamu to Kessler who form what is a new core for this team, the first time they've had a group of players under contract for a long time. 

The young guys, Cam Carr and Adou Thiero, have shown promise, and could fill a void the franchise has had for a while, in terms of player development. 

Who is the fifth starter? 

Which players are most likely to pop in their new roles? 

What about new ownership? What about current management? 

Joining us to break all of this down is Mike Trudell, the great Lakers sideline reporter, radio host and now the author of his own Substack. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Mike Trudell joins! 

SEGMENT 2: Starters and rotations! 

SEGMENT 3: Storylines you're most excited to see play out. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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