Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have undergone a massive offseason roster transformation, with three (at most) holdovers from last season's rotation. Lots of new faces. More long-term deals than in recent memory. All in the name of maximizing Luka Dončić's prime.

How good should Lakers fans feel about their team heading into this season, as is? And how would fans feel about their team after one more trade, which, according to multiple reports, the Lakers want to make? Is it for Jonathan Kuminga? And if not, is there a Plan B possibility that would move the needle?

Andy breaks it all down with Khobi Price, who covers the Lakers for the California.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Khobi Price (California Post)

Segment 1: Roster overhaul

Segment 2: Pelinka has to be right about the offseason choices.

Segment 3: Kuminga or bust when it comes to any further moves?

Photo Credit:  Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Unless the Lakers can pull what's become a very tricky rabbit out of their proverbial hat and figure out a complicated deal for a high-profile forward, the offseason's roster rebuild is more or less done. Make no mistake. It's different... way, way different. Younger. Faster. More athletic. More balanced. Less collectively experienced. Entirely retooled around Luka Doncic. And not without many lingering questions.

Can Walker Kessler anchor the defense to become better than it appears on paper?

How quickly can this group jell?

Are there opportunities for unproven but intriguing players like Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero? And will JJ Redick let them learn on the job?

Photo Credit:  Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

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The Lakers have long needed more young players and promising wing defenders... and if possible, more young promising wing defenders. As such, it makes perfect sense that the Lakers inked a veteran's minimum deal with Ziaire Williams, a 24-year-old forward coming off a solid season with the Brooklyn Nets. At his best, Williams can provide strong defensive playmaking, reasonable defensive versatility, and made threes off open looks, all while operating at high energy. At his worst, Williams can fall prey to messing with an offense's flow while trying to show more shot-making than he's capable of.

Or, in the case of these Lakers, what's even needed of him.

Can Williams play to his strengths and become a star in his lane? Andy Kamenetzky breaks down the pluses and minuses with Erik Slater, the host of Locked On Nets, who also covers the team and the NBA at large for Clutch Points.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Erik Slater (Locked On Nets, Clutch Points)

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The Lakers have clearly been pondering the defensive issues that remained evident after their initial wave of new roster additions. Yes, Walker Kessler and, to a lesser but still tangible degree, Quentin Grimes can be helpful along these lines, but in particular, too many holes along the perimeter remained. Well, over the last two weeks, Ziaire Williams was first signed, and then on Monday, news broke that the Lakers brought two-time All-Defense member Matisse Thybulle aboard.

On the plus side, Thybulle can be an elite on-ball defender and defensive playmaker who also offers good three-point shooting. A true 3&D presence, which all teams covet. On the minus side, Thybulle gets hurt. A lot. Enough that he may have to play limited minutes or even games to keep him healthy come playoff time. This will require excellent planning by the coaching staff and excellent work by the training staff. Still, it's a veteran's minimum deal for a player with a high floor and an established calling card. At worst, it's no harm, no foul at the price, and with a lack of better options. At best, Thybulle provides a lot at a low cost.

Either way, he puts the Lakers' roster at 16 guaranteed players, and you can only carry 15. Someone's gotta go.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Segment 1: Matisse Thybulle's health issues, offensive improvement

Segment 2: Thybulle's defensive prowess

Segment 3: Someone has to get moved to make room for Thybulle

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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During the 2025-26 season, the Lakers' bench, to put it generously, lacked scoring punch. Some of this was the byproduct of continual injuries, which kept someone like Rui Hachimura, arguably best utilized as a three-level scoring sixth man, in the starting lineup more often than not. Some of this was the byproduct of someone like Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent (pre-trade) not being a reliable enough source of points when given the rock. Some of it was the byproduct of someone like Jaxson Hayes being effective around the rim, but with no real moves beyond a lob dunk.

All of it, however, became a difficult problem for the Lakers to negotiate.

This season, Collin Sexton should alleviate that problem. The combo guard has proven himself a certified bucket getter during his eight years in the league. Whether he can play good enough defense and, more importantly, make good enough decisions will be the difference between him being a valuable addition or one that takes as much as he gives.

To learn more about Sexton, Andy talked with David Locke (Locked On Jazz, Jazz radio broadcast team) to get the rundown on Sexton's strengths, weaknesses, and unpredictability.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest David Locke.

Photo Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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It cannot be overstated how much is riding on Walker Kessler's impending success and fit with the Lakers. It's not simply how much the team needs the skills the center brings, particularly on defense, where he's considered by many to be a budding All-Defense candidate. They also paid a handsome price (literally and asset-ally) to land Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz, who were not widely expected to let him leave. Two first-round picks. Two first-round swaps. Plus, four years, and $130M, all guaranteed, with a fourth-year player option.

In other words, the Lakers went all-in on a big man they've clearly coveted for a few years. If they're right, then a big piece for trying to maximize the Luka Doncic era has been solved. But if they're wrong.... whoo, boy. They could be in a spot of trouble and stuck with few outs to fix their mistake.

To talk more about Kessler's strengths, weaknesses, and mindset, Andy talked with David Locke (Locked On Jazz, and part of Utah's radio broadcast team). In particular, the question of how Kessler will handle the increased attention, stakes, and scrutiny of being a Laker was of great interest.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest David Locke

Segment 1: Kessler's defensive impact

Segment 2: Kessler's offensive skills

Segment 3: Kessler in a brighter spotlight

Photo Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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The Summer League Lakers are undefeated in Las Vegas, cemented by Thursday's 102-85 beatdown of the Chicago Bulls. Tournament play awaits, but in the bigger picture, could the stars of this team play actual roles with the big club? Who are the main characters in question?

First-round rookie Cameron Carr, whose three-level scoring, off-ball comfort, wingspan, and refined athleticism make him feel likely (if not probable) to be in next season's rotation.

Second-year player Adou Thiero, whose explosive strength is still in the raw stages, has increasingly played under better control while still overwhelming opponents on both ends of the floor.

Two-way contract holder Chris Mañon, whose offense hasn't quite caught up to last season's first-team All-Defense status with the G-League, but has shown more flashes.

G-League returnee Arthur Kaluma, who keeps making his case for a two-way deal of his own.

It's always wise to take the Summer League with a grain of salt... but getting excited over these standouts is understandable.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Jovan Buha

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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The Lakers, in need of more depth along the wing, have reportedly been in talks with both the Atlanta Hawks and free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga about a potential sign-and-trade for at least a few weeks. But he's apparently not the only target in mind. Marc Stein reported that Matisse Thybulle, who's been linked to the Lakers in the past, is also on their radar. Which one is more gettable? Who's a better fit? And what does newly ex-Laker LeBron James have to do with all of this?

Insights on these questions and more are provided by special guest Jovan Buha (Buha's Block, The Lakers Collective)

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Jovan Buha

Segment 1: What's the latest with the Kuminga talks, and is Matisse Thybulle a new target

Segment 2: Breaking down the new Lakers

Segment 3: More on the new guys

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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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)Mark Walter and Rob Pelinka's VISION for the Lakers, Luka. STRONG DIRECTION?  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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It's officially the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles, and not simply because the roster was completely revamped with a goal of building properly around him. (Successful mission? Time will tell.) Doncic is now the franchise face operating without LeBron James (and for these specific purposes, Marcus Smart) as a leadership presence and voice. He, along with Austin Reaves (clearly also considered a foundational piece), will need to grow even more as culture setters and examples for accountability, beyond just increasing their voices.

(JJ Redick, who's already established himself as excellent at coaxing buy-in from players, will need to hone that skill even more.)

What have Doncic and Reaves been like as leaders to this point? To discuss this and other topics, Mike Trudell (Lakers TV sideline reporter for Spectrum Sportsnet, ESPNLA 710) swings by to offer his insights as someone who travels with the team and sees the Lakers' two stars on a day-in, day-out basis.  

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Mike Trudell

Segment 1: What are Luka and Austin like as leaders?

Segment 2: The new roster

Segment 3: More on the new Lakers, plus JJ's ability to get buy-in.

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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)Mark Walter and Rob Pelinka's VISION for the Lakers, Luka. STRONG DIRECTION?  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 are now a year or so into the "Mark Walter era," which happens to coincide with the official start of "the Luka Doncic era." More than ever, all the decisions made about the roster and basketball will revolve around what's best for Luka. With all that in mind, what can be read into the offseason that includes...

A massive roster makeover...

New faces like Walker Kesler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Ziaire Williams...

Younger...

Potential offensive juggernaut...

Potential defensive vulnerabilities...

But more than anything else, it all reflects a new era for the Lakers as a franchise. To break down what it may all mean, Anthony Irwin (Lakers Lounge, Offsides app) swings by to offer thoughts.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Anthony Irwin

Segment 1: Is Rob truly running the show?

Segment 2: More front office decisions

Segment 3: The new guys!

Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Wayfair

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.

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FanDuel

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)Mark Walter and Rob Pelinka's VISION for the Lakers, Luka. STRONG DIRECTION?  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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