Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA Draft is Tuesday, and the Lakers will certainly have some big choices to make, whether they trade the pick or use it. And Tuesday also is a reminder of the incredible stakes that have been put on this season, not just by fans and media, but by Rob Pelinka and the front office. After all, he's been noting pretty consistently that this is the spot the Lakers hoped to be in, and that this summer is potentially transformative. 

That wasn't a vision meant only to placate Lakers fans, it was also one apparently delivered to Luka Dončić according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. And as a result, Team Luka also has high expectations. 

That doesn't mean they have to leap from this year's team to high end contention in the fall, but Luka (and fans) want to see progress. 

And if the Lakers raised the expectations of their star player, was it optimism or a CYA impulse that was driving the pitch? 

We'll unpack that and also explain how the Giannis deal impacts the Lakers. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky. 

5-Hour ENERGY

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In Monday's big episode with NBA/Lakers Draft expert Mike Garcia, we covered a lot of ground, including where things stand in the front office, how the Lakers are preparing (or aren't preparing) for this Draft and offseason, what qualities they ought to value, and more. 

In our bonus show with Mike, we unpack a few more things, starting with the question of whether the Lakers would be better off drafting for the capacity to play immediately (since they need more depth in the rotation right away) or the best player/talent available (because needs change pretty quickly). In theory, you could accomplish both at once, but at 25 the Lakers might need to choose. So if they do, which is more important? 

And then, we move past the first round into players the Lakers might want to pick up in the second (should they, as has been the case in the last few drafts, try to acquire or buy a 2nd rounder) or pick up as a UFA. 

Then, reaction! 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Mike Garcia! 

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Odoo

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Indeed

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In Monday's big show, we cover a ton of ground with Draft expert Mike Garcia (@canyondriver), a huge favorite among Lakers fans for his incredible Lakers-focused coverage. 

Mike not only walks us through his views on some of the players most frequently mocked to the Lakers at 25. Players like centers Tarris Reed Jr., Henri Veesaar and Zuby Ejiofor, and then another higher upside, higher risk player in Jayden Quaintance. But what about wings like Joshua Jefferson, a wing very high on Garcia's wish list? 

But more than that, how should the Lakers approach this draft? What are the qualities they should look at to figure out who has the best chance of developing into a quality NBA player, after missing big on their last two first rounders (Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht)? And do they even have the infrastructure in place to have a solid pre-draft process? Who is running the show, and what's missing from the architecture? 

Does it put them at a disadvantage? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Mike Garcia! 

SEGMENT 1: What makes a good Draft process? Are the Lakers ready? 

SEGMENT 2: What went wrong in the last two Drafts? Who should the Lakers target this year? 

SEGMENT 3: More names to watch. 

5-Hour ENERGY

Odoo

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Indeed

Gametime

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There's a lot of pressure on the Lakers to improve this offseason, and that process begins in earnest on Tuesday with the NBA Draft. The Lakers have the 25th pick, and after their last two first round selections (Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht) have not panned out, it's critical they get this pick right. 

What exactly does that mean? 

Should the Lakers go after the best available talent? A center? A player most capable of playing right away, even if the upside isn't quite as high? 

Lots of important questions, and stuff we cover with Tyler Metcalf, draft expert at No Ceilings, the folks responsible for the Locked On Draft Preview (which you should read!). We talk about all that and more, highlighting names at the center spot and along the wing. What does Metcalf think about our selection in the Locked On Mock Draft, Tarris Reed Jr.? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: What could be available at 25? 

SEGMENT 2: Talking centers! 

SEGMENT 3: How about the wing? Any 2nd rounders or UFAs to target? 

5-Hour ENERGY

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The Lakers have been pumping the importance of this offseason for a while, in part (one might argue) because they hoped to change the subject after a series of underwhelming trade windows. 

Well, now we're here and the hope was the Lakers would be filled with options, and the world would be their oyster. Things look a little more complicated than that, but nonetheless people expect big things. People including Luka Dončić, who on a podcast in Europe made a note of last year's failed season (they didn't win). It's big from a personnel standpoint, and from a fitness standpoint. It'll be very interesting to see how Luka attacks this offseason on that end, following the Summer of Luka and the new bar he's expected to meet. 

Luka also noted the type of players he likes -- centers that can jump/finish and shooters. No surprise there. 

Meanwhile, ESPN's Marc Spears reports that he's hearing LeBron is likely to return, and could bring a friend with him in former teammate Kevin Love. Would he be a good addition? 

Finally, could Trey Murphy III be more available than reported? 

5-Hour ENERGY

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The Lakers have been linked to Jazz center Walker Kessler in one way or another for a couple of seasons. None of it made a lot of sense, given that Kessler is young, good, fits Utah's timeline and was under contract. Meaning there was zero reason for the Jazz to trade him, and especially not to the Lakers. 

Now, though, Kessler is reaching restricted free agency, and it's time for Utah to have to pay up. 

Kessler has been extension eligible for a while, and no offer has come. And now, according to reports, he's upset by that. The Athletic notes that Kessler and the Jazz aren't exactly on the best of terms. "The 24-year-old ... was already known to be frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah." 

Dicey as dabbling into the waters of restricted free agency might be, the Lakers would almost certainly kick the tires on Kessler if they felt there was a reasonable chance he could end up in purple and gold. They'd likely have to overpay, and hope the Jazz don't match an offer sheet, but the prospect of adding a 24-year old with incredible defensive metrics would be a major temptation. 

Meanwhile, ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland that the Lakers and LeBron James are, and will continue, to negotiate ahead of the start of free agency next month. 

And finally, legendary voice Lawrence Tanter is stepping away from his duties after 43 years as the PA voice of the Lakers. The franchise is keeping him involved as a special advisor (which is a nice gesture). Congratulations to a true legend in Lakers basketball, and a genuinely good guy. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Kessler, eh? 

SEGMENT 2: Should the Lakers make an offer? 

SEGMENT 3: LeBron negotiations, and LT retires. 

5-Hour ENERGY

Odoo

Quo
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Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

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The Locked On Podcast Network is Celebrating it's 10th birthday, and to kick things off, we're bringing you our list of the 10 most impactful moments of the last 10 years. 

It includes a lot of hirings and firings, surprise resignations, critical trades and monumental signings. 

There are incredible highs, including a title during one of the most disruptive societal moments a great many of us have ever experienced, and a terrible tragedy that preceded it. 

All in all, it's been a very busy decade for the Lakers, one they finish in a place that fans hope has a ton of promise. 

Let us know what you think about our list. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

5-Hour ENERGY

Odoo

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Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

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It's generally believed that the Lakers want to bring back Austin Reaves, which is great because Austin Reavess wants to come back to the Lakers. And no question, beyond the mutual admiration, a lot of the speculation that returns Reaves to the Lakers has been built around the idea that when it comes down to it, the market for Reaves around the league just won't be that strong. There aren't that many teams with cap space, and among those that have it Reaves isn't a great fit. 

But what if that last part is wrong? There have been reports that teams like Brooklyn might make Reaves a very significant offer, and that other squads like Detroit and Atlanta could look to make something happen, too. The latter pair are intriguing because Reaves could theoretically go play there and still feel like winning is an option. 

And if Brooklyn drops a bag on him that's way larger than what the Lakers are willing to do? Maybe he talks himself into that. 

So in some ways, the Lakers need to be aware of A.R.'s preference to stay in LA, but they can't take it for granted. They can't lowball, or make it seem like he's got some sort of obligation, after being very much underpaid for the last few seasons. 

But what happens if a team comes at Reaves with a number that makes the Lakers too uncomfortable? Does that number exist? What happens next if it does? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

5-Hour ENERGY

Odoo

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI

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Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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The Knicks have knocked off the Spurs, putting an exclamation point for the ages on the 2025-26 NBA season. 

And with the conclusion of the year, it's time for a time honored tradition: drawing conclusions and trying to get some lessons about what you need to win a title in this league. Every year, it's easy to react to the team that just won, but is that the best approach? After all, New York becomes the eighth franchise in eight years to hoist the Larry O'Brien. So is there really one template that needs to be followed? 

That said, there ARE things to understand about what we saw, and what happens on the way to the Finals. 

As the NBA's offseason officially begins, the Lakers are now very much on the clock to try and pay off what has been promised to be a big and potentially transformational offseason. 

As they rebuild the thing, what's the model they should look at? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

5-Hour ENERGY

Odoo

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

KALSHI

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Gametime

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) 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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On Friday's big show, we spoke with Khobi Price of the California Post about the progress, or potential lack of progress, the Lakers have made replacing some of the front office personnel (think scouts) that are critical to the pre-draft process. And what about the infrastructure of basketball brains that fans have wanted to see built out in time for one of the most consequential offseasons in recent memory? We react to our conversation with Price, looking both at the process of building the organization for the long term while also trying to build out the team right now.

And then there's the Draft itself. How should the Lakers approach the 25th pick? Best player available regardless of position? The guy most likely to be ready for minutes right away? Longer term upside?

Can some combination of that be found at 25, anyway?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Photo credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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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) 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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