Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

It was a big day for LeBron James news on Tuesday. First, James paid off the gigantic tease of the next big "Decision" he'd be making. And, as most of us suspected, it was in fact part of an ad campaign. 

But -- TWIST! -- instead of it being for Amazon Prime (Prime Day started Tuesday) it was actually for Hennessy. So LeBron chooses cognac! And in the process, got a lot of eye rolls from people who thought maybe bigger news was coming, or found the ad itself to be corny... which it kinda was because most things LeBron does now are goofy/corny in a dad humor sort of way. That happens when you're 40. 

But more importantly, the Lakers might be choosing to keep him out of preseason games entirely, with the hope he's ready to go, fully healed from the nerve irritation in his glute, by the start of the regular season. It would be a downer for James not to get any floor time with the team before the 21st, because it would significantly impact the ability to build chemistry. But more importantly, it indicates this pain in the butt might be more than just training camp caution. 

Meanwhile, Marcus Smart was on the floor Tuesday (great, great news) and very quickly showed what he brings. 

Finally, there's some movement in the Giannis Watch! part of the NBA world. Shams over at ESPN reports that if he asks out of Milwaukee, it'll be with New York as a preferred destination. Given how unlikely it seems that Nikola Jokic will leave Denver when his contract is up, this news would put a serious damper on any big plans for the summer of '27. So how does this alter LA's plans? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: LeBron chooses cognac! 

SEGMENT 2: LeBron might not play this preseason. 

SEGMENT 3: Giannis watch and how it impacts the Lakers. 

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The Lakers have lost their first two preseason games. More significant than the scores, though, are the names in the box score. Luka Dončić and LeBron James both sat out the weekend's games, as did Marcus Smart. Maxi Kleber has also been in street clothes, and Austin Reaves missed the second game after playing well in the preseason opener. 

No question, there are reasonable explanations for all of it. Luka played deep into Eurobasket (and has been on the practice floor through the first week). LeBron has been nursing a sore glute and noted heading into camp that he and his camp think LeBron went a little too hard in the preseason last year. Smart has an Achilles problem, so caution is warranted. And so on. 

But at the same time, if the Lakers are going to eat up the gap between them and the teams in front of them (or at least perceived to be in front of them) out West, they need to maximize their upside. That starts with getting as many reps as possible in training camp. That's not happening. 

So is it by choice? Are the Lakers re-starting what had become a trend of kinda blowing off training camp? What could that mean going forward? 

Meanwhile, LeBron got everyone's attention Monday when he teased "#TheSecondDecision."  A "decision of all decisions." 

Is he teasing a retirement announcement? Is he shilling for Amazon (Tuesday is Prime Day)? We'll all find out at 9 am PT. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Are the Lakers missing out on preseason opportunities? 

SEGMENT 2: Strategy or necessity? 

SEGMENT 3: What's LeBron teasing? 

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Overall, JJ Redick was happier with the effort in Sunday's 111-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco than he was with the preseason opening loss to Phoenix on Friday. 

And again, the Lakers were missing frontline players - this time, Luka Dončić and LeBron James sat again, and were joined by Friday's star Austin Reaves. Still no Marcus Smart or Adou Thiero. So not only were they short on talent compared to the Warriors, who played starters (at least in the first half), they were playing some combinations that likely won't be seen in the regular season, with people playing roles they won't likely play. 

On the positive side (at least if you exclude an abysmal third quarter), the Lakers got very good performances from Jarred Vanderbilt, who continues to move like the version of the guy they acquired a couple years ago. He was disruptive defensively, active on the boards, and -- by his standards especially -- was pretty effective finishing on offense, including drawing and and-one, and what appeared to be some sort of Eurostep. Vincent hit 3-7 from beyond the arc, and all five of his free throws. Deandre Ayton didn't get off to a great start, but played much better as the first half went along, getting more aggressive in the pick and roll, getting on the glass and pretty consistently changing shots in the paint, defensively. 

So there are things to be encouraged by. 

The Lakers get a week of practices before their next game (Sunday at home against the Warriors). Redick is hoping to get a couple of dress rehearsals before the end of the preseason, so everyone will be monitoring whether LeBron gets on the floor this week, and puts himself in position to play in Sunday's game. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Lakers lose Sunday in San Francisco. 

SEGMENT 2: Vando and Vincent look good! 

SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers get their dress rehearsals? 

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The Lakers opened the preseason without a lot of rotation players in uniform (no Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent), and it certainly looked liked they missed them. 

While there were some good individual performances, as a group the Lakes were sloppy and couldn't make a bucket to save their lives (31 percent overall, 17 percent from downtown), losing to Phoenix 103-81. Austin Reaves played will in his minutes, with 20 points, three rebounds and two dimes. Rui Hachimura was active defensively and was second among starters with 11 points, but he was also 3-12 from the floor. Deandre Ayton? Eight rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes... but also only one point and two shots, overall. Jarred Vanderbilt definitely looked mobile and active, which is great, but also didn't have a field goal in four tries. Dalton Knecht? 2-10. Bronny James? 1-12! 

Jake LaRavia played a nice game, as did the bulked up Jaxson Hayes. 

But overall, this was a disjointed team effort. Nothing to sweat so early in the preseason, with so many important players out of the lineup, but surely JJ Redick will want something a little better on Sunday. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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It's been a mantra for JJ Redick since the Lakers lost Game 5 against the Timberwolves in the first round of last year's playoffs—everyone needs to come back with championship level fitness. 

At the time, while people certainly applied it to the team at large, it was also seen as a message for Luka Dončić. To whatever extent it was, it's pretty clear Luka took the message to heart, given what he did with his body this offseason. But the Summer of Luka hasn't done anything to change Redick's emphasis on fitness as the Lakers have entered training camp. Wednesday's practice ended with a bleep-ton of sprinting. 

But the fitness kick isn't cosmetic. The Lakers have lost a lot of games, particularly playoff games, late in fourth quarters over the last couple of years. That's physical fatigue, potentially, but it's also mental. Defensive communication gets less robust, decision-making and execution suffer offensively. The Lakers aren't going to build more depth than the Thunder, or likely the Nuggets. They are an upper tier team in the West, but need to find any edge they can. Any way possible to boost their ceiling. That can be fitness, and the ability to execute through fatigue. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers are kicking off the preseason slate of games tonight out in the desert against the Suns. 

LeBron James and Marcus Smart won't play, but there will still be plenty to watch. How fast do the Lakers get into their offense? How well do guys chasing rotation roles (say... Dalton Knecht) play? What about the Lakers debut of Jake LaRavia? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: JJ keeps emphasizing fitness. 

SEGMENT 2: Why fitness is such a critical point. 

SEGMENT 3: What to watch for in tonight's preseason opener vs. Phoenix. 

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The Lakers open the preseason on Friday, and while there are plenty of issues to work out, and plenty of time to do it, it's not too early to get a feel for what the rotation could look like. 

Luka Dončić and LeBron James (who won't play Friday, but was doing individual drills on Wednesday) give the Lakers a ton of flexibility, based on having guard skills in forward bodies. Austin Reaves provides obvious guard skills as well. So that means JJ Redick can deploy his other assets creatively. Asked about the guard rotation Wednesday, there were two notable things -- first, he included Jake LaRavia in that group. LaRavia has played some shooting guard, but generally is seen as a forward. And then he didn't mention Dalton Knecht. 

That indicates Knecht has some work to do before he can crack the regular rotation, and it probably means the Lakers have real plans for LaRavia, even if it's smart not to get too hung up on positional designations. 

It also leaves a lot of room for frontcourt guys to have rotation minutes, especially Jarred Vanderbilt. Vando has been in and out of the lineup for the last couple of seasons, and has had very little opportunity to develop consistency in his play. Given the amount of energy and physicality he plays with, Vanderbilt really needs good health to perform. Right now, he has it. Vando talked about it on Media Day, Redick noted it Wednesday after practice. 

So what does a healthy Vanderbilt mean for the Lakers? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Injury updates: LeBron does individual drills, Vincent is back, Kleber is hurt. 

SEGMENT 2: Where do LaRavia and Knecht fit into the guard rotation? 

SEGMENT 3: Vanderbilt! 

5-Hour ENERGY
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After a really fun first day of school (Media Day) the Lakers got down to work on Tuesday, and some of the shine came off the apple fairly quickly. 

Why? Health. 

First, LeBron James sat out with what JJ Redick described as "a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute." It's something the Lakers are obviously going to be careful with, and that could keep James on the sidelines for the full slate of preseason games as the Lakers work him through a "little bit longer" ramp up to the regular season opener on October 21st. The Lakers were likely to treat James carefully anyway through training camp, given his always high level of fitness and the fact he's entering his 23rd season. There is no indication yet he's in danger of missing the start of the regular season. 

Nevertheless, Lakers fans are going to be nervous about this, and it's totally reasonable. 

The vibes with Marcus Smart aren't too much better. He isn't practicing yet because of tendinopathy in his left Achilles, an ailment that if nothing else sounds kinda scary. Gabe Vincent is nursing knee soreness, and likely won't be cleared until next week. 

So are the Lakers in the danger zone yet? Hardly. But it's always better to start with everyone on the floor, and they can't do that. 

One guy who is playing? Deandre Ayton, who was frank and highly self-aware in his time talking to the media Monday. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron dinged up to start camp. 

SEGMENT 2: Smart sore, as well. 

SEGMENT 3: Deandre Ayton knows the stakes. 

5-Hour ENERGY
Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. 

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Monday was the official start of the 2025-26 Lakers season, as Media Day hit El Segundo. 

It was a low key, mellow affair, with no drama to speak of, and little news to be made. This is a good thing, of course. Luka Dončić came to camp with a new contract in hand, and had very little to say that hadn't been said already. LeBron James put to bed any sense of dissatisfaction, showing serious enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming season, even while avoiding (no surprise) any firm commitments about what his future holds. 

Rui Hachimura? No grumbling about starting vs. coming off the bench. Same with Marcus Smart. Deandre Ayton made it clear he fully understands and appreciates the stakes of this season. Will he follow through? We'll see, but early returns are positive. Austin Reaves? Ready to go. Bronny? Happy with his growth, and looking forward to more. Jaxson Hayes put on 20 pounds of muscle, which probably can't hurt. 

And so on and so forth. 

If you watched it on TV, you probably learned that JJ Redick has a performance coach. 

All in all, it was the sort of first day at school the team would have wanted. Something less interesting for us media types is ideal for the organization itself. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka's ready, LeBron is excited. 
SEGMENT 2: Ayton understands what's at stake. 
SEGMENT 3: Opportunities abound. 

5-Hour ENERGY
Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. 

Peloton
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Monarch Money
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It's finally here, people! The 2025-26 season for the LA Lakers kicks off today with Media Day. In less than a week, the Lakers will be playing preseason games. 

And while they don't open as favorites in the West, the Lakers definitely do open with the expectation of being very good, and should be a fun team to watch. It is, in the eyes of many, the true beginning of the Luka Dončić era in Los Angeles. It's his first Media Day in a Lakers uniform, his first time taking the photos and taping all the goofy stuff they play on the Jumbotron. 

There are critical questions about JJ Redick, entering his second season. What has he learned? How can he improve, especially given the contract extension granted him by the Lakers in the offseason. 

What about LeBron James? Will he put at least some of the speculation to bed, insofar as it pertains to his relationship with the Lakers and his excitement for the season? 

And, of course, there will be questions for Rui Hachimura about his future in Los Angeles. Right now, he's on an expiring deal. Asked about it last week, Rob Pelinka implied that the Lakers and Hachimura might be working on an extension. But then again, they might not. And signing him creates some complications. But one thing is definitely true: The Lakers like Rui, and love how he's developed as a Laker. Whether that translates to a long term future here, or a resolution to his future that comes before next offseason, remains to be seen. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Training camp opens today! 

SEGMENT 2: Big questions for the Lakers, including JJ and LeBron. 

SEGMENT 3: What about Rui? 

5-Hour ENERGY
Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. 

Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.
 

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.comto get started

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It's time for another episode of the NBA Squad! Today we are breaking down the Houston Rockets' nightmare Fred VanVleet injury, what we want to see from NBA Media Days, whether or not the Oklahoma City Thunder can take another step up and more!

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