Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

By signing Deandre Ayton, the Lakers didn't only fill in their hole at center in about the best way possible, they injected 15 or so points a night into a position that didn't offer it last year, following the trade of Anthony Davis. 

So with four very good offensive players in Luka, LeBron, Austin Reaves and Ayton, is there space for Rui Hachimura to play to his strengths? Will there be enough shots available for him? And meanwhile, if you're not getting offense out of him, what are you getting? He's not a good rebounder, he's not a good defender. So would a move to the bench help the Lakers, and help him? 

And if it happened, who would fill that spot in the starting lineup? 

Would it be Jake LaRavia? Jordan Goodwin? Jarred Vanderbilt? 

Someone who isn't on the team? 

What does this conversation say about the team's need to find more balance, whether talking more two way players, or at the least, fewer guys that are redundant at the same position. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT: Should Rui Hachimura come off the bench? 

SEGMENT 2: Who would start for him? 

SEGMENT 3: Could the Lakers explore a different way to fill their hole on the wing? 

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What things look like in the Mark Walter Era is of serious interest to Lakers fans. 

And for the time being, whatever the complete answer is, part of it includes Jeanie Buss in a front-facing role. Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that the agreement between Walter and Buss will keep Jeanie as the team's governor for at least five more seasons. Now, does that mean Jeanie is the ultimate shot caller? That she'll have the same level of power over the team's operations and structure as she does now? That the basketball operations (which, if we're all being honest, is the only part most fans care about) will look the same? 

We'll believe it when we see it. 

Were Walter to leave Buss in charge of everything, not only would it be different than how he handled the Dodgers, it would be different than any owner basically ever. Certainly any that just laid out billions to buy the team. 

Is feels more likely that Jeanie evolves into what functions more as a team president and CEO. But that doesn't mean there won't be decisions that can go over her head. 

Meanwhile, are the Lakers really holding off on making moves until next summer or the summer after? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Jeanie in charge for 5 more years? 

SEGMENT 2: What does that mean? 

SEGMENT 3: Is "the future plan" a good one?

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Deandre Ayton (and Jake LaRavia) met the local media for the first time on Tuesday afternoon in El Segundo, and not surprisingly, most of the attention was on LA's new starting center. 

The vibes around Ayton, who not that long ago was viewed as a potentially ascending star, has definitely soured. Not to a point where nobody wanted him when Portland chose to buy him out and cast him into free agency, but enough that he was seen as potentially damaged goods, and a negative player even for a Lakers roster that quite literally didn't have a center. 

Ayton indicated he's aware, and can only show that he cares, and that he wants to be part of a winning culture. The opportunity to be part of something like that -- led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James -- was a major reason he signed with the Lakers. Ayton says he understands the spotlight, can't hide from it, and doesn't want to. 

Obviously the proof will be in the pudding, but right now, there's no pudding to be in (so to speak). All he can do in July is say the right things and get to work in the facility, and in that sense he's off to a good start. 

LaRavia, meanwhile, comes with a chip on his shoulder, having been (in his mind at least) underestimated and undervalued by a pair of teams to this point, but also understands there's work to do establishing real value as an NBA player. He shot the three well last year, but needs more volume before he can truly call himself a high end shooter. 

So everyone seemed to arrive at the facility with some self-awareness. 

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the Summer Lakers wrapped up the California Classic. Did Dalton Knecht rebound and restore some confidence... if not in himself, in Lakers fans? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Ayton meets the media. 

SEGMENT 2: Saying the right stuff? 

SEGMENT 3: A successful finish to the California Classic? 

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Monday, we talked about the (reported) impending buyout in Phoenix for guard Bradley Beal, who would instantly become a highly sought prize on the free agent market. 

He was quickly linked to the Lakers, and not just because everyone is quickly linked to the Lakers. Beal would fill a big need as a bench scorer and playmaker, but is that something the Lakers need more than, say, De'Anthony Melton, who can hit some 3's and more importantly defend higher end guards? Or do the Lakers need a wing more than either one? 

We asked listeners to weigh in, and generally they preferred Melton over Beal. It makes a lot of sense, but would that be the right call? 

How do the Lakers prioritize better talent vs. roster needs? If they can fill a lesser need with a better player, is that better than the opposite? 

Meanwhile, the riddle of Jaxson Hayes and his no-trade clause—one that wasn't given to him by the Lakers as a favor, but was a function of him signing another one-year deal? Turns out he waived it, and that might explain why the Lakers are paying him a little more than the minimum this year. Here's more money in exchange for giving us the ability to move your contract if need be. It's also, likely, a favor to Hayes's agent Bill Duffy, who just happens to represent Deandre Ayton and (oh by the way) Luka Dončić. So while the extra cash for Hayes might be a little frustrating to Lakers fans, because it eats into their available cash through the Biannual Exception, this sort of relationship management is smart business. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Beal or Melton, Lakers fans weigh in. 

SEGMENT 2: The Hayes deal, clarified. 

SEGMENT 3: How to prioritize need vs. talent? 

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Things continue to get weird, and expensive, around the NBA for teams that want off of cumbersome contracts. Reports indicate the Phoenix Suns might just buy out pricey guard Bradley Beal, and then stretch his remaining salary to open up space to sign more productive players. 

Setting aside the wisdom of such a move, it would set off a frenzy around the league of teams trying to get Beal on a steep discount. Because while he's not worth the $50 mil he'll be paid this year, but at the $5 mil the Lakers could offer? Or the similar terms most teams could? He'd be a steal. Beal is still a guy who can put up 20 a night, is a good secondary ball handler and can space the floor. Can't defend much anymore, but he's still productive. 

So would he be a good fit for the Lakers? Better than, say, De'Anthony Melton, who isn't as high profile a player, but would he fill more specific needs for LA? 

Meanwhile, the California Classic is here, and this weekend the Lakers saw Dalton Knecht, Bronny James (in limited run) and others take the floor. The results? Pretty good for Bronny in limited burn Sunday.... and a couple clunkers from Knecht. And Saturday was worse. Low energy, flagging effort, especially defensively. 

Is it something to worry about? 

And finally, the LeBronversations around his future in LA continue. Is there actually any smoke, though? Let alone fire? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Bradley Beal on the move? 
SEGMENT 2: Would he be a good fit in LA? 
SEGMENT 3: Summer League! 

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The Lakers did something that felt fairly inevitable, if not super popular, on Thursday, re-signing free agent center Jaxson Hayes to a one year, minimum level contract. 

Is this a perfect outcome? No, and it would still be nice to improve over him as a backup to Deandre Ayton, particularly given Ayton's rather extensive injury history. But the Lakers have plenty of runway either to sign another player if they'd like (they can release Shake Milton to open up a spot) or use one of their expiring contracts to acquire a player. We'll see. 

Is Hayes the right guy for the job? You can certainly argue he performed well enough last year to earn the gig. And playing against backup, or even third string centers (remember, in some circumstances at least Maxi Kleber will get minutes), he's fine. It would be nice to do better, but the move likely means Al Horford is probably off the table. 

Meanwhile, what is going on with the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers? 

Is LeBron more inclined to leave, sooner rather than later? Even through a trade request? What happens if he makes one? What would that look like? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Hayes is back!

SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers done? 

SEGMENT 3: What's up with LeBron? 

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The Lakers have a center, and he's a pretty good one. Certainly a lot better than could reasonably have been hoped at the start of the offseason. Particularly at a tidy price of $8.3 million a year, for two years. On Wednesday, the Lakers agreed to terms with former Suns and Portland center Deandre Ayton, who was bought out by the Blazers over the weekend. 

Ayton comes with a lot of baggage, namely around health, motor and attention to detail, but is unquestionably productive. He's never averaged fewer than 10 rebounds a year, and has been a reliable source of 14-18 points a night. He's a viable lob threat, and an excellent pick and roll player. Defensively, Ayton isn't perfect, but is (when engaged) mobile on the perimeter, very solid on the defensive glass and with a 7'6" wingspan, can be a decent deterrent around the rim. 

So especially when you consider the Lakers surrendered nothing but (very below market) money to get him, Ayton represents as good an outcome as could be hoped for. Frankly, it's another example of a player just kind of landing in their laps, and taking advantage of it. But whatever. The Lakers have a significant upgrade at their biggest position of need, and still have tools to make some more modest improvements to the roster. 

All in all, a good day, one that should improve the mood around Laker Land and buy Rob Pelinka a little time to keep improving the team. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers sign Ayton. 

SEGMENT 2: How's the fit? 

SEGMENT 3: What's next? 

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He comes with baggage, yes, but new Lakers center Deandre Ayton also comes with production. 

In a down year last season with the Blazers, Ayton still averaged over 14 points and 10 rebounds a game. He's never averaged single digits on the boards in his career, and is a pretty reliable 14-18 point-a-night scorer. He's a lob threat. He's strong in the pick-and-roll, and he can hit the offensive glass. Paired with three great playmakers in Luka, LeBron and Austin Reaves there's a ton of potential for Ayton to get a lot of easy buckets. 

The questions of professionalism (a lack of it, specifically) and availability are real. They are important. But Ayton represents a massive upgrade at the center position over what the Lakers used following the Anthony Davis deal. 

With about $5 mil more to spend and some potential trade chips, the Lakers are likely not done reforming the roster. But already, they're better than the group that finished the year. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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After promising a flurry of activity heading into the offseason, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers have been very quiet over the first two days of free agency. They signed forward Jake LaRavia on Monday, and Tuesday came and went with zero changes to the roster. 

There are rumors, for sure. The Lakers are still connected to guard De'Anthony Melton, and (more importantly) centers Deandre Ayton and (in a new development) veteran Al Horford. Getting both would require someone, likely Horford, to leave money on the table, but it's growing increasingly more critical for the Lakers to land at least one of them. Certainly in terms of upside, and a skill set the Lakers need, Ayton fills the role better. But man alive, there are red flags. 

Horford, meanwhile, offers a higher floor and more predictability, but is that enough to move the needle for the Lakers, who have to make up ground on conference rivals? Plus, Horford, pushing 40, is coming off a down year. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: No movement on Tuesday. 

SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers really trying to make changes, or is the move to prioritize flexibility next offseason, or for '27? 

SEGMENT 3: Ayton or Horford? 

Monarch Money
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