Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have some work to do this summer to improve the team enough to realistically compete for a title, but multiple reports indicate that might not be so easy. 

Why? Not just because the price for certain players (namely centers) might be steep, but because the rest of the league might be in the mood to punish them for being gifted Luka Dončić at the trade deadline. The Athletic's Jovan Buha (among others) reports that the "Lakers Tax" might be in play this offseason, as teams are at the very least sensitive to the idea of making a team that was just gifted Luka Doncic better. So if the Lakers want Daniel Gafford, the Mavs might insist not just on Dalton Knecht, but also a first rounder (and balancing salary). That's a lot for a guy who has never been able to establish himself as a starting center in the NBA. Plus, the Lakers are going to have to pay him next offseason. 

Do they like him that much? 

Broadly, how much can/should the Lakers overpay for a center, if at all? Are they in position to overpay at all? 

Meanwhile, Giannis is reportedly staying in Milwaukee. How does that impact the Lakers? Plus, we open the mailbag to talk LeBron. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers and Daniel Gafford. Is an overpay coming? 

SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers overpay for anyone? 

SEGMENT 3: Giannis, trades and the Lakers. 

OLIPOP
Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. 
 

WayFair
Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Door Dash
Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU

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

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many tried to sell this NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana as a clunker. Two small market teams without the league's biggest stars (even though it does have, you know, it's MVP). Well, Game 1 showed how much potential for sheer entertainment this series contains. 

A jumper from Tyrese Haliburton won the game for the Pacers with .3 seconds left on the clock. 

Indiana's depth was on display, something the Lakers could certainly use. Moreover, Indiana's consistent ability (driven by Haliburton) to execute late in games has been a presence throughout the postseason. That is an area in which the Lakers have fallen short every series after reaching the Western Conference Finals a couple seasons ago. Twice against Denver, this year against Minnesota. Leads or close games in crunch time that they can't hold on to. 

And finally, Chris Paul reportedly wants to finish his career in Los Angeles, which means he has two choices. Lakers or Clippers. He's been on both teams (though not for very long as a Laker, and could certainly help the roster overall. But he's also over 40, can't defend like he used to doesn't score a ton anymore. He does pass the ball incredibly well, still. He orchestrates well. He's a pretty good 3-point shooter. 

So if the rumor is true, should the Lakers pull the trigger? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A thriller of a Game 1. 

SEGMENT 2: How Game 1 shined a light on what's wrong with the Lakers. 

SEGMENT 3: To CP3 or not to CP3? That is the question. 

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba
 

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

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

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NBA has become a wasteland for coaches over the last few months. This week, the Knicks canned Tom Thibodeau, despite just having made the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Why? The reasons are still emerging, but it's reasonable to say that Thibs is someone who tends to wear on players and organizations over time. The same can be said for Michael Malone, who did last a decade in Denver but clearly wore through his welcome despite having a successful team and a very recent title. Taylor Jenkins in Memphis? Fired. Mike Brown? Mike Budenholzer? All fired. Many had just received contract extensions. All had, on one level or another, been successful, either in that gig, or in others. 

All gone. 

So how does JJ Redick, who showed real promise in his first season on LA's sideline but also some shortcomings (particularly in the playoffs) parlay his best qualities into the type of long career the Lakers say they were hoping for when they hired him? How do ownership and management play into the equation? 

If he can't make it happen, what aspects of his coaching are personality are most likely to be his undoing? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Thibs is out, the NBA is cold. 

SEGMENT 2: How can JJ avoid that fate? 

SEGMENT 3: What qualities will help and hurt Redick? 

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba
 

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

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

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Basically every Lakers fan knows that Luka Dončić is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Everyone knows that the Lakers will give Luka whatever it is he wants, whether talking dollars, years, player options and whatever. 

What people may not know is just how long Luka has to make this decision. most of the good parts of the NBA offseason will be past by the time his date of eligibility rolls around. That's August 2nd. But Luka doesn't have to sign that day, or the day after, or the day after that. 8.2 is just the first day Luka can sign. The last day? June 30... of 2026. 

So what does all this mean for the Lakers? 

They need very much to display competence between now and August. That doesn't mean massive, roster reshaping moves that completely revamp LA's roster. (Though by all means, if great opportunities present themselves, go for it.) It means smart choices, well-reasoned and thought out, where each decision is made with the idea of how these players will fit together as a group, not just an assembly of talent. They have to display good communication skills, and basically appear to have their **** in order. 

Luka doesn't appear to have any desire to go anywhere. He doesn't want to move again, after gaining some comfort in LA. So don't give him a reason. 

PLUS... the bottom feeders in the West are making decisions about their futures, and all of it will impact the Lakers this summer. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka has a LONG timeline. 

SEGMENT 2: What does it mean for LA? 

SEGMENT 3: The cellar dwellers in the West are makin' plans. Why that matters for the Lakers. 

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba
 

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

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

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers will be looking to upgrade their talent any way they can going into next, year, and will have to get pretty creative about it. 

One source of improvement for the rotation that might be a little unexpected? How about Bronny James? 

That, via long time NBA writer Sean Deveney: "And it appears the Lakers are dead-set on pushing for Bronny James to be part of the rotation next year. "I don't think there's any doubt that's their plan," one Western Conference executive said. "I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we've seen a lot fo tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.... He's 20 years old," the exec said. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year." 

Is that really possible? What would it take for Bronny, who definitely improved over the course of the year but was still a ways off from being a positive contributor, to be a rotation player next year? Or even capable of being one? What would it mean for the Lakers if it happened? 

Plus, LeBron James has an idea on how to keep the physicality of the postseason, but not go from, in his words, 0 to 100 in terms of abrupt change from Game 82 of the regular season to the first game of the playoffs. Would it work? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: LeBron has an idea for the playoffs and officiating. 

SEGMENT 2: Would the fix make a difference? 

SEGMENT 3: Real PT for Bronny? 

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba
 

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

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

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NBA Finals are here, and the mediasphere seems unsure of what to do with a series that doesn't include big cities or the most name brand stars. 

Still, a Finals that features the league's MVP, along with a fantastic story out of the East (Tyrese Haliburton, going from spare part/meme on the Olympic team to Eastern Conference champ) should be something the NBA can market. And they should lean into it, because at some point it has to move past the LeBron/KD/Steph/Giannis/big markets-or bust mindset that has gripped the league. 

That this seems to be such a point of stress is a reflection of how often the NBA's media partners have failed to help promote the league in a positive way. But the good news? TV contracts are locked in. Ratings don't matter. If the league decides to showcase this group and treat it like an opportunity, it could do some long-term good. 

Meanwhile, when the Knicks lost to the Pacers, there were immediate questions about the future of Karl-Anthony Towns in New York. Not because KAT was bad in the playoffs—he wasn't— but because the defensive combination of Towns and Jalen Brunson is, to say the least, a challenge. The Knicks have surrounded those two with about as many capable defenders as you can, and still fell short. Does that mean it can't work at all? Do the Lakers face a similar question with Austin Reaves paired with Luka Dončić? Yes... and no.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: These Finals should be an opportunity. 
SEGMENT 2: What the league keeps getting wrong. 
SEGMENT 3: Do the Knicks and Lakers have similar problems? 

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba
 

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

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

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a lot of ways teams are building winners around the NBA right now. One of the big topics of conversation is depth. 

Oklahoma City is already in the Finals. They've got depth in almost cartoonish quantities. Indiana is expected to join them, and have plenty of depth as well. 

The Lakers, as you may have heard, are lacking in that department. Whether it was a good idea or not, teams with reliable depth don't go entire halves without making a substitution. (And even had they stuck a couple guys on the floor, it would only have been for a few minutes.) Moreover, it's not just that the Lakers lack depth in numbers, they also have too much redundancy. 

So how do they fix it? 

With a limited number of assets, do they try and create a group with higher levels of more cohesive talent at the top of the roster? Do they try to give themselves more viable options 1-9, even if it means a little less high end talent up top? 

What's the best formula here to build around Luka? 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers need talent. They need depth. They need more coherent pieces. 

SEGMENT 2: How does Pelinka approach the issue? 

SEGMENT 3: One big thing the Lakers are missing. 

WayFair
Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
 

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

Door Dash
Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a season of upheaval, Lakers need to figure out how to create an identity heading into next year. The good news is that Rob Pelinka and Co. don't have to do a lot of thinking to figure out the core of that identity - It's Luka Dončić. The identity is a team that plays hard, plays defense, plays unselfishly. Sure. All teams say that. But the path to that is figuring out how to create those attributes with players that fit beautifully around Luka. 

It's a heliocentric model, where Dončić is the sun. 

LeBron James, the former sun, can work in this world (and have plenty of celestial moments himself). Austin Reaves? It can work, if the other pieces adjust accordingly. But right now the team is so out of balance, some changes will need to be made in order to create a more coherent structure. 

With that in mind... how about a blockbuster (hypothetical) trade, where EVERYTHING that isn't nailed to the floor and can be traded goes, in the interest of bringing more balance to the roster. Get a center, get a wing, and so on. 

Is this monster 3-team deal Andy constructed a good blueprint for LA? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: What kind of identity should the Lakers construct around Luka? 

SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers create better top end talent AND better depth? 

SEGMENT 3: How about this (hypothetical) blockbuster? 

WayFair
Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
 

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

Door Dash
Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, LeBron James plans to pick up his player option for 2026, worth about $52.5 mil. 

While Shams noted there's still time for things to change, this appears to be the most likely outcome for LeBron and the Lakers. And in some ways, it's the most expected, given the options. While there was always the dream (pipe dream, really) that James might leave about $20 mil on the table so that the Lakers would have access to a larger mid-level exception, that's always felt like a longshot. It's also always been unlikely that James would decline the option and leave for somewhere like Cleveland or Golden State (which would cost him about $40 mil, at least). But the idea James would decline his option, then sign another 1+1 with the Lakers, giving him control until after the 2026-2027 season? 

That was always a live possibility. 

So among the realistic outcomes, this one was the best for LA, and arguably for James as well. We explain why. 

How the Lakers move forward, with some certainty around LeBron, is an interesting question. If the Lakers return the same group and make reasonable improvements at center, they'll be a good squad. But good enough to win the West? Can they make those types of improvements in one offseason, with limited resources? 

Would they be smarter to wait for next summer? That's up to Luka. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron is expected to pick up his option. 

SEGMENT 2: Why that's good for LA. 

SEGMENT 3: Gap year for the Lakers? That's up to Luka.

WayFair
Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
 

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

Door Dash
Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, early reports of Luka Dončić dedicating himself more seriously to fitness were giving Lakers fans some encouragement. 

This weekend, things looked even better. In the form of pictures! From Luka's Insta page, and from pictures taken of him in the crowd at Real Madrid and even food pics from his wife's social media. We saw a thinner looking player, and what appeared to be a healthy, delicious meal! So only a few weeks after the season ended, at the very least, Dončić -- who is not stupid and knows full well that pictures of him will be dissected to no end -- appears to have put himself on a solid path to begin a critical offseason. 

ONe that doesn't just matter for the Lakers this year, but as as a sign of what might be to come. Because remember, Nico Harrison bet that Luka was a bad long-term gamble for the Mavs. And as much as Harrison's logic (or his skill executing trades) might come into question, it's certainly true that long term, Luka needs to take better care of himself. All athletes do as they start to get older. 

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves's agent is setting expectations for this season, and he's setting them high. Meanwhile, there's a number out there for what Reaves might look for assuming he hits free agency after next season. Is it a good one for the Lakers? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Skinny Luka? 

SEGMENT 2: Does it matter why Luka gets in shape? 

SEGMENT 3: What's a good number for Reaves? 

WayFair
Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
 

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

Door Dash
Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.