Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Rob Pelinka didn't take his foot off the gas. 

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, new superstar Luka Doncic made it clear the type of center he likes to play with. Active, athletic, and with the ability to get up to be a vertical threat. Ask and you shall receive, Mr. Doncic. Late Wednesday evening, (via ESPN's Shams Charania) the Lakers agreed to a deal with the Charlotte Hornets to acquire 23-year old 7-footer Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected first rounder in 2031 and a pick swap in 2030. 

This pick is reflective of the new world of options opened up to the franchise by acquiring Doncic. 

First, the Lakers have clearly made the calculation—with good reason—that they're capable of competing after the first big trade. Yes, the Lakers probably took a step back defensively, but wins against New York and the Clippers, both without Davis, showed the Lakers are capable of competing on that side of the floor. And while they did make a huge trade and sent out two key players... they acquired Luka Doncic in the process.

And because they did, that pick swap and first rounder surrendered to get Williams, who is exactly the type of player Doncic asked for (offensively at least) becomes a lot less painful to send out. The Lakers, with Doncic in the fold, are far less likely to fall off a cliff in the post-LeBron era than they might have been a week ago. Given their histories, which team would you pick to have a better record in a few years time? LA or Charlotte? Obviously a lot can happen between now and then... but the value of those picks/swaps went down a ton the minute the Pelinka and Nico Harrison called it a deal. 

And in Williams, the Lakers acquired a center that wouldn't have worked nearly as effectively with Davis. Yes, he's a true C, but he's also not a floor spreader. Williams has taken one three pointer in his three-season career. (He missed.) They'd have had to pay a premium to get Williams, but would have had trouble keeping him and A.D. on the floor together enough to make that cost worth it. 

But with Luka and LeBron? Williams makes a lot more sense. 

This was already a transformative deadline for the Lakers. But now, the Lakers have their star of the present and future, and a center who fits the timeline. There's risk—Williams has been hurt for huge portions of all three seasons he's played, and has been a very mixed bag as a defender—but if he can shake off the injuries (none requiring surgery) Williams could be a mainstay for a decade. 

Wow. Wow, wow. wow. Lakers fans have every right to be excited. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte. 

SEGMENT 2: What are they getting in Williams? 

SEGMENT 3: What this says about the Lakers commitment to Doncic, after only days of him being on the team. 

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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 put out quite an effort on the defensive end Saturday, when they beat the Knicks in New York. 

Tuesday against the Clippers, they did it again, this time without Max Christie, who was with the Mavs making his debut for Dallas. Final score, 122-97. This was a top 3 defense in the league, and the Lakers lit them up, and controlled the game throughout. And obviously this was done without Luka Doncic on the floor. (LA's new star is targeting Saturday vs. Indiana to make his debut in purple and gold.) 

Everything will change once Doncic is in uniform, and there will without question be adjustments and growing pains. But it's pretty clear—as they wrap up a 5-1 Grammy road trip, tied in the loss column with Denver, and will taking the floor Thursday at the Crypt having won nine of their last 11 games—that the Lakers have found something that has nothing to do with which star or role player is on the roster. Save clunkers against Charlotte and Philadelphia (one win, one embarrassing loss), the Lakers have displayed a level of focus and continuity on the floor, not only playing hard but also executing the same game plan, as a team. 

The latter certainly hasn't been a given throughout the year. 

Obviously more could change between now and Thursday's trade deadline, but the circumstances under which the Lakers will now integrate Doncic—or more specifically, how the Lakers will be integrated with Doncic—is promising. First, they've given themselves a little bit of cushion to work with in the West, having moved a few games clear of the play-in tier, but as importantly they seem to have a better understanding of what JJ Redick and the coaching staff are asking of them. They're more confident. There's less guessing. The role players, who have been thriving with LeBron James (26/8/9) setting them up, are about to take the floor with Doncic as well. Austin Reaves (20/6/9) continues growing more comfortable as a distributor. Rui Hachimura (20 points) has taken advantage of more opportunities in the offense. Dalton Knecht (14 points) is back to providing useful minutes off the bench. 

Shot quality with Luka and LeBron should be off the charts. Better shots and better offense will mitigate some of their vulnerabilities on defense. It's not going to be perfect, or even close, but the notion the Lakers have to drop off significantly following the trade simply isn't supported by what's happening on the floor. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers thump the Clippers. 

SEGMENT 2: Finding an identity. 

SEGMENT 3: Quickly adjusting to a new world in El Segundo. 

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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.

Introducing GAME NIGHT: Celtics Get Best of Cavaliers & Joel Embiid Returns from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

Follow the show: Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

The Boston Celtics got the best of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, prompting our Locked On Celtics host to claim that they are back. Speaking of back, Joel Embiid returned from a 15-game absence to post a triple-double and hit the game-winner against the Mavericks... but did he look good when we go beyond the numbers? Wes Goldberg and Tony East react to a fun Tuesday night of NBA hoops, including the Lakers blowing out the Clippers, the Trail Blazers rolling and a bonkers ending in Brooklyn. 

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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)

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The new-look Lakers, playing their first game without Anthony Davis, were led by LeBron James’s 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers, playing without Luka Doncic, crushed crosstown rivals Los Angeles Clippers 122-97. The Lakers, who are playing their best basketball of the season, will look to continue their winning ways Thursday night when they host the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers

Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FAN DUEL 

• Get ready to tackle the NFL with FanDuel America’s – Number One Sportsbook! Because right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS, if you win!
• The FanDuel app is easy to navigate, and the variety of bets keeps every game exciting. Plus, when you win, you get paid instantly—no waiting around for your winnings. Whether you’re betting on your favorite team or just looking to add some extra excitement to the playoffs, FanDuel has you covered.
• Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today and get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM.

BETTER HELP

• If you're not sure what they look like, therapy can help you identify them, actively practice them, and even embody that green flag energy yourself. Whether you're dating, married, building a friendship, or just working on yourself, therapy can help you form relationships that love you back.
• PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
• - Therapy helps you develop healthy boundaries and improves your communication skills.
• - It empowers you to set clear expectations and express your needs in relationships.
• - Therapy provides tools for managing conflict in ways that strengthen your connections rather than break them down.
• BetterHelp makes it easy by offering online therapy, with over 30,000 licensed therapists to choose from. And if you need to switch therapists, you can do so at no extra cost.
• CALL TO ACTION
• Discover your relationship “green flags” with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. That’s BetterHelp—H-E-L-P—dot com slash lockedonnba.

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

NBA West Squad: Luka Doncic Shocking Trade and the look Spurs with De’Aaron Fox

The NBA West Squad Show tackles the seismic trade of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Hosts from various Western Conference teams discuss the fallout, including potential trade packages other teams could have offered for Doncic. The conversation explores how this move reshapes the Western Conference landscape, particularly impacting teams like the Thunder and Spurs. The hosts debate the Lakers' win-now prospects with Luka and LeBron, and whether trading LeBron should be considered. The show also covers the Kings' trade of De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs, analyzing its implications for both teams and the broader competitive balance in the West.

0:00 Intro

5:23 Luka Doncic trade impact on teams

11:55 Lakers' future after Luka trade

19:55 Kings trade De'Aaron Fox to Spurs

26:02 Spurs' playoff chances with Fox

31:51 Rob Pelinka's role in Luka trade

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Prizepicks
Now’s the perfect time to join.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! 

TALKSPACE
Therapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.

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

FanDuel
From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.

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 shifted their organizational focus from LeBron James and Anthony Davis to Luka Dončić with Saturday's seismic trade. Everything they do going forward will be done from the POV of a roster built around Luka. 

That much is obvious, because Star A is 25 and Star B is 40. 

But Star B happens to be (in the eyes of many) the greatest to ever play. He has been at the center of nearly every NBA conversation for more than two decades, and still has a massive amount of gravity attached to him. And no question, for a long time there was real drama around LeBron. But one of the less talked about realities of his tenure in LA, especially the last couple of seasons, is how little of it there has been. Some passive/aggressive stuff from the old James playbook here and there, but big drama? Meaningful tension? 

Remember, drama in this city and with this franchise means screaming at the owner to pay you while he sits on the sidelines, or telling every radio and TV station that will hear you that you'll play on Pluto before you wear the purple and gold again. 

By those standards, and even some looser ones, the LeBron Era has been very, very quiet. And now, it remains so. Less than 24 hours after Luka became a Laker, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that James won't ask out before the deadline, the only way he can be traded given his no-trade clause. So as much as some voices want to see him play with Steph Curry and the Warriors, or push his way out to some other destination, it's not going to happen. LeBron, it seems, feels like he's got just as good a shot of winning in LA with Dončić than he does anywhere else he might realistically go... and he's right. He surely realizes that Luka's skill set is the one best suited to help him play an extra season or two if he'd like, because that skill set is his skill set. 

It incentivizes him to help Luka build better habits with his body, as well. 

The notion LeBron can't give up some responsibility offensively to Luka? He's done it this year already for Austin Reaves. He's spent the last few seasons begging Anthony Davis to take the proverbial torch, and frequently referred to A.D. as the team's best player this year. 

Look, maybe things don't work out, and this offseason the Lakers and LeBron part ways. But it sure seems like the league is more addicted to the LeBron drama than LeBron is at this point. And in the meantime, maybe we just see how it works first? Because the Lakers blew up their core, but they didn't rebuild. That's one of the things making this trade so unique, but it's warping the way people think about the LeBron/Lakers, LeBron/Luka pairing.  

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka will meet the media today!

SEGMENT 2: Is the NBA still addicted to LeBron Drama? 

SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis says goodbye to LA. 

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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.

Introducing LeBron & Luka Pairing: Dream or Disaster? | Does De'Aaron Fox Make Spurs Contender THIS SEASON? from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

Follow the show: Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

The NBA trade deadline just flipped the league on its head! Luka Doncic is heading to Los Angeles to team up with LeBron, but will this duo work, or is this another star pairing doomed to fail? Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a sneaky power move, acquiring De’Aaron Fox to pair with Victor Wembanyama—does this make them instant contenders in the West?

On the other side of the chaos, the Sacramento Kings are left explaining why they traded away Fox for a return that has their fans in an uproar. Did they get fleeced, or was this the best they could do? Locked On’s local experts weigh in on whether Sacramento can recover and what their next move should be.

Plus, we dive into the NBA’s growing hesitation to commit to supermax deals, LeBron’s future in LA, and why Jimmy Butler refuses to be traded to Golden State. Will the Bucks make a last-minute move? And what does this all mean for the balance of power in the NBA?

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONBA?sid=YouTube

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Find a Daily Locked On NBA Podcast covering your favorite team:

📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Follow the Locked On Podcast Network

Twitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetwork

TikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports

Subscribe to the Locked On NBA YouTube Channel: Locked On NBA

Follow/Subscribe/Listen Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Prizepicks
Now’s the perfect time to join.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! 

TALKSPACE
Therapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.

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

FanDuel
From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.

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)

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Now that the shock has worn off -- kinda -- Lakers fans are wondering what happens next.

Because while the conversation in Dallas about why Doncic is no longer a Mav is very complex and absolutely not finished (Nico Harrison's press conference on Sunday settled very little for Mavs fans), for the Lakers it's pretty straightforward. The Lakers had an opportunity to get their next generational star for a very reasonable price and took it. While it weakens them in the short term, the long term clarity the trade provides is obvious. 

Is it risk free? What trade is? 

What they have now is a consensus top 5 player in the NBA who isn't yet in his prime. 

The immediate question, beyond what the Lakers do next, is how the team's new star duo looks once Doncic is healthy enough to join LeBron James on the floor. What kind of fit are we talking about? On the one hand, both James and Luka are basketball savants, who see the floor in ways few players in history ever have. The playmaking ability of those two, especially working in tandem on pick and roll sets and so on, is staggering. That much size with that much passing skill is unprecedented. 

But here's the thing: While in the short term, this paring is of critical importance—if the Lakers are going to win this year and next, this duo will be the fuel that makes it happen—it's very clear now that long term decisions from the front office aren't going to be geared towards LeBron. Every meaningful roster decision the team makes is about Luka, and what works best to build around him when LeBron is done. And because Doncic is 25, not yet fully in his prime, those choices are a lot easier to make than they would be with a 32 or 33-year old Davis. 

To be clear, there's nobody LeBron really can't play with, even while some styles mesh better than others. And both he and Doncic will need to adjust, as any stars do when joined together for the first time. But any sense of the team making deals because that's what LeBron wants? Ok, but only if it makes sense for Luka, too. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: More Luka reaction. Why the Lakers HAD to say yes. 

SEGMENT 2: How risky is the risk, here? 
 

SEGMENT 3: Can LeBron and Luka play well together? 

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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.

One good measure of how a team has fared in a trade is how the opposing fans react to the news. And if that's the case, Lakers fans should be quite pleased, because hey are NOT happy in Dallas. 

Here to explain why is Nick Angstadt, host of Locked On Mavs, and believer in the talent of Doncic. He walks us through the thinking of the organization, confronts the potential red flags, and reasonably assesses the risks for the Lakers and comes to a pretty clear conclusion: The Lakers are getting a transcendent player who can do some amazing stuff on the floor, whose flaws are real but overshadowed by the impact he has. 

And if Luka takes the trade personally and uses it as motivation to get into better shape? Look out. 

Either way, he's not pleased at what Dallas did, and doesn't buy Nico Harrison's explanations as to why Dallas felt this was necessary. 

And all of that benefits LA. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Nick Angstadt

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Robinhood
With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.
 

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.