Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

An 82-game season can have a ton of ebbs and flows, and often they feel extreme. 

Certainly that's been the case for the Lakers, who have followed one of the most inept stretches of team defense with another that has been, quite literally, the league's best over their last five games. Even more confusing, an offense that was once among the best in the league has totally cratered.

The Lakers endured a brutal stretch of schedule, packing two weeks worth of games into about 10 days, but then (like most of the league) got an unnaturally light load while teams finished off the NBA Cup. 

And now? 

This uptick in defense—and the confidence it's clearly bringing the team—comes at a good time. Not only are the Lakers entering a very home-heavy portion of the schedule, filled with very winnable games. It starts tonight as the Pistons visit the Crypt. Yes, Detroit has beaten the Lakers already this year, but they're still four games under. 500 (and the Lakers should have a little revenge on the brain). Then on Christmas, the reeling Warriors come to town, followed by a slumping Kings squad the Lakers just beat twice on their floor. A date with an excellent Cleveland squad is followed by home games against an equally terrible Blazers team, and then the very mid Hawks. 

That's five very winnable games in their next six. Even winning four would leave the Lakers at 20-14, looking at a January schedule that holds some opportunities. 

Things are lined up well. The Lakers seem to have discovered a winning defensive formula, starting with the inclusion of Max Christie in the starting lineup. They're heading back to their home floor, where the team is 9-3 on the year. The light portion of the schedule seems to have done LeBron a lot of good. Gabe Vincent has transformed back into an NBA player. Cam Reddish looks comfortable in his role, and is excelling at it. 

And coming back home, the Lakers have a good chance to address the offense and potentially re-discover some of what made them successful on that end earlier in the year. 

The vibes heading into 2025 could be a lot better than just a couple weeks ago. 

If they can finally find some consistency. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have an opportunity to rise more in the West. 

SEGMENT 2: What happened to the offense? Has it been as offensive as it seems? 

SEGMENT 3: What's wrong with the free throw shooting? 

Skylight Frames
We've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba.

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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
The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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: De'Aaron Fox's Sacramento Future in Question After Latest Kings Loss 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 Sacramento Kings have lost four in a row and recent reports have thrust De'Aaron Fox's future to the forefront of the NBA's biggest stories. Wes Goldberg and Swipa talk about what's going wrong in Sacramento before reacting to the Denver Nuggets' overtime win in New Orleans and an impressive rookie class in Toronto.  Finally, they talk about some of the weekend's biggest news stories, including the Knicks adding to their bench.

Skylight Frames
We've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba.

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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
The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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].

In the NBA, it's hard to beat the same team in consecutive games. It's very hard to do it on their floor. And it's particularly hard to do it when in both games, the offense struggles to put points on the board. 

Yet that's what the Lakers have just done, finishing off a sweep of their mini-series in Sacramento, beating the Kings 103-99. Offensively, the Lakers were led by LeBron James, who put up 32 despite a bad night shooting from the perimeter. D'Angelo Russell kicked in with 20 points. Austin Reaves, 16. 

But this game was won with defense, specifically, and effort more broadly. The Lakers moved with purpose, hit their rotations crisply, made the extra play on the glass (including a huge ORB from Rui Hachimura to help seal the game), and more. And this has been the trend for LA since the incredibly embarrassing loss to the Heat in Miami. Since, the Lakers have been one of the NBA's best teams, winning games despite a bottom five offense. Basically, it's a complete reversal from trends earlier in the year, when the Lakers won with high end offense and a defense that couldn't get stops. 

So can they find some middle ground? Holding opponents under 100 points on a nightly basis feels unlikely in the modern NBA, so expect at least a little bit of slip. But the principles of what they're doing—including just playing with more effort and commitment on the defensive side—are sustainable. And if they can just become a consistently decent defensive team, everyone around the org (as expressed by LeBron, Anthony Davis and JJ Redick following the game) believes the offense will come around. 

At 16-12, things are definitely looking better for the Lakers now than they did a week or two ago. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

Skylight Frames
We've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba.

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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
The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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.

LeBron James scored 32 points, including a season-high 23 in the first half, and D’Angelo Russell added 20 points off the bench as the Lakers beat the hometown Sacramento Kings 103-99. 

The Lakers' defense has been ranked number one overall in their last five games, holding opponents to under 100 in three of their last five. 

The Lakers will look to extend their 3-game winning streak to four on a Monday when they host the Detroit Pistons.

Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui, Austin Reeves, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Lakers vs Kings, Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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.

• Robinhood Gold
  Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.
• FAN DUELGet ready to tackle the NFL action with FanDuel America’s – Number One Sportsbook! Because right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS, if you win!
• Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.
• Mint Mobile
  To get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.
• Bilt Rewards. If you’re a renter, listen up – this is a total game-changer. Thanks to Bilt, you can now earn points on rent payments, just like you do with groceries or travel. Paying rent now comes with serious perks, and it’s completely free to join!
• Earn valuable Bilt Points on your rent and everyday spending – at no extra cost.
• · Redeem points towards flights, hotel stays, and even future rent payments. With over 500 airlines and 700,000 hotels in their program, the possibilities are endless.
• Access unique experiences that are exclusive to Bilt members.
• Start earning points on rent you’re already paying by going to joinbilt.com/LOCKEDONNBA. That’s joinbilt.com/LOCKEDONNBA – make sure to use our link so they know we sent you. Don’t wait, start earning rewards today!
• BILT 
• PRIZEPICKS – is the best place to get real money sports action. Run your game all season long on PrizePicks. America’s#1 daily fantasy sports app. 

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

On the show, we talk a lot about the level Anthony Davis has to play at for the Lakers to have a good chance to win. 

Thursday in Sacramento, Davis met that standard, and then some. 

21 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, three steals, six blocked shots. As JJ Redick noted after the game, Davis was able to dominate the game without actually being efficient from the floor, where Davis shot 7-20. But his activity completely controlled the game, including early as the Lakers established a high end defensive tone that would would carry throughout the 113-100 win. 

So why did Redick say this was maybe his favorite of LA's 15 wins on the season? Well, it starts with Davis and the way he was able to dominate despite not having an efficient night shooting. But there was a lot more, as well. LeBron James gave the Lakers 19/8/7 with a block. He was engaged defensively, and was able to do that because the effort across the board was balanced. They got 28 points from D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent. Max Christie gave them eight points, three offensive rebounds and made De'Aaron Fox work for his keep. 

And Austin Reaves kicked in with 25, hitting 3's and getting himself to the basket effectively. There wasn't efficiency, but there was balance. And the Lakers did all the little things that translate into winning basketball that coaches love, especially on nights where the offense (after a great first quarter) was not good. The Lakers generated multiple second and third opportunities, with 15 offensive rebounds, while only allowing four offensive boards to the Kings. They limited their own turnovers (11), and turned over the opposition (16). LA got to the line more than Sacramento. 

Do all that stuff, and you end up winning comfortably on a night where the Kings shot a higher percentage from both the floor and beyond the arc. 

Its's a four-game stretch where the Lakers have played better defense, and started winning some games again. It looks different, but can they carry it through as the schedule picks up again? There's been a ton of rest lately, which will disappear. 

If the answer is yes, it's easier to take an optimistic view of what's coming in 2025. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis dominates. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get balanced effort. 

SEGMENT 3: Is this defense sustainable? 

Rocket Money
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply. 
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

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
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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.

Anthony Davis scored 21 points, grabbed 20 rebounds and had 6 blocks and Austin Reeves scored 25 points, and LeBron James added 19 points and 7 assists as the Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 113-100 in what was arguably the best Lakers win of the season. The Lakers will look to extend their winning streak to three games on Saturday when they play the Kings in Sacramento again.

Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui, Austin Reeves, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Lakers vs Kings, Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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.

• Robinhood Gold
  Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.
• FAN DUELGet ready to tackle the NFL action with FanDuel America’s – Number One Sportsbook! Because right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS, if you win!
• Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.
• Mint Mobile
  To get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.
• Bilt Rewards. If you’re a renter, listen up – this is a total game-changer. Thanks to Bilt, you can now earn points on rent payments, just like you do with groceries or travel. Paying rent now comes with serious perks, and it’s completely free to join!
• Earn valuable Bilt Points on your rent and everyday spending – at no extra cost.
• · Redeem points towards flights, hotel stays, and even future rent payments. With over 500 airlines and 700,000 hotels in their program, the possibilities are endless.
• Access unique experiences that are exclusive to Bilt members.
• Start earning points on rent you’re already paying by going to joinbilt.com/LOCKEDONNBA. That’s joinbilt.com/LOCKEDONNBA – make sure to use our link so they know we sent you. Don’t wait, start earning rewards today!
• BILT 

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

The modern NBA schedule, where the league tries to limit back-to-backs and excessive travel, has some quirks. 

Among them? The home-and-home, or in the case of consecutive games between the Lakers and Kings, the road-and-road. The Lakers play Sacramento twice, both times up north, first tonight and then Saturday afternoon. The Kings, lIke the Lakers, have performed below expectations. Unlike the Lakers, though, Sacramento's metrics indicate they should be better than their record, not worse. And certainly the Kings are a dangerous team, adding DeMar DeRozan to an already potent lineup featuring De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. And the Kings, for a long time, at least, had the LA's number. And in particular, Sabonis has dominated his matchups with Anthony Davis. 

So needless to say, this is a tricky set of games for JJ Redick and Co. (and, just for fun, they'll play again on December 28). 

To preview the game, we turn to Matt George, the excellent and insightful host of Locked On Kings. 

What's wrong with both of these teams, and what can be made right? Can Davis hold his own against Sabonis? What about Max Christie vs. Fox? Christie was very effective against Ja Morant and Memphis on Sunday, but the Grizzlies don't run pick and roll often. Sacramento does it all the time, putting a different sort of defensive pressure on Christie and the team alike. 

How will they respond? 

These are two teams battling each other in the bottom portion of the Western Conference draw. The results of the season series could be very important. A couple of wins would do the Lakers a world of good. But it won't be easy. At least, as George notes, the Kings have been pretty lousy at home, and LA always draws up there. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (Guest, Matt George) 

SEGMENT 1: What's been holding the Kings back? 

SEGMENT 2: How can the Lakers defend Fox and Sabonis? 

SEGMENT 3: Concerning matchups for the weekend. 

Rocket Money
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply. 
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

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
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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 may have steadied the ship a little over their last three games, winning two and putting a decent defensive performance on the board in the third. But they're still a group that obviously needs improvement if they're going to contend in a crowded Western Conference. 

Making trades, though, is no easy feat for this team, for a variety of reasons. Three big ones: 

1. The Lakers have limited trade capital. Not just picks (a couple first rounders, three seconds), but in useful salary. D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura both make near $20 million. Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt are just above $10 million. (This assumes that, for now at least, Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht are off the table.) But is Vanderbilt really tradable right now, with three years left on his contract and no sign of good health? How much of that limited draft capital would they have to include? So if Vando isn't really a practical option, LA's salary path gets that much more narrow. 
2. The Lakers are limited by the CBA. As we've heard from Rob Pelinka many times, we live in an Apron World now, and the Lakers are right up against the second one. Not only does that hamstring them (they can't take back money that would push them past the second apron) in trade scenarios, it also means they might have to use second rounders to get off certain players, just to create a little more space. Using picks to offload, say, Jaxson Hayes or Christian Wood leaves one less pick to try and elevate the talent on the roster. 
3. The Lakers don't have spare parts. While trading Vanderbilt would feel like a loss—in theory, he's the type of player the Lakers need more of in the rotation—he's not currently available, and may not be for a while longer. Trading him doesn't remove a player from the rotation. Trading Russell, Vincent, or Hachimura? Those are guys that would need to be replaced. Package a couple of those guys in a deal, and the Lakers could be filling one roster hole by creating another. 

None of this is to say the Lakers can't make deals, or won't get anything done. Or that Pelinka deserves any sort of sympathy or free pass. This is the box he put the team in, after all. But it's a reflection of reality. So much of what comes next will be out of LA's control. A seller's market puts them out of reach for a lot of players. 

But if the buyers have the advantage? Maybe then the Lakers have enough to do something consequential, perhaps even bringing multiple players back in a single deal (say, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith), patching weak spots on the roster in ways that feel coherent. 

We'll see. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are in a bind. 

SEGMENT 2: What are the trade offs the Lakers have to make to make trades? 

SEGMENT 3: Redick lays down the law? 

Rocket Money
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply. 
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

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
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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.

When Darvin Ham was fired after last season—something most of us saw coming—we didn't hear much from the man himself. It's not surprising. Ripping the team that let you go is not a great way to set yourself up for the next job. 

On the show, we guessed (again, no big leap) that Ham felt he was treated unfairly, and was being scapegoated for issues that were out of his control. And to some degree, he had a point. 

But in a new interview with ESPN's Marc Spears, he removed any doubt about his feelings. Some excerpts: 

“To do as well as I did, I swear to God, anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension with what I did,” Ham said. “I’m not talking about feelings. I’m talking actual facts. They go from not making it to the playoffs to the final four in the NBA, the conference finals. And then you win the in-season tournament, navigate through all the injuries and win both of your play-in games to get to the playoffs.

“People always talk about us losing to Denver, but they never talk about how we got to Denver. We beat a kick-ass young squad in Memphis and we beat Golden State..." 

"...“I’m not a mudslinger and I’m not going to wait until I’m 51 to become one,” Ham said. “You feel like you did enough to sustain in one spot. I felt like I did that. I get it. The franchise I’m working for, the expectations can be unrealistic at certain points in time. To be 33-49 when I was hired, with an unbalanced roster, turn that around, make it to the Western Conference finals. The very next year we were a plus-10 in wins, going from 33-49 to 43-39. And guys got paid on my watch. It went from a lot of unknown scenarios to I think we have a little bit of a core. And then we got hit with the injury bug like crazy last [season]. We might have been Top 5 in games lost to injury.

“It’s being reported like I’m just throwing some lineups up against the wall to see what sticks. No man, we were really navigating a lot from guys being hurt to having the oldest player in the league [James] to navigating A.D.’s injury history. It was a lot.

“Some of the s— that was coming out? Wow, bro I don’t know X’s and O’s? I was winging it. Dude, that was the most disappointing stuff, how mean and so much stuff people are saying online. The best thing I could do was block out the outside noise,” Ham said.

So is he right? 

With the Lakers still struggling to make headway in the West, does it put Ham's tenure in a different (and perhaps more favorable) light?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Rocket Money
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply. 
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

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
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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.

December 15 is generally seen as the start of NBA Trade Season, because so many players become trade-eligible at that point. 

And over the weekend, a couple of trades—including one sending former Laker Dennis Schröder to Golden State—got the ball rolling. Schröder was a name at least some Lakers fans had their eye on, but the Nets not only got a couple of second rounders, but also the expiring deal of DeAnthony Melton. That is a package the Lakers would be hard pressed to match, without overpaying and eliminating the possibility of executing more consequential deals. But it's also not a crazy high price overall, which is encouraging to LA, given their lack of high-appeal trade assets. 

So where should they turn their attention? 

Is it the backup center, where Jonas Valančiūnas has been on the radar for a while? What about Robert Williams III, on Portland? Does another big make as much sense as a potential package of wings? Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson could be the next two guys on the move for Brooklyn. Could the Lakers make a compelling offer there? Certainly those guys would bring a lot of roster balance and versatility, even while leaving the team short at guard (because presumably D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent would both have to go to make the money work). 

What about revisiting older targets, like Dejounte Murray, now leading a fast-crumbling Pelicans squad that reportedly is interested in trading Zion Williamson? Myles Turner, if Indiana can't get its act back together? Would they consider moving on from a guy who is just a little older than the timeline that franchise seems to be on? 

Keep in mind, the Lakers likely can't make more than one or two moves before they run out of stuff, and even small deals involving second rounders have to be weighed carefully, because those picks would be needed to sweeten the pot in whatever way the Lakers can, should bigger names/better trades become available. 

There have been times this season the Lakers looked worth investing in. Other times, they seemed like a team that should be selling, not buying or even standing pat. 

Hard decisions are coming, and the Lakers have to hope the (very) early trends in the market prove sustainable. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron returns to action, but his foot isn't quite right and likely won't be going forward. 

SEGMENT 2: Dennis Schröder to Golden State. Helps a rival, but the market could be encouraging. 

SEGMENT 3: What other trade targets are there for LA? 

Rocket Money
Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

BILT Rewards
Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply. 
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

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

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
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

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.