Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Generally speaking, the sixth game of the season isn't a "must win," under any circumstances. 

This sixth game, however? Could be the exception to the rule. The Lakers are in Toronto tonight, playing a shorthanded, likely lottery-bound Raptors squad missing its best player (Scottie Barnes), probably it's third best player (Emmanuel Quickley) and a valuable role player (Kelly Olynyk). 

So yeah, if you're a Lakers squad that is coming off its worst performance of a young season, looking to legitimize the first three games of the season after two straight losses? Gotta win this one. 

All hands will be on deck. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves aren't on the injury report, and D'Angelo Russell is listed as probable. 

In other news, the Lakers reportedly won't pick up the third year option on last season's #1 draft pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino. This is, unquestionably, an unusual move. Teams will sometimes choose not to pick up fourth-year options, but a third year? It doesn't happen often. So why are the Lakers going in this direction? First and foremost, it seems to be about roster flexibility. Perhaps over the summer, where not having $4 mil or so guaranteed for JHS makes it significantly easier for the Lakers to shed enough salary to use their full mid-level exception. Likely, the Lakers are thinking about this season, and the ability to move JHS as part of a trade. Clearly they're calculating that dangling him on an expiring contract will have more value than the opportunity for a team to take a chance on his talent. 

That, to say the least, is not a ringing endorsement of JHS's development, but is it also a commentary on the state of the roster more broadly? If the Lakers thought they had appealing pieces to package, would they do this? If Gabe Vincent had appeal? Or Max Christie? Certainly they're familiar with the (lack of) market for D'Angelo Russell. Jarred Vanderbilt hasn't played in a while. And so on. 

And what does this mean about the team's recent track record in drafting? Or the grand plans around player development? 

It's an interesting move for the Lakers to say the least, but one that raises some red flags. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers need to win tonight in Toronto. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers won't pick up the option on Jalen Hood-Schifino.
 

SEGMENT 3: What does this say about future moves? 

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Monday in Phoenix, the Lakers lost their first game of the season.

Wednesday, they played their first horrible game of the season, losing to the Cavaliers in Cleveland 134-110. Everything about this game, from the flow of the offense to the work of the defense to the hustle and focus of the team overall was well below par. The Cavs were, from the jump, more aggressive, more focused and sharper. They buried the Lakers early under a barrage of 3-point shooting. They were more physical than the Lakers, who spent far too much time (particularly Anthony Davis) looking for, and then complaining when they didn't get a call. 

Teams can play well and lose. This wasn't that. 

So now what happens? The Lakers seemed to be a different team leaving the floor Wednesday, with Davis and Austin Reaves limping. The shots still aren't going down, and now the team is sitting on a two-game losing streak heading into the very winnable portion of the trip (Toronto and Detroit). JJ Redick was visibly ticked after the game, and he can hardly be blamed. Whatever decent individual performances the team got (statistically, at least, LeBron James bounced back from Monday's clunker, just to name one) were completely undone by a completely lackluster effort defensively. 

So the Lakers now have... 

• Health questions, as AD was limping around a lot before exiting the game. Austin Reaves, also banged up. So is D'Angelo Russell.
• Vibes questions.
• Bench problems. Dalton Knecht finished with 18, but most of that came late.

How do the Lakers respond? We could learn a lot about this team over the next two games. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get rocked, and look awful in the process.

SEGMENT 2: Is the shine off the apple? Two critical games coming up...

SEGMENT 3: Bronny gets his first points and it's a cool moment. 

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The Lakers have a "swing game" tonight in Cleveland against the Cavs. It's always a big deal when LeBron comes home to play, especially given his enormous impact on that franchise. But in this case, it's also a pivotal game on this road trip for the Lakers. Win, and the possibilities of a 3-2 trip grow a lot stronger. It means the Lakers could take the games against the weaker teams on the slate (Toronto and Detroit) and then lose the final game against a good Memphis squad, and still come home with a winning record. 

Lose? That gets a lot tougher. 

And make no mistake, a 3-2 trip on top of the strong 3-0 homestand would be a very, very encouraging thing for the purple and gold. Something they can, and hopefully would, build on. 

For LeBron, can a homecoming game help him break out of what has been, by his lofty standards, a slow start to the season? Save a truly epic fourth quarter Saturday night against Sacramento, James has been (again, by his standards) pretty ordinary through four games. Monday's loss in Phoenix was arguably the worst game he's played as a Laker. To beat a very solid Cleveland squad, he'll need to step up. The Lakers can only overcome so much if he doesn't play well, especially on the road. 

And with Bronny in tow, will there be another moment for the two of them to play together, given the significance of Cleveland to the James family? What would the reaction be to that from Lakers fans, if those minutes come at any point other than garbage time? Even if D'Angelo Russell, listed as a game time decision with a sore back, doesn't play? (And if Russell is out, who starts?) 

Plenty to consider for JJ Redick tonight. 

Meanwhile, center Christian Koloko has been cleared by the NBA to return to play for the Lakers. What could that do for the center rotation? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A homecoming for LeBron. Can it help break him out? 

SEGMENT 2: Would the Lakers actually give Bronny some burn in this game? 

SEGMENT 3: Health updates! Russell! Koloko! And more! 

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Well, it was probably unrealistic to think the Lakers would go 82-0 this year, but it was still fun to have an undefeated local squad to cheer for. 

That's over now, as the Lakers lose their first game of the season, 109-105 to the Suns in Phoenix. It was a game of very wild swings for the Lakers, who came out red hot, looking like they'd win in a blowout. The second quarter, only 14 points. The third? Back over 30! But things bogged down again down the stretch, and meanwhile the Suns rode the hot hands of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. 

Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura continued their strong play, but the Lakers suffered from production problems in other places, especially with LeBron James. Playing under the weather, James had arguably his worst game as a Laker, finishing with only 11 points on 3-14 shooting, and adding only five rebounds in the ancillary categories. D'Angelo Russell missed seven of his nine 3-point attempts, and found himself on the bench for the final five minutes of the game, in favor of Gabe Vincent. Vincent, though, was part of a bench that produced only eight points. That's four players, scoring eight points, and only taking 10 shots. 

That's just not enough. 

It was nice, though, to see JJ Redick talk about his own shortcomings in the game, taking responsibility especially for that 14-point second quarter. How coaches take accountability for things publicly (even when their work might have been just fine) is something players notice. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose their first game of the year. LeBron struggles. 

SEGMENT 2: Redick takes accountability. 

SEGMENT 3: Christie, Knecht, Vincent and problems with the bench. 

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The Lakers are 3-0, and now head off for their first road trip of the season. Five games, starting tonight in Phoenix against the Suns. From there, they'll visit Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit and Memphis. That's three playoff teams, and two that aren't expected to be all that competitive. It's a tough trip, which underscores how nice it is for the Lakers to have run the table over their first three games. Had they lost one or two, the prospect of a 2-3 trip—very possible even if they play decent basketball—brings the team back home at or under .500. Now? There's a good chance the Lakers return to LA with a winning record.

And the way they're playing, with confidence high and Anthony Davis dominating, surely the Lakers feel they can win more than they lose on the trip. So the practical implications of a 3-0 start are there. But make no mistake, vibes matter, too, and the vibes right now with the Lakers are very, very healthy.

There's interesting stuff happening around JJ Redick's early season rotation, as well. It starts with D'Angelo Russell, who is adjusting to a new role in the offense, one that has him holding the ball less than he's used to. Russell, coming off his best game of the season in Saturday's win over Sacramento, is definitely feeling it out. What's the best balance between remaining aggressive, and forcing things too much? What does his role look like when things settle in? 

Meanwhile, the bench isn't exactly performing with tons of punch. The exception to that, though, is rookie forward Dalton Knecht. His impact on the offense has been tangible, providing confidence and 3-level scoring potential that opposing defenses have to honor. Could he start to eat into the minutes of other guys in the rotation? He did play critical fourth quarter minutes on Saturday, a big show of confidence from the staff. And he definitely has a skill set not easily replicated by other players on the bench. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell adjusts to a new role. 

SEGMENT 2: Dalton Knecht ascending? 

SEGMENT 3: Previewing the first big road trip of the season. 

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3-0. 

The Lakers beat another playoff caliber team in the West on Saturday, and as they had in their first two games against Minnesota and Phoenix, brought home a win. This one was differentiated by the performance of the team's stars. Anthony Davis continued to dominate, with 31 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks. LeBron James, who hasn't been razor sharp through the first two games, was dominant on Saturday, finishing with a triple double (32/14/10). And both were completely overwhelming in the fourth quarter, when the Lakers erased a deficit and finished off the Kings. 

Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell chipped in with 16 apiece, Rui Hachimura finished with 18, Dalton Knecht with 10. 

There's plenty the Lakers will want to improve, but the confidence level three games in is high. It's hard to ask for anything better than what they've done, both in terms of on-court success, and for building confidence and buy-in with a new coaching staff. 

Next game is Monday night in Phoenix, as the Lakers kick off a five game trip. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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The Lakers got off to a good start in Tuesday's opener against the Timberwolves, winning their first season opener since 2016. Tonight, the Phoenix Suns, another team expected (at least in some circles) to make some noise in a crowded Western Conference, visit the Crypt. And while the Suns were victorious in their opener (at the Intuit Dome against the LAC) they had to work awfully hard to get there after cruising to an early lead. 

And many of their vulnerabilities of a year ago - a stagnant offense, an over-reliance on Kevin Durant, a tendency to get pushed around by opponents - were still on display. 

So can the Lakers, who were physical against the Wolves, do the same against Phoenix? Can the keep hitting the glass and forcing TOs? 

It's a Suns team that isn't as good as they hope to be in a couple of months, meaning it's a chance for LA to bank another win early in the year. Games won in October and November can be critical for providing a little bit of leeway for a team that might need it Feburary and March, whether because guys need a night off, injuries are a problem, or the normal variances that plague a team over the course of a season (i.e., sometimes you play really poorly). Certainly new coach JJ Redick has put a major premium on not having to chase wins in the spring, the way the Lakers have had to do in the last couple of seasons. 

Meanwhile, Redick also reminded the media that he is, in fact, not always meant to be taken literally. Seriously, sure. But not always literally. 

Finally, Kawhi Leonard is going to miss weeks, reportedly, with his knee injury. His former trainer is suing the Clippers. It's been a mess for the LAC over the last couple of seasons, and it doesn't look like they're in any position to get much value from the remaining three years and $150 million on Leonard's contract. It started better, no question, but the Lakers in hindsight really have dodged a bullet, because they (like most teams) almost certainly would have given Leonard an extension in the same way the Clippers did. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a great opportunity to go 2-0 tonight vs. Phoenix. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get a new court, and JJ Redick reminds the media he has a sense of humor. 

SEGMENT 3: More evidence the Lakers dodged a bullet with Kawhi Leonard. 

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t took some doing, but the Lakers are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since October 2010 after coming back from down 22 points and notching a 123-116 win over the Phoenix Suns. KevIn Durant, Devin Booker and the gang got off to an absolutely scorching start, hitting 8 of their first 11 shots from behind the arc and generally running the Lakers' defense ragged. But the Lakers absorbed that unsustainable punch, and first sparked by a series of great two-way plays by Austin Reaves, kept chipping away, regained control of the game, then closed her out. Anthony Davis put up another 30+ (35 to be exact), LeBron James was a big presence in the fourth quarter (six points, three assists, including a back-to-back pair of dimes to set up Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura triples), and strong sparks were provided by Jaxson Hayes and rookie Dalton Knecht. The Lakers also finally discovered their own outside shot after a frigid start, connecting on 51 percent from deep. (Reaves was 5-7). The Sacramento Kings await Saturday night in the Crypt, but on a night where the Dodgers and Freddie Freeman enjoyed an iconic win,the Lakers did their best to avoid being completely overshadowed. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! 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) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLakers?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA Subscribe to the Locked On Lakers Podcast 📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers 📲 Follow the Kamenetzkys: https://twitter.com/KamBrothers #Lakers #LosAngelesLakers #LebronJames #AnthonyDavis #NBA

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The Lakers made no major changes to their personnel this offseason, but they definitely made significant changes to the coaching staff. 

And that's the area that probably has the highest level of scrutiny for observers as the team kicks off the 2024-25 season. The first game? A major success, not just for the Lakers, but for Redick. His game plan was praised in a big way by his players, including Anthony Davis, who called the defensive blueprint "elite," and said the Lakers benefited from clear communication. Meanwhile, Davis went deep into the team's overall buy in for Redick. Given the guy has never coached at any professional level, squashing any early potential for whispers or resistance is critical. Not only does it make the Lakers a better team, obviously, it also turns down the volume in the NBA chatter mill, a place where the Lakers live permanently and, therefore, where Redick's capabilities will always be scrutinized. 

Davis didn't just praise Redick, but the entire staff. 

Fair to say things are off to a good start on that front for LA.

Meanwhile, one of the things Redick will be expected to do is elevate the existing roster. Some of that is finding ways to make sure someone like Anthony Davis is never disconnected from the offense. But a lot more of it comes with figuring out how to maximize a supporting cast not everyone trusts. In the opener, the Lakers got 15 great minutes out of Jaxson Hayes. Rui Hachimura (a well paid role player, but a role player nonetheless) was excellent. On the other side of the ledger, Max Christie and Gabe Vincent weren't so good. 

How does Redick handle someone like rookie Dalton Knecht, who clearly provides a skill set that isn't found anywhere else off the bench, but also will make mistakes, particularly defensively, that all rookies make? How can he protect his role players and accentuate their strengths, while hiding their weaknesses? 

The answer to that question will have a huge impact on the team's fortunes. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are buying in for JJ Redick. 

SEGMENT 2: Why it's so critical for Redick silence critics before they can start. 
 

SEGMENT 3: Can JJ Redick get the most of the role guys? 

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Heading into Tuesday's matchup with Minnesota at the Crypt, the Lakers hadn't won on opening night since the waning days of teh Obama administration. October of 2016 to be precise. 

Well, that's not a problem anymore. The Lakers open the season strong, beating Minnesota 110-103 behind a monster game from Anthony Davis. 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks. He dominated in basically every measure, and was the reason the Lakers were able to gain control of the game early, and maintain it throughout. He was particularly impactful in the fourth, when LeBron James took a break and the Lakers ran everything through AD. "He attacked the game the right way," JJ Redick said.

Redick had high praise for the entire team, and the way it executed en route to the win. And certainly on a night where they didn't shoot the ball well from the perimeter (5-30 from 3-point range) the Lakers won because they followed through on the broad blueprint to get more opportunities by hitting the boards. 15 offensive boards, plus 15 forced turnovers led to an extra 10 field goal attempts (a gap that actually dropped in the second half) and trips to the line. 

Redick praised the effort of the supporting cast, and certainly Rui Hachimura (18 points) and Jaxson Hayes (10 points, four rebounds) stood out. Austin Reaves finished with nine rebounds and four assists. Dalton Knecht kicked in with a couple buckets in his first regular season game, and the Lakers managed to get LeBron and Bronny James on the floor together - making history, obviously, but also eliminating a potential distraction going forward - without doing any damage. 

All in all, a great start for LA, who get a few days to practice before meeting the Suns on Friday. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers finally win an opener, beating Minnesota 110-103. 

SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis dominates. 
 

SEGMENT 3: Shooting is off, but the rebounding isn't. Plus, Bronny and Bron. 

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FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! 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)

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