Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James, officially up and practicing with Team USA in preparation for the Paris Olympics, met with the media over the weekend. He talked about Bronny, and what has been a very, very quiet offseason. James didn't give a full throated defense of the front office, but he didn't fillet them, either. There was a strong, "it is what it is" kind of vibe. 

LeBron acknowledged that the Lakers at least tried, and certain moves were just beyond their ability to close the deal. So he's smart enough to recognize the challenges of making stuff happen this summer. 

Doesn't mean he's happy they're in the position they're in, but that's not something he went out of his way to complain. It's his job, he says, to make this group as good as he can. He was excited about the rookies and the coaching staff, which is good. Would he prefer the Lakers have improved themselves? Sure, but James does seem to have a pragmatic attitude, reflective of the relatively transactional nature of the relationship with the team. 

Meanwhile, up in San Francisco the Summer Lakers struggled badly this weekend. Saturday in a loss to the Summer Kings, the Lakers showed flashes of good stuff, but ultimately lost pretty big. Sunday... woof. The Summer Warriors blew them out of the water while everyone on the Lakers was godawful. They shot 25% as a team. Not from 3, but from the floor. Dalton Knecht missed his shots, Maxwell Lewis missed his shots (all of them), Blake Hinson, who was on fire Saturday, was 2-10 on Sunday. 

There's still a lot of time to learn what's going on with these guys and get a better feel. Early returns, for whatever they're worth, weren't fantastic. 

HOSTS:  Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron speaks to the media about the state of the Lakers. 

SEGMENT 2: James on the offseason. 

SEGMENT 3: Reacting to the first weekend of Summer League play. 

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As expected, or at least as expected around these parts, LeBron James signed his new deal with the Lakers on Saturday and left just enough money on the table to keep the Lakers under the threshold for the dreaded second apron, where the NBA makes player transactions incredibly hard to execute. 

The difference in the contracts isn't massive - just under $3 million on a deal that is now worth $101 million and change, vs. $104 million and change, so no need to pass a hat for the guy - but it's not nothing, either.  And by $45,000, it's enough to keep the Lakers in a better spot. 

What they do with it now? Who knows? The Lakers are still full in terms of roster spots. They're still in a box. It's just that the box is  a better box than the alternative. 

And another big name came off the market Saturday when DeMar DeRozan agreed to a three-year deal with Sacramento worth about $74 million, which put him well out of LA's range (and calls into question whether the Lakers could have moved the right salaries to make this work, anyway. 

So the Lakers still haven't done anything, save sign their own guys and select a couple draft picks. And it might be a minute before that changes. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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The inevitable happened on Wednesday, as the Lakers and LeBron James agreed to a two year contract for max (or near max -- getting to that in a moment) money, about $104 million. The second year? A player option. So there's a good chance LeBron and the Lakers are right back here next year. 

It means, first and foremost, that the window LeBron opened by offering to take less money in year one so the Lakers could improve the team by acquiring a higher cost player that might require the full midlevel exception, for example, has likely closed. Well, the Lakers haven't been able to make that happen and don't appear to be in position to make it happen before the end of the free agent moratorium on Saturday. 

So was LeBron serious when he made the offer? Was it done in good faith? Was it done only with a mind to PR, and trying to manage the fallout of an offseason where, to say the least, the optics could tell a story of a star player getting A LOT of things he wanted? (His preferred coach, his kid on the team, etc.) 

Are these things mutually exclusive? 

Now the Lakers must go forward with a very constrained roster, one that will be difficult to manipulate without finding trade partners. Which is a tricky thing given the roster construction. They're also full, which gets to the roster spot taken by Bronny James, who signed his deal today. It is, in most ways, similar to the contracts given to most second rounders at this point, save a more generous buyout for Year 3 than some other players have received. On the other hand, the Lakers, realizing the roster crunch they'd be facing, still gave him a guaranteed deal, rather than a 2-way contract. Not all late second round picks would be afforded that luxury. (Many, yes. All, no.) 

It's just one reason why the chatter around Bronny isn't likely to dissipate fast, especially if he struggles in Summer League, which kicks off this weekend. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron agrees to a new deal. 

SEGMENT 2: Was Team James negotiating in good faith, when it comes to his offer to take less? 

SEGMENT 3: Bronny gets a contract. More nepotism? 

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Introducing Are the Cleveland Cavaliers making the right decision extending Donovan Mitchell? from Locked On Sports Today - Daily Podcast Covering The Biggest Sports Stories.

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Donovan Mitchell is staying in Cleveland and he is getting PAID. Can the Cavs build a title contender with him? Also, what does the Celtics sale mean for a potential dynasty? Aaron Judge is putting together the best season of his career.

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Rob Pelinka's window to shop is apparently closing. As expected, the Lakers and LeBron James have come to an agreement for his next deal, and since the Lakers couldn't make a big move, LeBron will be signing for the max, or really, really close to it. Reportedly, the deal is for two years, with a player option in year two (you've seen this structure before). The wrinkle: LeBron reportedly is willing to take a million or two less for this year, because it'll keep the Lakers below the second apron, which not only costs them a lot of money in taxes, etc. but also has a significant impact on avenues the Lakers could take to improve over the course of the season. 

Second apron teams operate with hands, feet, and everything else tied behind their backs. 

So we'll see what's next, but the Lakers now do seem set up for a very quiet offseason. There are still potential trades out there, moves at the margins and so on, but until they can clear some roster space, the Lakers are in a bind.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have signed a couple veteran coaches to JJ Redick's staff. Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks have agreed to come to LA, giving Redick a couple highly experienced voices to lean on. Good start. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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Another day, another 24 hours of inaction from the Lakers. No trades, no signings, no nothin'. 

Not even an assistant coach to start populating JJ Redick's staff. 

None of this is to say the Lakers aren't trying, or are just killin' time before the regular season starts. Surely they're working the phones, and diligently trying to find some assistant coaches. But for now, nothing is actually happening. Maybe it turns out ok. The offseason is long. The world has a lot of coaches in it, many of whom could be an asset to Redick and the Lakers. But little by little, as the Lakers stack days without making moves, the option tree gets smaller. Golden State hired a couple of assistants on Tuesday. That shrinks the market, and changes its complexion, too. 

At some point, the Lakers are going to have to get things done. The team needs improving. Maybe Wednesday will be the day. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers did introduce their two draft picks, as the media met Dalton Knecht and Bronny James for the first time as Lakers. Needless to say, Bronny was the main draw when it comes to questions. He handled them well, but it was another reminder of the trade off he gets by coming to LA - much more scrutiny and additional pressure, along with a boost to the notion that he's only in the NBA because of his dad. 

On the other hand, it's been reported James will get a multiyear guaranteed deal, something the 55th pick in the Draft can't always get. That kind of security is invaluable for a developmental player like Bronny. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers introduce Knecht and James. 
 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers have a roster crunch, which Bronny contributes to. 

SEGMENT 3: When are the Lakers going to do something? Even if something is hire a staff? 

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Introducing Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers are now the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics from Locked On Sports Today - Daily Podcast Covering The Biggest Sports Stories.

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There’s a new big three in Philadelphia. Does Paul George make the Sixers the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics? Also, is Klay Thompson what the Mavericks need to win it all this year? And speaking of the Celtics, they are for sale.

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Was Klay Thompson a good idea? A bad idea? 

Well, the Lakers were, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, willing to go as high as three or four years around $20 mil a year for Thompson. And, he has, reportedly, decided to go to the Mavericks instead. But whether the Lakers dodged a bullet or not, the fact remains they haven't done anything yet in the offseason from a personnel standpoint. Meanwhile, players are sliding off the board at a variety of positions while the Lakers face a logjam on the roster and a weird Jenga puzzle of a roster that makes swapping players in and out in trades complicated. 

Is there any shot this gets better? Especially in time to take advantage of LeBron James's offer to take less money to bring in an impact player? (That deadline -- when he goes to start Team USA practices -- is coming fast.) 

So why can't the Lakers move forward? Is Rob Pelinka to blame? Is it really a matter of trying to buy a house when people aren't selling? Selling a house nobody wants to buy? 

What about DeMar DeRozan? On the one hand, he's the best remaining free agent on the market, on the other... he does not exactly address the team's defensive shortcomings. And while he's got a tremendous mid-range game, the lack of a 3-point shot could be a problem. 

Could the Lakers make that work? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers miss out on Klay. 
 

SEGMENT 2: Why are the Lakers stuck? Who is to blame? 

SEGMENT 3: What about DDR? 

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FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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Introducing Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers are now the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics from Locked On Sports Today - Daily Podcast Covering The Biggest Sports Stories.

Follow the show: Locked On Sports Today - Daily Podcast Covering The Biggest Sports Stories

There’s a new big three in Philadelphia. Does Paul George make the Sixers the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics? Also, is Klay Thompson what the Mavericks need to win it all this year? And speaking of the Celtics, they are for sale.

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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.
FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!
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 Lakers are trying to find ways to upgrade the roster, and in less than 24 hours since free agency opened, the names attached to them have been flying off the board. James Harden. Jonas Valanciunus. And now Klay Thompson, who felt like the guy with the best odds, between having grown up in L.A. rooting for the Lakers, his father Mychal's past/current ties to the team, and positional fit. Well, that's now null and void. So who's next for the Lakers to chase? Andy Kamenetzky breaks it all down.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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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