With all the hoopla and shiny objects providing constant distractions during trade SZN and free agency SZN, it became easy to forget the Lakers still haven't worked out an extension for head coach Frank Vogel. Given that he led the team to a title two seasons ago... what's up with that? The Kamenetzkys discuss a recent article from The Athletic's Bill Oram detailing the coach's current lame duck status, then offer some thoughts on the potential reasons for the delay. Obviously, it could be nothing more than delayed housekeeping, with other issues (the Russell Westbrook trade, filling out a new roster) reasonably taking a higher priority. But is this possibly indicative of a lacking commitment to Vogel? After all, he wasn't even close to the team's first choice during the hiring search, and if you're into dot connecting and narrative following, new lead assistant coach David Fizdale is a respected, experienced presence with a close relationship to LeBron James. There's also questions of money, the front office's worldview on coaching in general, etc. Could be something. Could be nothing. But the longer Vogel remains in a contract year, particularly during the actual season, the more speculation will run rampant. And given all the complications of a new, potentially awkwardly matched big three and a supporting cast fully turned over, that's not an ideal scenario. Plus, the center rotation appears theoretically settled with Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis likely playing the bulk of important minutes at the five. But are the Lakers fully committed to keeping Gasol? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Kamenetzkys discuss Vogel remaining in a contract year, which strikes them as surprising and curious. SEGMENT 2: More on Vogel's situation. Is it possible the Lakers are having second thoughts about a commitment? SEGMENT 3: What will the center rotation look like? Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is age nothing but a number? One could reach a conclusion that the Lakers feel so, when you look at the collective age of the 2021-22 roster. Other than Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk, none of the new faces are younger than 26. Beyond those two, Anthony Davis and a newly re-signed Talen Horton, nobody else is under 32. That's led to some consternation about whether the Lakers are too cooked to compete, and LeBron James isn't having it. He sent (and deleted) two tweets begging the naysayers to keep talking, because it's just fuel for this team's fire. Unlike the whole #WashedKing nonsense, this is stuff actually being said. But is it nonetheless a valid concern? The Kamenetzkys discuss how much of this is troubling, how much doesn't matter at all, and why. Also, this team has the potential to be very good, but is it actually built for the playoffs? Let's take a look under the hood. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: After discussing what to make of LeBron's deleted tweets, the Kamenetzkys break down the issues (or lack thereof) with a roster this, shall we say, seasoned. In particular, Kent Bazemore's role could be pivotal. SEGMENT 2: If age means certain players will inevitably experience some degree of dropoff, how big of a deal is that for this roster? How likely is it that Nunn, Monk or THT take a step forward establishing themselves? SEGMENT 3: Andy offers an observation about the team's playoff makeup, at least on paper. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!?!? The Lakers kept the pedal to the metal in Tuesday's Day 2 of the free agency, making four more moves to continue (quickly) filling out what was once a nearly empty roster. First, it was the arrival of Carmelo Anthony, perhaps the easiest deal to predict in all of free agency. Next, a surprise with former Hornets guard Malik Monk, who is coming off a career year in Charlotte, but nonetheless was inconsistent, even as the 3-point shooting improved. After that, the Lakers addressed their backup point guard hole, agreeing to terms with former Heat guard Kendrick Nunn. And they capped things off by giving Talen Horton-Tucker a new deal. Busy, busy, busy! And, as it was Monday, a good use of resources, given how limited the Lakers are in the money they can throw around. The Lakers continued to bring in players who ought to outperform the contract they're getting. So how does all of this fit together? Andy Kamenetzky returns to the show after a quick vacation, and the Kamenetzky Brothers break down the incredible level of activity for LA. How much better did they get on Tuesday? How much better are they now compared to before this all kicked off? Anything else coming that could continue to change the way we think about the team? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Breaking down a busy Tuesday, starting with Carmelo Anthony and Malik Monk. What do they bring to the team? SEGMENT 2: A little more on Monk before moving on to Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker and holy hell has this team become a lot more interesting over the last two weeks or what? SEGMENT 3: Why THT's return is a big deal, a quick debate about Alex Caruso and why he's now gone and how much it matters, Can Kent Bazemore fill those shoes? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're putting the band back together! The Lakers got a little weird on Monday, as free agency started across the NBA, signing four players, all of whom have previously played for the Lakers. One of them (Dwight Howard), twice! So did Rob Pelinka have a good day? Sort of? Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza and Howard make for a perfectly good use of veteran's minimum deals. Each offers something the Lakers could use and ought to exceed the value of the deals they signed. But the day had a cost, too. The Chicago Bulls signed Alex Caruso to a four year deal worth about 37 million. A big number for regular folks, but a completely reasonable (and easily anticipated) salary range for A.C., and according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Lakers didn't even put forth an effort keep him. Why? Luxury taxes, most likely. The Lakers are a tax paying team, and would like to keep that payroll down as much as possible, apparently. But the logic of swinging for the fences on Westbrook while simultaneously trying to save money on the supporting cast seems like a really dumb one. Nor is it the best look. Finally, answering some of your post-Day 1 mailbag questions. No Andy Kamenetzky, but Brian Kamenetzky takes a few. HOST: Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers signed four free agents, and all four make some sense, though will raise the average age of the team up a few notches. SEGMENT 2: Why losing Caruso is painful for the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: A little more AC, plus the mailbag! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone's had the weekend to think things over, and the Russell Westbrook trade has only grown more interesting.. The process of moving forward, filling out the team around the new Big Three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook begins today as free agency opens. Where do the Lakers get the rest of their pieces? Who are the most likely candidates to join the the purple and gold to chase a title? Certain players - Carmelo Anthony, for example - feel almost inevitable and would make some sense, but the competition for talent around the league will be fierce. The Lakers aren't the only squad that can offer an opportunity to go win a ring. So what happens at 3:01 pm PT, when the derby officially begins? Is DeMar DeRozan really an option, given the haircut he'd have to take? What about Rudy Gay, or some lesser-but-critical names? Could Otto Porter be had for the taxpayer midlevel? Would he be a good choice, given his injury history? But first, much of the analysis around the trade has centered around questions of ego. Can everyone sacrifice to the extent that's needed in order to make this work? Is this going to be a real problem? But just as importantly, let's say Westbrook is willing to shave off parts of his game to blend better with Davis and LeBron. What does that look like? Does that shrink his impact? How do the Lakers maximize the real positives Westbrook can bring while minimizing the negatives? This is going to be a fascinating season, and we're just starting. SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE FOR INSTANT UPDATES ON FREE AGENCY. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What role will egos play in the melding of LA's new Big Three? Any reason to worry? SEGMENT 2: More questions the trade raises, and a look at Free Agency. How high can the Lakers realistically aim? How tricky is the task ahead of Rob Pelinka? SEGMENT 3: More names to watch as free agency begins. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have traded for Russell Westbrook. Yes, Russell Westbrook is now a Laker. There is A LOT to discuss. First, the Kamenetzky Brothers dig into what was arguably the craziest day around the Lakers since Chris Paul was a Laker for 45 minutes or so. The news was fast in coming, and very unexpected. What does it say about the front office that they went this direction? From there, it's all about the impact. What's good about Westbrook's addition to the Lakers? What is potentially problematic? What, to the extent you can know before free agency starts, is coming next, because losing three rotation pieces from last season (Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell) leaves them with real holes to fill, before you get to glaring problems with team skill set (SHOOTING, PLEASE!) Finally, we'll miss you, KCP and Kuz. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED ON THURSDAY?!?!?!? Reaction to the event, and what it says about the headspace of the franchise.? SEGMENT 2: What's good about Russ, and how he could help the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: What's problematic about Russ, and why ultimately this whole thing could flame out, spectacularly. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Draft Day! The Lakers have been rumored to be using their 22nd pick as everything from a sweetener in a larger trade package, a mechanism to move higher in the first round, a mechanism to trade into the second round... and... well... a means of selecting a player 22nd overall. Whatever decision ultimately made will be dictated in part by whoever's most likely available for them at that spot. To break down the field of candidates, the Kamenetzkys welcomed NBA draft expert Mike Garcia (@canyondriver). He offered scouting reports on several rookies linked to the Lakers, including Jared Butler, Chris Duarte, Jared Springer, and Trey Murphy III. Additionally, he offered perspective on potentially underrated gems for the second round, a couple of high upside candidates worth rolling the dice on late in the first, and the strength of the class as a whole. Plus, learn which incoming rookie reminds Garcia of Talen Horton-Tucker, along with the animal you'll now be comparing THT to from this day forward! Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More than any player, Baylor point guard and national championship Jared Butler has been the consensus pick for the Lakers at 22. Would he make sense? SEGMENT 2: The rumor mill has the Lakers trying to move up to ensure a chance at Oregon sharpshooter Chris Duarte. Would he be worth the effort? Plus, scouting reports on other players. SEGMENT 3: Who are sleepers worth keeping an eye on, and how good is the 2021 class to begin with? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another day, another trade rumor involving the Lakers and Kyle Kuzma. This time, he was reportedly offered, along with the 22nd pick, to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for T.J. Warren and the 13th pick. If that sounds lopsided in favor of the Lakers, that's only because it is. Like, a lot. But what's even more curious is the Lakers' reported attempt to move up in a draft. Could the Lakers have a specific player in mind (Chris Duarte?), or another plan altogether? In the meantime, there's change a-foot among the coaching staff. The venerable Lionel Hollins and the Lakers have parted ways after an impasse during contract negotiations. Reportedly, Hollins will be replaced internally by a promoted Mike Penberthy, heretofore largely known for his work as a shooting coach with the Lakers. (Take that info as you will.) If nobody else is brought on from the outside, should eyebrows be raised. Plus, the Kamenetzkys reminisce about their days as published authors. Have you picked up a copy of "Fishing on the Edge?" It apparently still sells copies. Seriously. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Pacers reportedly (and reasonably) turned down a trade offer involving Kuzma and the 22nd pick. What can be read into this attempt by Rob Pelinka? SEGMENT 2: More on what the Lakers could be up to in the draft, where it's been suggested they're trying to do everything from move higher in the first, or out of it entirely. SEGMENT 3: Hollins out. Penberthy promoted. Significant development? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With free agency approaching, and the Lakers negotiating several salary cap obstacles while trying to make roster upgrades, there's nobody better to break down the "how" of it all than NBA salary cap expert Eric Pincus (Bleacher Report, Basketball Insiders, Sports Business Classroom). The conversation begins with Pincus explaining exactly what the Lakers are up against while trying to make deals, particularly sign-and-trade swaps, which could potentially trigger a hard cap and create new sets of limitations. From there, what are the complications for their individual free agents, when it comes to retaining them? What is Montrezl Harrell going to do, opt in or become a free agent? Which is a better result for the Lakers? What about Dennis Schröder? Is he good as gone? What exactly does his market look like, anyway? One important thing to remember -- all of the NBA is one big Butterfly Effect. One move impacts another which impacts another. Then, it's another Westbrook debate. Pincus believes it's not as problematic an idea as the Kamenetzky brothers (and others) think, and explains why. One big thing - he explains why a hard cap creating deal (like a sign-and-trade to the Lakers) may not be as bad a thing for LA it might look on the surface.... depending at least on how they shuffle the deck chairs. And all of this is fueled by listener/viewer-supplied emails and Q's. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Where the Lakers stand heading into what could be a big week in the NBA. Where are the challenges? Where are the opportunities? SEGMENT 2: Looking at the market for Harrell and Schroder, and the pros/cons of a Westbrook trade, SEGMENT 3: So is a hard cap the worst thing in the world? Plus, more of your questions for Eric, including one thing he'd change in the CBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Draft week approaching, the NBA Rumor Mill certainly wasn't going to take the weekend off. So after Friday brought news of Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, it's no surprise, then, to see the Lakers connected to two more intriguing names: Sacramento sharpshooter Buddy Hield, and Utah's smooth shooting, savvy Aussie Joe Ingles. Would either be a good fit with the Lakers? Is Hield even the best guy on Sacramento's roster for LA to target? Ingles is an interesting name not just because he's good and would address some (though certainly not all) of the Lakers' shortcomings this season, but because integrating him in to the lineup would be relatively simple. Is Ingles as talented as Westbrook? Absolutely not, though as Team USA is showing, talent should always be a major consideration... but it can't be the only one. Other things matter, too. Would the Lakers benefit more from adding a lesser player than Westbrook who fits better? Where's the sweet spot? Finally, the same two names -- Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope -- have reportedly been included in every trade offer the Lakers are making. Well, there's a decent reason for that, but could it still cause some long term damage? What does it do for their reps around the league. SEGMENT 1: Would Buddy Hield make sense as a trade target for the Lakers? SEGMENT 2: How much should the Lakers prioritize increased talent vs. a smooth transition when it comes to any new faces added? SEGMENT 3: Are Kuz and KCP sick of being included in every rumor involving the Lakers? Probably, but such is life. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As it turns out, Chris Paul isn't the only future Hall of Fame point guard at the tail end of his career that's now linked to the Lakers. Marc Spears of ESPN/The Undefeated has reported discussions between the Lakers and Wizards about a blockbuster that would send Russell Westbrook to L.A. in a complicated scenario involving signed-and-traded(s) Dennis Schröder/Talen Horton-Tucker, Kyle Kuzma... and very little logic on either side. Westbrook remains a great player, but he makes zero sense for the Lakers. At all. (Frankly, Washington's end of the deal is weird for them.) Never say never, but with all sincere respect to Russ, this feels like an insane long shot. The Lakers extended a qualifying offer to Horton-Tucker, which was completely expected. And speaking of THT, the Kamenetzkys take a question Conor 511 left on the podcast show page. (You can also hit them up on Twitter, @kambrothers, or via email, [email protected].) The Cavaliers are reportedly shopping their young and very talented guard Colin Sexton, who's already proven himself a 20+ppg scorer. Were this a possibility, should the Lakers trade Horton-Tucker for Sexton? Finally, LeBron James has reportedly accumulated a net worth of one billion dollars. (Just like the Kamenetzkys, although theirs is combined, not individual.) He may be the first of his NBA generation to reach this peak, but won't likely be the last. If nothing else, many of his peers will retire worth half a billion or more. What is the future impact of athletes with this type of money, power, and influence? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Russ to the Lakers? Really? Like... really? C'mon now. SEGMENT 2: Is it worth trading the unique potential of THT for the more established, conventional talent like Sexton? SEGMENT 3: What are the larger implications of LeBron and other athletes becoming billionaires, or thereabouts? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA season is now officially in the books, which means it's officially time for Offseason Rumor-a-palooza, with the Lakers at the center of it all, as always! The Lakers have several players heading into free agency (most notably, Dennis Schröder, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker), another who has the option to follow suit (Montrezl Harrell), and two players prominently in the rumor mill (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma). They also have the 22nd pick in the draft to potentially trade. Does that mean the Lakers are set for a whirlwind of activity between now and August 2, when free agency kicks off? Not necessarily. The Lakers aren't just capped out. They also have luxury tax issues that could limit the moves that are even legal, much less optimal. As much as they might want to make changes, it won't be easy by any stretch. To better understand the Lakers' options, the Kamenetzkys talk with NBA cap expert Danny Leroux (The Athletic, Dunc'd On Podcast, RealGM Radio). How viable is a sign-and-trade involving Schröder? What are the market values for Caruso and THT? Are KCP and Kuzma reasonably valuable trade chips? Is it more likely for the team to make moves or run back a large chunk of the roster? These and many other questions get chopped up. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Danny Leroux breaks down the Lakers' cap situation, as well as the complications that make sign-and-trade deals a potentially difficult option to shake up the roster. SEGMENT 2: Are KCP and Kuzma valuable trade assets to help swing a larger deal? After some publicly stalled negotiations between Schröder and the Lakers, followed up an uneven playoffs, what's the point guard's market value? Can he leverage the Lakers' limited ability to replace him into a sizable payday? SEGMENT 3: How much competition will the Lakers face to retain Caruso and THT? Traditionally, the Lakers have been a strong option for veterans willing to take minimum deals in pursuit of a ring. Might that advantage be lessened this offseason? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Champions, capping off a crazy season that was, frankly, often difficult to watch. But beyond being a great story and reward for some outstanding people, like Giannis, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, the Bucks showed a few things that are instructive for the Lakers. First, it's a reminder of how thin the margins are, and how easily things could go the other way. If Brooklyn's Big Three is healthy, do the Bucks make it to the Finals? Maybe not. If Anthony Davis doesn't get hurt, do the Lakers get there, despite all the other things that ate into the margin for error built up from winning in 2020? Yeah, they probably do. Next season is going to be as open as any in recent NBA history. The Lakers have two superstars. Is the lesson of Milwaukee the need to take big swings, like the Bucks did with the Jrue Holiday trade? (And the Lakers did with Davis?) What's the equivalent of that for LA this offseason? Magic Johnson has some suggestions on how the Lakers can improve. The Kamenetzky Brothers discuss, and acknowledge executing on Magic's plan requires a little chicanery. Finally, NBA Draft prep continues at Locked On Lakers. Kendall Kaut, who literally wrote the book on Baylor's 2021 NCAA title, joins to break down smooth-shooting guard Jared Butler. Is he the best fit for LA at 22? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBhh19es9nSvPn0ixAmYEA HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Bucks are NBA champs. How did they get there, and what does it say about this year's Lakers? SEGMENT 2: Magic has a plan that, no surprise, doesn't necessarily fit neatly into the NBA's salary cap rules. But no worries, the Kamenetzkys explain how it can happen. Plus, should the Lakers make a big swing this summer, even if it comes with some risk? SEGMENT 3: Kendall Kaut joins, with an excellent scouting report on Butler's Jared Baylor. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kamenetzky Brothers open up the Locked On Lakers Mailbag. (Direct all questions to @KamBrothers on Twitter, [email protected], and on the iTunes show page.) First, from Will Powell (@willpowell_4): Who is most likely between Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma to open the season with the Lakers? Could all of them stay? None of them? From there, Aniket Mohan (@Aniket_Mohan24) asks who'd they'd rather have for the last five minutes of a game: Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo? Is one better as a closer? What are their respective shortcomings in this scenario? Then, as part of their continuing coverage of the 2021 NBA Draft. they talked with Adam Chimeo, who covers University of Oregon sports for SB Nation's Addicted to Quack, about guard Chris Duarte. The senior can shoot the lights out, plays smart, and seems ready to contribute now. However, he's also near 24 years-old, and doesn't have incredible athleticism or projected upside. What are the pros and cons for Duarte? After the conversation with Chimeo, the Kamenetzkys talk about the importance of finding a player who can become a part of the Lakers' rotation, assuming they keep the pick. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Mailbag time! How will the Lakers' tricky cap situation affect the purple and gold futures of Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma? Also, who do you want in crunch time? Giannis or AD? SEGMENT 2: Adam Chimeo provides a scouting report on Oregon guard Chris Duarte, who's been linked to the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: The Kamenetzkys react to the interview with Chimeo, and break down the importance of finding someone in the draft who can contribute. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How was your weekend? Good? Well, LeBron's was better. The Lakers superstar's new movie, Space Jam: A New Legacy, opened Friday, and despite a plethora of very bad reviews, did nearly $32M in sales, more than 10 mil above industry estimates, despite still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and the movie simultaneously streaming on HBO Max. All in all, this was impressive, and audiences seem to have liked the movie. For that matter, the Kamenetzkys liked the movie better than the 1996 original. Is it a *great* movie? No. But it's an entertaining enough watch, and has some positives going for it. From there, a discussion about what this opening means for whatever aspirations LeBron has to be a genuine movie star. Fair to say this doesn't confirm he's The Rock 2.0, but could LeBron carve out a film career if he wants? The answer could be yes, for a few reasons. Finally, Eric Cain, host of Locked On Vols, joins to discuss Tennessee guard Jaden Springer. One of the youngest players in the Draft, he's been linked to the Lakers in multiple mocks, and worked out for the team over the weekend. Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What are the best parts of this version of Space Jam? To begin, Don Cheadle, who's amazingly committed, and amazingly weird. For that matter, the whole movie's kinda weird, in a good way. SEGMENT 2: LeBron's performance is just adequate, but given the strong opening, does this mean he could be a movie star? The Kamenetzkys discuss his potential. SEGMENT 3: The Kamenetzkys talk with Eric Cain (Locked on Vols) about Tennessee guard Jaden Springer's one and done season, along with his strengths and weaknesses. Subscribe to Locked on Lakers on YouTube, here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBhh19es9nSvPn0ixAmYEA Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's getting close to the draft and free agency, which makes it a great time for an examination of various implications with both for the Lakers! First, the Kamenetzkys scout guard Cam Thomas, an absolute scoring machine during his lone season at LSU, who's been linked to the Lakers in a few mock drafts. Just how talented of a scorer is this kid who averaged 23 ppg? What else, if anything, has he demonstrated capable of consistently doing other than get buckets? Is he ready to contribute now? The answers to these questions and more, courtesy of Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona), who covers all things LSU for Locked on LSU and ESPN Baton Rouge. From there, the Kamenetzkys discuss several recent articles predicting a slew of sign-and-trades once free agency kicks off, with the Lakers mentioned as a team that would at least want to be players. In particular, Dennis Schröder could be of interest around the league as a potential asset. The devil, however, is always in the details, and the Lakers' cap situation will make these types of deals quite difficult to pull off. Finally, LeBron James remains the most popular jersey in the league for fans, although several young players are nipping at his heels. What can be ascertained from this, whether in terms of the overall health of the NBA, but also the anticipation of LeBron's upcoming Space Jam reboot? The early reviews have been, well, bad. Will that matter in terms of viewership? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Matt Moscana breaks down how the frosh phenom Cam Thomas could fit in with the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: How viable an option will sign-and-trades be for the Lakers when free agency starts, given how little wiggle room they'll have with the cap? SEGMENT 3: LeBron remains very, very popular among fans. Popular enough to get eyeballs on a Space Jam reboot? That remains to be seen. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have the 22nd pick in this year's NBA Draft, and names of potential draftees are flying around. We've discussed the priorities for the Lakers heading in - shooting, playmaking, and perhaps most important, the ability to contribute quickly - and begin our scouting reports talking Florida guard Tre Mann with Brandon Olsen, host of Locked on Gators and Whole Nine Sports. Could Mann, who played two years with the Gators, improved considerably between years 1 and 2, and even grew a few inches, be a good fit in purple and gold? Olsen breaks down his strengths and weaknesses. From there, the other shoe we've all been waiting for finally dropped on the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is out for at least six months following surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Likely, the absence could be closer to nine or even 12 months, meaning there's an real chance Leonard misses most if not all of next season. What does that mean for the Western Conference? How does it impact the Lakers' title window? Lakers fans may be happy their team has a better shot at winning next year, but shouldn't (and likely won't) get too gleeful. We discuss why. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1; All about Tre Mann, with Brandon Olsen. Is he a good fit at 22? SEGMENT 2: Kawhi's injury, and how it impacts the Lakers. What does it mean for their offseason? Can the Clippers recover? Do the Lakers, and other teams, push harder to win now, now? SEGMENT 3: Kawhi's injury illustrates the dangers inherent in building teams around highly paid stars. When they go down, there's just no recourse. It's the worst nightmare for a fanbase... including for Lakers fans. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a bit of a change of pace for today's show. We bring on one of the great writers working in sports today, The Ringer's Mirin Fader, whose biography of Giannis Antetokounmpo, "Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP" comes out August 10th. (Preorder wherever you get your books!) Having had a chance to preview the book, it's a fantastic look at a wholly unique player and the conditions and circumstances that made him what he is today. In a wide-ranging interview, we talk with Fader about the incredibly difficult process of writing a book about a guy who grew up in Greece during a pandemic, when travel is impossible and communication more complicated. What don't people understand about the way Giannis grew up, and the obstacles he encountered? How is his experience different than athletes who grow up poor, even desperately so, in the United States? What turned him into an MVP, someone who plays with incredible joy but equally incredible drive? What was the influence of his family? Of veteran players both on his team, and around the league (including Kobe Bryant)? Also, what does Mirin keep on her bookshelf? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How to write a well-reported biography during a pandemic. What makes Giannis such a complex and intriguing biography subject? SEGMENT 2: It's easy to get caught up in the sheer wonderfulness and innocence of Giannis, and the way he came into the league. But he, and other Black immigrants in Greece, faced real and often violent discrimination. Giannis only received Greek citizenship after the family started looking to other countries in an effort to get a passport, and only after it was clear Giannis could become a star. What is different about growing up poor there vs. the experience so many athletes have in the US? SEGMENT 3: What is the role of family in Giannis' development? Of veteran leaders on his own team, like Caron Butler, or around the league, like Kobe Bryant? Fader tells the story of a meeting engineered between Giannis and Bryant and the impact it had. Plus, what getting the Bucks to the Finals means for a city like Milwaukee. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As part of his Space Jam promotional tour, LeBron James appeared on the "Smartless" podcast with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, and among many subjects, touched on his basketball future. In a nutshell, he wants to play another several years, and all of them in a Laker uniform. What's crazy is how absolutely sane the notion of him playing well into his forties feels. LeBron also talked about his future in Hollywood, and what he could have in common with Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson and The Rock. From there, the Kamenetzkys break down what type of player the Lakers should target with the 22nd pick, assuming they keep it. Should they target a high ceiling, or a high floor? What skills should they covet? Is it even possible to find a multifaceted player late in the first round? Finally, Team USA lost what is ultimately an insignificant game against Nigeria, but basketball fans are still freaking out. Why do American basketball fans lose their minds over this stuff? Does it reflect some of our worst characteristics as a country? Plus, Andy mocks the sheeple who care about Olympic sports once every four years because they're told to. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron wants to retire a Laker, and not for a while. What are the implications of this, and more importantly, how will this affect his potential next act as a Hollywood action hero? SEGMENT 2: If the Lakers keep their first round pick, what kind of player should they target? SEGMENT 3: Is it really that big of a deal if Team USA -- and by extension, America -- isn't THE BEST in the world at basketball anymore, considering how this country set out to make the game more global in the first place? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Drummond and Montrezl Harrell, the former a free agent to be and the latter potentially so, both made recent headlines with what appeared to be swipes at Frank Vogel on social media. Drummond claims he was intentionally making headlines to help promote his new NFT's, and didn't mean any of it. Whether sincere or not, the stakes with Drummond's theoretical unhappiness are fairly low, because he might not be back even if he were totally pleased with time in L.A. Either way, he's selling the hell out these NFT's, and they'll need all the help he can provide. Harrell, however, can exercise a player option to return next season, and might need to do from a financial standpoint, even if he's not thrilled to return. While Harrell is obviously a quality NBA player, how he views himself and how the rest of the world sees him may be significantly different. Given how much Harrell wears his emotions on his sleeve and the likelihood that his role next year will likely remain exactly the same, could this be a problem waiting to happen? Finally, the shooting coach known as Lethal Shooter (@LethalShooter__), who works with many NBA players, has been raising among Laker fans of late for seemingly combining drills and post-apocalyptic gadgetry. Admittedly, the Kamenetzkys would LOVE to see a version of basketball that involves spiked rims and revolving hoops, we're not sure what any of this has to do with developing great mechanics. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Now that he has your attention, how much would you pay for a certain seven-footer's NFT, which in certain cases are packaged as part of a larger "Andre Drummond" experience? (Hint: He expects the answer to be "a lot.") SEGMENT 2: On one hand, Harrell has a definitive role on next year's Lakers. On the other hand, he's seemed increasingly dissatisfied with that role. Even with a nice 2021 salary, would opting into it be the right choice, financially and for his own happiness? SEGMENT 3: Lethal Shooter has some Laker fans concerned.... and the Kamenetzkys kinda get it. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's one of our favorite people, and a hugely popular figure on NBA social media, and Lakers Twitter particularly. Daman Rangoola (@damanr) joins Locked On Lakers, on a busy day in the NBA. After a quick breakdown of Game 2 of the Finals, and talking about our respective rooting interests, we dive into some provocative comments made by Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, who is out promoting his new TV show. He thinks with a more consistent role and opportunity, he can be an All Star. Is he right? Kuz also made some interesting comments about team chemistry, which wasn't as good this year as before. Is that evidence that the moves the Lakers made last offseason were a mistake? What should they be looking for this summer? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, GUEST: Daman Rangoola SEGMENT 1: Talking NBA Finals, rooting interests and Kyle Kuzma's TV show. SEGMENT 2: Kuz thinks he's an All Star level player. Is he right? Does it matter if he's wrong? SEGMENT 3: What do Kuzma's comments on team chemistry mean? Should the Lakers have run it back with what they had? How was last offseason instructive for what this offseason might bring? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kamenetzky Brothers often take listener questions during a show, whether solicited over Twitter (@kambrothers) or email ([email protected]). But every now and then, they go into full-on mailbag mode! Like today! First, however, they addressed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's press conference before kicking off the NBA Finals, which were fairly frank about how crummy this past year was for the players, whether physically or mentally, in ways that may not be fully understood until a few years from now. On the flip side, the league's coffers are getting closer to whole, which was the reason everyone endured this in the first place. What to make of it all? From there, MAILBAG!!! The Kamenetzkys took a slew of questions from loyal listeners like @visiontoKAT, @LakersInMyBlood, Jim Joes, @CNTNation, @m1kk0_ and @donfurleone, hitting a wide range of topics about the Lakers... and beyond. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Commish offered a lot of thoughts during his "state of the league" address ahead of Game 1, and the Kamenetzkys focused on two uncomfortable truths conceded by Silver. SEGMENT 2: Mailbag time! The Kamenetzkys take questions about whether Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka should run the roster back or make big changes, what constitutes a realistic success story for this offseason, and how LeBron James could be better served in season nineteen. SEGMENT 3: More mailbag! Would Jason Kidd (theoretically) poaching Phil Handy from Frank Vogel's staff hurt the Lakers? How can the Rams learn from the Lakers when it comes to winning over L.A.? And finally, a listener hates the movie "Chinatown," widely considered among the greatest films ever. What are some critical and audience favorites Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Silly season is here! On Tuesday, NBA Twitter was made crazy by a fairly implausible trade rumor generated by a fake version of a somewhat shaky aggregator site. BUT WHO CARES! This stuff is fun! So after debating whether Kemba Walker (the subject of the aforementioned fake rumor) is a good fit for the Lakers, we break down what the Lakers have to offer in trades. And, using the guys on the block for the Indiana Pacers as a stable metric, try to figure out what caliber player those assets might attract. How much can Lakers fans really expect in the trade market this offseason? What factors will be critical in determining whether a trade could be made, even beyond the typical salary stuff? After, Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Suns have a 1-0 lead. What went right for Phoenix? What can the Bucks feel good about? And what did Game 1 drive home about stuff the Lakers were missing this season? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Fake rumors aside... would you trade for Kemba Walker? And what do the Lakers really have to offer other teams? SEGMENT 2: Using the Pacers and their dudes who might be on the block, it's time for real world assessments on how far the Lakers' stuff might get them in the trade market. SEGMENT 3: Looking at Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Quite a title series debut for Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA Finals are here... have Lakers fans checked out? We fire up the Twitter polling machine to find out. For those fans who are still engaged, what are the best stories? Is it possible to root for a team with Jae Crowder on it? Why does Chris Paul make it so hard to be happy for his success? The Bucks have some guys, too. Jrue Holiday is one of the best guys the league has to offer. So is Khris Middleton. And what if the Bucks win... and Giannis barely plays? Lord help us all. From there, we open the mailbag. A great question from listener/viewer Jim Joes: " What's up fellas, my first question is.... Should the Lakers do what the Raptors did in 2019 this upcoming season where they started Marc against big 5's and they started small with (Pascal) Siakam at the 5 this season instead of just playing A.D. at the 5 to end the 1st and sometimes 4th quarters." The answer would have a critical impact on how the Lakers approach the offseason. Finally, it's a rapid fire news segment. Kostas Antetokounmpo is heading back to Europe, it seems. Scott Brooks has reportedly interviewed for a job on Frank Vogel's staff... but no reports yet of an actual vacancy. Finally, LeBron James is a basketball dad, not just a basketball player. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Looking at the NBA Finals. What are the best storylines, whether for Lakers fans or NBA fans more generally? SEGMENT 2: Mailbag! Should the Lakers rip off the band-aid and just maximize the time Davis spends at center? SEGMENT 3: News! Kostas, Scotty Brooks, and LeBron protecting Bronny. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

July 1 might as well be a holiday for Lakers fans, albeit a new one. In 2018, that's when the news broke that LeBron James would be coming to Los Angeles to join the Lakers. It took a minute, but James dragged the franchise out of a near-decade long rut, and even if he doesn't win another title in purple and gold goes down as one of the most influential Lakers of all time, just based on impact. We talk about that, then look back at the alternate universe in which James doesn't come, and the Lakers keep all the young guys. How good would that team be? Then, it's a look at the Western Conference Finals, and the rehab Paul George did to his image. Chris Paul, too, who finally makes a Finals in his 16th season. As a basketball culture, we need to celebrate winning, because it's hard, and perhaps focus on what players are doing as much as what they aren't. Finally, are the Lakers and Clippers going to be the offseason equivalent of the Spiderman Meme? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was a great deal of speculation around how the Lakers would go about filling Jason Kidd's spot on Frank Vogel's coaching staff. Would it be an offense-first mind? A former head coach? A F.O.L. (Friend of LeBron)? Well, LA got a little bit from each of those categories, hiring former Heat assistant/Grizzlies/Knicks head coach David Fizdale. What does it mean for the staff? Is he a good fit? Meanwhile, LeBron James is done with Olympic basketball, says USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo. No real surprise there, given his age and mileage, but still kind of amazing it could even be a possibility. Lakers fans are probably happy about it (and that Anthony Davis is sitting Tokyo out, too). Do fans of contending teams even want their stars in the Olympics, anymore? Finally, the Blazers had a disastrous press conference this week to introduce new head coach Chauncey Billups. Why were people upset, and why did the Blazers seem so unprepared to meet the moment? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers hire David Fizdale. What does he bring to the staff? How important is his connection to LeBron? SEGMENT 2: More Fiz. Is he the offensive mind the Lakers need? He's certainly not a dinosaur on that end. Plus, the Olympics. No LeBron, no AD... and as a Laker fan, would you even want your stars playing in that tournament? SEGMENT 3: How the hell did the Blazers screw up so badly, and why it matters. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a bunch of free agents this offseason, and if we're being honest, not all of them need to be a priority. There are some players, though, who are critical to the team's success, and making sure they're in purple and gold next year should be a major priority: Talen Horton-Tucker Alex Caruso Dennis Schroder We break down why each is important to re-sign, and who would be the top priority if Rob Pelinka has to make some tough choices. Critics of Dennis Schröder may not like some of the arguments. From there, we dive into Horton-Tucker's sophomore campaign. While his growth was significant in his second season, is he ready to be an every day rotation guy, playing heavy minutes including in high-leverage playoff situations? What is his significance to the franchise, long term? Also, you'll learn some old-timey train lingo. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Who are the most important free agents the Lakers have from last year's roster? SEGMENT 2: Dennis Schroder reportedly wants "der tasche," or "the bag." Do the Lakers have to give it to him? What happens if they don't? SEGMENT 3: Why THT has the more transformative potential for the Lakers than anyone else on the roster. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scottie Pippen won six titles alongside Michael Jordan in Chicago, with Phil Jackson as their coach, but the experience wasn't all sunshine for the Hall of Fame forward. While promoting his new bourbon and upcoming book on The Dan Patrick Show, Pippen claimed that Jackson's decision to design a game-winning shot for (white) rookie forward Toni Kukoc rather than him during the 1994 playoffs, which angered Pippen enough to refuse to take the court, was fueled by racism. As another example of what Pippen viewed as a racist mindset, he cited a harsh depiction of Kobe Bryant in Jackson's 2005 book "The Last Season," which was published before Jackson and Kobe reunited to win another pair of titles. Pippen's "evidence" of Jackson's alleged racism isn't terribly compelling, but does provide reminders that the coaching legend was often capable of being an abrasive jerk. Jackson admitted the book was too harsh on Kobe, and even prompted his return to the Lakers in part to help undo image problems he played a role in creating for Bryant. Either way, Pippen's interview provided yet another reminder of the misgivings about his career, being seen as MJ's sidekick, and other elements. It's a wild conversation, but also kind of sad. The Kamenetzkys also open up the Twitter mailbag, answering a question about whether the Lakers could have won it all had they stayed healthy, considering how many other teams suffered injuries throughout the playoffs. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Pippen calls Phil Jackson a racist, and while never providing strong evidence, he does underscore how The Zen Master was enabled far too often to engage in insensitive, rude or hypocritical behavior. SEGMENT 2: Again, Jackson's depiction of Kobe in his book doesn't necessarily reflect a racist mindset, but it was definitely harsh, and in ways not always fair. SEGMENT 3: From Twitter follower Kyle Downey asks., could the Lakers have won it all had they stayed healthy? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are in a relatively quiet place right now, but the rest of the Western Conference is not. We've discussed the craziness in Dallas, with changes in the front office and on the sidelines and how uncertain things feel in the moment. Nobody could top them, right? This weekend, the Portland TrailBlazers said "Hold my locally brewed artisanal craft beer." The imminent hiring of Chauncey Billups, itself controversial among some fans because of allegations (settled out of court) of sexual assault leveled against Billups as a rookie in 1997, was connected to Blazers star Damian Lillard, who endorsed Billups on the record in June. That led to a beef between Lillard and Blazers fans, and Chris Haynes of Yahoo! reporting that frustration over the hiring process and fallout from it could be a factor in Lillard finally pushing his way out of Portland. So how did this happen? How did Lillard not learn the lesson LeBron James taught NBA stars. How does the process that has Lillard at odds with some segment of Portland fans (and perhaps elevating his frustration with the team, overall) reflect the downside of player empowerment, for players? Finally, Frank Vogel still doesn't have a contract extension, and some, even inside the organization according to reports, are wondering why. This is not a good thing for the Lakers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lillard is beefing with Blazers fans. How we got here, and how Lillard should have learned more from LeBron. SEGMENT 2: Ignoring the inevitability of Lillard being traded to the Lakers - let the memes fly! - was the process of bringing Billups to Portland better than the one that landed Kidd in Dallas? Is there a material difference in their histories? SEGMENT 3: Kidd might be poaching members of Vogel's staff, according to reports. That's made easier because Vogel still doesn't have a contract extension, which would provide more security to his assistants. So what's the hold up? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers Assistant Jason Kidd will reportedly be hired to replace Rick Carlisle as the Dallas Mavericks' head coach. It's felt like Kidd would inevitably get a head coaching job somewhere this offseason, despite a mediocre perception as a tactician, and a flat out problematic perception away from the court. How does Kidd perpetually remain at the top of wish lists? In the meantime, the Lakers will need to find someone to replace him on Frank Vogel's staff. What type of coach should they target? Plus, an interesting listener email about Montrezl Harrell's defense, which leads to a recap of his season, which left many Laker fans underwhelmed. Is that a fair assessment? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kidd's imminent new gig, despite tons off professional and personal baggage (including a tough past with the organization that hiring him) speaks to the power of respect around the league among peers. Whether LeBron James, Damian Lillard or (presumably) Luka Doncic, Kidd's always had it, and that makes all the difference. SEGMENT 2: What type of coach should the Lakers find to replace Kidd? Are certain skills more important than others? SEGMENT 3: So... did Montrezl Harrell have a good season? Opening up the Locked On Lakers mailbag to take a deep dive into one of the team's more fascinating players. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers, like a lot of teams, battled significant (and poorly timed) injuries this year. Ultimately, that's what did them in. What was behind them? Was the training staff?a group the Lakers have since shaken up?somehow deficient? (And what exactly are those staffs doing?) Most importantly, what are the team's prospects from a health standpoint going forward? Should this year have any residual impact on next year? And does Davis risk a different type of injury when he avoids playing center? We discuss it all with injury expert Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes), creator of the genuinely indispensable InStreetClothes.com website. Tons of fantastic information fans can use. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What went wrong this year in the NBA and the Lakers in terms of injuries? Were they really up? What contributed to the run of high profile playoff injuries we've seen? Stotts explains the variables in play this year. SEGMENT 2: What exactly do training staffs do? How straight a line can you draw between player injuries and the performance of a staff? What can they control, and how do you measure efficacy? What is the reputation of the Lakers in this area around the league? (They just fired head athletic trainer Nina Hsieh...) SEGMENT 3: Looking to next year, how likely are the Lakers to see an injury hangover? Is LeBron still kinda bulletproof, and if not, how should he be treated? And is AD at the five really more demanding physically than AD at the 4? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Monday was a busy day for Magic Johnson, who did the rounds on various ESPN shows, waxing poetic about everything from the state of the Lakers to mistakes with the 2021 roster to what he thinks would remedy said mistakes. Whether or not you actually agree with Magic's assessments, considering he famously left the team high-and-dry with a surprise resignation (along with a gasoline fire and a lit match), the potential self-interest feels hard to ignore. Or... apparently not... since everyone does ignores it. That said, were his points actually correct? Plus, Clippers head coach Ty Lue lobbied for Laker fans to back the crosstown rival, because it's all about rooting for L.A. Respectfully, that ain't happening. But there is an obvious choice for Laker fans looking to cheer on an alternate team for the next two rounds. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Before addressing the validity of Magic's comments, the Kamenetzkys note how everyone is willing to ignore the disconnect of him even commenting on the team at all, considering he bailed. Kinda weird, but at the end of the day, everyone loves Magic, and always will. SEGMENT 2: What about the actual substance of his criticisms? Can Pelinka's moves be properly evaluated, considering the postseason injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis? SEGMENT 3: Ty Lue suggested Laker fans root for the Clippers. It's likely an unsuccessful pitch, but the Kamenetzkys know which of the remaining teams Laker fans should logically get behind. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a crazy, unprecedented 2020-21 season in which the Lakers had a historically short recovery time in the offseason, the schedule was compressed in unusual ways, players had irregular access to the typical infrastructure of health and wellness, it's hard to draw a straight line from a player getting hurt to the performance of the athletic training staff. But clearly the Lakers think something wasn't up to standards, because they've let head athletic trainer Nina Hsieh loose, along with other members of the training staff. Did she do a good job? Well, the Lakers were relatively healthy last season, and this year may have lost high profile stars to injury but were actually middle-of-the-pack in terms of total games missed. But with another critical offseason to come, the Lakers are making a change. Next, Jeanie Buss has a deal with Netflix to produce a comedy based on the Lakers and her role running the team. What are they planning to show? Who should the heroes be? Is it going to be a show people can recognize as the Lakers, or more a composite of her experience as an NBA owner? Finally, Paul George has done some work over the last week or so to change the perception of him around NBA fan circles. What accounts for it? And how does the "Paul George problem" compare to the "Rudy Gobert problem," or the (gulp!) "Ben Simmons problem?" HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers fire Nina Hsieh. Will that actually change the dynamic on the injury front? SEGMENT 2: Jeanie Buss and Netflix. What's coming? SEGMENT 3: Pandemic P rehabilitates his image. What accounts for the improvement George has made this postseason, relative to last? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Tanking" has become a massive buzzword in NBA culture, and an approach to team-building that sparks everything from vitriol to accolades. Detractors say it's antithetical to winning, a reason ratings are down and an indictment of the analytically-driven geeks now running front offices. Defenders say it's the most effective way for franchises, particularly in small markets, to gather generational talent and turn fortunes. Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer has a terrific new book "Built to Lose: How the NBA's Tanking Era Changed the League Forever," which examines all sides of this polarizing topic, including where the Lakers' fallow period between Kobe Bryant's Achilles tear and the 2020 title fits into this story. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How do you define tanking in the first place, why do people care if it happens and does it actually work? Fischer explains the culture of tanking. SEGMENT 2: After explaining why a zero-sum view of winning leads to a misunderstanding of tanking, Fischer discusses the several years of losing seasons and lottery picks for the Lakers. Was that tanking or ineptitude? Also, what role did Kobe's controversial $48,500,000 extension play in this struggle? SEGMENT 3: More talk about the ripple effect of Kobe's deal, plus the difficulties of combining the Mamba's twilight years, an old-school coach like Byron Scott and a group of lottery pick players. Plus, Andy runs his pet conspiracy theory about the Lakers and the NBA by Fischer. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday's show, the Kamenetzky's welcome the great Mo Dakhil, of Bleacher Report and The Athletic, keeper of a great Twitter and Twitch feed (MoDakhil_NBA) that'll teach you all sorts of stuff about basketball. Well, we have more to give from that conversation. Mo digs into Anthony Davis, and whether he's able/ready to take the torch from LeBron James, as Jared Dudley suggested he could during exit interviews. What does that even mean? Is it possible while LeBron is still active? But first, LeBron himself is in the news. First, for making the 2nd team All-NBA squad, and then for sounding off on Twitter at the NBA's schedule makers after a rash of injuries again impacted the NBA playoffs. Safe to say, he's not happy. The KamBrothers discuss. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Kamenetzkys react to LeBron getting named to the All-NBA second team, as well as his public criticism of the NBA's truncated 2021 schedule. How justified was he in both situations? SEGMENT 2: More Wednesday's conversation with Mo! How close is Anthony Davis to being "the man" in LA? Can he take the metaphorical torch from LeBron as early as next season, as Jared Dudley suggests? SEGMENT 3: How much does playing center really impact A.D.? Did Andre Drummond represent an obstacle for him to perform? Or is A.D. more the captain of his own ship? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for a Lakers 2021 season autopsy, and there's no better basketball mortician for these purposes than the Kamenetzky Brothers' favorite guest, NBA analyst and former team videographer Mo Dakhil (Bleacher Report, The Athletic, @MoDakhil_NBA)! Since the first round exit, there's been a lot of debate about how good of a team the Lakers really had, and whether they could realistically have repeated as constructed, if healthy. Mo offers his assessment, plus thoughts on two key young players, the Andre Drummond/Anthony Davis/LeBron James fit, the team's defensive success, Frank Vogel's coaching acumen, and more. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers' season ended with a whimper, but the team was also rolling before a slew of injuries. Was this a legit championship roster before the wheels came off? Mo offers his opinion. SEGMENT 2: More thoughts on the roster. Could Drummond work with Davis and LeBron? Is it worth trying another season? Mo also explains why Kyle Kuzma's defensive development is critically important moving forward. SEGMENT 3: What is the defensive upside of Talen Horton-Tucker? How did Frank Vogel's approach allow the Lakers do succeed on that end, despite so many players in and out of the lineup. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Kidd is always a hot name for coaching searches, and this offseason is no exception. The Lakers' assistant coach will reportedly interview with the Orlando Magic, which prompts a discussion about his credentials... and also his off-court baggage. It's also the anniversary of the Lakers' 2009 championship, which the Kamenetzkys covered. What are the biggest memories of that team? And finally, they kick off a series examining the performance of key players. It begins with the back of the rotation: Markieff Morris, Jared Dudley and Ben McLemore. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: It feels like Kidd will be coaching somewhere else next season, despite a mediocre reputation as a tactician and many past transgressions away from the court. The Kamenetzkys discuss the compartmentalization allowing this to happen, as well as what traits the Lakers should target in his replacement. SEGMENT 2: Twelve years ago, the Lakers won title #16, and Kobe Bryant's first as the team's unquestioned leader. Are there commonalities between that team's arc and what LeBron James and Anthony Davis are currently experiencing? SEGMENT 3: A series examining the seasons of different Lakers: What can be learned, in terms of roster construction, from several back-of-the-rotation players? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend marked the 19th anniversary of the Lakers Threepeat teams clinching that third title. In the years since, no team has won three straight. This after the Bulls and Lakers made it seem like something that maybe could start happening a lot. So why hasn't it happened again, and will it? And what does it say about those Lakers that they got it done? How might this conversation shape expectations around the LeBron James/Anthony Davis-led Lakers? PLUS... LeBron said something nice to Lonzo Ball on Twitter. More than enough to satisfy the requirements of silly season on Twitter. Yes, Lonzo is coming back, baby, if reckless speculation is to be believed. And make no mistake, reckless speculation is basically the best kind! Finally, Glen Davis is, indeed, a big effing baby. He took it on the chin Sunday on social media, and with cause. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Threepeat. What make it so impressive? How likely is it today a team could win three straight? SEGMENT 2: What does the challenge of winning a title in the modern era mean for expectations around the LBJ/AD Lakers? Is one enough? Two? Three? SEGMENT 3: Glen Davis sucks. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers offense fell apart in the postseason. The shooting completely disappeared. Was it a problem of personnel? A reflection of injuries? Just bad luck and horrible timing? Well, yes. To all of it, at least to some degree. Alex Regla joins the show to break down the highs and lows, and take a peek towards the summer at what the Lakers might need going forward. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers' shooting collapsed in the playoffs. Covered players, wide open players - it didn't matter, the Lakers would miss. So what's the problem, and how easy is it to fix? SEGMENT 2: More on the offense. What changed from last season (pretty good on that end, at least until the bubble games) to this one (pretty mediocre for much of the year). Can it be chalked up to something as simple as injury? If not, what? SEGMENT 3: How wide open is the championship window for this version of the Lakers? It seems like it's tightening, mostly because the West has some teams that are coming fast, if they haven't already arrived. What does it mean for next season? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! StatHero StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Laker this season was more polarizing than Andre Drummond, which is saying something because there were other candidates to choose from. And as Marc Stein of the NY Times reports, Drummond was indeed made a promise that he'd start were he to sign with the Lakers on the buyout market. It didn't work out as planned, but did the Lakers really lose out by making that commitment? What does it say about the front office? Did they really hamstring themselves as the playoffs started? Plus... ESPN's Baxter Holmes wrote a story with some data on injuries for this season. Obviously Lakers fans know they were a problem, but what did it look like leaguewide? And more importantly, what might it mean for next season? And finally, LeBron is going back to #6, the digit he wore in Miami. That begs the question, should LBJ eventually get his number retired, does he get both numbers? Just one? And if it's not 23, does that open the door to Von Wafer? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Promises, promises... SEGMENT 2: How did the compressed schedule impact player health this season, and how much could next year be affected, too? SEGMENT 3: 23 becomes 6... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! StatHero StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The LeBron James/Anthony Davis Lakers have a title under their belt, and good years still to come. But with young stars rising fast all over the NBA, and particularly in the Western Conference, are teams tugging at that championship window and closing it faster than expected? we discuss. Plus.... Listener emails! Is Kyle Kuzma part of the core going forward? Did the Lakers have a little too much depth last year? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Kamenetzkys entered this season thinking the Lakers' window for contention was pretty wide. For various reasons, they examine whether it's closing faster than expected. SEGMENT 2: Mailbag time! Two listeners ask about Kuzma's place with the Lakers moving forward. Is he still considered a core member of the team, or does his fit feel more tenuous? SEGMENT 3: More mailbag! Another listener wonders whether the Lakers actually had too much depth for their own good, especially when it comes to defining roles. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! StatHero StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing Monday's conversation about the "Jason Kidd to Portland" scenario that Kidd himself quickly ended, the Kamenetzkys discuss the latest Twitter conspiracy theory - that Kidd said no because he wants a better gig... one belonging to Frank Vogel. Is L.A.'s head coach in any danger following a first round flame out? Should there be any trepidation about committing long-term to Vogel, who is entering the final year of his contract? From there, a look back at the decision not to trade (reportedly) Dennis Schröder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Talen Horton-Tucker for Kyle Lowry. Whether for the 2021 season or the ones ahead, was this a mistake? And finally, Monday's show was all about enthusiam from Lakers players about running it back next year with the same crew, attending to unfinished business. They're enthusiastic about it, but should Lakers management be as excited? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Did the Lakers' early exit change any perceptions about Vogel as a long-term fit for the Lakers? Were any weaknesses exposed? SEGMENT 2: Would the Lakers have been better in the playoffs and/or moving forward if they'd pulled the trigger on the Lowry deal? SEGMENT 3: Several Lakers expressed confidence in their ability to run it back and, health permitted, win a title next season. Are they right? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! StatHero StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Friday's exit interviews were the last bit of closure for the Lakers' season. There was a lot of disappointment expressed over the way things wrapped up, but to nearly a man there was also excitement at the prospect of running it back with the same roster next season, and addressing this year's unfinished business. Along these lines, interesting comments from Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell. From there, how might Lakers fans react to seeing the Clippers advance in the playoffs while the purple and gold sit at home. Plus, Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd gets wooed for another gig... and turns it down. Does it mean he's angling for a local job? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: During Friday's exit interviews, many Lakers expressed a desire to, as Wes Matthews put it, "run it back" next season. Among them was Schröder, whose enthusiasm was intriguing, if a reminder of how hard he is to get a bead on. SEGMENT 2: There was one Laker, however, who didn't seem enthused at coming back, even though he also seemed to recognize that he might need to. The Kamenetzkys discuss Harrell's exit interview. SEGMENT 3: As a Laker fan, would you rather see the Clippers remain good so an epic Hallway Series with the Lakers will finally happen... or continually flame out and disappoint because the jokes are just too fun? Also, what to make of Kidd declining Damian Lillard's public lobbying become Portland's head coach? Does this hint at any insecurity for Frank Vogel? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! StatHero StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first round was as long as the Lakers lasted in their title defense after a 113-100 Game 6 loss to the Phoenix Suns. They fell behind the eight ball early, between Anthony Davis' inability to play more than five minutes due to a lingering groin strain, and Devin Booker going ballistic for Phoenix with 22 first quarter points. To their credit, the Lakers didn't fold up the tents, but instead staged a few energetic rallies fueled by their defense. But the deficit was never cut to single digits, and Chris Paul put the game on ice for the Suns down the stretch. Fans should be proud of that effort, but at the end of the day, the Lakers were in a gun fight with a knife. In the meantime, was it a mistake to even try to play Davis? If so, how significant? And what to make of such a strange (and not particularly enjoyable) season for the Lakers? The Kamenetzkys discuss. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Postgame reaction, and why the talent gap on hand between the Lakers and Phoenix was just too much for the defending champs to overcome, whether in Game 6 or the series in general. SEGMENT 2: The Kamenetzkys give the Lakers credit for not repeating the same lack of fight from Game 5, and examine whether the team erred by even putting Davis on the court. SEGMENT 3: Not gonna lie. For a variety of reasons, this season just wasn't that enjoyable, whether for fans, media or, especially, the Lakers themselves. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was clear in Game 5 that the Lakers, as a group, lost confidence in themselves. Players passed up shots, and looked hesitant when they did hoist. LeBron James seemed to lose faith in his teammates (not without cause) as shot after shot clanged off the rim. A Lakers team that had shown considerable fortitude while losing players left and right throughout the season seemed genuinely shaken. So can they recover their mental edge in Game 6? That's one question we cover in today's Locked on Lakers... Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Gaining the edge again. Can the Lakers do it? How much is "want" a problem? When do talent disparities start to rule the day? SEGMENT 2: What changes should Frank Vogel make in the lineup? At center? Put Kyle Kuzma into the starting lineup? SEGMENT 3: More on confidence, and potential lineup changes? What could swing things back in L.A.'s favor, even for a game? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heading into Game 5, the Lakers were hoping Anthony Davis would play, but that if Davis couldn't go, LeBron James would produce another legendary playoff performances. It would be perfectly complemented by several supporting players stepping up, and the Lakers would steal a win in Phoenix. In a nutshell, none of that happened. On both sides of the ball, the Lakers were completely out of sorts, and appeared increasingly (and very uncharacteristically) unconfident. What went wrong, and why? What can the Lakers do to fix things, particularly if AD can't play? (For starters, maybe Dennis Schröder scores more than zero points?) Is LeBron losing patience with the missed shots? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Holy hell, what a disaster! The Kamenetzkys were surprised by how badly things went, both on the court and with the team's overall mentality. SEGMENT 2: More on the Lakers' team-wide lacking confidence. On Twitter, a lot of fans told the Kamenetzkys that the front office should have run back the 2020 title team. The frustration is understandable, but it misses a larger point. SEGMENT 3: A lot of players didn't come through, but Schröder's goose egg night was especially problematic. In the meantime, LeBron's postgame comments expressed some fairly unfiltered frustration. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers' season won't literally end if the Lakers lose Game 5 of the opening round series against the Suns, but with a 3-2 deficit and Anthony Davis' status still perhaps uncertain, their lives will be made considerably more difficult. Given the increasing likelihood that AD will be out with a strained groin, the expectation is that LeBron James will have one of his classic nuclear playoff performances to carry the day. What are the approaches and lineups to best allow that to happen? Does it require a role for Talen-Horton Tucker? Marc Gasol starting ahead of Andre Drummond? Just someone who can make multiple three-pointers in the same game? The Kamenetzkys each name a player that absolutely has to step up. Also, Brian offers a theory about why Davis' absence could create a potential advantage. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron has a history of coming up big in critical moments, and this Game 5 is as big as its been for L.A. this season. Is he still capable of making history at age 36 while closely removed from a high ankle sprain, and how best can Frank Vogel help LeBron with this goal? SEGMENT 2: With AD out, should Vogel move Gasol into the starting lineup for the sake of creating better offense? In the moments where LeBron and Gasol aren't on the floor, could THT emerge a reliable play-maker? SEGMENT 3: Andy and Brian suggest Dennis Schröder and Kyle Kuzma respectively as supporting cast members that simply must have big games in order to pull off an upset win. Plus, Brian's theory about missing AD could actually create an advantage for the Lakers. (Warning: It may not convince you.) Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What once was looking up is ... not looking up anymore. The Lakers had played two excellent games following a Game 1 loss, and hoped to put a stranglehold on their series against the Suns Sunday at Staples Center. Instead, they lost Game 4, 100-92, and in the process saw Anthony Davis go down with a groin injury just before halftime. His status for Game 5 is very much in question, and if the Lakers have to go forward without him, how will they respond? We break it down... HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Davis is hurt, again. What happened to the Lakers in Game 4, particularly with Davis on the sidelines? Was his absence the only explanation for their scoring woes? SEGMENT 2: What happens now? What lineups can Frank Vogel turn to, should Davis not be available going forward? Does Montrezl Harrell get more burn? Talen Horton-Tucker? Does Marc Gasol start? Where can Vogel find some offense without giving up the store defensively? SEGMENT 3: Ultimately, does success in Game 5 depend on LeBron's ability to go nuclear? Does he still have it in him? What can the Lakers do to let LeBron get loose? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It had been NINE YEARS since the Lakers last won a home playoff game in front of fans, but that drought is no more! The Lakers beat the Suns 109-95 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead heading into Sunday's Game 4. Defense remained the calling card, frequently coming in suffocating waves. Anthony Davis controlled the game on both ends, and got quality help from Dennis Schröder, Andre Drummond and LeBron James, who, after struggling to get to the rim in Games 1 and 2 spent the second half Thursday driving hard to the bucket. Outside shooting is still an issue, but the Lakers nonetheless had some desperately needed fun at Staples. Maybe too much fun if you ask Phoenix, but they don't get a vote, so.... Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Kamenetzkys break down the highlights from the Game 3 victory. Incredible defense. More strong performances from Davis, Schröder, and Drummond. Lots of celebrating by Laker players. And lots of chippiness from Suns players who didn't enjoy said celebrating. SEGMENT 2: This was the first game since his return from a high ankle sprain where LeBron really looked liked LeBron. The explosiveness was back, particularly in the second half, as he drove relentlessly to the rim. He also engaged in a mano y' mano with longtime foil Jae Crowder, who was up for the battle, but largely lost the war. SEGMENT 3: The Lakers controlled the game, but their outside shooting remains dreadful. Moreover, the role players started becoming hesitant to put up threes. The Kamenetzkys try to predict who'll break out of this collective slump first. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code ?LOCKED15? and you?ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Headspace You deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to headspace.com/lockedonnba for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace?s full library of meditations for every situation. Lucy.co Go to Lucy.co and use Promo Code LOCKEDONNBA to get 20% off all products on your first order, including gum or lozenges! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices