Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

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LeBron James Resumes Basketball Activities. What Happens When He Returns? Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers released some good news Thursday. LeBron James has resumed full contact basketball activities, and will be re-evaluated in another week or two. Keep in mind, he missed all of training camp, and the last bit of run up heading into camp, so James is definitely behind in his fitness. He needs to make sure he's fully prepared to play before stepping back on an NBA court.

He won't accompany the team on the upcoming road trip, and that's actually a good sign. It means he can really intensify the ramp up. The earliest then he could return is November 18th.

So what happens when he comes back? How will he fit in with a group that is playing very well? Will there be disruption? Maybe some. Will there be drama? Not the kind you might be thinking of, at least. What it should do is make the Lakers better, and provide Luka Dončić with a lot more support. His workload should come down a little, and there's less to go around as you move down the pecking order. But we're talking about adding a second team All NBA player from a year ago, the guy who finished 6th in MVP voting.

Don't overthink it. LeBron getting close to a return is a very, very good thing.

One big reason there won't be drama? Because this team is having a ton of fun. The vibes are quite strong. Lakers fans are enjoying watching them play, and that's in part because the Lakers themselves are enjoying themselves, too. One big reason: They've got the best version of Luka playing in purple and gold.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers give a LeBron update.

SEGMENT 2: What will the Lakers look like when LeBron comes back?

SEGMENT 3: Why are the Lakers having so much fun?

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Lakers Limit Wemby, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton Lead LA to Win Over San Antonio Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Playing without Austin Reaves (along with the already injured LeBron James) the Lakers faced a tough game Wednesday against a one-loss San Antonio squad, led by Victor Wembanyama.

It was, by everyone's account, an ugly, choppy and loooooooooong game with eleventybillion free throws, but in the end the Lakers found a way to win, grinding out a 118-116 victory to run their record to 7-2 on the season.

Luka Dončić finished one rebound short of another triple double, and while it wasn't his most efficient game of the year (9-27 from the floor) Luka was still critically important to the win, and was facing a ton of pressure from the Spurs. Luka was supported by another excellent game from Deandre Ayton, who finished with 22 points on 9-13 shooting, and kicked in with 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks. Marcus Smart was huge defensively (no surprise) and while he missed six of his seven threes, made it to the free throw line 10 times and made them all. Rui Hachimura had some clutch buckets. Jaxson Hayes had nine off the bench.

And overall, the Lakers continue to show a level of grit and physicality that is serving them well. They basically bullied Wemby into, at best, his second worst game of the year.

Another great win for a team that's starting to build something very positive.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat San Antonio 118-116.

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers bully Victor Wembenyama.

SEGMENT 3: Deandre Ayton continues to thrive.

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How Much Credit Should Rob Pelinka Get For LA's Strong 6-2 Start? Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers are playing well. They've won six of eight without LeBron in the lineup. Luka Donćić has missed four games, and the Lakers have won three. The new guys, most notably Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton are all making very strong early season contributions. so while a lot of attention has rightly gone to the production Luka is putting forth when he does play, or the incredibly high level Austin Reaves has been performing, it's worth making sure any discussion of the strong start gives credit to GM Rob Pelinka - not the most favored man in LA, typically.

So what does he get credit for? Can he claim the Ayton signing as one that required him to do some serious GMing? What about Smart or Ayton? Were those more lucky (unexpected buyout market) or excellent work or both?

What about LaRavia? He's in a different category for sure.

What's important, too, is that the answer this year can be "yes," but not necessarily represent a bet on Pelinka's ability to shrewdly build rosters down the road.

Meanwhile, It's Lakers vs. Spurs Wednesday night. Luka should available, but Austin Reaves might miss another game with a groin injury. Dylan Harper is out for the Spurs, as is De'Aaron Fox. So it won't quite be what fans wanted to see if those guys can't play... but honestly as long as Wemby is available many ticket paying Lakers fans will get to see what they want.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are good! Is that because of Rob Pelinka?

SEGMENT 2: Credit . Does he get some?

SEGMENT 3: Lakers vs. Spurs: What to watch.

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No Luka, No Reaves: Hachimura, Ayton & Nick Smith Jr. (!!!) Lead Lakers to Win In Portland Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers came into the game Monday in Portland without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, getting the night off after beating Miami Sunday at home. LeBron James is still on the sidelines. Gabe Vincent is still hurt. So a lot -- a lot -- of star power and rotation depth was in street clothes.

So if you were expecting a blowout, you were almost right... but probably not in the way you expected. The Lakers used a very strong second half to pull away from the Blazers, winning 123-115. Huge games from Deandre Ayton in his return to Portland (29 points on 14-19 shooting, plus 10 rebounds and three blocks), Rui Hachimura (10-15, for 28 points) and Nick Smith Jr., pressed into action and allowed to cook, finishing with 25 points 10-15 shooting. those three provided the buik of the scoring, but they weren't the only contributors.

Bronny James had his best game as a pro, with six assists, a steal and very sold defense against the Blazers. Jake LaRavia had 11/5/6. Marcus Smart didn't shoot efficiently, but set a strong defensive tone, contributing to three steals.

It was a fantastic win for a shorthanded Lakers team building all sorts of confidence, and piling up important wins even with key pieces missing.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Lakers win in Portland, even without stars.

SEGMENT 2: Team effort.

SEGMENT 3: What these victories do for the team.

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Another Triple-Double for Luka Dončić, LaRavia Scores 25, Lakers Beat Miami 130-120 Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers came home on a quick trip, facing a stronger-than-expected Miami Heat squad looking to add some legitimacy to their solid start to the season.

It was an entertaining, fast paced game, but one the Lakers kept control of, pulling away at the end for a 130-120 win.

Luka Dončić led the way with yet another triple-double (29/11/10, along with three steals), and Austin Reaves had 26 (to go with 11 assists of his own), but neither guy was efficient from 3-point range (5-25 between them). No worries, the rest of the team had them covered. Rui Hachimura hit three of his five attempts, Marcus Smart had three, and Jake LaRavia had two. Even Jaxson Hayes had one!

LaRavia was spectacular overall, again getting big minutes in the absence of Deandre Ayton (back) and scoring 25 points, to go with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. (As a team, the Lakers finished with 14 thefts.) The supporting cast was quite strong overall, a needed boost given how Reaves and Luka struggled from downtown.

The Lakers piled up assists, and kept the turnovers down (11), and were efficient from the line (19-23). Now it's on to Portland, where the Lakers will face the Blazers Monday night.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Lakers knock off Miami despite inefficient shooting from Luka, Reaves.

SEGMENT 2: LaRaviaMania!

SEGMENT 3: Other important standouts...

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Luka Dončić Scores 44 in Return to Lineup, Lakers Beat Memphis 117-112 Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers got a Halloween treat Friday when Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart were upgraded to probable ahead of their game in Memphis, and man alive, did it turn into quite a fright for the Grizzlies.

Luka dropped a smooth 44 in his return, to go along with 12 rebounds and six assists. He was, once again, incredible, in MVP form.

The Lakers, meanwhile, got supporting performances from Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes off the bench, and Smart helped set a tone defensively in a second half where the Lakers held Memphis to 43 points.

So coming home to face a Miami squad that has played surprisingly well to start the year, the Lakers move to 4-2 and weathered what looked a week ago like it might be a very, very tough stretch of games with Luka expected to miss more time than he did, and the Lakers facing some tough opposition.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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Lakers say Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart Probable to Play Against Grizzlies! Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

The recent updates and news about the health of Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart were certainly trending towards an impending return to action, with Smart seemingly more likely to suit up tonight in Memphis vs. the Grizzlies. But as it turns out... both have been upgraded to probable, which in all likelihood means they'll be taking the court.

For obvious reasons, this is great news. The team needs more ball-handlers (and bodies). Austin Reaves, incredible as he's played while holding down the fort, needs more help. JJ Redick needs more optionality. The Lakers need to capitalize on a relatively soft opening to their schedule. The timing couldn't be any better.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Mark Walter Takes Over as Lakers Owner... What Does That Mean for Jeanie, Rob and the Lakers? Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

For the first time in more than 46 years, the Lakers are run by a person whose last name is not Buss."

The Mark Walter Era is officially among us. Lakers fans will be watching intently for signs of change to both the day to day operations of the Lakers as a business and (more importantly for most) basketball team but change is going to come, it's just a matter of when. In the meantime, what are the things people expect to see?

How much control will Jeanie Buss, who remains as the team's governor, actually have? Is the job already slightly different than earlier reporting suggested it might be?

The Lakers got some decent news Thursday, when it was announced that Luka Dončić is questionable for tonight's game in Memphis. Doesn't mean he'll play, but it does mean he's physically trending in the right direction and if all goes according to plan, Sunday at home against Miami.

Marcus Smart is also listed as questionable.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: New ownership for the Lakers

SEGMENT 2: Will we see the difference?

SEGMENT 3: Luka nearing a return?

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Austin Reaves Buzzer Beater Gives Shorthanded Lakers 116-115 Win Over Minnesota Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Once again, the Lakers entered a game missing critical players, with Luka Dončić still out, Marcus Smart downgraded during the day (to out) and star/key pieces (LeBron James, Gabe Vincent) still sidelined.

Once again, the Lakers put in a high quality effort, displaying a lot of heart, plenty of grit and surprisingly good execution. It was enough to give them a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter... one that totally disappeared. Down one with under 10 seconds to play, the Lakers put the ball in the hands of Austin Reaves, who split a trap, got into the paint and hit a floater at the buzzer for the win. It was a cap to another incredible performance from Reaves. 40 minutes, 28 points, 16 assists against only three turnovers, despite facing intense ball pressure, often against multiple players.

Reaves had the most notable performance, and the highlight of the night, but other Lakers were great, too. Jake LaRavia was 9-10 from the floor, 5-6 from 3-point range, and grabbed eight rebounds. Deandre Ayton (8-11 shooting) finished with 17/10. Rui Hachimura finished with 17/5/4, Jarred Vanderbilt led the team with 12 rebounds, and while Dalton Knecht cooled off in the second half, he helped carry the team in the first.

This was a huge win. After, JJ Redick was effusive in his praise, and rightly so. The Lakers have now won two games without Luka, and now head to Memphis for a Halloween game feeling good about themselves.

Great night.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Austin wins it at the buzzer.

SEGMENT 2: A huge win, with contributions from around the roster.

SEGMENT 3: Turnaround real for Knecht?

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Can the Lakers Still Win With Luka Out? Plus, Could Reaves Become too Expensive? Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers are in a bind, playing for at least a few more days without Luka Dončić, and for a lot more than that without LeBron James. But the hope for Wednesday in Minnesota at least is that the Lakers could get Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes back, which would make a huge difference against a Wolves squad missing Anthony Edwards.

The Lakers are obviously getting a ton of production out of Austin Reaves (more on that in a moment), and that's just keeping them afloat. But while it's never good for this many guys to be out, are there any silver linings for the Lakers?

Well, you can start with Deandre Ayton, who is getting a chance to assert himself aggressively in LA's offense, and the Lakers are getting a good feel for how Ayton best operates as an offensive weapon in the pick and roll. It's not all about finishing hard at the rim, for starters. And meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt is also getting a lot more burn than he otherwise might, which is significant because it means his body is healthy enough to handle it. If that trend holds over the course of the season, the Lakers can hopefully get the best version of Vando, and deploy him tactically without over-exposing him.

Finally, an interesting observation from Sam Amick at The Athletic about soon-to-be-free agent Austin Reaves, and whether his scalding hot start represents a long term problem for the Lakers. Namely, does it potentially make AR too expensive, or drive up his value to the point the Lakers can't build around Luka with another guy absorbing that much cash.

That's one way to think about it, but not the only way.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers might get some help Wednesday in Minnesota.

SEGMENT 2: Opportunities for Ayton and Vando.

SEGMENT 3: Is Reaves playing too well?

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