Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

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Grizzlies Trade Desmond Bane for Multiple Firsts. Could Lakers get Same for Austin Reaves? Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Sunday began with the NBA's first blockbuster move of the offseason, as the Memphis Grizzlies sent guard Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and -- this is the big part -- four first round picks.

That is a big haul for a player who is an excellent shooter and a high end contributor, but nonetheless has never made an All-Star team.

So what's going on here?

First of all, it shakes up the West. The first domino of the offseason often influences everything that comes next. Has Bane set the market for future deals this summer? How does this impact the Kevin Durant talks. And if Bane is worth four first rounders, at least to Orlando, what would Austin Reaves get if the Lakers put him on the market?

Is he a four first-rounder guy? It's not that simple. Because markets aren't linear. Bane's value to Orlando—the NBA's worst 3-point shooting team last season—is different than how another team would value Reaves. Context rules in all NBA trades.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets re-signed center Steven Adams to a three-year deal at $13 million per. No surprise he stayed in Houston, no surprise he signed for more than the Lakers could afford. But what does this mean for someone like Clint Capela? Or even a deeper level free agent like Boston's Luke Kornet?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A blockbuster deal sends Desmond Bane to Orlando.

SEGMENT 2: What does the trade mean for AR's value?

SEGMENT 3: What happens next?

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Dorian Finney-Smith Undergoes Ankle Surgery, Plus... a Lonzo Ball-Lakers Return? Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

One of the quiet underperformances of the playoffs for the Lakers was forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who essentially disappeared in five against the Timberwolves. One reason? He wasn't healthy, something confirmed on Thursday when it was reported that DFS underwent surgery to clean up a problematic left ankle. It's been bugging him for a while—he was banged up when the Lakers acquired him from Brooklyn—and the Lakers had to do some maintenance work just to get him through the season.

Finney-Smith has a $15 million player option he can pick up for next season, something that shouldn't be impacted much by the news, since he's expected to be ready for training camp. But if he chooses to opt out, likely it's with the idea of re-signing with LA.

But like a lot of players in the NBA's middle class, the 32-year old veteran needs to try and read how the new CBA will impact the market... which ain't easy.

Meanwhile, one of the names that keeps popping up as a potential addition for the Lakers this summer is old friend Lonzo Ball, who returned to the court after 2-plus seasons on the sidelines. Ball played well (all things considered) with the Bulls, albeit with some restrictions on playing time. In theory, his defensive capabilities and length, along with secondary playmaking and (if he regains some form from before he was hurt) better-than-you-remember floor spacing would be beneficial.

But what would you reasonably give up for him? Can't give up a first. Hard to give up Dalton Knecht. Could the Lakers put a deal together working one-on-one with the Bulls? Or would it take something bigger?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: DFS gets ankle surgery.

SEGMENT 2: How does this impact the offseason?

SEGMENT 3: Lonzo returns?

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Luka Dončić Keeps Posting Workout Videos. Why Lakers Fans Should be Psyched! Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Every offseason, Luka Dončić is subject to criticisms about his level of fitness. This offseason brings plenty of that, but in a new context. This is the first time that Luka can't shrug off the chatter by pointing at his numbers. He's coming off of, for him, a subpar season. The Dallas Mavericks essentially said he's a bad bet, not worth the risk that would come with signing him to an extension.

It might be a little much to call it a "prove it" summer—he's still Luka Dončić—but it's an important one.

And Luka knows it... and has been leveraging social media to make a point of his offseason work. The man is not new to this scene. He knows how it will be interpreted to continue posting workout pics, videos, and even shots of the food he's eating. None of this is accidental. All of it, hopefully, ends up being a giant middle finger to the Mavs for letting him go.

Meanwhile, Indiana has taken a pretty surprising 2-1 lead over the Thunder, following its Game 3 win in Indianapolis. The Pacers are currently shocking the basketball world, but from the perspective of the Lakers and what needs to change for them to compete next year, it's abundantly clear that both of these teams have a level of athleticism up and down their rosters that dwarfs what the Lakers can muster.

That's something Rob Pelinka needs to address this offseason. He can't turn LA into the Thunder by the fall, but he can make it a point to bump up the level of athleticism available to JJ Redick. It won't be easy, though.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka keeps posting workout content.

SEGMENT 2: The context is different this summer for Luka.

SEGMENT 3: The Lakers badly need athletes.

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Could the Lakers Get a Veteran Center? Brook Lopez? Steven Adams? Clint Capela? Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Tuesday, we talked a lot about the possibility—remote as it may be—that the Lakers could acquire Utah's Walker Kessler. It's a long shot first because there's no indication that while the Jazz might be willing to listen to offers for their young big, that they are actually interested in trading him. Second, the Lakers would struggle to put a package together that would appeal to Utah (without overpaying, at least).

So what about other options?

In Milwaukee, the perception is that Brook Lopez (former Laker) could be on the market, sooner rather than later. Still a good shot blocker, can definitely stretch the floor... but Lopez has never been a great rebounder and let's just say isn't the high flying rim runner Luka reportedly favors. Steven Adams? Again, fills some needs (rebounding, toughness, defense) without addressing many others. What about Atlanta vet Clint Capela, who is believed to be on the move this summer?

He's a guy who seems to come as close as anyone will to ticking multiple boxes for LA... but will his market be higher than a taxpayer mid-level? Because that's all the Lakers can offer.

Finally, we open the mailbag to talk about LeBron and maintenance.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Brook Lopez?

SEGMENT 2: Ok, what about Steven Adams? Clint Capela?

SEGMENT 3: Keeping an eye on LeBron.

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Jazz Expected to Listen to Offers for Walker Kessler. Could the Lakers Make a deal? Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers badly need a center. Everyone knows it.

Walker Kessler is a very good young pivot who rebounds, can catch a lob and has fantastic defensive metrics. He's the kind of player a team could build around. Buuuuuuuuut, reports out of Utah say they're listening to everything this offseason. Some guys (Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, John Collins) might be available, but someone like Kessler? For the right deal, they'd listen.

Of course, the "right" deal in this context would mean the proverbial Godfather offer. Something Utah can't refuse. Can the Lakers even assemble a deal like that, whether for Kessler or anyone else? It's the bind LA is in. The best they could do would be Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura a pick and some swaps.

That's obviously more than you'd want to give up for Kessler, but the question becomes relevant when trying to figure out how the Lakers compete with other teams putting together their best offer. The Lakers and Utah would be interesting trade partners, and if they're trying to get better (as the Lakers are) Reaves could be a fit. But then again, if they're trying to win, why would Utah trade Kessler? And if they're not trying to win and decide to continue stockpiling assets, then Reaves feels less logical, given that he's already 27 and about to get paid.

LA's biggest trade chip is Reaves, but he might not have a universal market. It's tricky!

So if the Lakers can't get Kessler, and they likely can't, there's a good chance they have to settle for a player that doesn't tick all the boxes. If that's the case, which boxes are most important?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Walker Kessler is available... but not really.

SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a "Godfather Offer" to make for him, or anyone else?

SEGMENT 3: What qualities matter most in a C?

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Will the Lakers have to Pay Extra in Trade as "Punishment" for getting Luka? Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers have some work to do this summer to improve the team enough to realistically compete for a title, but multiple reports indicate that might not be so easy.

Why? Not just because the price for certain players (namely centers) might be steep, but because the rest of the league might be in the mood to punish them for being gifted Luka Dončić at the trade deadline. The Athletic's Jovan Buha (among others) reports that the "Lakers Tax" might be in play this offseason, as teams are at the very least sensitive to the idea of making a team that was just gifted Luka Doncic better. So if the Lakers want Daniel Gafford, the Mavs might insist not just on Dalton Knecht, but also a first rounder (and balancing salary). That's a lot for a guy who has never been able to establish himself as a starting center in the NBA. Plus, the Lakers are going to have to pay him next offseason.

Do they like him that much?

Broadly, how much can/should the Lakers overpay for a center, if at all? Are they in position to overpay at all?

Meanwhile, Giannis is reportedly staying in Milwaukee. How does that impact the Lakers? Plus, we open the mailbag to talk LeBron.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers and Daniel Gafford. Is an overpay coming?

SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers overpay for anyone?

SEGMENT 3: Giannis, trades and the Lakers.

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Chris Paul to LA, Again? Plus, NBA Finals Game 1 Highlighted Lakers Weaknesses Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Many tried to sell this NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana as a clunker. Two small market teams without the league's biggest stars (even though it does have, you know, it's MVP). Well, Game 1 showed how much potential for sheer entertainment this series contains.

A jumper from Tyrese Haliburton won the game for the Pacers with .3 seconds left on the clock.

Indiana's depth was on display, something the Lakers could certainly use. Moreover, Indiana's consistent ability (driven by Haliburton) to execute late in games has been a presence throughout the postseason. That is an area in which the Lakers have fallen short every series after reaching the Western Conference Finals a couple seasons ago. Twice against Denver, this year against Minnesota. Leads or close games in crunch time that they can't hold on to.

And finally, Chris Paul reportedly wants to finish his career in Los Angeles, which means he has two choices. Lakers or Clippers. He's been on both teams (though not for very long as a Laker, and could certainly help the roster overall. But he's also over 40, can't defend like he used to doesn't score a ton anymore. He does pass the ball incredibly well, still. He orchestrates well. He's a pretty good 3-point shooter.

So if the rumor is true, should the Lakers pull the trigger?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A thriller of a Game 1.

SEGMENT 2: How Game 1 shined a light on what's wrong with the Lakers.

SEGMENT 3: To CP3 or not to CP3? That is the question.

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How Can JJ Redick Build a Long Career With the Lakers? Plus, New All-Star Game Format! Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

The NBA has become a wasteland for coaches over the last few months. This week, the Knicks canned Tom Thibodeau, despite just having made the Eastern Conference Finals.

Why? The reasons are still emerging, but it's reasonable to say that Thibs is someone who tends to wear on players and organizations over time. The same can be said for Michael Malone, who did last a decade in Denver but clearly wore through his welcome despite having a successful team and a very recent title. Taylor Jenkins in Memphis? Fired. Mike Brown? Mike Budenholzer? All fired. Many had just received contract extensions. All had, on one level or another, been successful, either in that gig, or in others.

All gone.

So how does JJ Redick, who showed real promise in his first season on LA's sideline but also some shortcomings (particularly in the playoffs) parlay his best qualities into the type of long career the Lakers say they were hoping for when they hired him? How do ownership and management play into the equation?

If he can't make it happen, what aspects of his coaching are personality are most likely to be his undoing?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Thibs is out, the NBA is cold.

SEGMENT 2: How can JJ avoid that fate?

SEGMENT 3: What qualities will help and hurt Redick?

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How Luka Dončić's Extension Timeline Affects Lakers Offseason Plans. Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Basically every Lakers fan knows that Luka Dončić is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Everyone knows that the Lakers will give Luka whatever it is he wants, whether talking dollars, years, player options and whatever.

What people may not know is just how long Luka has to make this decision. most of the good parts of the NBA offseason will be past by the time his date of eligibility rolls around. That's August 2nd. But Luka doesn't have to sign that day, or the day after, or the day after that. 8.2 is just the first day Luka can sign. The last day? June 30... of 2026.

So what does all this mean for the Lakers?

They need very much to display competence between now and August. That doesn't mean massive, roster reshaping moves that completely revamp LA's roster. (Though by all means, if great opportunities present themselves, go for it.) It means smart choices, well-reasoned and thought out, where each decision is made with the idea of how these players will fit together as a group, not just an assembly of talent. They have to display good communication skills, and basically appear to have their **** in order.

Luka doesn't appear to have any desire to go anywhere. He doesn't want to move again, after gaining some comfort in LA. So don't give him a reason.

PLUS... the bottom feeders in the West are making decisions about their futures, and all of it will impact the Lakers this summer.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka has a LONG timeline.

SEGMENT 2: What does it mean for LA?

SEGMENT 3: The cellar dwellers in the West are makin' plans. Why that matters for the Lakers.

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Rotation Role on the Lakers for Bronny James? Plus, Could LeBron Fix Playoff Officiating? Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers will be looking to upgrade their talent any way they can going into next, year, and will have to get pretty creative about it.

One source of improvement for the rotation that might be a little unexpected? How about Bronny James?

That, via long time NBA writer Sean Deveney: "And it appears the Lakers are dead-set on pushing for Bronny James to be part of the rotation next year. "I don't think there's any doubt that's their plan," one Western Conference executive said. "I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we've seen a lot fo tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.... He's 20 years old," the exec said. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year."

Is that really possible? What would it take for Bronny, who definitely improved over the course of the year but was still a ways off from being a positive contributor, to be a rotation player next year? Or even capable of being one? What would it mean for the Lakers if it happened?

Plus, LeBron James has an idea on how to keep the physicality of the postseason, but not go from, in his words, 0 to 100 in terms of abrupt change from Game 82 of the regular season to the first game of the playoffs. Would it work?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron has an idea for the playoffs and officiating.

SEGMENT 2: Would the fix make a difference?

SEGMENT 3: Real PT for Bronny?

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