The Lakers Exceptionalism Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Marcus Smart Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dig deep into the Lakers acquisition of Marcus Smart, including the various high-level defensive versatility & skillset he brings to the team, how to utilize his versatility in different lineups, and how his Offensive role may change from ball handler for the first time in his career. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord through the link in the description! Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lakers Add Deandre Ayton & Jake LaRavia Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the Lakers quiet offseason so far but take a deep dive into Deandre Ayton, how his skillset fits into what we were looking for in a Big next to Luka, identifying how he can be more impactful in LA than he was in Portland, and later, dig into what Jake LaRavia brings to the team, including where he should play positionally, how his role might change on the Lakers. Finally, we discuss what De'Anthony Melton would bring if the team were able to add him to the roster. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out our Discord through the link in the description! Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Center of Attention Jun 13, 2025

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Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the most important Center skills necessary for whatever Big the Lakers will look to add and rank them from most to least important for the 25-26 Roster. Later, they dig into 11 different trade or free agent options and how they stack up next to what the team needs most. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the LakersEx Discord -- link in description! Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unpacking the Lakers 1st Round Exit May 11, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball return with a dive into how the Lakers season ended in the 1st round, including what went wrong with their scheme, how JJ Redick relied on the wrong adjustments, why the team didn't play Jaxson Hayes in the final 6 quarters, and what to make of JJ's first season as head coach. Check out our Discord, link below! Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Game 3 Reactions + Reasons For Optimism Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the disappointing Game 3 loss, breaking down the adjustments (or lack thereof) on both sides of the ball, how and why the turnovers should (hopefully) be a one-off, how the Lakers haven't figured out the Wolves switching defense, and dig into some reasons for optimism in Game 4. Check out our Discord in the link in the description! Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Game 1 Reactions w/ Jovan Buha Apr 20, 2025

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Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball hop on with Jovan Buha, senior Lakers writer for the Athletic and host of the Buha's Block podcast (link in description), to breakdown the Lakers disappointing Game 1 Loss to Minnesota and provide our takeaways, adjustments, and a little bit of exceptionalism. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lakers vs Wolves Series Preview Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dive DEEP into both sides of the ball to find any and every possible advantage the Lakers can gain from the Wolves matchup. Topics include: How to guard Anthony Edwards, what to do with Julius Randle in the post, how the Lakers defensive scheme will stack up, why the Lakers 3-headed Playmaker group will dictate terms to Minnesota's defense, some plays that will work well, and why Minnesota's switchy lineup might not be their best bet against LA. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out our Discord in the link in the description! Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Statement Win Apr 07, 2025

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Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dive deep into the Lakers statement win in OKC by breaking down whether or not the team got lucky with their best shot making game of the season, how the team was able to generate open shots, why the Lakers playmakers could be difficult for OKC to guard in a playoff matchup, how the team slowed them down on defense, and later, a brief dive into the numbers of the lakers LBJ-Luka-DFS-Rui-Austin small ball lineup. Check out our Discord and follow us on Playback! Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Losing Streak Ends + Seeding Madness Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball record immediately after the Suns Win to discuss how the Lakers looked much better vs Phoenix and stopped their 4-game losing streak. Topics include: an offensive organization rate overview of each game this week, and how the Brooklyn & Milwaukee games were concerning, while the almost upset in Denver was an encouraging game in more ways than one. Later, they discuss why the Lakers have a strong advantage in the upcoming Standings Watch portion of the season, with either direct Tiebreakers in H2H, or because of their 2nd best in the West Conference Record. Outro music by @sleepyghostmpe Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking Down LA's Offense & Defense Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the past 2 weeks from Lakers basketball, including how LA has been consistently declining in their organized vs freelance offense, how that trend negatively impacts their PPP & Offensive Rating, and why it isn't simply because of the trade. Later, they discuss the Lakers recent changes to their defensive scheme & why it's been leading the charge during this win streak, including how they're icing side Pick & Rolls, utilizing a strong side zone against Stars, how Luka has been a successful piece in the scheme, and why DFS, Vando & Gabe help unlock this particular scheme. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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