Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Episodes

• 
  Can Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr Break Into JJ Redick's Rotation? 02.10.2026 22m

  The Lakers have talked about using what they believe is increased depth, and people wonder if that means perhaps even expanding the normal 9-10 man rotation into 10-11, or even up to 12 guys? There are certainly examples of teams pushing those boundaries in an effort to play at a higher level of intensity. Of course, the only way for the Lakers to get to that number, realistically, is for Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero to force JJ Redick's hand and put them in the rotation by outplaying some of the other options. It's certainly possible, based on what we saw in the summer from Thiero and the skill set he brings to the team, and then the scoring/shooting capabilities of Carr that were on display as well. Could either of them be good enough to find regular playing time even if the rotation doesn't expand? Certainly possible, if not at the start of the year by the end of it. There's another question at play, too. The Lakers have to balance the need to win games -- this is not a rebuilding team with an eye towards the future, even with an awareness that more work needs to be done to build a true title contender -- with the need to develop Thiero and Carr. Some of that can happen in the G-League, but not all of it. Redick is going to need to give both guys meaningful opportunities to play and improve on an NBA court. That means putting up with mistakes, but even more than that, helping play those guys in ways that play to strengths and help hide weaknesses, with very specific instructions on what's expected in each shift. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Will JJ Redick Choose to Run a Deeper Rotation With the New Look Lakers? 02.10.2026 31m

  The Lakers have a significantly different roster this season than last. That everyone knows. How it'll get used is an open question. Plenty of people think the team has a little more usable depth this season, especially if players like Cam Carr and Adou Thiero prove to be capable of handling minutes. The Lakers want to figure out how to use defensive oriented players like Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. They need to get offensive spark plug Collin Sexton real minutes. Jake LaRavia played all 82 last year, and in the first half of them at least was productive. And on Thursday at practice, even Kevon Looney, generally seen as a guy not slated for much PT, was being talked up pretty significantly. Now, not everyone is going to play to the top of his potential. Not everyone is going to stay healthy. But for the time being, at least, Redick has the full menu available to him, and has to figure out how to use it. There have been a few teams in the last couple years who have tried to expand their rotation beyond the standard 9-10, pushing 11 and even 12 guys playing night to night. That can get complicated, but has some upside. Will Redick try that? Or will it be something where it's 10 (generally) on a nightly basis, but some of the names change? The players could make this decision easier, or they could make it a lot harder. Redick is surely rooting for the latter. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What kind of rotation will Redick run with? SEGMENT 2: Is Looney really gonna play? SEGMENT 3: New PA announcer, new front office name. PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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  JJ Redick Discusses Growth as Lakers Coach, no longer Fueled by "Inner-anger." 01.10.2026 18m

  At Wednesday's practice, JJ Redick got a little reflective, looking back on his early days as Lakers head coach. He noted that while the confidence he could do the job was always there, at times it felt like cosplay. Not surprising, really, given that it was his first head coaching gig at any level beyond grade school coaching his kids. That feeling, and an intense desire to try to control EVERYTHING going on around him is likely why Redick was, to say the least, a little tightly wound in that first season. But last season saw a bit of a mellowing with Redick, and now entering his third year in LA (with two 50-win seasons behind him), Redick definitely feels more calm and at ease. That should, at least in theory, help him be a better coach. And it's a big year for Redick, who finally has a rim protector on defense and a roster he feels makes much more sense as a whole than anything he's had here before. So what will he do with it? How will the offense change? Will he find floor combos that maximize the team's potential, and of his role guys? Plenty to look forward to. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  The Lakers Are Forging an Early Identity on Both Sides of the Ball 01.10.2026 29m

  It's early, less than a week in. But listen to JJ Redick and the rest of the Lakers, and it's clear they're working hard to forge a real identify on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Redick has already talked about how the days of 1-5 switching are over with the arrival of Walker Kessler. It's going to look more like 1-4, but even then with some caveats. And just that change will make the Lakers look a lot different defensively. Add to that the constant talk of disruption and deflections and intensity, and you start to see what the vision is on defense. Offensively, Austin Reaves said Wednesday that the Lakers are looking to use fewer ball screens, which makes sense given that their two primary weapons function well, if not better, without them. Reaves described a more "free flowing" offense, and Redick noted how they want to expand the playbook a little in their early offense beyond what they did last year. Put it all together, and it feels like the Lakers want to take advantage of a roster that a) will be together (in theory) for a bit, and b) has a skill set they believe is more coherent. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: JJ is building out an identity, early. SEGMENT 2: Early plans for the offense and defense. SEGMENT 3: Why the Lakers can build it out a little faster. PHOTO SEGMENT: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  What Should JJ Redick's Rotation Look Like, From Starters to Reserves? Listeners Weigh In... 30.09.2026 22m

  JJ Redick has some decisions to make, not just with the starting lineup -- while he says that only three of the five spots are settled (if we have to tell you which ones, you're probably at the wrong podcast), most people believe that Quentin Grimes is also very likely to start. So that leaves a fifth guy. Will it be Sandro Mamukelashvili? Ziaire Williams? Jake LaRavia? Matisse Thybulle, for that defensive presence? What about a wild card like Adou Thiero? The decision Redick makes there will obviously have a ripple effect on the rest of the rotation. So he's likely thinking about which player combinations work best over the course of 48 minutes, not just who might be the "best" player available to him to fill that spot. The good news for JJ is that the Lakers don't really have to worry about the politics that might go into the decision. None of the players he's choosing from are likely to rock the boat if they don't "win" the competition for the fifth starter? According to our Locked On Lakers summer survey, fans are leaning now towards Williams, thanks to his defensive range and athleticism, and a degree of versatility despite a pretty thin frame. Williams is also one of the role players fans are most excited to see, part of a group that should give Redick a chance to deploy players with a little more cohesion in skill sets. Whether you believe the parts are better this year than last, there's definitely an argument to be made that they fit together in ways that make more sense. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Walker Kessler Says the Lakers Are Going to Have a "Nasty" Defense... In a Good Way 30.09.2026 31m

  Two days into the Lakers season, one thing is clear: Walker Kessler is an extremely optimistic young man who believes in the inherent awesomeness of his teammates. So when Kessler said on Tuesday that he believes the Lakesr are going to have a "nasty" defense, and meant it in the most positive way possible, it definitely raised some eyebrows. In his mind, the team's defensive quality is being underrated. Determining whether he's right depends a little on how we're defining terms. Are the Lakers underrated in the sense that they're secretly goign to be a top five defense, taking the league by storm? Probably not. But are they underrated in the sense that many folks feel like they could be a disaster on that side of the ball? That they're going to be worse than last year's ranking of (about) 20th, depending on who's data you use? That's a different story. Put last year and this year side by side, and it's actually quite reasonable to believe the Lakers are going to be better on that side of the ball this season. Mostly because of Kessler, but also because there should be a level of defensive cohesion that wasn't present a year ago. So are the Lakers going to be "nasty" good, or "nasty" bad? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kessler says the Lakers are going to be nasty. SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers better or worse this year on that side? SEGMENT 3: Finding a coherent style of play. PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Will Walker Kessler Be a Game-Changer Defensively? His Teammates Say Yes... 29.09.2026 20m

  The Lakers have arguably the most elite offensive force in basketball in Luka Doncic, and that without question provides them a certain level of confidence every time they take the floor. They know as long as they have that guy, they have a chance to win, even on a night where the team isn't playing well. But the larger questions around this team aren't on that side of the ball. People don't know if the Lakers, led by Luka and Austin Reaves, have enough defensive talent to thrive. You wouldn't know that from the level of confidence expressed by Lakers players at Monday's Media Day, however. And that confidence can be boiled down to the presence of one guy: Walker Kessler. Luka noted how hard it is to play against Kessler, which was one big reason he wanted the former Jazzman on the Lakers. Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Zaiare Williams, Matisse Thybulle -- anybody expected to play a lick of defense on this squad noted how much more freedom they have to play aggressively knowing that Kessler is behind them. Kessler's defensive metrics back up that confidence, but will it translate to higher pressure, higher stakes basketball now that he's in LA? If the answer is yes, the Lakers will then have one of those dudes on both sides of the ball, and it'll make a big difference in their prospects. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Media Day! The Lakers Kick Off 2026-27 With Confidence and Purpose 29.09.2026 31m

  The new-look Lakers made their season debut Monday with Media Day, and it definitely felt like the start of a new era. Lotsof new players, changing roles and shifting expectations around a team that is expected to be good, but not expected to contend. But that's what media says. The players didn't talk about long term plans or rebuilding over time. They talked about winning this year, and expressed confidence in the talent on hand to get it done. There were a lot of themes that stuck out: They all thought that trip to Slovenia was really valuable, even beyond obviously wanting to seem appreciative. Luka is a draw. The role guys all seemed to understand what playing with Luka could do for them, and how he’ll make their lives easier. Defensively there is a MAJOR vibe shift in terms of confidence players express, and that’s all Kessler. I realize some of it is seen as speculative and there’s a chance he doesn’t meet expectations, but THEY clearly believe they have one of *those guys* and that could make a significant difference in how they play. It's a very likable group overall. Rob Pelinka noted last week it should be a group that fans enjoy cheering for, and I think media day reflected that. Whether intentional or not, they have multiple core players who have had to really grind through uncertain circumstances to establish themselves as players in Reaves, Grimes and Mamu. I think that’s potentially really good for building a culture. In combination with what we heard from Pelinka and JJ Redick last week, it definitely feels like the Lakers made strides in bringing in a group of people that can set a culture. Decent people and (hopefully) high end players that help usher in a new era in Lakers basketball. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The new look Lakers make their debut. SEGMENT 2: Big themes! SEGMENT 3: They believe in the potential of the group. PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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  Media Day! The Lakers Kick Off the Season Truly as Luka Dončić's Team 28.09.2026 31m

  Media Day! It's the first day of school, NBA style. And for the Lakers, it's truly a new era, as Luka Donćić opens the season as the sole superstar voice on the team. He is going to be the leader of an entirely new group, tasked with setting culture and a tone that is going to, hopefully, result in the next year or two in a team ready to compete for a championship. And it's a role he's said he admits is more meaningful to him now, and that he's ready to step into in earnest. It's part of a new chapter for the Lakers, where they're clearly trying to build continuity -- something emphasized by Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick in last week's press conference, and that they've lacked in meaningful ways over the last few seasons. In part by choice, in part by circumstance. It'll be fun to watch Luka grow into the role, and how his leadership style shapes the next phase of Lakers basketball. Meanwhile, the Lakers need to figure out how to get the roster down to 15. Is there any advantage (mostly in goodwill) to letting a player go now, while he has a better chance of hooking up with another team? And who should the Lakers be cutting, if it comes to that? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are officially Luka's team in every way now. SEGMENT 2: How Luka's interest in leadership has grown. SEGMENT 3: How should the Lakers get the roster down to size? PHOTO CREDIT: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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  Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick Meet the Media: Key Takeaways 25.09.2026 31m

  The season officially kicks off on Monday, with Lakers Media Day. It unofficially kicked off Thursday, when Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick met the media. They answered questions for just over a half hour on a range of topics, and generally sounded like people pleased with a busy summer's work and ready to begin the Luka Era in earnest, with a team that is his now on every level. Some of the highlights: Pelinka said that once they knew LeBron was leaving, they built a template based on 1) Keeping Austin. 2) Finding a "franchise center." 3. Getting younger with "dribble, pass, shoot" types who could work well around Luka. Certainly they believe the mission was accomplished in that regard. JJ said three spots were locked in the starting lineup. (If you need us to tell you which... how did you get here, anyway?) And while he didn't reveal any big hints about the other two, he did say it wouldn't be "two white guys." Sorry LaRavia and Mamu. There's only room for one of you. JJ and Pelinka both agreed this roster makes sense, in terms of its construction. They've put something together that is coherent in their eyes, even if it's incomplete. Speaking of which... Both Pelinka and Redick made it clear that the Luka-centric rebuild wasn't going to be executed in one offseason. This is a project that is still in progress. Asked if he thinks the Lakers have a championship caliber roster, Pelinka deferred, and certainly didn't say yes. They're done switching 1-5 now that Kessler is in the fold. That, said Redick, was a strategy borne from necessity, not preference. More to come on Monday at Media Day! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Pelinka and Redick meet the media. SEGMENT 2: A roster in progress. SEGMENT 3: Competition for starting spots. PHOTO CREDIT: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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  Does Austin Reaves Have More Pressure on Him This Season Than Any Other Laker? 24.09.2026 30m
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  BONUS! NBA TOP 100 Rankings: 21-30 (With Andy Kamenetzky)! LeBron, Flagg, and Jalen(s)! 24.09.2026 56m

  It's the Locked On NBA Top 100 player rankings! Today, Wes, Matt, Haize and Andy come together to rank players 21-30. Will LeBron James continue to slide? Does Cooper Flagg crack the top 30? Find out on today's episode! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 
• 
  Is Walker Kessler a Top 75 Player in the NBA? ESPN Thinks Yes. 23.09.2026 31m

  The Lakers made a bold push to acquire Walker Kessler in a summertime sign and trade with the Jazz, giving up the rest of their first round draft capital and a whole lot of money to bring in the young, hopefully ascending defensive standout. Some liked the move when it happened, some thought the Lakers overpaid. But if ESPN's summertime player rankings are to be believed, at the least the Lakers spent all this stuff on a player that's pretty good! Kessler landed at 73 in the annual rankings, one spot ahead of Isaiah Hartenstein, one spot behind VJ Edgecombe. The question is if there's room to grow, because if Kessler actually gets better -- and there's a very good chance his offensive numbers rise playing with Luka, who has made far lesser players than Kessler look good -- that puts him more towards the league's top 50. Now the Lakers would be cooking with gas. So what's fair? What's not? And how does Kessler fit even more neatly into what the Lakers are likely going to try to do offensively? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kessler at 73 on ESPN! SEGMENT 2: Justified ranking? SEGMENT 3: Kessler's secret weapon offensively. PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Can Austin Reaves Make an All-NBA Team? Can Redick Get Coach of the Year Votes? 22.09.2026 30m

  The Lakers aren't necessarily expected to contend for a title this season, but Luka Dončić is still one of the favorites for MVP. Which is a testament to both his star power, and his incredible skill as an offensive player, because MVP candidates almost definitionally come from elite teams. But what about the other guys? Who has a chance to be Most Improved from this year's roster? What about Coach of the Year? Could Cam Carr break into the Rookie of the Year conversation? What about Austin Reaves on an All-NBA Team? While there's no question each of these guys would love to take home some postseason hardware and it's always interesting to see what kind of love Lakers players/coaches get for things like this, the real value of the discussion is how it frames where the Lakers could end up. The best case scenarios for this team likely have some combination of Grimes as an MIP, Luka in MVP voting, Collin Sexton in the 6th Man convo, and AR gunning for All NBA. Maybe some of those things don't happen, but a couple almost surely need to for that scenario to have some legs. So we break down the most likely ones from FanDuel Sportsbook's preseason futures tables. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What about the Lakers and postseason awards? SEGMENT 2: Grimes? Mamu? Bronny? Dalton? Huh? SEGMENT 3: The market is getting set already? PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Williams-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Will New Lakers Ownership Prioritize Money and Profit Over Winning Basketball? 21.09.2026 31m

  A LOT of eyebrows went up among Lakers fans heading into the weekend when news of an investor presentation created by the Josh Kushner/Bob Iger ownership group to bring in more cash to their group and round out the sale of the team from embattled owner Mark Walter. The pitch lays out how the team plans to build the team's value up to (we bleep you not) $30 billion over the next decade. And that, by the way, is more a middle ground estimate. If things go really well, that number could get a lot higher. (So they say.) How they plan to get there seems to be through a combination of very, very aggressive marketing and monetization of everything in the org that isn't nailed to the floor, plus things like international rights, growing value of the NBA more broadly, and a rapid increase in ticket revenue built not simply on price increases (though that's happening, and would have even had the team not been sold again), but by eliminating the role of ticket brokers. That will functionally serve to jack up prices, because on the secondary market tickets often go for below face value. And when they go higher, it's the broker that gets the money, not the team. More than anything, fans are very, very worried this is a sign the Lakers will be much more concerned about money and paper value than titles and banners. Are they right? And is this a big concern across the league? Finally, more preseason odds from our friends at FanDuel. Who from the Lakers is in real contention for postseason hardware? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers next owners are aggressively raising money. SEGMENT 2: What does the prospectus mean for Lakers fans? SEGMENT 3: More preseason odds for Lakers players. PHOTO CREDIT: Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Which Lakers Have a Real Shot at Postseason Awards? Luka for MVP? Kessler for All-Defense? 18.09.2026 30m

  Preseason odds for postseason awards don't necessarily say everything about a team's chances, but they can be instructive. So for the Lakers, who aren't expected to move mountains this year when it comes to the Western Conference standings, where players land on some of the preseason betting lists is worth a look. And thankfully, our friends at Fanduel Sportsbook have their numbers up for view! No surprise, Luka Dončić has the fourth best odds in the NBA to win MVP, which is a testament to the respect he gets as a player, because MVP almost always comes from a team at or near the top of a conference. That's not where the Lakers are expected to be. Meanwhile, who else appears on different lists? Is Austin Reaves seen as a real candidate to contend for an All-NBA slot? What about Walker Kessler for Defensive Player of the Year? Or Most Improved? What does having two players (Sexton, Mamu) in the conversation for Sixth Man mean for the team this year? Especially considering how poor the bench has performed over the last couple of seasons? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Who is on the board for postseason awards? SEGMENT 2: What about Kessler? SEGMENT 3: Why 6MOY is a key race to watch in terms of Lakers success this season. PHOTO CREDIT: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  How Well Are the Lakers Set Up for the Future? Breaking Down ESPN's Future Rankings... 17.09.2026 30m

  (OFFSEASON SURVEY: PLEASE FILL OUT! https://forms.gle/2MNBuXejasXiPR7c6) Every year, ESPN breaks out its Future Rankings, looking at the prospects every team in the league has going forward, based on things like roster quality, draft capital, financial flexibility, quality of management and quality of market. Last year, the Lakers were 8th. This year, they're 13th. Why the downgrade? Mostly because the financial flexibility and draft capital they had last summer was used this summer. So they fell in those categories. Thankfully, they did rise in roster quality, but the overall effect is a downgrade. So what comes next? On the one hand, 13th isn't bad. To the extent you think these types of evaluations are revealing, you'd want to be higher. But it's not bad. And meanwhile, 13th in the NBA actually translates to fourth in the Western Conference, meaning many of the team's competitors seem to have equally murky future prospects, or worse. And these are the teams the Lakers have to compete against. As in all things, the wisdom of these rankings will likely be revealed based on this season, and learning whether or not the extensive list of moves made by Rob Pelinka in the offseason play out the way he hopes. If Rob is right, the future looks a lot brighter. If he's not? Don't ask. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are 13th in the Future Rankings. SEGMENT 2: The categories that matter... SEGMENT 3: Context is king. Where LA fits with the rest of the conference. PHOTO CREDIT: William Liang-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Adam Silver Weighs In on Mark Walter, Lakers Ownership, Plus Did the Lakers Catch a Cap Break? 16.09.2026 37m

  Tuesday at the NBA's league meetings, Adam Silver spoke to the media for the first time since dropping Adam's Silver Hammer on Steve Ballmer and the Clippers. He had a few things to say about the LAC, but of greater interest here were his comments about Mark Walter and the impending Lakers sale. Did the league have any inkling as to Walter's potential financial issues and the existence of a federal investigation when it approved the sale from the Buss fam? Silver says no, and it's certainly believable. He also says he didn't know about the deal between Kushner/Iger and Walter until the handshake was done. That's perhaps a little tougher to believe, but also doesn't really matter that much, assuming the NBA didn't tap Kushner/Iger on the shoulder (their ownership group was looking at an expansion team) and suggest he give Walter a call. No surprise, there wasn't any talk of the impending sale for LA. Too many impending deals. Meanwhile, it's expected the salary cap is going to be a couple mil higher next offeason. Doesn't sound like all that mich given the size of payrolls, but for a team like the Lakers, hoping to preserve the ability to use a full non-taxpayer midlevel, this sort of thing matters. And from there, it's a a reminder too that one way the Lakers can improve is by creatively inserting themselves into trades that require multiple teams, whether to stash draft capital or players they like, ideally without giving up all that much. You want talked coming in, but not going out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: League meetings. Folllowing Walter's money? SEGMENT 2: How ownership is changing. SEGMENT 3: Salary cap help is coming. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Stance Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.  Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase.  Learn more at https://Stance.com. Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball. Clutch Parlays Go to https://ClutchParlays.com today and use code LOCKEDON for your first month free on a monthly plan. Pick Smarter. Parlay Sharper. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  The Lakers Continue Hiring in the Basketball Department. Plus, Where do They Fit Out West? 15.09.2026 33m

  Last week, the big news for the Lakers was an assistant GM, but the team didn't stop there. On Friday, the squad also filled out the sports science staff, adding Keith D'Amelio as their new sports performance guy. (Director of Integrated Performance Systems, technically speaking.) This isn't necessarily a *new* new position—the Lakers have struggled for years to maintain a consistent sports medicine and sports performance department (the evolution of the training/sports science/performance space is a story in itself...). D'Amelio appears to be a new cog in that machine. But it still feels like they're building it out, and hopefully this hire can bring some stability to this part of their operation. Because it's a big factor in how free agents, when presented with opportunities to choose between good franchises, ultimately make decisions. Jeanie Buss meanwhile is representing the Lakers at league meetings, which shouldn't surprise anyone. It's obviously too quick for the Lakers ownership to get a vote from the rest of the league. Josh Kushner still needs to sell his shares of the Miami Heat, and reports suggest the group still needs to add a few more investors. So when will the league be ready to go here? Hard to say, but given that the Lakers can't for a variety of reasons make many big personnel moves for a few months (we explain) and that they seem to be carrying on with hiring, it's not such a big deal. Finally, ESPN is again previewing the West. The Lakers are bunched in with last year's 3-6 teams, in the "flawed" W.C. contenders category. Fair? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More hires in the basketball department! SEGMENT 2: The Lakers are still repped by Jeanie, which is fine! SEGMENT 3: "Flawed" is fair? Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
• 
  Is Ziaire Williams Ready for a Big Role with the Lakers? Plus, How LA Dodged a Bullet 14.09.2026 36m

  Ziaire Williams gave a little more insight in to the trip he and the rest of his teammates, speaking to Sports Illustrated. While the Lakers played some ball, Williams says most of the important stuff from the trip came off the floor, in all the team bonding and team meals, and obviously the window into the world of Luka Donćić. That kind of thing is important for a team that is, for all intents and purposes, starting from scratch. And while teams like Minnesota have had a ton of turnover, the top teams in the conference, and a squad like Houston, still have a lot of continuity. So LA is playing catchup in that regard. Every bit helps. But meanwhile, is Williams potentially the best option for the lakers at the remaining forward spot? There's certainly a strong argument to be made. And from one Williams to another, the Lakers may have dodged a bullet when they rescinded their deal with the Hornets for Mark Williams. The (now) Suns center, who missed 22 games last year, is now going to miss months after undergoing shoulder surgery. There's still not a ton of insight out there about the details that got the Lakers to back out of that deal following Williams's physical? Who cares? Point is, he's not here, and that's good for the Lakers. And finally, Steve Ballmer made a lot of noise after the league handed down its punishment, threatening lawsuits and more. Well, Sunday he folded. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Ziaire Williams on the trip. Plus, is he the right guy to start? SEGMENT 2: The Lakers dodged a bullet! SEGMENT 3: Ballmer capitulates. Photo Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)