Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

It wasn't as aesthetically pleasing as Wednesday's Opening Night win against the Warriors, but did get the job done. Despite 21 turnovers as a team—including 11 from Luka Doncic—the lakers picked up a 125-117 win over the Clippers. And there was plenty to like. Walker Kessler was 10-14 from the floor, and had nine stocks (three steals, six blocks). Austin Reaves was 10-3 shooting, and had nine assists. Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams had 27 between them. Quentin Grimes had 13 off the bench and Collin Sexton finally made his debut. On the other hand, JJ's reluctance to go deeper into his bench put pressure on the guys who played, because LA only played (for all intents and purposes) eight players. That meant big minutes for the Big Three. Not something you want to lean into this early in the year. 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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 was historically good in his Lakers debut, making all 12 of his shots, including 10 dunks, and helping lead a second and third quarter push defensively that blew the game open. And while he's obviously not going to make every shot in every game as a member of the Lakers, perhaps the best news about Kessler's performance is that nothing about it was particularly fluky. There wasn't a barrage of three pointers unlikely to be replicated, or a bundle of hooks and jumpers that just happened to go down. Everything was by the rim. Which is exactly how the Lakers have designed the offense. Kessler's value isn't about what's in his personal "bag," but his ability to read and react to players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Collin Sexton. On some nights, better teams and better defenders will keep Kessler and the Lakers from doing what they want to do as effectively as they'd like, but the basic game plan is clear, and Kessler's skill set is well suited to follow it. So go ahead! Be optimistic! It's fine! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Kirby Lee-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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)

It seemed like Collin Sexton would make his Lakers debut in the opener on Wednesday, but alas he was given one more game to rest. Well, now he's completely off the injury list, so while there could (and likely will) be some restrictions on Sexton, he'll be able to deliver some of what he brings to the rotation. It starts with outside shooting and rim pressure, and extends to the support he brings the Lakers as a ball handler behind Luka and Reaves. It will also make a bench unit that provided real scoring punch on Wednesday with even more juice. The question, though, is how it might over the long term impact the start lineup. Would it make more sense with Sexton available to shift Quentin Grimes to the starting lineup? Maybe not Friday against the Clippers, but over the long term? Plus, Friday's game is part of an early stretch offering the Lakers an incredible opportunity to get off to a strong start. They'll see the Clippers twice, Utah, Golden State again and Portland (at home) before the Raptors visit Crypto.com to kick off the November slate. That means the Lakers should be no worse than 5-1, and have a chance to be undefeated through the end of October. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Sexton back. SEGMENT 2: Should that change the starting lineup? SEGMENT 3: The scheduling gods are smiling on the Lakers. PHOTO 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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)

Wednesday's season opening win over the Warriors was notable for more than just the smack talk between Luka Dončić and Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Although that's definitely getting a lot of attention. There's also the matter of what Luka did before the game. It started with a full page ad in the LA Times, thanking Lakers fans for their support of the team, and what he says they will work to make a championship effort. Luka also took care of parking at the arena for 150 or so fans, This is on top of donations to wildfire relief, the reconstruction of Kobe murals, and other acts for his new community in LA. Doncic has said he hopes to retire a Laker, and is behaving like a guy who believes a meaningful connection to the city is important. Austin Reaves, in a conversation with Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, was asked about the difference between Luka's reception/relationship with Lakers fans and LeBron James's, having played and developed good relationships with both. (Obviously he and Luka are now besties.) Austin noted that LeBron arrived in LA with a context that made it harder for fans to embrace him. Austin's comment centered around the rivalry between James and Kobe Bryant, which definitely impacted how fans felt about LeBron from the jump. But there's more too it. There was a transactional feel to his time here, and at the time he signed, most people didn't think it would be an eight year relationship. Many fans appreciated his talent, and what he did to pull the franchise out of the muck, but resented some of the drama or already carried some dislike based on how the rivalry between him and Kobe Bryant was framed. Luka doesn't have those issues. He didn't expect to come to LA, but has embraced the city and the franchise since arriving. He's someone that Lakers fans can lean into as "theirs," even though he wasn't drafted by the team. The relationship is designed to span most of a decade, so it's long term. Overall, Wednesday was a reminder that not all stars operate in the same circumstances, and that something much more similar to LA's relationship with previous stars could be at work here. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 opening game in the 2026-27 NBA season couldn't have gone any better for the Lakers, who need to get off to a good start with their completely revamped roster. That's exactly what happened, as the purple and gold got rolling after a back and forth first quarter, outscoring the Golden State Warriors 68-35 and breaking the game wide open. Final score, 127-105. Early returns on the Big Three? Excellent. Luka Doncic finished with 28 points in only 30 minutes, along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves had 23/6 with a pair of steals, and Walker Kessler was a perfect 12-12 from the floor, en route to 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in his Lakers debut. And even when Kessler wasn't finishing at the rim, it was clear his Lakers teammates were working hard to get him the ball. A ragged first quarter featured too many turnovers, many of which came trying to force feed the ball to Kessler. Clearly everyone is excited to have a new toy to use. And while the new Big Three was the driving force behind the win, Jake LaRavia, Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams combined for 29 points. 81 more to go, but this was a great way to start the year. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers dominate en route to an Opening Night Win SEGMENT 2: The Big Three has a huge debut. SEGMENT 3: Strong stretch defensively. PHOTO CREDIT: Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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' season kicks off tonight in a classic (if perhaps forced, post-LeBron?) matchup against the (very short-handed) Golden State Warriors. The punditry consensus is much higher on L.A. than Golden State, but both teams have many questions to answer heading into the season. To break it all down, the Kamenetzkys talk with Chuck Walter (Locked On Warriors). Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Chuck Walter! Photo credit: Candice Ward-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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers did what was widely expected on Monday as the NBA's roster cutdown day arrived. Dalton Knecht was released to get the Lakers down to 15 players. That closes the door on a VERY recent #1 pick, and given how promising a start Knecht had, is a pretty shocking end. So what went wrong, here? Did the Lakers do the right thing? Should they have released Bronny James instead? What is the lasting damage to the franchise for having two straight top picks wash out (Jalen Hood-Schifino, we hardly knew ya)? There's a lot to unpack, even beyond just Dalton himself. It does increase the pressure on the (currently injured) duo of Cam Carr and Adou Thiero to pan out, because the draft cupboard is exceedingly bare at this point, between picks that have been traded and others that are committed to potential swaps. Speaking of injuries, the Lakers might be getting one of their banged up guys back, which is good news. Collin Sexton spoke with the media in El Segundo on Tuesday, and while he didn't commit to getting on the floor in Wednesday's opener, the fact he was talking is a very good sign. Injured players aren't obligated to speak with reporters, and are generally not put in front of them. Just the act of being made available indicates the Lakers will have him, even if on a restriction, when the season opens. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers cut Dalton Knecht. What went wrong, here? SEGMENT 2: Collin Sexton ready to go? SEGMENT 3: There are believers in the defense!!! 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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 had until this Monday (2 pm PT) to get their roster down from 16 players to 15. Reports persisted throughout the offseason, chronicling a desire to make a consolidation deal, sending out two non-rotation players (and draft assets) for one more playable guy. That was always a long shot for a variety of reasons. The most logical end was them having to eat a contract, with three obvious candidates: Jaden Hardy, Bronny James, and Dalton Knecht. A case could have been made for James being the player cut, but the more likely conclusion was Dalton as the odd man out. It's a very logical, very predictable end to his time in L.A... but also one filled with heavy disappointment and ramifications for the present and future. 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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)

Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers!

Nobody expects the new-look Lakers, with so many moving parts, to be operating like a well-oiled machine at the end of one preseason. That said, it's pretty clear that many fans and media types expected the machine to look somewhat oiled. Or ready to be oiled. Or at least assembled so someone can get around to oiling it. Wherever you are on that spectrum—the big question of how much progress the Lakers made, what sticks out as good, what pops out as bad, and where the big unknowns still are—is not insignificant. Arguably the easiest portion of the team's schedule comes in the first 20 or so games. It's a good situation for a group that could still be jelling in those early games... unless they're too disjoined to take advantage. Why did the Lakers treat the preseason the way they did? And from there, when guys that matter were on the floor, how did the product look? Where did the Lakers surprise? What are the big question marks? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are disjointed coming out of the preseason. SEGMENT 2: Where the offense and defense shined... and also what wasn't as good. SEGMENT 3: Why the Lakers do what they do. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO 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. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 finally got the Big Three on the floor together Friday in their preseason finale (a 121-106 loss) against the Nuggets, and the results were... mixed. Particularly early in the game, they were a turnover machine, as the chemistry between Luka, Reaves and Walker Kessler was very much a work in progress. No real surprise there, but still kinda disappointing given the high hopes. So lots to work on there. Big nights for Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili, and a surprising start for Matisse Thybulle as JJ Redick busted out a starting lineup that might -- might -- be what's used on Opening Night. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Endow-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 trying to get the roster down to 15 players, and at the least, seem to be exploring ways to do it that don't involve straight-up cutting Dalton Knecht. Jake Fischer reports on Marc Stein's Substack that the Lakers are exploring a trade: The Lakers, meanwhile, have been engaged in trade talks to try to get their roster down from 16 to 15 standard contracts and perhaps even acquire some additional frontcourt help in the process. League sources say that the Lakers and Bucks have held exploratory trade discussions on a framework that would ship former first-round selection Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee (along with second-round draft capital) in exchange for big man Jericho Sims. Yet it must be said that I've also heard some pessimism from sources briefed on those talks that such a trade will actually go through. The Lakers might be forced, if no deal materializes between now and Monday's deadline, to simply waive Knecht to get down to 15." Would it be worth giving up a pick to get Sims? How much would he help fill the hole the Lakers clearly have around the backup center spot? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 may finally have the band, or at least the band members that matter the most, on the floor for preseason play Friday night. Thursday in El Segundo, Ziaire Williams returned to practice, as did Adou Thiero. Luka Doncic practiced in full. Even Collin Sexton participated in everything except full contact work. Likely won't play Friday, but at least Sexton is on a decent path to play opening night. So aside from him and Cam Carr, who is out with an injury JJ Redick didn't describe because he doesn't have to until the regular season begins, That means we should see, finally, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler on the floor together. After Tuesday's impressive debut for Kessler, and a really nice game from Reaves as well, to get a feel for how the whole package could look will be fun. Plus, since all of the guys who are in the running to start at the four are available, we get a window into that, too. Meanwhile, the NBA's annual GM Survey was released on Thursday, and where the Lakers and Luka appear, and don't appear, is noteworthy for sure. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Getting healthy ahead of the last preseason game. SEGMENT 2: The GM Survey. Where the Lakers are, where the Lakers aren't. SEGMENT 3: Walker Kessler for Most Improved Player? PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 always in a win-now posture, though win-now doesn't always mean exactly the same thing from year to year. ESPN has an interesting story up looking at the level of proverbial win-now desperation each team across the league ought to feel. The Lakers landed at fourth. Why? Because they have a roster that's pretty much set, without much draft capital or salary cap space to make signficant changes should the formula be a little off. And if things go wrong, the (broader) theory goes, so does their ability to keep Luka Doncic happy, and in purple and gold. So are they right? Sort of? Certainly Zach Kram (who wrote the story) correctly diagnoses the box the Lakers are in, and notes that they are now, and could remain, in a tier that's behind the Thunder and Spurs in the West, given how young those teams are, and their current level of excellentness. But LA does have a chance to improve this upcoming offseason, and if they've chosen the right guys this summer -- especially players like Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes -- they should be positioned to be a very good team for a few years, at least. And Luka Doncic will tell you a solid team with one other very high end player (i.e. Austin Reaves) and Luka Doncic on it? That's good enough. That's the level of belief he has in himself. And there's some proof of concept there. The Mavs team he took to the Finals was not expected to get there. Weird things happen. Poorly timed injuries, and all that jazz. The Lakers are really in a tier of about 10 other teams that legitimately believe they have a chance to win a championship with a little luck and some good timing. So are all of those teams wrong, just because the West has two squads that should be elite for a while? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers should be desperate? SEGMENT 2: Does ESPN get it right? SEGMENT 3: A long list of "second tier" contenders. PHOTO CREDIT: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)

Luka Doncic sat out of Tuesday's preseason loss to the Warriors in Las Vegas. Not because of any reported injury, even a minor one, but just for what JJ Redick described as a "night off." Ziaire Williams, Cam Carr, and Collin Sexton were among the other players not in uniform. No question, the Lakers are incredibly conservative when it comes to injuries, and it also makes sense to be very careful in the preseason. Sexton, for example, is clearly dealing with something, given the length of his absence. (Redick expressed optimism that he'd be ready for the regular season, FWIW.) But when a healthy Luka sits in what was pretty likely a scheduled game off, are the Lakers missing out? They have a ton of new pieces, and a big need to get off to a good start, given the relative softness of the first 20 or so games vs. the post All-Star stretch. What is lost when players miss games, and practices? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)

Lakers fans have been waiting a while to see Walker Kessler in purple and gold following the massive offseason sign and trade that brought the giant center to LA. Tuesday in Vegas against the Golden State Warriors, they finally got their chance. And it's fair to say that the first impression was a very good one. Kessler had 11 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block in 16 minutes. He was a team-leading +15. Basically, he looked exactly like you'd hope. Rebounded effectively, was an obvious impediment to the Warriors around the rim, and showed opportunistic scoring off the pick and roll and on the glass. Very, very encouraging start. Austin Reaves, meanwhile, was cooking, with 28 points in only 25 minutes of play, to go along with seven assists. Seven turnovers, too, but Reaves was playing with an aggression and confidence that stood out even for a guy who normally has plenty of both qualities on display. Sandro Mamukelashvili continued his strong preseason, with 10/7/2 in 21 minutes off the bench. The other big performance for LA was the one that didn't happen: No Luka on the floor Tuesday. JJ Redick said it wasn't injury related, but given how cagey the Lakers are about these things, it certainly raised a little suspicion. And with guys like Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams and Cam Carr still out (Adou Thiero sat as well) the Lakers were a little shorthanded. Oh, they lost the game, but nobody really cares. Bottome line - Kessler and Reaves looked good. And should only look better with Luka. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kessler back on the floor. SEGMENT 2: Another good game for Mamu, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves shines. PHOTO CREDIT: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 look like a team that should be pretty good, and have some balance and coherence to the roster construction. But everyone also knows the Lakers are, as currently constructed, a tick or two below the elite squads in the West. So what is their biggest need? ESPN says "starting caliber forwards," and explained thusly: "Look, there's going to be a little less positional certainty whenever LeBron departs. Rather than target a single replacement for the four-time MVP, the Lakers invested their resources into re-signing guard Austin Reaves, acquiring starting center Walker Kessler and compiling a grab-bag collection of unproven forwards with varying skill sets. In his season tipoff news conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick said that both starting forward spots would be up for grabs. Redick's long list of options includes Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Adou Thiero. Regardless of who wins the job, the Lakers will ask both forwards to function as high-activity defenders and auxiliary options in an offense led by Luka Doncic and Reaves. As the season unfolds, Redick will be in position to compensate for his lack of standout forwards by extending his rotation with a "quantity over quality" approach." Big picture, it's a reasonable take. Most of the criticism around the roster construction, other than perhaps the price the Lakers paid for Kessler, was about the hole that was left on the wing. The whole Jonathan Kuminga storyline was founded in that understanding. But ultimately, the Lakers have chosen to take their time and try to fill it later in the season, or more likely in the summer with their exception. In the here and now, the preseason has shown how big a hold the Lakers have at backup center. And in terms of things they can more likely solve sooner rather than later, this one sticks out. So how you answer the question depends a little on the context and the timeline. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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 entered the preseason with two starting spots theoretically up for grabs. (Though most people think one of those spots was always Quentin Grimes's to lose, and to this point, it doesn't seem that he has.) But that leaves one spot available. Who are the most prominent candidates? Sandro Mamukelashvili Jake LaRavia Ziaire Williams Matisse Thybulle Adou Thiero The good news for JJ Redick is that all of these guys have had strong preseasons to this point. Williams has been hurt, but flashed the skill set that made him an early dark horse to win the gig. Thiero continues to show growth, and his absurd levels of athleticism. Thybulle's defensive reputation precedes him, while LaRavia has had a fantastic bounceback through three preseason games, after a terrible second half to last year. And Mamu has arguably been their best non-Luka player in the first three games. So what direction will Redick head? Which way should he go? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are still searching for the final starter. SEGMENT 2: Who gets eliminated from the list? SEGMENT 3: The case for Mamu, Williams and LaRavia. PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by 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 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)