Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers Locked On Podcast Network

Brian remains on vacation, so today's guest spot is taken by Aaron Larusel (@AaronLarsuel), who's worked with many NBA teams and currently is a consultant with the Lakers. Fans are dying to see new pieces added around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but thus far, it's been slow goings. Is this a Lakers or a "whole league" thing? Aaron offers insights about the mechanics of making trades. How difficult is it to turn "talks" into actual trades, and how much is the new CBA in the "Apron World" preventing movement around the league. Aaron also discusses the franchise's view of player development, Max Christie's potential, Jarred Vanderbilt's importance and much more. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Aaron Larsuel.

SEGMENT 1: What makes trades tough in the NBA, and with this new CBA?

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers and player development.

SEGMENT 3: Can Max Christie and Jarred Vanderbilt provide internal improvement for the Lakers?



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Brian is out of town, so it's a week of awesome guests. We kick things Claire de lune (The Guardian, Tiny Deaths) stops by to talk about the state of the Lakers. Other than drafting Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers have made no additions to the roster, which is essentially unchanged. How big of a problem is this... now? Is there a timeline before which stuff needs to happen or LeBron James and Anthony Davis will start getting outwardly displeased? Plus, is it possible to have a conversation about Bronny James that's neither pandering nor hyper-critical hot takes? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Claire de Lune.

SEGMENT 1: What to make of the Lakers' slow offseason?

SEGMENT 2: When does it become problematic for the Lakers to have not made a move?

SEGMENT 3: How to talk fairly and smartly about Bronny James.

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The Summer Lakers were a rough watch for five games or so, but over the last two? A lot more fun!

Thursday, the SPL crew won its second straight game, beating the Summer Cavs in a nailbiter. They were led by Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Colin Castleton. Knecht is the only guy in the group expected to play a regular role on the big club, and he continued to play well. Not perfectly, and you can see some of the holes in his game but when you think about how he'll be used contextually in JJ Redick's offense it's easy to see how Knecht could be successful.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are looking for a "big bruising" center, Redick says. That's not Castleton, but last year's two-way signing has overcome a slow start to the summer and has shown this week why he could have some value. Castleton might get pushed around defensively and struggle with quicker, more athletic players, but he's a clever passer and is fundamentally sound. There's a good chance he won't actively screw things up, were the Lakers to play him. Really, his shortcomings emphasize the weaknesses in the group. The Lakers just don't have a guy they feel confident in on a night in, night out basis.

And finding that guy? Won't be easy, that's for sure.

Finally, Matt George of Locked On Kings joins the show to, after some Kings/Lakers trash talk, provide a scouting report on Lindsey Harding, who was added to Redick's staff this week. George says her addition goes well beyond being the first female coach on the basketball staff for LA. Great information about what he believes is a very good up and coming coach.



HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt George!

SEGMENT 1: Dalton Knecht is playing well!

SEGMENT 2: Could Castleton help the big club? Can they find the big body they want?

SEGMENT 3: Scouting Lindsey Harding...



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GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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 disappointment with missing out on Gary Trent Jr. for a minimum contract continued into Wednesday, at least on the show's YouTube page. Beyond all the contextual reasons why Trent might choose the Bucks over the Lakers -- cleaner fit, bigger role, chemistry with Dame, etc. -- there is a feeling that the Lakers simply can't lure players the way they used to.

But is that history actually real, or is it more mythology?

Certainly there's a lot of the latter.

So what does that mean about how the Lakers have to do stuff? About how fans think of these moments where the Lakers and the front office can't close a deal? There's always been a belief that the Lakers are, based on the brand, a preferred destination for free agents big and small. But is that true? Has it ever really been true, at least in what we'd consider the modern era? If it's not true, how do the Lakers respond?

Meanwhile, JJ Redick says the Lakers are looking for a "big, bruising center," indicating both that the team isn't super happy with the Christian Wood/Jaxson Hayes backup situation, and that they may be reserving whatever roster spot they can open up for this type of player... as opposed to someone like Trent Jr..

The Summer Lakers won behind good games from Colin Castleton and Bronny James. Something to look forward to following Thursday's game. Could they win two in a row?



HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky



SEGMENT 1: Why did Gary Trent sign with Milwaukee over LA?



SEGMENT 2: Is Lakers mystique dead?



SEGMENT 3: How do the Lakers respond?



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From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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)

For much of the offseason, the inability of the Lakers to make anything happen with the roster has been a point of frustration for fans. But then again, there were always extenuating circumstances. Contextually, the Lakers either couldn't offer the right role, the right money, or the right role with the right money. They lack trade pieces teams seem to want, which isn't exactly a great defense of the front office but does explain the inactivity. The Lakers also don't have a ton of draft capital to toss around, either.

Put it all together, and you get Gary Trent Jr., a quality floor spacer, decent defender and probably the best remaining free agent on the market signing in Milwaukee for the veteran's minimum without the Lakers even seeming to get involved. Of all this offseason's misses, this one probably bothers Lakers fans the most.

The Lakers are apparently so boxed in, they can't even make a play for a good player at the lowest possible financial commitment. How did this happen? What can be done about it?

They preached patience at the trade deadline, looking towards the summer. Now they're preaching patience in the summer, looking towards the regular season and the deadline. Not ideal.

Bronny's contract obviously takes up a spot. Would the Lakers have had the foresight to give the 55th pick a 2-way deal in a non-Bronny year?

Finally, Jaylen Brown seemed less-than-impressed with young James so far, getting caught by lipreaders watching him play in Vegas. Brown thinks Bronny will be with the big club all year, because that's what dad wants. This, as opposed to the G-League. Is he right?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Gary Trent Jr. signs in Milwaukee. Fans are not happy.

SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers get out of this box?

SEGMENT 3: Jaylen Brown on Bronny...

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From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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 US Men's National Team typically has some games in their prep for Olympic competition that give people reason to worry. Monday vs. Australia, they had just that, squeaking by the Aussies by six. People didn't like the results, but if you're just focused on the Lakers, it's harder to complain. Anthony Davis once again had an excellent game in relatively short minutes.

17 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks in only 19 minutes. One again, Davis was making a bit of a statement, one that's positive for him not just because it can help change the conversation around him and the way he's talked about relative to other stars, but there's also real value for Davis in playing like one of the best players on a team filled with the best players. And while most Lakers fans will be holding their breath with every minute he (and LeBron James) is on the floor, as long as he's playing Davis (and by extension, Lakers fans) might as well get the highest level of benefit possible.

Should he start? Will he? Don't know, don't particularly care. If he dominates, and plays an important role for a team that wins big, that'll be a good result.

Meanwhile, the Summer Lakers continue to struggle. Some of the problem is structural. The Lakers don't have an efficient point guard, and in the context of Summer League play, that lack of on-floor organization can be difficult to overcome. Especially since the Lakers also lack guys who are good shot creators, outside Dalton Knecht, who has been forced into a LOT of tough shots but for the most part looks like a player who could be effective in the role he's expected to play in the regular season. Bronny James? Maxwell Lewis? Colin Castleton? These are all guys seeing different degrees of success (or, more often, non-success) but they're likely not going to contribute this year to the big club.

That the Lakers only have one player this summer who we might see in the rotation is worthy of discussion, but doesn't change the reality of what these performances mean vis-a-vis the regular season.

Finally, JJ Redick explained his thinking around Anthony Davis and awards voting. Does his logic hold?



HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis dominates again as Team USA struggles to impress.

SEGMENT 2: The value of a good Olympics for AD.

SEGMENT 3: Why the Summer Lakers are struggling.

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eBay Motors
From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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)