Episodes

  • Lakers Resume Play Tonight vs. Spurs. Right Call for the NBA? Plus, Cooper Will Have Jersey Retired!

    Lakers Resume Play Tonight vs. Spurs. Right Call for the NBA? Plus, Cooper Will Have Jersey Retired!
    Jan 13 2025
    The Lakers will play basketball tonight at the Crypt, hosting the San Antonio Spurs. Broadly, it's a sign that officials believe they have a better handle on the still-burning fires in Los Angeles, because they're willing to have emergency personnee available for a game at LA Live (and another at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, with the Clippers hosting a home game of their own). It's been a trying week for everyone around the city, including Lakers players and team personnel. The home JJ Redick and his family have been living in since moving to LA burned down in the Palisades fire. LeBron James, like many residents of Brentwood, spent the weekend facing mandatory or potential evacuation. But there's simply no way the NBA would stage games unless they were told in no uncertain terms that the risk of diverting critical public safety resources was low. So now that they're back on the floor, what will it look like? The emotional toll in moments like this can be challenging. Obviously the arena will be a place of mixed emotions. People excited to see their team, hoping to have a moment where they're rallying for their city, a brief respite from the realities a few miles away, and more. The team will certainly honor those who have lost so much, and the first responders trying to protect them. There will be even more energy and celebration as Michael Cooper, one of the most beloved members of the Showtime Lakers, will finally have his jersey retired. It's a lot to pack into one night. But of course, what we see tonight is just the start of weeks, months, and years of recovery. One thing that is likely safe to say: While the Lakers don't always handle their basketball decisions, they almost always nail the moment in times like these. Whatever the team chooses to do will likely hit the right notes. And LeBron James, who was excellent helping lead the team and the community when the Lakers resumed play following the death of Kobe Bryant, will likely meet the moment as well. It's just one game, but it's likely a welcome sight for a lot of Angelenos. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! Rocket RXRight now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. WayFairAfter the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.Ultimate GMA special offer for Locked On NBA listeners: Use promo code LOCKEDONCBB (all caps) when you download Ultimate College Basketball HC at ultimate-cbb.com or look it up on the app stores, to get a free boost for your program. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your coaching career. Ultimate College Basketball HC—begin your coaching legacy today! HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA. SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelFrom big upsets to game-winning drives, the NFL Playoffs are better with FanDuel new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED - Win or Lose. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 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 ...
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    36 mins
  • Hornets-Lakers Postponed, Other Home Games in Flux. Plus, LeBron, AD and All-Star Voting.

    Hornets-Lakers Postponed, Other Home Games in Flux. Plus, LeBron, AD and All-Star Voting.
    Jan 10 2025

    As expected, Thursday's game between the Hornets and Lakers at Crypto.com Arena was postponed due to the wildfires raging throughout the Los Angeles area. Attempting to hold a basketball contest amidst all this chaos and tragedy would have been both tone-deaf and logistically irresponsible, particularly at a time when JJ Redick is dealing with the loss of his Pacific Palisades home. As such, that event has been tabled, and there's a good possibility that Saturday and Monday's upcoming games vs. the Spurs will require relocation to play on time. And whatever solution is landed upon by the Lakers and the league is obviously a first-world problem compared to the plight of so many Angelenos.

    In the meantime, this show continues its attempt at a welcome distraction for many of its listeners. The actual basketball conversation centered around the second return of fan voting for the All-Star Game, which currently has LeBron James paced as a starter for the 21st consecutive season, although not by enough for it to be a lock. It also has Anthony Davis paced to make the team, although also not by enough for it to be a lock. This speaks far more to the overwhelming competition in the West than anything LeBron or AD are lacking as players this season. It's a brutal conference, and the All-Star names in the mix reinforce this.

    Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

    Segment 1: It's a difficult time for sports - and life - in Los Angeles right now.

    Segment 2: Will LeBron's All-Star starting streak remain intact? And is AD gonna make the team?

    Segment 3: More on the All-Star voting.

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    36 mins
  • The Lakers Really May Get Jarred Vanderbilt Back Soon, for Real This Time

    The Lakers Really May Get Jarred Vanderbilt Back Soon, for Real This Time
    Jan 9 2025
    This is a difficult time in Los Angeles, with fire impacting massive portions of the city, unfathomable loss already and great uncertainty still ahead. How it influences the NBA calendar isn't a priority concern, but that said at least as of Wednesday night, there has been no announcement about whether the Lakers and Charlotte will actually be playing tonight at the Crypt. (It seems like a bad idea to do anything that puts people in their cars and has the potential to require the attention of first responders, especially since it's abundantly clear that this crisis is not going to end today, but we'll see what the league chooses to do.) Our thoughts are everyone in the community, especially those directly affected, including our colleague Darian Vaziri, host of Locked On Clippers, whose family home was lost in the fire. In this episode, we talk about the human impact of the fires, including on the Lakers. JJ Redick's family, for example, was evacuated from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Tuesday. From there, it's a conversation about Jared Vanderbilt, who finally, truly, this-time-for-real seems near a return from his multiple foot surgeries. The Lakers will have more to say in a week or so, but Vando is back on the floor doing full court work, with contact. That's good news for the team, especially as we get closer to the trade deadline, which is a month away now. To see Vanderbilt back in the lineup, get a feel for what he's capable of doing, how he fits and so on, gives Rob Pelinka more data points as he tries to allocate the team's limited trade capital as effectively as possible. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The fires in LA are impacting everything and everyone, including the Lakers and the NBA.SEGMENT 2: Seriously, this time it seems like Jarred Vanderbilt is set to return soon. SEGMENT 3: Getting Vando back is a big deal. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Rocket RXRight now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.Ultimate GMA special offer for Locked On NBA listeners: Use promo code LOCKEDONCBB (all caps) when you download Ultimate College Basketball HC at ultimate-cbb.com or look it up on the app stores, to get a free boost for your program. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your coaching career. Ultimate College Basketball HC—begin your coaching legacy today! Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelFrom big upsets to game-winning drives, the NFL Playoffs are better with FanDuelnew customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED - Win or Lose.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 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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    33 mins
  • Unfocused Lakers Lose to Mavericks 118-97, Despite No Luka or Kyrie

    Unfocused Lakers Lose to Mavericks 118-97, Despite No Luka or Kyrie
    Jan 8 2025
    There have been a few good candidates for "Worst" among the (now) 16 losses suffered by the Lakers over the course of this season. But Tuesday, the Lakers may have set a new bar. They went into Dallas facing a Mavs team without Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving, and playing on the second night of a back-to-back in which they had to travel back to from Memphis to Dallas after losing to the Grizzlies Monday night. Starting center Derek Lively was in foul trouble for much of the game, which is problematic for Dallas since their backup, Daniel Gafford, is on the shelf as well. LA, meanwhile, had a day of rest to think about a disappointing loss in Houston Sunday evening, and even got some reinforcements in the form of Gabe Vincent, who returned to the lineup after missing games with an oblique injury. And by beating Dallas, the Lakers could put a little space between themselves and a key competitor in the Western Conference.And yet, the Lakers lost, 118-97. When people question how good the Lakers are, and whether or not Rob Pelinka ought to be investing what's left of the team's prime assets in this season, it's games like this that give them pause. Good teams do not lose this game. They may not play great, they might hit some rocky points, but in the end, they win the game. (Really good teams knock Dallas out early, and never let them get confident, but let's walk before we run.) So if you're Pelinka, how do you react to nights like this? Can you believe that the Lakers are capable of enough consistency to push through the late stretch of the season, then into multiple rounds of playoff basketball, with enough high-end consistency to make an "all in" move seem like a reasonable gamble? There is an excellent chance that at the end of the year, the Lakers will see the standings and point to this game as a reason something more favorable didn't happen. It's possible, too, that it could be a reason the team doesn't go big at the deadline. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Horrible, horrible loss. SEGMENT 2: Nobody stepped up to get the job done, and the defense was really bad. SEGMENT 3: It starts with the stars - 39 points from LeBron and AD? That's not enough. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Rocket RXRight now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.Ultimate GMA special offer for Locked On NBA listeners: Use promo code LOCKEDONCBB (all caps) when you download Ultimate College Basketball HC at ultimate-cbb.com or look it up on the app stores, to get a free boost for your program. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your coaching career. Ultimate College Basketball HC—begin your coaching legacy today! Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelFrom big upsets to game-winning drives, the NFL Playoffs are better with FanDuelnew customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED - Win or Lose.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 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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    34 mins
  • LAKERS POSTCAST Mavericks beat the Lakers 118-97

    LAKERS POSTCAST Mavericks beat the Lakers 118-97
    Jan 8 2025

    Quentin Grimes scored 23 off the bench and former Laker Spencer Dinwiddie added 22 as the Dallas Mavericks, playing without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, beat the Los Angeles Lakers 118-97. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while LeBron James had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in the loss. The Lakers will look to get on the winning side of things Thursday night when they host the Hornets.

    Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Lakers vs Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks

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    30 mins
  • Should JJ Redick Start Dorian Finney-Smith Over Rui Hachimura?

    Should JJ Redick Start Dorian Finney-Smith Over Rui Hachimura?
    Jan 7 2025
    At 20-15 and sitting fifth in the Western Conference (as of Monday night), the Lakers are very firmly in that cluster of teams that have shown themselves to be better than the fringe-y teams but not as good as the elite ones. As Rob Pelinka shifts into high gear (or at least Trade Season does), the Lakers have a very narrow window to pass through when it comes to making impactful moves. They've already used their most straightforward trade chip, D'Angelo Russell (along with a handful of second round picks) to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. They don't have much inventory left. One of the biggest things the Lakers can do, then, is maximize the assets they have. And with every day that passes since DFS arrived in LA, it seems like the Lakers are on a path to do just that. Or try to, at least. It would mean swapping Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup. Why? For defense, for better bench scoring, and to make the best use of what the Lakers have. There are other compelling reasons, as well. Will JJ Redick pull the trigger? HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Why the second half against Houston was very important. SEGMENT 2: Rui or Finney-Smith in the starting lineup? SEGMENT 3: Do the Lakers need to trade for positions or skill sets? Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! Ultimate GMA special offer for Locked On NBA listeners: Use promo code LOCKEDONCBB (all caps) when you download Ultimate College Basketball HC at ultimate-cbb.com or look it up on the app stores, to get a free boost for your program. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your coaching career. Ultimate College Basketball HC—begin your coaching legacy today! Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelFrom big upsets to game-winning drives, the NFL Playoffs are better with FanDuelnew customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED - Win or Lose.Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 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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    37 mins
  • Lakers Lose 119-115 to Rockets. Is Dorian Finney-Smith on the Verge of Starting?

    Lakers Lose 119-115 to Rockets. Is Dorian Finney-Smith on the Verge of Starting?
    Jan 6 2025

    As the saying often goes, this 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets was “a tale of two halves” for the Lakers.

    In the first half, the Lakers looked like a team either experiencing some undefeated nightlife in Houston or that had gotten a little too high on their own supply of “The Lakers are back and playing defense, baby!!!” coverage over the last couple of weeks. Even acknowledging the very obvious age and athleticism advantage that anybody would have expected on the Rockets’ side, the Lakers spent the opening 24 minutes in a much slower (and seemingly more disinterested) gear. The first half featured various Houstonians streaking down court in transition off every Laker turnover or missed shot. The Lakers got absolutely crushed in the second chance points battle. (They didn’t record *any* until the second half.) Jalen Green scored 18 of his 33 total points in the FIRST QUARTER, inside and out, with precious little resistance from Lakers defenders.

    Frankly, it felt lucky that the Lakers were only down 18 entering halftime. The game hadn’t even felt that close.

    But something must have been effectively (or angrily) stated by JJ Redick in the visitor’s locker room, because the Lakers were a completely different team during the final 24 minutes. Especially defensively. (Redick made a curious early substitution, pulling Rui Hachimura for Dorian Finney-Smith, which could be a preview of Tuesday’s starting lineup in Dallas, and either way, was indicative of the more successful defense the Lakers coach was clearly trying to crank up.) The ball was moving to better effect. The rebounding became less lopsided. And the Lakers looked like a team that was capable of matching this upstart Rockets team bounce for bounce.

    However, that disastrous start left the Lakers too little of a cushion to absorb any mistakes, and there were a few critical ones in the last couple of minutes.

    LeBron James was called for an offensive foul with 38.1 seconds left in the game.

    Down three with 5.1 seconds left, inbounder Max Christie (who I’d argue isn’t experienced enough for this job in crunchtime to begin with) either panicked or forgot the team had another timeout left, and turned the ball over trying a pass to LeBron. (Who, to his credit, tried to call timeout, but none of the refs noticed.)

    A few seconds later, now down four and looking for a miracle, the ball was successfully inbounded to LeBron, who hit a three… that was wiped out because of Anthony Davis’ illegal screen.

    In the end, the final score was a reinforcement of what’s become evident all season. The Lakers are a good team… but not yet at a level with a high margin of error.

    Are they capable of beating a team like the Rockets despite a halfa**ed first half?

    Possibly.

    But not nearly capable enough that you’d ever want to bet on them pulling it off.

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    36 mins
  • LAKERS POSTCAST Rockets outlast the Lakers 119-115

    LAKERS POSTCAST Rockets outlast the Lakers 119-115
    Jan 6 2025

    Anthony Davis scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to go along with 5 blocks, but it wasn’t enough, as the Houston Rockets outlasted the visiting Lakers 119-115. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 33 points, while Amen Thompson added 23 points and 16 rebounds. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Tuesday in Dallas against the Mavericks.

    Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Lakers vs Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

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    33 mins