Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers Fight Hard, but Miss Opportunities In 120-113 Loss to Denver
6 maart 2026 · 36 min
The Lakers started Thursday's game about as poorly as you could imagine, failing to get a bucket and turning it over. Denver went up 11-0 before the Lakers even scratched. Lees meer
It meant the Lakers were playing uphill the rest of the way, and will be kicking themselves over the results.
They chipped away and chipped away over the course of the game, and put themselves in a position to win, using strong defense that turned into offense. They got some timely shooting (until they didn't). But in the end, the hole they were trying to climb out of was too deep. Final score, 120-113. Luka Donćić scored 27 points, adding 11 boards and seven dimes. He also picked up what appeared to be a dubious 15th technical foul of the season. LeBron James and Austin Reaves each had an efficient 16, and Rui Hachimura had 16 as well. (His best game ina a while.)
Jaxson Hayes, who played big minutes after Deandre Ayton left with a bum knee, piled up a bunch of dunks en route to 19 points.
The Lakers will likely be kicking themselves for not finishing out the comeback, letting a game that ultimately was there for the taking get away.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers fight but fall short.
SEGMENT 2: The Lakers will be kicking themselves.
SEGMENT 3: LeBron sets records.
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Are the Lakers Looking to Build "Dallas 2.0" Around Luka Dončić as Offseason Plan?
5 maart 2026 · 19 min
Chris Mannix (SI) is the latest NBA reporter to relay the Lakers' plan to pattern an offseason roster build around Luka Doncic in a similar way to the roster the Dallas Mavericks put around him during a 2024 run to the NBA Finals. It makes sense, but how viable and realistic is this, from where the Lakers currently stand? Lees meer
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
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The Lakers Have an Opportunity for a Big Win In Denver
5 maart 2026 · 36 min
The Lakers have won three straight... but against opponents that won't exactly impress anyone. Thursday night, however, the Lakers visit Denver, and while the Nuggets are short key players (Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon most notably) they still have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and Denver is always a tough place to play. So what would it mean to go on the road and get the win? How can the Lakers get it done? Lees meer
From there, the Lakers continue to make hires that reshape the front office. Mostly on the business side to this point, but those are revealing in their own right.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers need a big win in Denver.
SEGMENT 2: Can the role players deliver?
SEGMENT 3: More front office hires.
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TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
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5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
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Luka, LeBron and Reaves are Playing Better Together: Has JJ Redick Found the Right Balance?
4 maart 2026 · 18 min
The Lakers as a team have been up and down following the All-Star break, but the performance of the Big Three -- Luka Donćić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves -- has improved while all three share the court. The well-known data point of their poor performance over the first 152 minutes together this season (which took until February to happen) has been balanced over a much stronger result over the last seven. Lees meer
It's an equally small sample size (about 142 minutes), but as a result, the trio is now about a net neutral for the year.
Does that mean JJ Redick has found something on tape? That the players themselves have started to figure some stuff out? Both?
What does it mean for the team and the coaching staff if in fact the Lakers have figured out a way for those guys to play together without the team getting crushed?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
Indeed
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Marcus Smart Leads 4th Quarter Defense, Strong Finish Pushes Lakers Past Pelicans
4 maart 2026 · 34 min
The Lakers found themselves in a bit of a rock fight on Tuesday, playing a Pelicans team with a lousy record but some quality players, and heading into the fourth were actually down three. Lees meer
And in a nice turn, LA used a very strong defensive stretch in combination with some balanced offense and timely shotmaking and in the end. Down by four with about nine minutes to go, the Lakers outscored New Orleans 27-14 the rest of the way, including a 17-7 run in the final 5:39. Luka Dončić led the team in scoring with 27 points, along with 10 rebounds and seven assists, but all five Lakers starters finished in double digits.
LeBron James was a major catalyst, not only starting the game strong but using his size in transition to help fuel the Lakers attack. Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton combined to give the Lakers good minutes at center. But among the supporting cast, the star was Marcus Smart, who was his typically disruptive self defensively throughout, but also had a timely 3-pointer late, and made some good plays to set up teammates.
The Lakers might not have inspired a lot of people beating New Orleans and needing plenty of energy and about 46 minutes to do it. But they won, and it's something to build on.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzkyy
SEGMENT 1: Balance big as Lakers beat New Orleans.
SEGMENT 2: The Lakers are making progress, right?
SEGMENT 3: Huge game Thursday coming.
Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
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TurboTax
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Can the Lakers Develop Young Players Effectively? Do They Even Try?
3 maart 2026 · 19 min
The buyout period has come and gone, and the Lakers don't seem to have missed out on much by signing guard Kobe Bufkin as quickly as they did. In the end, very few players of note actually changed squads, and of those that did (Cam Thomas to Milwaukee, for example) it's hard to see how the Lakers would have been their choice. Lees meer
Would Jeremy Sochan (now in New York) be playing more than Bufkin? Probably, if on the margins, because Bufkin isn't playing at all. But would he be making a material difference? Probably not.
So that's one concern among fans that has passed, but it does lead to another question.
The Lakers signed Bufkin in part because he's a young player who has lit up the G-League after washing out with the Hawks. For a team with few young players and draft assets, it's not an unreasonable strategy. But once they have young players in the system, do the Lakers do a decent job developing them? Do their young players improve? Are they better at identifying potential NBA talent than they are understanding the value of those players and keeping them? (Think about guys like Scottie Pippen Jr., or Jay Huff.)
What keeps the Lakers from doing more meaningful player development?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink i…
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Is Austin Reaves Sacrificing Stats Alongside Luka, LeBron? Plus, are the Pelicans a Trap Game?
3 maart 2026 · 35 min
It's good for the Lakers to have the Big Three available, and even better when the Big Three actually produce positive results as a trio, as they've slowly started to do. Lees meer
But it does require some sacrifices from all three. And most notably, from Austin Reaves.
AR put up big numbers at the start of the season when LeBron James was unavailable, and particularly big numbers when James and Luka Dončić were both out. But when all three of them play, it's Reaves who seems to have given up the biggest proportion of his offensive opportunities. So what are the results from that? And how could that impact the way the Lakers are looking at next season, when the Big Three presumably becomes the Big Two, if LeBron leaves as many expect?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have the Big Three back... so what changes?
SEGMENT 2: Sacrifices for Reaves.
SEGMENT 3: Do not take the Pelicans lightly!
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
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
…
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Luke Kennard Is Making a Big Impact... Can He Be a Difference Maker in the Postseason?
2 maart 2026 · 20 min
When the Lakers acquired Luke Kennard at the trade deadline, most fans understood the team was getting one of the best shooters in the league, not just this year but throughout his career. Lees meer
The good news for the team is Kennard's skill set is much more diverse than just shooting. He's been extremely effective from two point range, at the rim, and as a secondary playmaker and even a solid rebounder for his position.
It's also clear that JJ Redick highly values what Kennard does to raise the floor of the offense as both a floor spacer and a playmaker.
The flip side comes on defense, where Kennard is willing but deficient. He adds to a list of players that teams eagerly switch hunt Lakers in search of vulnerabilities, whether because they're smaller/slower (ex. Kennard, Austin Reaves) or a player like Luka Donćić where not only can he be beat off the dribble, but also where it's to their advantage to make him run around and try to press through screens.
So can he raise the team's floor in the playoffs, or will Kennard become a 180-degree version of Jarred Vanderbilt, played off the floor because of his D?
And what does Kennard's performance mean for next year, when the Lakers will look to construct a roster that fits around Luka?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOC…
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28 from Luka, 24 from LeBron Lead Lakers to Easy 128-104 Win Over Sacramento
2 maart 2026 · 36 min
The Lakers got up early, taking fast control of Sunday's game at home against the Sacramento Kings, using the same balanced first quarter offense that served them well Saturday against the Warriors. Up 38-16 after 12 minutes, they threw it in cruise control a little early, letting the Kings get to within 10 in the third before again putting things in fifth gear. Lees meer
From there, the Lakers built up a big lead, maintained it, and as it was on Saturday the Lakers didn't have to play any starters for more than 29 minutes. With a busy schedule coming, this extra rest becomes a big deal.
Luka Dončić led the way with an easy 28 points, and paced the team with nine assists. LeBron James had 24, Deandre Ayton was a very efficient 6-6 from the floor, and Luke Kennard was again a catalyst off the bench.
Everyone understands that the Warriors and Kings are not good teams right now. That said, if you drew up a script for what you'd want these games to look like, it almost certainly would have resembled the actual game play very closely.
And if nothing else, the dark cloud that had been forming over the team has started to lift. With a game against New Orleans Tuesday (a bad Pels team that has played a little better of late) the Lakers have an excellent opportunity to keep the momentum going.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get an early lead, maintain it to beat Sacramento.
SEGMENT 2: Finding a formula?
SEGMENT 3: What feels sustainable here?
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appoi…
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Balanced Lakers Bounce Back, Blow Out Golden State 129-101
1 maart 2026 · 18 min
To say the Lakers needed a palate cleanser is a major understatement. Having lost three in a row, a fourth on Saturday against a shorthanded Golden State team could have led to disaster. Lees meer
Instead, the Lakers got a reminder that they can, in fact, play quality basketball, taking control early of a Warriors team that couldn't hit a shot and ever giving it up. Final score, 129-101
It was a balanced effort for the Lakers. 22 points from LeBron James, 28 from Luka Dončić -- all three got extended rest in the fourth quarter -- supplemented by double-digit performances from Luke Kennard (16) and Jake LaRavia (15). The Lakers took care of the ball, were generally attentive defensively, and kept the energy up all evening. You could tell as well in their body language that they badly needed a game like this one.
Good too that they got to cruise, because they need to be ready and strong Sunday in Sacramento.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at…
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Deandre Ayton Doesn't "Get It"... but Is He a Bust for the Lakers?
27 februari 2026 · 20 min
Oh, Deandre Ayton. Lees meer
As the Lakers season has tailed off after a hot start, so too has Ayton's play. He is both symptom and disease, becoming less involved offensively and less engaged overall, which makes him less involved, which makes him less engaged, and so on. But because Ayton can't give himself the ball, he's also a good measure for how little the ball moves these days with the offense. That said, Ayton (who doesn't exactly have much equity anywhere around the league) was the focus of unwanted attention following a feature from ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
He made a very poor comparison to himself and Rockets center Clint Capela that isn't aging well (and has only been alive for a few days), and other aspects of his colorful personality have emerged as well.
We recorded this episode before the Lakers lost Thursday in Phoenix -- Ayton was particularly bad -- but we opened to a lot of questions.
What curve is Ayton being graded on? Is he a bust for the Lakers? Has he met expectations for this season, based on his salary with the Lakers? What now? Because when Ayton plays well, the Lakers tend to win.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
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Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
DoorDash
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Luka Dončić Scores 41, but Lakers Lose to Shorthanded Suns. Is the Season On the Brink?
27 februari 2026 · 36 min
The Lakers found an interesting way to change the subject after a terrible loss to the Magic on Tuesday. Lees meer
Thursday, the Lakers went into Phoenix to face a Suns squad without both Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, and still found a way to lose, 113-110. As it was against Orlando, the Lakers had opportunities to pull ahead and absolutely could have won, but instead lost in the final seconds of the game, failing to connect on a shot that would have (on Tuesday) won the game or (on Thursday) sent it into OT.
Luka Dončić rebounded from a terrible game Tuesday to finish with 41/8/8, but neither Austin Reaves nor LeBron James provided enough offensive support, and broadly speaking the offense as a whole completely collapsed. No movement. No cutting. Not much of anything. The Lakers, despite having Luka, LeBron and AR were out-assisted by a Phoenix team missing a ton of talent.
This feels like a loss that could be the start of a very bad spiral. The Lakers are, as Reaves said after, very frustrated, and it shows. If they can't get things aligned quickly, there's a reasonable chance the whole thing crashes out.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDa… -
Lakers Hire Former UVA Coach Tony Bennett as Draft Consultant: Sign of Dodgers Model?
26 februari 2026 · 19 min
All reports have indicated that the Lakers, under new owner Mark Walter, will be following the Dodgers model that has worked so successfully up the road at Chavez Ravine. Lees meer
Walter has already transferred old friend Lon Rosen from the Dodgers' front office to El Segundo, where he'll replace long time Jeanie Buss confidant Tim Harris in a senior business position. But for fans, what they want to see more than anything are changes on the basketball side of things. A taste of that came on Wednesday, when the Lakers announced they had hired former UVA head coach Tony Bennett to serve as a Draft Consultant.
Bennett has never served in a role like this in the NBA, but comes to the org with tremendous respect and a solid pedigree, having turned out not just some high end players from his Cavaliers program, but a ton of role guys at the NBA level. That's critical, because most players are, in fact, drafted to be role players, and identifying who is most capable of playing a role is critical to success.
So this is an example of the Dodgers model -- going out and finding as many good brains as possible, then paying them to provide expertise -- that fans will love. Those looking for something a little more fast-paced, however (i.e. dumping Rob Pelinka) are likely to be disappointed, because that doesn't really follow the Dodgers model, either.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit h…
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As the Lakers Slump, Luka Dončić Draws More Scrutiny and Criticism
26 februari 2026 · 37 min
The honeymoon isn't exactly over -- Lakers fans are still overwhelmingly happy to have him -- but the part of the Luka Dončić Era where he's fairly immune to criticism seems to be ending. Lees meer
After arguably his worst game (as a scorer at least) against the Magic on Tuesday, one in which he rather inexplicably passed up an opportunity to take a game winning shot off an ATO drawn up for him, Luka was at the center of The Discourse in NBA circles on Wednesday. Both fans and media had plenty of criticism. But how much of it is deserved?
Certainly the one point everyone agrees on: Luka complains too much to officials, and the Lakers simply don't have the margin of error to support it. They play shorthanded on too many defensive possessions because he's pulled himself out of a play.
But what about the other stuff? Shot selection? His defense? Does he function as a truly multifaceted, complete player? Is that why it can be hard to put a running mate next to him?
At what point do legitimate criticisms become a matter of losing the forest for the trees?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The criticism is coming for Luka as the Lakers slump.
SEGMENT 2: The paradox of greatness in the NBA.
SEGMENT 3: Floor and ceiling for LA's star.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
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As Lakers Face CRITICAL OFFSEASON, Rob Pelinka Will Remain IN CHARGE of Basketball Ops
25 februari 2026 · 23 min
) Lees meer
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BRUTAL: Luka Dončić Struggles, Lakers Blow Lead, Lose to Magic 110-109
25 februari 2026 · 35 min
The Lakers had this one, and then they didn't. Final score, 110-109 loss to Orlando at home, finishing the homestand at 4-4. Lees meer
This one stung. Despite a scoreless first half from Austin Reaves (who finished with 17 points) and an 8-24 night from Luka Dončić, the Lakers had every opportunity to win on Tuesday. Their execution down the stretch, which had been consistently good all year, was not. And as a result, they lose for the first time after leading through three quarters.
The dark clouds that have started forming around the Lakers got a little darker.
Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
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Lakers Confront Critical Moment as JJ Redick, Big Three Struggle With Team Identity
24 februari 2026 · 18 min
The Lakers have a ton of work to do before they can realistically expect to make a run in the Western Conference playoffs. Lees meer
They don't have a lot of time to figure stuff out, but if they want to reach whatever ceiling exists for them, they need to both win games and improve in the process. That can start tonight vs. Orlando at the Crypt, a stretch of seven games against sub-.500 or banged up teams (or both). If the Lakers want to keep the shot they have to finish in the top four, and certainly to stay out of the play-in game, the next two weeks are filled with must wins. Orlando, Phoenix, Golden State, Sacramento, New Orleans, Denver, Indiana.
This stretch needs to be 5-2 as a baseline, 6-1 ideally.
Can they start developing the right chemistry to make it happen?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
5-Hour ENERGY
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Asking Hard Questions About Austin Reaves: Is he the Right Fit With Luka?
24 februari 2026 · 34 min
Austin Reaves struggled big against the Celtics on Sunday. Lees meer
He has struggled relatively frequently against the NBA's best defenses this season, and had a rough go against the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year's playoffs. With huge decisions coming, it has a lot of people, whether fans or those who follow the league for a living, asking ahrd questions about his long term future in LA, especially as a running mate for Luka Dončić.
Do they fit well enough together to make a viable 1-2?
Should the Lakers pursue a more obvious fit with Luka? A true two-way wing that bolster's Luka's defensive shortcomings?
Is that player available, even in a trade?
Should the Lakers try to find rotation depth, then another All-Star elsewhere?
Or should they pony up, because there isn't going to be a better option out there?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves has had problems against big physical defenses.
SEGMENT 2: What are the questions the Lakers need to ask?
SEGMENT 3: If not Austin, who?
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DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicks
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Which Lakers Great Should be Next to get a Statue? (Worthy? LeBron? Luka?)
24 februari 2026 · 18 min
Sunday's blowout loss to the hated Celtics was desperately starved for moments Lakers fans could embrace, but unveiling Pat Riley's statue certainly qualified as a rousing success, even acknowledging the incredibly low bar to clear. The franchise icon instantly recalls memories of championships, innovative basketball, boundless fun, and an indelible culture. The immortalization of Riles was a no-brainer and arguably overdue, but happily, Riley and his family could enjoy this honor with Lakers Nation. Lees meer
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Lakers EMBARRASSED and BULLIED, Offense Disappears In 111-89 Loss to Boston
23 februari 2026 · 35 min
For a quarter, it was competitive, but over the course of their 111-89 loss to Boston at home on Sunday afternoon, the Lakers slowly lost cohesion and composure, discipline and spirit. They were eventually overwhelmed by a far more aggressive and confident Celtics team. Lees meer
The Lakers gave up a big number to Jalen Brown, but were especially burned by a hyper-efficient Payton Pritchard, who lit them up for 30 points on only 14 field goal attempts. The Celtics also dominated the glass, including the offensive rebounding opportunities, and generally were the faster, more aggressive and stronger team, leaving the Lakers to spend a lot of time complaining to officials, especially as the game went on.
LeBron and Luka were... at bes, fine? Fine-adjacent? Austin Reaves, however, was not good, and meanwhile the Lakers got 16 points from Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt.
As JJ Redick said after the game, they were awful offensively.
Losing to the Celtics is something Lakers fans hate, anyway. Losing like this to the Celtics? Monday is going to be an angry one in Laker Nation.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: An ugly loss to Boston.
SEGMENT 2: Why do the Lakers struggle against physical defenses?
SEGMENT 3: So much work to be done.
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Luka Dončić Dominates (38/6/11), Lakers Beat Clippers 125-122... Celtics Next!
21 februari 2026 · 18 min
For the first time in all season, the Lakers had the full roster intact and ready to play. And it looked in Friday's game against the Clippers that the Lakers might run away with things, so good was their shotmaking in the first half of the game. Lees meer
But ultimately, the Lakers needed to fight for this one, and it became a pretty satisfying 125-122 win.
Luka Dončić led the way for the Lakers with 38 points, which included eight three pointers, along with six rebounds and 11 assists. Austin Reaves? Also excellent, scoring 29 points on 9-15 shooting, grabbing two steals, and drawing a late charge on Bennedict Mathurin that JJ Redick called "the play of the game."
There were other solid performances (Redick noted Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart did a lot of great stuff) and overall the energy was good. Defense? Still needs some work, but with another tough game coming Sunday against Boston, a win on Friday was a big deal.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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How Proposed NBA Anti-Tanking Changes Could Impact the Lakers
20 februari 2026 · 18 min
The NBA is reportedly planning to institute new rules for next season designed to combat tanking. It remains to be seen exactly what those changes will look like, but a few of the ideas being kicked around, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, include: Lees meer
First-round draft picks can be protected only for top-four or top-14-plus selections
Lottery odds freeze at the trade deadline or a later date
No longer allowing a team to pick in the top four in consecutive years and/or after consecutive bottom-three finishes
Teams can't pick in the top four the year after making conference finals
Lottery odds allocated based on two-year records
Lottery extended to include all play-in teams
Flatten odds for all lottery teams
Some of these things are good ideas, some less so, all will have consequences that are anticipated, and others that aren't. But for Lakers fans, how should they look at efforts to combat tanking? They aren't typically in position to tank, whether because the team is too good too frequently, or they don't control their picks, having used them in trades and such.
So why does this matter? We explain.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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With Luka Dončić, Reaves, LeBron Healthy, Pressure On JJ Redick? Plus, Lon Rosen Hired!
20 februari 2026 · 34 min
JJ Redick was almost too scared to say it - Friday when the Lakers take the floor against the Clippers, they'll do it with a clean injury report. Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James are all expected to play. Deandre Ayton's knee seems to have recovered. For the first time ALL SEASON, Redick can choose a starting lineup out of preference, not necessity. Lees meer
How often this scenario repeats itself over the next few weeks will have a significant impact on where the season goes from here, and how long it lasts for the Lakers.
Is there enough time left for Redick to find the right combinations? For the Lakers to establish enough of a defensive identity to match what they hope will finally be something closer to the team's offensive potential? Can they continue finding strength in the success of unconventional choices, like the tendency to lean into zone defenses?
We'll find out. Because the Lakers don't have a ton of runway to work with, here.
Meanwhile, the reformation of the organization is moving quickly. Early in the week, it was reported that long time exec Tim Harris will be leaving the team. Thursday, the Lakers announced his replacement -- former Lakers exec, and up to now a Dodgers exec -- Lon Rosen.
Good move?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are finally healthy.
SEGMENT 2: What's next for JJ Redick? Can the Lakers make a push?
SEGMENT 3: Welcome back, Lon Rosen!!!
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An Optimistic Lakers Fan's Guide to the Second Half - Reasons to Believe!
19 februari 2026 · 19 min
Look, we live in a cynical world, where it's easy to focus on the downside of things. That's especially true when talking Lakers fandom, given the championship expectations that frame every season. Lees meer
But while there is joy in complaining for some, a lot of sports is about finding reasons to believe, even when belief is tough to muster. But while it might be too much to say the Lakers should be considered legitimate title contenders, it's not crazy to believe there are legitimate reasons to be optimistic. A partial list:
The Big Three: The Lakers have won 33 games without their three best players sharing the floor for any meaningful amount of time. Having them (presumably) healthy down the stretch not only injects significant levels of talent into the rotation, but also moves supporting players to more appropriate roles and allows JJ Redick more combinations to use.
Deandre Ayton. He has been bad for the last month. But he hasn't been bad all year, and the return of Luka and Reaves to full health will help him. Additional floor spacing provided by Luke Kennard will help him. And the potential to have his role offensively re-established will help him, and the Lakers alike. All of this is possible.
The Kennard Effect. The Lakers need to make their defense better by making their offense better. Kennard legitimately changes the spacing of the team and the defenses they'll oppose. That he can put the ball on the floor a little will turn some knobs in how effective the team can be, and it's also worth noting that Kennard hasn't had a chance to play with Luka.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Report: Luka Dončić APPROVES of Lakers OFFSEASON PLAN! Franchise-Superstar SYNERGY?
19 februari 2026 · 34 min
Among the many things reported by ESPN's Dave McMenamin in his story about the Lakers as they emerge from the All Star break is this nugget about alignment between Luka Dončić and the front office on the plan to improve the roster. Lees meer
"A source familiar with Doncic's thinking told ESPN that L.A.'s deadline approach with "adherence to discipline" and focus on the "long-term picture" was supported by the 26-year-old star. He has not pushed the team to add a superstar-level co-star for when James is no longer on the roster," McMenamin writes.
On the one hand, all of this is good. If Luka was already starting to get publicly antsy, that would be a terrible sign for where things stood between him and the Lakers. On the other hand, has Luka (or Team Dončić) expressed anything beyond what you'd expect? Not really.
So where do things really stand?
Finally, the Lakers are in a strange position of having been high-to-very-high in the Western Conference standings without anyone having a bunch of faith in the team's ability to do anything of substance in the playoffs. Are they being undersold?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT
1: The Lakers and Luka - on the same page?
SEGMENT 2: What does a low-key Luka really mean?
SEGMENT 3: Are the Lakers being undersold?
Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
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Tim Harris to Leave Lakers at Season's End... Are Bigger Front Office Changes Still to Come?
19 februari 2026 · 21 min
The Athletic's Dan Woike reports that Lakers president of business operations Tim Harris informed staff Tuesday that this will be his final season with the organization. Harris has been with the Forum and the Lakers for 35 years, so it's reasonable to view his departure as a normal thing someone does after being in one spot for that long. Lees meer
On the other hand, it's also reasonable to wonder if his departure is related to the purchase of the Lakers by Mark Walter. Whether yes or no, it still represents a massive change inside the org that has had a very, very small inner circle.
So while Harris may very well have been more involved in what people might consider "basketball" decisions than the average prez of business ops, he's still not par tof the org fans point to when they clamor for changes. Fans, after all, generally think they business side operates fine, if they think about it at all.
So will changes come for the basketball side? Probably, but how fast? And in what form? And will they come fast enough to make a significant impact on a critical summer for the team?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
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QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed custome…
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Tim Harris to Leave Lakers at Season's End... Are Bigger Changes Still to Come?
19 februari 2026 · 21 min
The Athletic's Dan Woike reports that Lakers president of business operations Tim Harris informed staff Tuesday that this will be his final season with the organization. Harris has been with the Forum and the Lakers for 35 years, so it's reasonable to view his departure as a normal thing someone does after being in one spot for that long. Lees meer
On the other hand, it's also reasonable to wonder if his departure is related to the purchase of the Lakers by Mark Walter. Whether yes or no, it still represents a massive change inside the org that has had a very, very small inner circle.
So while Harris may very well have been more involved in what people might consider "basketball" decisions than the average prez of business ops, he's still not par tof the org fans point to when they clamor for changes. Fans, after all, generally think they business side operates fine, if they think about it at all.
So will changes come for the basketball side? Probably, but how fast? And in what form? And will they come fast enough to make a significant impact on a critical summer for the team?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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The Lakers Will Build Around Luka Dončić This Summer... Could That Still Include LeBron?
18 februari 2026 · 36 min
The mission is clear for the Lakers this summer: Build a team that fits Luka Dončić not just for next season, but ideally two or three seasons beyond that. It won't be an easy task, because while the Lakers will have plenty of potential cap space to play with, they'll also have a ton of roster spots that need filling and not a ton of appealing free agents to spend money on. Lees meer
There are always trades, but while (at least around the Draft) they'll have some picks to offer, they won't have many players to include in trades.
It's a tricky siuation for Rob Pelinka to navigate. And oh by the way, there's the LeBron James question as well. Reporting from Dave McMenamin of ESPN on Tuesday indicated the Lakers would welcome him back next season. It was exactly the sort of anodyne, non-committal language you'd expect from a front office looking to avoid headlines. (They don't do LeBron any favors, either.)
But in an interview with CNBC, Jeanie Buss seemed to indicate (perhaps accidentally) that the Lakers aren't expecting him to return.
So would it even make sense? Is there a scenario in which it actually benefits both sides to have LeBron back next year?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers send mixed signals on LeBron.
SEGMENT 2: What do they actually think?
SEGMENT 3: Would it even make sense to have him back? Could it work?
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Will a Difficult Schedule Doom the Lakers Down the Stretch?
18 februari 2026 · 15 min
In the Western Conference, every little item can make a difference in where teams will land on the playoff seeding ladder. Lees meer
That includes strength of schedule. Per Tankathon, the Lakers have the eighth toughest remaining among NBA squads. The toughies include 2 vs. OKC (both in APR), Denver twice, Houston twice, Phoenix twice, Minnesota, Clips, Knicks, Cleveland, Detroit and Boston (where Tatum will inevitably return). Easy ones include Kings, Pels, Pacers (twice), Bulls, Nets, Wiz, Mavs, Jazz. (And the Warriors, if you're so inclined. Maybe they're in between?)
No cakewalk, but fortunately for LA, the top 3 include Denver (55%), Houston (54%), and Minnesota (52%). The Lakers are also, from #8, MUCH closer to #16 than #1. After the top 4-5 teams, it levels off pretty notably.
And timing will make a difference. The Lakers play the Nuggets twice in March. Denver might, but might not, have Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon back in the lineup at that point. That makes a huge difference.
So these little things could be the difference in a tight conference between a 3 and a 7.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Is 28 Games Enough for Luka, Reaves and LeBron to Build Real Continuity?
17 februari 2026 · 36 min
The Big Three for the Lakers are undoubtedly a strong group. Luka is playing at an MVP level, Austin Reaves was a lock for an All-Star nod before he got hurt, and LeBron James made the team as a reserve. Lees meer
Unfortunately, they've played a grand total of 152 minutes together in the 2025-26 season. Which is two minutes more than Drew Timme, two-way player who hasn't been on the team for the entire season, has played for the Lakers. When games start again on Friday, the hope is that finally the Big Three can start gaining meaningful chemistry on the floor. The Lakers coaching staff can begin making meaningful gains in understanding the best ways to deploy them, and with whom.
Because it's not just about the Lakers reaching their ceiling, but raising their floor. They really, really need to raise their floor, if they want to make a run in the West.
Meanwhile, LeBron James gave few clues about his future during All-Star weekend. Does he want a farewell tour? Does he not? And more importantly, does the possibility of a farewell tour make it less likely for the Lakers to bring him back?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a continuity problem.
SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have enough time to make the Big Three as potent as possible?
SEGMENT 3: Does LeBron want a farewell tour? Would the Lakers want to host it?
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Luka Dončić Plays in (Revamped!) All-Star Game... Still Not Sure to Play Friday
16 februari 2026 · 37 min
The good news is that Luka Dončić felt good enough to play in Sunday's All-Star Game, if only for a moment. Five minutes, scoring two points. Didn't seem any worse for wear, which isn't surprising because while the level of activity in this All-Star format was a little better than it had been in the last few, it was not a max-intensity workout. Lees meer
After, Luka said he felt fine... but didn't say he'd be ready to play when the Lakers take the floor again on Friday.
It seems reasonable to to expect he'll play... but he didn't say yes, I'll be on the floor. If he's not, will he have an optics problem?
Meanwhile, the League (again) messed with its All-Star format, and the results were pretty good in the US vs. the World setup. But not necessarily for the reasons they likely thought. We'll see if the NBA actually sticks with it.
And finally, Adam Silver spoke at length over the weekend about tanking, and finally at least discussed the one thing that could truly end the practice: eliminating the draft.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Luka plays... not ready to say he'll be available Friday when games resume.
SEGMENT 2: Did the new format work?
SEGMENT 3: The NBA plans to address tanking... somewhow?
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BONUS SHOW: Hayes Rising While Ayton Struggles: Should Lakers Change Their Starting Center?
13 februari 2026 · 16 min
If you look at their splits over the last six weeks, on a per minute basis there's no question that backup center Jaxson Hayes is playing better than starter Deandre Ayton. So should the Lakers made a change in the starting lineup? Lees meer
It's a trickier question than it might seem. First, Ayton has been banged up, with a bum knee keeping him ou tof the lineup for the last three games. It's possible the knee has been an issue for longer, which explains the downturn. Will the All Star break fix that? Also, Hayes does have the benefit of playing against (primarily) reserves. Would he perform as well against starters?
Do the Lakers even need to make the change, or could JJ Redick get more from the position just by tweaking minutes?
There's more than one way to do this sort of thing...
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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LeBron Triple Double (28/10/12) Leads Lakers to Win, 33-21 Heading to All-Star Break
13 februari 2026 · 35 min
LeBron James turned back the clock on Thursday, getting his first triple double of the season (28 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists) as the Lakers beat the Mavericks at the Crypt, 124-104. It was one of those games that reminded you of everything the Lakers are capable of, good and bad. At times, they were great defensively, clamping down on Dallas and holding them to 41 points in the second half. In the first half, however, they allowed 63. At times the offense was excellent, at others the droughts were noticeable. Lees meer
The Lakers built big leads (good) and lost them (bad). Ultimately, though, they used a strong third quarter to build a lead they wouldn't let get whittled down.
Game balls to LeBron, Rui Hachimura (21 points), Jaxson Hayes (16/7/4/3/1) and Luke Kennard (9/7/3) among others.
On the injury front, the Lakers were without Luka Dončić, who JJ Redick says ought to be fine coming out of the break. Same for Deandre Ayton, who didn't play Thursday but got a knee scan that came back clean.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: LeBron turns back the clock, leads Lakers to win.
SEGMENT 2: Lots of good performances.
SEGMENT 3: 33-21... not bad, but concerns remain.
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Jeremy Sochan to Sign with Knicks. Did Rob Pelinka Make a Mistake Signing Kobe Bufkin So Fast?
12 februari 2026 · 17 min
The buyout market generally doesn't yield impactful players. Moreover, it can be tricky to find the right guy to fill the right role -- often buyout players need to rehab their value around the league, and will choose a destination with that in mind. Cam Thomas (one high profile FA), for example, was always unlikely to sign with the Lakers because they couldn't offer him the opportunity he needed. Milwaukee could. Lees meer
So over the weekend when the Lakers added Kobe Bufkin as the 15th guy, you could see it both ways - the Lakers locking up a guy that was ripping up the G-League because he was likely getting poached by another org. Likely to make an impact this year? No, but maybe could help down the road. Some countered that Pelinka should have waited longer, because a better opportunity might surface, and that's worth losing Bufkin.
Well, the better option might have come along, with San Antonio releasing forward Jeremy Sochan. Like Bufkin, he's young, and will be a bit of a reclamation project. Unlike Bufkin, Sochan has had some success at the NBA level as a rebounder and defender until falling out of the rotation this year. He will reportedly sign with the Knicks, who won his services over the interest of another eight or nine teams. The Lakers could have been one of those. Would they have had a shot to sign Sochan? Would the opportunity have been worth the cost of losing Bufkin?
Will there be other players the Lakers would want more, before the end of the buyout period? Did Pelinka jump the gun? Was this bad process?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Luka Dončić (Hamstring) Out Vs. Dallas... Should He Skip the All-Star Game?
12 februari 2026 · 35 min
Luka Dončić hoped he'd be available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks, because torturing the Mavericks is now and forever a priority for him. Alas, it is not to be. The Lakers announced Wednesday that Luka won't be in uniform. Lees meer
He does, though, hope to participate in the All-Star Game this weekend, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. So is that a good idea? Would Luka be better off sitting? On the one hand... it's the All-Star Game. You could make a very solid argument that whatever rehab Luka is doing will be more strenuous than the game itself. On the other hand, if there's even a 2% chance of making this worse or tweaking it or whatever because he's not... quite... healed?
Hoo-boy, that ain't worth it. The World (meaning the World All-Star team) will get by without him. Even Luka's fans, for whom he wants to play in this game to no small degree, would rather he be healthy.
Meanwhile, tanking has taken on a new feel this year!
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: No Luka vs. Dallas. No Flagg, either.
SEGMENT 2: The Lakers HAVE to win this game.
SEGMENT 3: Why tanking impacts even non-tanking teams.
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LeBron James: All-NBA Streak Will End. Luka Dončić is in Danger, Too?
12 februari 2026 · 16 min
The most interesting thing that came of Tuesday's blowout loss to the Spurs, one where the entire Lakers (preferred) starting lineup was in street clothes, is that LeBron James officially became ineligible for postseason awards. He won't reach the required 65 games, thanks to early season time missed because of sciatica, and then the maintenance required to get a 41-year old through an NBA season. Lees meer
So that incredible streak of All-NBA teams ends at 21 years. Fair to say that one isn't likely to be broken anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is also getting close to that threshold, now having missed 11 games with Thursday's game against the Mavs in question. What happens if he's close to that baseline and might need a night off? Would the Lakers ask him to sit? Would he pull himself out of contention for MVP and 1st Team All-NBA?
These are the sorts of questions getting more common around the league, and why ti seems very likely the NBA will make changes in the eligibility for these awards. The TV rules designed to get guys playing in the most important games? Those seem to work ok. But this threshold is artificial and needs to go.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Wildly Shorthanded Lakers Lose to San Antonio. Meanwhile, Did LeBron Call Out His Teammates?
11 februari 2026 · 34 min
The Lakers were missing basically everyone. With Luka Dončić already out nursing that hamstring, the Lakers also sat LeBron James and Austin Reaves, both still avoiding back-to-backs (for different reasons). Marcus Smart? Street clothes. Deandre Ayton was downgraded to out shortly before the game. Lees meer
So that left... not much as the Lakers welcomed San Antonio to the Crypt. And predictably, the Lakers got hammered. Final score, 136-108 in a game that was actually not as close as the score might indicate.
The major form of entertainment was watching Victor Wembanyama, who absolutely throttled the Lakers, scoring 25 in the first quarter, and 40 overall. It would have been a lot more had the Spurs not pulled the plug early.
So the big question now becomes who will be available for a need-to-have game Thursday against the Mavericks. Having dropped two in a row, the Lakers can't afford to drop games against struggling squads like the Mavs.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Down five starters, the Lakers get beat up.
SEGMENT 2: Not many highlights. Jaxson getting sued?
SEGMENT 3: Did Bron put the Lakers on blast?
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BONUS SEGMENT: Lakers Prepare to Build with Mark Walter. What's Rob Pelinka's Future?
10 februari 2026 · 18 min
The Lakers have long been a lean, mom and pop organization, despite the incredible weath represented by the franchise, and its ability to produce tremendous revenue. Lees meer
That's why Lakers fans were so excited when Dodgers owner Mark Walter bought the team. The feeling was that finally the Lakers would have the type of infrastructure their brand and wealth would seem to support. And over the weekend, head of basketball ops Rob Pelinka talked about changes that are coming reasonably soon -- making a point to note that he and Jeanie Buss will be leading that process. The Lakers will be using the Dodgers model to build up areas where they'd been lean to this point.
"When Mark bought the team, Jeanie and I did a really deep dive with him on sort of the areas he wants to grow and move into and get aggressive," Pelinka told the assembled media. "Looking at the Dodgers and how they built it out has been a great sort of example and North Star. And so we're still going through that process of how we'll look in the offseason and what additions we'll make. But there will be some positive changes, and we will build things out."
So what will this look like, and will Rob really be in charge?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Without Luka Dončić, the Lakers Fight Hard but Lose to Oklahoma City, 119-110
10 februari 2026 · 35 min
There's no shame necessarily in losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, even when they're missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers, after all, were without Luka Dončić. Lees meer
Still, Monday's 119-110 loss at Crypto.com Arena was frustrating. The Lakers looked at different points like this game was going to get away from them. They kept turning the ball over, Oklahoma City was hitting 3's at a high rate. Points were hard to come by for LA, especially from the perimeter. But after the break, the Lakers came out and played better ball. LeBron James, who was part of the turnover problem in the first two quarters, not only cleaned things up, but also found ways to get the ball in far more advantageous spots. He punished OKC with some old school, old man basketball.
Austin Reaves made some buckets, Jake LaRavia was huge in the third as well, turning hard work inside into points. In the fourth however, the lid went back on the basket. Only 19 points as a team, including some big moments where they simply needed to have a bucket and couldn't get one.
Side note to this one, the officiating was very frustrating. JJ Redick used and won both of his challenges, the second coming on a call so obvoiusly wrong it was absurd the Lakers were even put in a position to have to challenge it. OKC is a very, very physical team, and while the Lakers tried to meet them where they live, it was clear they thought they should be getting calls that didn't come. Hard to argue, on a lot of them.
Tuesday night the Lakers will be in San Antonio. No word yet on who will be available, whether Luka, LeBron or Reaves.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers fight but lose to OKC.
SEGMENT 2: Rare late game execution where they aren't all that good.
SEGMENT 3: Who plays heading into the break?
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Luka Dončić Out Monday... and How Much Longer? Plus, the Lakers Fill Their Last Roster Spot With Kobe Bufkin
9 februari 2026 · 37 min
The Lakers will be without Luka Dončić on Monday against the Thunder. But the good news is, at least according ot JJ Redick, the Lakers may not be without him for that long. Luka appears to have dodged the worst outcomes, and is considered day-to-day. Lees meer
No question, the Lakers are going to be cautious with him, so it's certainly possible he'll sit out the final three games before the All-Star break. But between the week-plus from the injury to the break, then another week-plus during the break, there's currently no reason to believe Luka won't be available once games start up again.
That, it goes without saying, is huge.
Moreover, the Lakers will have Deandre Ayton in the lineup, after he missed Saturday's game against the Warriors. And the Lakers have Luke Kennard in the fold, who was excellent Saturday in his debut, and gives the Lakers a badly needed dimension of excellent shooting and secondary playmaking, which becomes even more valuable as the Lakers hunt for buckets without Luka. Maxi Kleber, who has been in and out of the lineup all year, is coming off of his two best games of the season, doing all sorts of little things that help teams win (and make coaches happy). Add to that the Lakers having a full roster, having signed Kobe Bufkin to that 15th and final roster spot.
That last part- the Bufkin signing - was a little controversial among Lakers fans, many of whom hoped the Lakers would find more help in the buyout market, and bring in a more established name.
That's not totally off the board, but it's off the board for a while at least.
So all in all, are the Lakers better set to get by without Dončić for (potentially) three more games?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: No Luka -- how long will he be out?
SEGMENT 2: Kennard's debut and what he brings.
SEGMENT 3: Kobe Bufkin?
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Without Luka Dončić & Deandre Ayton, Lakers Beat Golden State 105-99
8 februari 2026 · 16 min
The Lakers knew they'd be without Luka Dončić ahead of Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State at the Crypt, thanks to a groin injury suffered the other night against Philadelphia. They learned shortly before it started that Deandre Ayton would join him in street clothes, thanks to knee soreness. It's hard to say the Lakers were sharp or looked particularly excellent on Saturday, but they won, and as it was against Philadelphia, they got contributions from basically everyone who played. Lees meer
LeBron James wasn't great, turning the ball over seven times against 10 assists, and making only six of 17 shots. But six Lakers finished in double figures, and guys like Maxi Kleber who didn't reach 10 points made a lot of important plays. New guy Luke Kennard was a very positive presence, making four of his seven shots, including 2-4 from downtown. But as James pointed out in his ESPN on-court interview after the game, it was the other stuff that went beyond shooting that made an impression.
It's pretty clear Kennard will be a tool JJ Redick will enjoy deploying as the season goes on.
The Lakers get a big win at home, keeping up with the Joneses in the Western Conference, where the gap between the third seed and the seventh seed is only a couple of games.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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Austin Reaves Looks Strong In His Return. Meanwhile, are the Lakers Back to Waiting for Giannis?
7 februari 2026 · 35 min
The game the Lakers played Tuesday against the Nets in Brooklyn went exactly as it should have. LA rolled a genuinely ghastly Nets squad, went up by nearly 40 and threw it in cruise control en route to a 125-109 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate. Lees meer
Luka Dončić played well. LeBron James played well. Jake LaRavia finally got a few easy buckets to help lift his confidence. Jaxson Hayes was great.
This game mattered because we saw the return of Austin Reaves, after 19 games on the sidelines. And his impact was clear, despite some rust -- particularly as it relates to the team's offensive attack, getting into the paint and finding ways to reach the free throw line. The Lakers are a bad shooting team. They aren't deep. They don't have a great defense. They need to control the game as much as possible through their offense, which is easier to do if they can draw a lot of fouls.
Having Reaves back in the lineup will make the defense better, because it allows the offense to play into its strengths, which hopefully results in more time avoiding long rebounds and bad transition opportunities for Lakers opponents.
Meanwhile, the trade deadline week got going big on Tuesday, with three major deals, two of which potentially impact the Lakers. First, Jaren Jackson Jr. goes to Utah, ostensibly to pair next year with Walker Kessler, which in theory at least takes Utah's young center off the market. James Harden to Cleveland is worth watching for LA, because it's part of a potentially larger set of moves the Cavs could make to save money, which reportedly includes trading center Jarrett Allen, who will enter the first year of a contract extension next fall.
And there are conflicting reports about whether the Bucks will move Giannis at all... or if he's about to get traded to Minnesota. Reports indicate that the Lakers might just wait until there is clarity. Is this smart?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back.…
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Luka Dončić Injured, Austin Reaves Scores 35 as Lakers Beat Philadelphia, 119-115
6 februari 2026 · 35 min
There are certain wins over the course of an 82-game season that seem to defy any explanation. The Lakers had one of those on Thursday, overcoming an incredibly sloppy first half and a second quarter injury to Luka Dončić to beat Philadelphia 119-115. This one was truly a team contribution. It starts with Austin Reaves, who had 35 points in only 25 minutes, using strong change of pace to get himself into the paint in combination with some absurd shot-making from the perimeter. Lees meer
The bench was incredibly valuable. Obviously having Reaves as a bench player on Thursday gooses the numbers, but Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt particularly provided the energy and countless little things, whether keeping plays alive with hustle, setting good screens, sealing players inside to open up a driving lane, etc.
You had Jake LaRavia doing Jake LaRavia stuff, and Marcus Smart goading opponents into fouls and then hitting two critical fourth quarter triples.
Luka didn't return, and there wasn't a big update immediately following the game, but the Lakers will obviously be incredibly careful with Donćić as the All-Star Game approaches.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Luka injured, Lakers win.
SEGMENT 2: Austin Reaves dominates play.
SEGMENT 3: Contributions from everyone who played real minutes.
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Bonus: Are the Lakers Now Preparing to Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo as Summer's Plan A?
6 februari 2026 · 26 min
The Lakers made a small-but-positive move ahead of Thursday afternoon's NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second round pick. Lees meer
It's a move that will help them on the margins this year, which is about as good as anyone could have expected since the team made it pretty clear it was prioritizing cap space and flexibility this offseason, when the Lakers believe it'll be easier to build around Luka Dončić. And, of course, one of the big pieces that might now be available? Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star went untraded at the deadline, as Milwaukee seems determined to exhaust every possible avenue towards putting a contending team around him, and Giannis himself continues to fence sit.
Of course, now every team in the league is preparing to put its best foot forward on a potential summer offer, obviously including the Lakers who (if you believe reports) would be a major contender to make a deal.
So how should the Lakers approach this? Landmines abound!
The first installment of what surely will be a constant topic of conversation through the rest of this season and into the offseason.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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BONUS: Lakers Make Move, Acquire 3-Point Specialist Luke Kennard
5 februari 2026 · 15 min
Thursday morning brought good news for Lakers fans who wanted to see the team make a move, even around the margins. The team has acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from Atlanta in exchange for Gabe Vincent and their remaining tradable second round pick. Lees meer
This is a good, low cost move for LA.
While he has shortcomings as a defender -- like, many shortcomings -- Kennard is a spectacularly good shooter. He's currently leading the league in percentage (49.7%), has five straight seasons over 43%, and is a career 44.2% shooter from deep. He is the real deal in this space. He'll rebound when possible, and is a solid passer who understands how to keep an offense rolling. So why is he available for a second round pick? Again, defense, which limits his big-minute playability. (Plus, Atlanta has acquired Corey Kispert in the Trae Young deal, who is a younger version of Kennard, and Wednesday picked up Buddy Hield, too.) Kennard is an expiring contract, so the Lakers don't owe him anything beyond this season.
In the process, they also get a little bit more wiggle room below the apron, which could help during the buyout period. Ultimately, Kennard won't fix all of their problems - no one player can - but he shores up a major weakness that should have knock on effects around the roster.
All in all, a good deal.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
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The Lakers Look Unlikely to Make a Trade, and Jaxson Hayes Gets Dumbest Suspension Ever
5 februari 2026 · 37 min
The NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday, and it's looking more and more like the Lakers won't be willing and/or able to make a move. Lees meer
It's looking like the two major forces influencing the team's approach — first a lack of appealing assets to offer another team, and a reported willingness and/or preference for keeping flexibility and opening cap space this summer — are winning out. Both of these strategies are related, obviously.
So where does this leave the Lakers, even as rumors continue to swirl?
Likely, holding their assets until the summer, and hoping they can be major players to add talent through free agency and trades. The good news? As some teams (Utah, Memphis, the Clippers) make big deals, they're taking themselves out of the cap space derby. The bad? The list of free agents you'd want to outright sign is very short, and the Lakers potentially could have a long list of roster spots that need filling. And while they could trade for players to fill those spots (absorbing salary into their cap space)... they still won't have a lot of assets to work with.
So the summer giveth, but not necessarily with a generous spirit.
Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes received a one game suspension for shoving the mascot of the Washington Wizards during the game last week. Yes, this is real. He won't play against Philadelphia Thursday.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are still silent on the market.
SEGMENT 2: Are they better off waiting? Really?
SEGMENT 3: What were you thinking, Jaxson Hayes?
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BONUS MINI-EPISODE: Jaxson Hayes Suspended for Shoving Wizards Mascot! (Seriously.)
5 februari 2026 · 7 min
Amidst the trade deadline madness, the league made a (very strange) announcement that Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes had been suspended for one game (Thursday vs. the Sixers) for shoving the Washington Wizards' mascot G-Wiz during the pregame warmups of Friday's win in D.C. Lees meer
Seriously. Jaxson Hayes got suspended for an altercation with a mascot. This happened.
A quick reaction to the news, and how it could affect the Lakers against a suddenly much-better Sixers squad.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back.
SEGMENT 2: Who does Redick start with the Big Three and Ayton?
SEGMENT 3: Giannis! Allen! Beard, oh my!Everydayer Club
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Austin Reaves Returns in Lakers Win! Plus, Harden, Garland, JJ Traded, Giannis Next?
4 februari 2026 · 37 min
The game the Lakers played Tuesday against the Nets in Brooklyn went exactly as it should have. LA rolled a genuinely ghastly Nets squad, went up by nearly 40 and threw it in cruise control en route to a 125-109 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate. Lees meer
Luka Dončić played well. LeBron James played well. Jake LaRavia finally got a few easy buckets to help lift his confidence. Jaxson Hayes was great.
This game mattered because we saw the return of Austin Reaves, after 19 games on the sidelines. And his impact was clear, despite some rust -- particularly as it relates to the team's offensive attack, getting into the paint and finding ways to reach the free throw line. The Lakers are a bad shooting team. They aren't deep. They don't have a great defense. They need to control the game as much as possible through their offense, which is easier to do if they can draw a lot of fouls.
Having Reaves back in the lineup will make the defense better, because it allows the offense to play into its strengths, which hopefully results in more time avoiding long rebounds and bad transition opportunities for Lakers opponents.
Meanwhile, the trade deadline week got going big on Tuesday, with three major deals, two of which potentially impact the Lakers. First, Jaren Jackson Jr. goes to Utah, ostensibly to pair next year with Walker Kessler, which in theory at least takes Utah's young center off the market. James Harden to Cleveland is worth watching for LA, because it's part of a potentially larger set of moves the Cavs could make to save money, which reportedly includes trading center Jarrett Allen, who will enter the first year of a contract extension next fall.
And there are conflicting reports about whether the Bucks will move Giannis at all... or if he's about to get traded to Minnesota. Reports indicate that the Lakers might just wait until there is clarity. Is this smart?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back.…
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Lakers Trade Deadline Preview: Will Rob Pelinka Act Now or Try to Go Big This Summer?
3 februari 2026 · 36 min
Thursday's NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Lakers are in a tough spot as they look to build around Luka Dončić. Lees meer
The pressure for them to act is significant, but their assets are limited. The League might be active... but teams might collectively wait for the Giannis Sweepstakes to end before making their next moves. There aren't that many appealing players out there, anyway, and the best ones probably can't be had by the Lakers, anyway.
So maybe it's better to wait until this summer, right?
Well, that has its own set of problems for Rob Pelinka. First, while the Lakers might have a pretty good amount of cap space, the bigger that number rises, the more players they'll likely need to replace as they use it. They have a lot of expiring contracts. LeBron James might go. All of that opens up room, but that's a lot of players to get, and money goes fast. They could also swing trades and bring people into their cap space that way, but in that will face stiff competition from about 10 teams around the NBA that could have a good amount of space to work with themselves, many of whom are equipped with more stuff to put on the table.
So what should Pelinka do?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The deadline is coming fast!
SEGMENT 2: Why the summer is tricky, too.
SEGMENT 3: What the Lakers need is coherence, not flash.
Everydayer Club
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Luka Drops 30, LeBron 22 but Lakers Lose in New York... James Named to All-Star Team
2 februari 2026 · 37 min
For a half, at least Sunday's game in New York had the chance to be a candidate for "best win of the season." Lees meer
It was a ragged, disjointed game from both sides, but one the Lakers were winning at the break. In the third, however, the Knicks started straightening things out, but the Lakers couldn't get untracked offensively, and as a result couldn't keep up. 112-100 the final, in what could have been LeBron James's final game in Madison Square Garden. Certainly he was questioned after the game as if that was a possibility. And it appears that the league might be worried, too, because James was named as a Western Conference reserve, despite a long absence before playing, then a slow start once he did.
But back to the game...
New York cranked things up from 3-point range, shooting 43 percent for the game. The Lakers were much worse at 29 percent, but peering under the hood, the results were even more problematic. Luka and LeBron were 7-20 (not great, but tolerable) but Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt were a combined 3-18. Just no secondary floor spacing all night.
Oof.
Ultimately, that discrepancy was at the core of the loss. The Lakers needed offense, and couldn't find it.
And finally... still no Austin Reaves. What gives?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Offense fades as Lakers lose.
SEGMENT 2: LeBron's All Star nod deserved?
SEGMENT 3: No Reaves, still.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your pla…