In any offseason, the question of payroll and taxes is always a question for the Lakers, who have been known to be far more cost-conscious than teams of their market size and value typically are. It's not that they don't spend a lot on players - they obviously do - but they have limits teams like the Clippers and Warriors might not. So now that the NBA's new CBA has put punitive penalties for high spending teams, measures that go well beyond just demanding more money and causing real pain when it comes to limitations on roster construction, what will the Lakers do? On the one hand, the limitations that come with crossing the highest spending thresholds are real. On the other... when you have LeBron James, you kind of need to do everything you can to maximize the roster, right? So what's the best path to do that? There's no clear blueprint at this point, and it will be a looming factor in all the decisions the Lakers make this offseason. Does Rui Hachimura cost $17 million or $19? Does D'Angelo Russell cost $16 or $20? Even the balloon payments likely coming to Austin Reaves could impact LA's thinking, because a $26 million cap hit in two years could force some really hard choices. The good news? Early signs point to a free agent market that could be more depressed than free spending, thanks to new rules combined with a player pool that is, to say the least, underwhelming. Everything that keeps prices down helps the Lakers, whether by making free agents cheaper to sign, or adding more flexibility to potential trades. Fingers crossed, Lakers fans. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How much will money impact the way the Lakers approach roster construction this summer? SEGMENT 2: What kinds of trade offs could be coming if the Lakers approach the "second apron?" How do you balance that with maximizing LeBron? SEGMENT 3: Is the market going to help or hurt the Lakers this summer? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

34m

Jun 01

It didn't exactly end well, but according to longtime NBA reporter/writer/podcaster Howard Beck (known in these parts as "The Great" Howard Beck), it's hard to call this season anything but a success for the Lakers. Especially, he says, when you consider where things started at the beginning of the year, and where they finished. Yes, as things improved Lakers fans got greedy - it's what fans do - and the team had a legitimate chance to reach the Finals. But from 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals, with a clear blueprint to keep the team competitive next season and beyond, it's hard to get too riled up. Of course, this assumes the Lakers stay the course? We ask Beck what he thinks is the best course of action. Is Kyrie Irving really in play? Would he make sense for the Lakers? What about D'Angelo Russell? Will his market value be in that $25 million per year range he reportedly hoped to get from Minnesota? Or did that bad WCF do the Lakers a favor by significantly driving down his market value? And if it's not Kyrie, what other names are out there that could make sense for the Lakers? Is it about adding a true "third star," or a quasi-third star, or finding the best ways to maximize the supporting cast? What about guys like Fred VanVleet? Maybe Buddy Hield? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Howard Beck! SEGMENT 1: This season was a major success for the Lakers, even if the ending was a disappointment. SEGMENT 2: What is D'Angelo Russell worth on the open market? Do the Lakers and Russell need each other (like the Mavs and Kyrie need each other)? SEGMENT 3: If not Kyrie, where might the Lakers look to improve, leveraging the assets on hand? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m

May 31

It might have been a holiday across the US this weekend, but that doesn't mean it was a holiday for the NBA's rumor mill. To wit: Marc Stein, on his Substack, reports that the Dallas Mavericks have zero interest in building a sign-and-trade around D'Angelo Russell that would result in Kyrie Irving finding his way to Los Angeles. Now, the Mavericks certainly have no incentive to make any interest public (would be horrible for their flexibility/negotiating position), but at the same time, the idea they'd want Russell as a potential replacement for Irving at a time where they're trying to make Luka Doncic as happy as possible? Seems a little far fetched. So if Russell isn't going to Dallas in an S/T, does that mean he's likely to stay in LA, even after a terrible Western Conference Finals? That depends a lot on how much money he's offered on the open market. It won't be a max- nobody's giving him that- and it probably won't be the $25 mil he wanted from Minnesota. Could it be $20 mil? $15? The answer makes a huge difference to LA, who probably need him more than other teams, and can also pay him more, too. Meanwhile, any concern the great playoff run Rui Hachimura had, one that drove up his price this free agency season, might be something the Lakers regret in a couple years? The answer has a lot to do with what kind of ecosystem the Lakers maintain. It's true of Hachimura, and other role players like him. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is a Kyrie-for-Russell Sign and Trade already dead? Was it ever alive? SEGMENT 2: If it's not this one, Russell will be added to many, many more sign-and-trade hypotheticals between now and the end of the offseason. Which begs the question... how much money is the guy going to make, anyway? SEGMENT 3: Any worries that Hachimura's sample size isn't big enough to feel totally comfortable giving up big money? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

May 30

While a lot of the attention (understandably) around LeBron James following the season ending Game 4 loss to the Nuggets earlier this week was centered on the whole "I might retire" thing, James also had other interesting stuff to say. Notably, he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that should he decide to come back and play next year (which is where most would put their money, even if some aren't taking the possibility of retirement seriously enough), he believes a full summer of rest and rehab of his injured foot would get him back to the player he's been. Why? "Because I'm still better than 90% of the NBA," he said. "Maybe 95." So is he right? (Spoiler alert: Yes.) But the bigger question for the Lakers is whether that's enough. And even more specifically, how do they construct a team that allows him to be that hyper-elite, top 10+ player in the moments of the season that matter most? This is where questions of roster construction become particularly important. No question, depth means something different in the playoffs, and the Lakers, if they're going to go far, need players who can work in a variety of matchups (whether that's the same players adapting to different circumstances, or different players playing bigger or smaller roles depending on the opponent). But they also need real depth to win games in the regular season, and set themselves up for the easiest path possible, one that includes a rested (or as rested as can be) LeBron. Anthony Davis could use a little protection, too. So how does the larger context around James's statement shape the way the Lakers should approach this summer? We break it down. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron says he's better than 95% of the league. Is he right? SEGMENT 2: What does it say about the Lakers and how they're constructed that 95% might not be enough? How do the Lakers compensate? SEGMENT 3: Looking at the offseason. What's the best approach to maximize the likelihood that James is at full strength in the postseason? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m

May 26

It's hard to argue the following: No Lakers player took more blame for the sweep at the ends of Denver than D'Angelo Russell. Of all the key players the Lakers need to make decisions about this summer, most fans look at D'Angelo Russell as the player they have the least interest in keeping. The reasons are pretty simple. Love him or hate him as a player, nobody would argue Russell showed out against the Nuggets. He was bad, and the Lakers suffered for it. Was he bad throughout the playoffs? No, and over 17 regular season games he performed pretty well, too. But when the Lakers needed him most, Russell wasn't anywhere close to good enough. And he'll cost a good amount of money. Not $30 mil, but not $5, either. So is he worth what could be somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 mil a year? How fans reacted to hearing him answer questions during exit interviews could shade their opinion. Certainly Russell didn't exactly beg for forgiveness, or even get that deep into his own failures in the Conference Finals. He acknowledged bad shooting, but expressed real confidence in his game at this point in his career. Nothing he said was necessarily wrong, but certainly he wasn't interested in reading the room, so to speak. But what if the Lakers let him go? What are they giving up? Can they afford to let Russell's skill set leave without finding adequate replacements? Even with the understanding that his postseason struggles could repeat themselves, depending on the matchup? It's a complex question, and one that will frame the offseason in a big way for the Lakers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell is polarizing... but should he be a Laker next year? SEGMENT 2: Diving into his exit interviews. Would contrition have helped? Is his confidence earned? SEGMENT 3: What do the Lakers lose if they let Russell walk? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

35m

May 25

The big news setting the table for this Lakers' offseason came Monday night, after the team lost to the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and LeBron James indicated he's considering retirement. Like for real. Now maybe it's a leverage play, maybe it's just the fatigue (and the likely need for foot surgery) talking. But maybe he really is mulling it over (a possibility that too many are underselling). One thing, though, was clear at Tuesday's exit interviews - Rob Pelinka, Darvin Ham and everyone else on the roster were taken by surprise when LeBron said what he said. Nobody had an inkling this was on his mind. And the Lakers, as you'd expect, plan to give him every ounce of time he needs to make a decision. (Whether that means simply deciding he has the juice to keep going, or exerting the influence he wants to exert, or a little of both.) Pelinka also made it clear that the Lakers, heading into the offseason, are inclined to keep the core of this team together. Obviously that doesn't mean everyone returns (it never happens that way), but something similar to what we saw after the deadline, as opposed to the "clear the decks" approach to bring in someone like Kyrie Irving or Trae Young (who is also floating around in rumors). Does that mean the front office is learning its lesson, when it comes to the value of real roster construction vs. top heavy star-bleepery? We'll see, but the signs point to yes. Is that the right call? We explain. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers react to LeBron's surprising retirement talk. SEGMENT 2: Pelinka says the Lakers are inclined to run it back. SEGMENT 3: Why "run it back" is the right call setting the table for the offseason. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

35m

May 24

After the Lakers were eliminated Monday in Game 4 against the Nuggets, LeBron James finished his press conference with a somewhat cryptic message. "We'll see. We'll see what happens going forward. I don't know. I don't know. I've got a lot to think about to be honest," James said. "Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball. I've got a lot to think about." Obviously that sounds like a guy who is considering retirement, and Monday he certainly played like a guy who might walk away. 48 minutes, 40 points, 15-25 shooting. He left everything on the floor, no question. In our big show, we tried not to speculate until a little there was a little more reporting. Well... Both Dave McMenamin and Chris Haynes report that LeBron really does seem to be considering retirement. First, from McMenamin, this exchange: "LeBron James to ESPN on his thought process going into the offseason: Q: When you say you got to think about stuff, what thread should we be pulling on that? A: "If I want to continue to play." Q: As in next year? A: "Yeah." Q: You would walk away? A: "I got to think about it." Then Haynes reports that "Lakers star LeBron James is uncertain if he'll be with the team when the 2023-24 NBA season starts in the fall, and retirement is under consideration, league sources tell Bleacher Report, TNT. LeBron has a lot to weigh, sources say." So... is this a real game changer? What happens if LeBron calls it quits? Is it just a shot across the bow? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22m

May 23

There was actually a decent amount to like in Monday's 113-111 loss in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the Crypt against the Nuggets. The Lakers, led by LeBron James (40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, 48 minutes), played through the tape. They did not quit, even while understanding that a win on Monday likely wouldn't have a happy ending overall. Unfortunately, there were too many things not to like. Anthony Davis did not provide nearly enough as LeBron was leaving everything he had on the floor. The Lakers, once again, couldn't shoot the ball well enough. Rui Hachimura (3-12) picked a bad night to be inefficient. Too many ill-timed fouls, not enough timely buckets. And that third quarter. Oooof. 36-16 Denver, erasing a 15-point halftime lead, and giving the Nuggets more than enough incentive to try and finish things off without having to play Game 5. Ultimately, though, whether it was Monday night in Game 4 or sometime in the (likely) near future, the Lakers were destined to lose this series because the Nuggets are a better team. By a pretty good margin, really. But while the ending was definitely disappointing - even most people who picked the Nuggets to win this series (and yes, Nuggets, there were many people who did) - had it in five, six or seven instead of a sweep, this should be remembered as one of the more improbably successful Lakers seasons in a long time. From dead-in-the-water leading into the trade deadline to the Western Conference Finals? That's an incredible turnaround. They were a little short, in terms of overall pieces, continuity, and timely performances. They had too many guys who hit bad stretches at the wrong time, and without question were physically exhausted for playing what amounts to three months of playoff basketball. What could have been a total disaster of a season turned into something pretty special, with many, many reasons to be optimistic heading into the offseason. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose, and are eliminated from the playoffs after a 113-111 loss in Game 4. SEGMENT 2: More on LeBron, plus a cryptic end to his postgame press conference. SEGMENT 3: Reflecting on an incredible turnaround, and a tough game for Anthony Davis. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

May 23

It took a few minutes, but Darvin Ham had finally seemed to build up a little bit of goodwill with Lakers fans through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Well, a big chunk of that has been eaten away by the results of the first three games of the team's Western Conference Finals series against Denver. Facing an 0-3 hole and the chances of getting swept tonight at the Crypt in Game 4, scrutiny has again returned in a big way. Is Darvin making the right moves? Is he pushing the right buttons? Is he pulling the right levers? The answers to questions like these really depend on your view of the roster as a whole, and how the Lakers match up against a very, very good Denver team. At the core of these discussions is D'Angelo Russell, who has been horrible through the first three games of this series. Most fans want him benched, if not yanked from the rotation. Ham shortened his minutes considerably in Game 3, but Russell still got 20 minutes of burn. Is that too much? Is it malpractice? Our answer might not be that popular. Meanwhile, many fans are calling for Ham to start bringing in guys like Troy Brown, Max Christie, and even dusting off Malik Beasley to see if shots will fall. But are those aren't really adjustments so much as dart throws. Is it time to throw darts, though? And really, is the overarching problem Ham, or too many guys in a shortening rotation who aren't playing well enough? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is Darvin mucking up this series? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers bench Russell? Should they? SEGMENT 3: What else is Darvin doing/not doing? Is he the issue, or are players just not performing? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

39m

May 22

The Lakers had to win Game 3 at Crypto.com to keep any reasonable hopes for the season alive. The Nuggets clearly had no interest in giving the Lakers any hope. Jamal Murray picked up right where he left off after Thursday's absurd fourth quarter pushed the Nuggets to victory in Game 2, lighting the Lakers up in the first quarter Saturday to give Denver a big early lead. The Lakers did what they could to fight back, but were playing uphill for the entire game, and simply didn't have the juice to pull it out. Denver was simply too good down the stretch. Murray finished with 37, Nikola Jokic 24, despite fighting foul trouble all game. Meanwhile, the Lakers got 28 from Anthony Davis and 23 each from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly so, on a night where D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for 10 points, and the team was once again under 33% from 3-point range. Down 0-3, it would seem the season is functionally over. There's still Game 4 on Monday, and at the least the Lakers would like to send things back to Denver. But no question, history suggests LA's season ended on Saturday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20m

May 21

As it was in Game 1, the Lakers gave themselves a great chance to win Game 2 in Denver and tilt the series in their favor heading back to LA for Saturday's Game 3. And as it was in Game 1, the Lakers fell short, this time losing 108-103. But while the results were the same, how they got there was very different. The Lakers built and early lead, but couldn't maintain it. Anthony Davis, who was great in Game 1, was definitely not in Game 2. 4-15 from the floor, and while he did block four shots and get to the line 11 times, overall wasn't even close to the performance the Lakers needed from him. LeBron James, meanwhile, did a lot of things well. It was one of the best defensive games James has played in LA, but offensively, he missed all six of his 3-pointers, bobbled away an easy dunk trying to get fancy with it, and then smoked two layups, including one at the end (after a tremendous steal) that would have cut the deficit to two with about 26 seconds left. That was LA's last, best chance to stay in the game. In Game 1, the Lakers were white hot from downtown. In Game 2, 8-30. Take away Austin Reaves (5-9) and that drops to 3-21. Not gonna get it done. Meanwhile, LeBron tweaked his ankle late in the game, and while he's expected to play on Saturday, it's one more blow to a guy who looks like he might have hit the limits of output at 38, with so many miles on the odometer. It's back to LA on Saturday, where the Lakers have to win. And then win again on Monday. But first things first. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Jamal Murray went nuclear in the fourth, and no Laker could match him. Anthony Davis just wasn't good enough. SEGMENT 2: LeBron James did a lot of good stuff... but the bad stuff? Oof. SEGMENT 3: Have the Lakers hit a wall? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

37m

May 19

The Lakers played essentially two different games on Wednesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals - a small lineup game that put them in a big hole, and a large lineup game that helped them climb out. And while it wasn't enough to actually win, many wonder if the Lakers found a formula they can use in tonight's Game 2 in Denver. Will Rui Hachimura spend a lot of time guarding Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, helping Anthony Davis roam the paint more actively as a help defender? It worked on Wednesday, but will the Nuggets counter more effectively if/when the Lakers go back to it? And how will the Lakers counter the counter? And really, when it's all said and done, how much mental and emotional energy should the Lakers spend trying to "stop" Jokic? What does that even mean, really? Instead, could they look to try and put a lid on the rest of the squad, as much as possible? And assuming Hachimura enters the starting lineup (or, in theory, Jarred Vanderbilt returns to it), who sits? Would it be Dennis Schroder, who has plenty of experience coming off the bench, or D'Angelo Russell, who has started 431 of the 495 games played over his NBA career? What about reports the Lakers are concerned they could "lose" Russell if they bring him off the bench? Who is concerned, and why are they saying it out loud? It's a weird line of discussion to allow for a group that has been drama free since the deadline. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers seem like they'll start Hachimura in Game 2. Is that the right move? SEGMENT 2: If Hachimura starts, who sits? SEGMENT 3: Should the Lakers be concerned they'll "lose" Russell if he comes off the bench? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

39m

May 18

The Lakers were thoroughly outplayed early in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets in Denver, falling behind by 12 after the first quarter, and 18 at the half. It was a matter of execution—the Nuggets were razor sharp, and playing with tremendous energy—and it was a matter of lineups—the Lakers went small with three guards, and had trouble matching up with a large Denver squad—and all told, it looked like a game that the Nuggets would run away with. Not so fast! The Lakers made some changes in the second half, and suddenly a game that looked like a blowout was one the Lakers could tie with under a minute remaining. All the game's stars were sharp. Nikola Jokic was insane (31/24/14), and Anthony Davis went for 40. LeBron James posted a very efficient 26/12/9, marred only by a poorly conceived 3-point attempt as the Lakers went for that aforementioned tie. Austin Reaves? Looked good! Jamal Murray? 31! Everyone on the marquee did his part, but importantly, the Lakers punctured through Denver's first half superiority in ways that should be confidence-building going forward. One big adjustment - more Rui Hachimura, who didn't just play big minutes in the second half, he spent that time guarding Jokic, which allowed Davis to roam free. Is that a strategy the Lakers can use going forward? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers looked like they were going to get blown out of the building on Tuesday... but didn't. SEGMENT 2: Darvin Ham made a poor tactical choice with his starting lineup. SEGMENT 3: Can Hachimura stick Jokic through the rest of the series? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m

May 17

The Denver Nuggets have been the best team in the Western Conference all season long. The Lakers were a dumpster fire-turned-contender at the deadline and have been among the NBA's best since reshaping their roster. Both teams have made it through the first two rounds in (by NBA standards) relatively easy fashion. So in this rematch of the 2020 Bubble Western Conference Finals, who has the advantage as the series opens tonight in Denver? The Nuggets are more rested, enjoying the benefits of having wrapped up the conference pretty early. The Lakers are tested, having essentially played playoff games for the last two months. That has allowed them, perhaps to improve faster than a team assembled on the fly normally would, but also leaves them open to fatigue, especially given the guys leading them. And what does LeBron James have left for this series? How much will a series guarding Nikola Jokic wear down Anthony Davis? Can the Lakers find ways to move Davis off the two-time MVP? Can the Lakers find ways to attack Jamal Murray, and wear him down over the course of a series? If it comes down to supporting characters, which team is more likely to thrive? These questions and more in a Conference Finals Preview Crossover with Adam Mares, host of Locked on Nuggets. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How did these teams get here? Has either really been tested? SEGMENT 2: Davis vs. Jokic. Can the Lakers find ways to slow down Jokic without having to keep Davis on him? Can the Lakers try to exploit Jokic by making him work as a help defender? SEGMENT 3: X-factors. What about the supporting casts? The role of fatigue? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

45m

May 16

All things considered, we really haven't had a lot of time to learn about these Lakers. Yes, some of the team has been there all year, but the crew we've seen in the playoffs is a creation of the trade deadline, and even then the number of games played with the core together has been limited by injuries to LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. So while we likely won't see a true top end for this team that would come with a training camp and a season of seasoning, there is definitely room still for improvement. The Lakers have already beaten the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors, both as the road team and both in (by NBA playoff standards) relatively easy fashion. Add in the fact that James and Davis are now 6-0 in playoff series as teammates when both have been healthy and available throughout, and there is plenty of reason to believe the Lakers can, and even will, beat the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals, even while acknowledging that the Nuggets have easily been the West's best team all year, have tremendous depth and perhaps the best player in the game in Nikola Jokic. So while Vegas says Denver, and it's easy to agree with them, nobody should have to squint too hard here to find a path for the purple and gold. Are there similarities between this group and the 2020 champs? What's different? And speaking of different, how might Darvin Ham shake up the starting lineup, compared to what he rolled with against the Warriors (whether in Games 1-5, or Game 6)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have overcome a ton already this year, and nobody is sure what the upside is. SEGMENT 2: It's the same final four in 2023 as in the bubble playoffs of 2020. Kind of interesting! Plus, more on potential upside for LA. SEGMENT 3: Any lineup changes you'd anticipate? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

33m

May 15

The Lakers took a lot of the drama out of Friday's closeout game at the Crypt against Golden State, getting out on a big run in the first quarter and never letting the lead get away. A 10 point lead at the half was stretched out in the third, and the Warriors never really threatened after. Final score, 122-101. Lakers win the series 4-2, and will advance to face the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals starting Tuesday in Denver. This was a great game for the Lakers. LeBron James got off to a great start, and played his best game of the series (30 points on 10-14 from the floor). Anthony Davis was a monster defensively and on the boards (20 rebounds). Austin Reaves had 23 points, including 4-5 from downtown. 13 from Lonnie Walker IV, 19 from D'Angelo Russell. Just a total, complete team effort, putting a cap on a series the Lakers won, by NBA playoff standards, relatively easily. Can they keep it up in the next round against the top seeded Nuggets? Yes, though the level of play required to get through to the Finals will need to be a tick above what they've shown to this point, impressive as it's been. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20m

May 13

When Anthony Davis left the floor, and then the arena, following that big fourth quarter forearm to the head from Golden State center Kevon Looney, it was reasonable to think that he might not play in Game 6 Friday night. Or even Game 7, if the series went back to San Francisco on Sunday. It was incredibly deflating in the moment, for the Lakers as a team, and definitely for Lakers fans. Good news! He's gonna play. Davis didn't even have to enter the league's concussion protocol. So whatever that blow did to him, it apparently wasn't enough to give him a concussion. Good for Davis, good for the Lakers. Of course, in the interim, Davis absorbed an enormous amount of mockery from high profile members of the basketball media, who all but called him soft. They laughed and mocked in ways they likely wouldn't have for just about any other player in the league. And they did it following a shot to the head. It was all pretty repulsive, and reflective of attitudes about injury and toughness that sports culture has, at times, seemed to move away from. But clearly not all the way. So assuming Davis plays, what does that mean for the game? Are there any big adjustments left to make in this series? Or is it a matter of one team going out and simply executing better the game plan we all know is coming? Maybe the Lakers have a little twist up their sleeves? Would swapping Jarred Vanderbilt out of the starting lineup make sense? It's not technically a must win for the Lakers.... but it's about as close as you get. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is going to play! Anthony Davis is going to play! SEGMENT 2: Are there any adjustments left to make? SEGMENT 3: There are high profile members of the NBA media that owe Davis an apology. AD has a chance to throw the double bird at folks with a big Game 6. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

37m

May 12

There was always a good chance the Lakers could lose Game 5. Golden State wasn't just facing elimination, down 3-1 in the series, but perhaps the end of their championship era, with talk of summer time changes in the air should they be eliminated. The Lakers could always lean in on Game 6 Friday at Crypto.com. So the final score (121-106) isn't necessarily a big deal. How they lost? Oh yeah, that's a problem. Anthony Davis absorbed a careless forearm from Warriors center Kevon Looney about halfway through the final quarter. Davis, clearly shaken, went straight to the bench, and then was taken to the tunnel where he was wheeled out. Hopefully as a precaution, but it's not good. Davis could be facing entry into the league's concussion protocol, which (even if Davis wakes up tomorrow and feels like a new man) could put his availability for Friday in question. An by the looks of it immediately following the injury, a quick recovery is hardly guaranteed. (Though Darvin Ham said postgame that he thought Davis was already looking much better. Keep in mind, Dr. Ham also said D'Angelo Russell was totes ok when he hurt his ankle, and he missed a ton of time.) Meanwhile, LeBron appeared to tweak an ankle. So did Dennis Schröder. Austin Reaves took a tremendous amount of punishment. All in all, this game went about as poorly as the Lakers could have scripted it. Now, it's about Game 6, and who is going to be able to play in it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis take a forearm to the head, and leaves the game early. What happens going forward? SEGMENT 2: What else went wrong for the Lakers, who were struggling to stay connected to the Warriors throughout? SEGMENT 3: What if AD can't play Game 6? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

32m

May 11

The Lakers have a 3-1 lead over Golden State in this Western Conference Semi-Final. They won the regular season series 3-1. So at this point, it's fair to say they understand how to play against the Warriors, and are a really bad matchup for them in the same way the Clippers are a bad matchup for the Lakers. That said, the Warriors will be playing for their season tonight in San Francisco, and depending on who you listen to, potentially even the opportunity to extend this group's window into next year. Golden State has a lot of decisions to make, after all. And they'll be playing in front of their home fans, in a building where they played extremely well all year long, despite major injury problems. So how hard should the Lakers push to try and win on Wednesday, especially if it means they could compromise the amount of energy guys like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves (showing real signs of fatigue) would have for Game 6? A few folks have floated the idea of promoting rest... are they being too clever by half? Or at least half? Matchups are a critical part of every playoff series, and the Lakers seem to have the advantage in too many of them, and while Steve Kerr has tried to press a lot of buttons already, there may not be any more good ones to hit (assuming "make more 3's" is a button). Meanwhile, Anthony Davis didn't make either of the NBA's All-Defense teams, and barely registered in the "Also Receiving Votes" category. This after he was completely shut out of DPOY voting. Has this turned out to be a good thing for the Lakers? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: There's a line of thinking that says the Lakers might not want to do everything possible to win Game 5, and prioritize rest for Game 6. Is this a smart line of thinking? SEGMENT 2: Matchups matter, and the evidence suggests the Lakers are a really, really bad one for Golden State. Are there any big adjustments left for Steve Kerr? SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis keeps getting snubbed, or believes he is, anyway, and it's great for LA. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

35m

May 10

The Lakers went into Tuesday's game with a chance to take a real stranglehold on their series against the Warriors, but they knew it wouldn't be easy. And it wasn't! But the Lakers found a way to win a game they may not have deserved to (not that the Warriors covered themselves in glory, either), 104-101 to take a 3-1 lead. Anthony Davis was huge in the first half, LeBron James was big in the second. But the hero of the game? Lonnie Walker IV, who had 15 points in the game, ALL of them coming in the fourth quarter. He was a huge factor in the Lakers taking the game. If not the factor. Walker, combined with very timely defensive execution and buckets-when-they-had to happen, was enough to get it done. So can the Lakers close things out on Wednesday? What will it take to go to San Francisco and win again? These Warriors don't feel quite as threatening as the team that won last year, or has been generally dynastic. Dangerous? Sure. But not the same. Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to pile up wins with LeBron and AD on the floor in the playoffs. They did it in the Bubble, they did it against Memphis, they're doing it now. At some point, this is what they are, right? One of the league's best teams since the trade deadline? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers won a game they didn't seem like they should have. SEGMENT 2: Lonnie Walker IV was massive in the fourth quarter, and it's a great story! SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers close out on Thursday in San Francisco? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

39m

May 09

The Lakers had success in Game 1 by playing certain matchups that seemed to catch the Warriors off guard - starting Jarred Vanderbilt on Steph Curry, for example. And in Game 3, the Lakers came back with a host of changes. Vanderbilt was switched off of Curry and onto Draymond Green, letting Anthony Davis check (and essentially ignore) JaMychal Green and have more freedom to roam defensively. And, of course, Lonnie Walker IV got the minutes that had been going to Troy Brown Jr., a significant change in the rotation that paid real dividends. So with the Lakers up 2-1 going into tonight's Game 4, how much credit does Ham get for LA's good showing thus far? It's been a fairly controversial season for the first year head coach, and he's certainly under the microscope. Should people expect more changes for Game 4? Is there anything Ham can do to preempt any changes Steve Kerr might throw at him? Or is it a matter of having a plan ready based on what might be coming? Certainly the Lakers won't be approaching tonight's game like they did Game 2 in San Francisco. Not exactly a scheduled loss, but the Lakers didn't keep the pedal down throughout. Monday, they'll be pushing for a win, because they don't want to have to win two of three with two games up north. Meanwhile, does Darvin need to think about how Reaves is being used (how much, as well), or is Walker the adjustment that can help the second year player make it through, when fatigue looks like a real issue? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers made a ton of adjustments on Saturday. SEGMENT 2: How much credit does Ham get for LA's 2-1 lead? Is Lonnie Walker sticking in the rotation? SEGMENT 3: What to expect in Game 4. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m

May 08

The Lakers looked awful in Game 2 upstate, and needed to bounce back in a big way Saturday night in Game 3. And bounce back they did. Anthony Davis returned to his big game ways, with 25 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and four blocks. LeBron James, who didn't take a shot in the first quarter and didn't play in the fourth, still finished with 21 points on 6-11 from the floor, and 7-8 from the line. D'Angelo Russell carried the Lakers offensively in the first half, and finished with 21 points. Lonnie Walker IV, getting the Troy Brown minutes, gave the Lakers 12 points in 24 minutes. Overall, the Lakers got back to the line, limited turnovers, and actually made 3-pointers (48.4%). And when that happens, it's really hard to beat them. Especially when the defense is cranked up to the level it was on Saturday. Yes, the Warriors missed some shots they might often make (or did at least on Thursday), but the Lakers were very active, and found a level of aggression coming higher out on the floor to interrupt GSW's pick and rolls, without losing interior coverage. Game 4 is Monday in LA. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20m

May 07

They say the onus is on the team that loses Game 1 in a series to come back and make adjustments for Game 2. Well, that's what the Warriors did Thursday, playing much smaller and putting the ball in Steph Curry's hands, and the results were strong. 127-100, Golden State takes Game 2 in dominant fashion. The Lakers got off to a decent start, but as the game went along, Golden State's offense started to impose its will. Curry orchestrating, Klay Thompson (8-11 from downtown) hitting basically every shot he took, and the rest of the cast doing its part. The Lakers, meanwhile, got a pretty good game from LeBron James (23 points, 10-18, but no trips to the line), and a nice offensive show from Rui Hachimura, but after that? Austin Reaves looked dead tired, the team kept missing 3's, nobody got to the line, and oh... ...Anthony Davis had a really bleh game. A non-factor offensively, and his least impactful this postseason on the other side of the ball. Draymond Green did a number on him, and Davis never got comfortable. It's not hard to believe the Warriors won Game 2, but the way they won it will certainly have Lakers fans a little nervous going into Game 3. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get waxed in San Francisco in Game 2, Anthony Davis has a rough go. SEGMENT 2: The Warriors made some changes in how they played, and man alive did they work. SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis has to be better. Like, way better. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

May 05

In the first round, the Lakers went up 1-0 against Memphis, and had a golden opportunity to win Game 2 with star Grizzlies guard Ja Morant on the sidelines. Instead, they played a horrible, indifferent game and blew a great opportunity. There are many, many reasons to believe LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the Lakers won't make the same mistake again in San Francisco. For starters, there are an AWFUL lot of people watching this series, and vanity can be a powerful motivating tool. But more than that, this series is just a little too special for either team to show that level of indifference. Expect the Lakers to play hard. But can they play this well again? Can they keep the free throw disparity large? Can the Lakers finally have a good shooting game? The Warriors are asking themselves similar Q's, and will undoubtedly come out as if their season depends on a win, because from a practical standpoint it probably does. The Lakers, on the other hand, can get greedy. One guy who can help? D'Angelo Russell, who has been a bit of a bellweather for the Lakers this postseason. When he plays well and scores, the Lakers tend to win. When the shot is way off? Not good for LA. And Dennis Schröder is exactly the type of role player who can have an outsized impact on this series, in part because of his role as a defender. Both Russell and Schroder are making a case for their presence in LA next year, but with Schröder it's a little more complicated. Finally, did Rob Pelinka deserve more Executive of the Year love? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a chance to get greedy in Game 2. Expect a better show than the one they put in vs. Memphis in Game 2. SEGMENT 2: Is D'Angelo Russell the canary in a coal mine for the Lakers? As he goes, so goes the team? SEGMENT 3: Dennis Schröder had a huge Game 1, and the Lakers need more if it going forward. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m

May 04

With extended rest following their Game 6 win over Memphis on Friday and the Warriors coming off a Game 7 on Sunday, the Lakers clearly viewed Game 1 as one they had a chance to steal. Still, they'd need rock solid play up and down the roster, and that's what they got on Tuesday, beating Golden State 117-112 in San Francisco to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Things started and finished with Anthony Davis, who was a force on both sides of the ball, finishing with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five blocks and five steals. He was active early offensively, and over the course of 44 minutes (!!!) was inside the head of basically every Warriors player who ventured into the paint. It was a superstar performance from the guy who needs to be the best player for the Lakers to advance. He wasn't alone. D'Angelo Russell had 19 points and six assists, and more than a few of each came at very, very opportune moments. Dennis Schroder was productive off the bench, and was one of the guys who hassled Steph Curry throughout. Another? Jarred Vanderbilt, who also hit a critical fourth quarter triple from the corner. LeBron (9-24) wasn't efficient, but he was effective. And so on and so on. It was a huge win for the Lakers, who quickly grabbed home court advantage away from the Warriors and gave themselves a ton of confidence heading into Thursday's Game 2. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers steal Game 1 in a game that lived up to all the hype and then some. SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis was a monster, and the Lakers need it to continue. SEGMENT 3: The supporting cast came up big for L.A., from Russell to Schroder to Vanderbilt. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

May 03

It's an epic second round series, so we have an epic show ahead of Tuesday's Game 1, in a crossover episode with Cyrus Saatsaz and Kylen Mills, hosts of Locked On Warriors. It starts with a series of questions about the Warriors... The season has been all over the place - is there a moment in time Lakers fans should look at, or a certain configuration of available players, or a similar sign to understand what kind of team the Warriors are now? (Because with the Lakers, for example, nothing that happened before the trade deadline matters even a little.) What about Kevon Looney and Draymond Green? Can they neutralize Anthony Davis, in particular? Why do fans seem so upset with head coach Steve Kerr? Then it's questions about the Lakers... Who guards Steph? Should Looney scare people who are pulling for the Lakers to win? What role player has the best chance to be impactful given the matchups and the context? (Hint: It rhymes with Fluey Glotchimura.) Overall, this has the potential to be a series that lives up to all the hype, given the sheer star power, good depth, rowdy crowds and high stakes involved. It's very possibly the last meaningful installment of Steph vs. LeBron. There's a lot on the line for both teams, in trying to determine what the teams look like next season. Should be a lot of fun, and it starts on Tuesday with a game the Lakers will be pushing to win, because they will never be as well rested as they are in Game 1. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Cyrus Saatsaz and Kylen Mills. SEGMENT 1: This series should be a banger. Where are the Warriors right now, as a team? SEGMENT 2: Burning questions about the Lakers from the Warriors crew. SEGMENT 3: Predictions. Who wins and why? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

49m

May 02

The Lakers have a second round opponent, and it's the Golden State Warriors, who beat the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 Sunday in Sacramento to win that series 4-3. To say this is as high-end a second round series the NBA could muster in this or any other year is not an overstatement. Maybe some series could be its equal, but better? Hard to picture. But that's what fans get for the next couple of weeks. Steph, Klay, Dray and the Warriors vs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Crown jewel franchises, and two of the league's brightest stars. Is it the easier series for the Lakers? Probably not. But from a hoops fan standpoint? The chance to see LeBron and Steph in one more series while both are still elite level players - Curry dropped 50 in Game 7 - is hard to resist. And make no mistake, LeBron is highly motivated to prove those who think he's too old at this point wrong. He laid a social media smackdown on Dillon Brooks following the end of that series, for example. But it's an interesting question at this point: What is the top end of "Playoff LeBron" at this point in his career? Was it what we saw vs. the Grizzlies? Is there another gear? We'll find out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers vs. Warriors. Oh, yeah. Plus, LeBron James took the Dillon Brooks stuff personally, after all. SEGMENT 2: What does Playoff LeBron look like, now? What's the max, here? SEGMENT 3: Which team did you want? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

May 01

The playoffs are a nervous time for fans, and certainly tension was higher for after the Lakers were badly beaten on Wednesday in Memphis in Game 5. It put a ton of pressure on Friday's Game 6, because nobody connected to the Lakers, fan or player, wanted to go back to Memphis for Game 7. Well, they won't have to. The Lakers absolutely destroyed the Grizzlies in front of the home crowd, winning 125-85 behind huge games from D'Angelo Russell (12-17 shooting, 5-9 from 3, 31 points) and LeBron James (22 points on 13 shots). But the most dominant player on the floor for LA was Anthony Davis. He was strong offensively, with 16 points (6-9 shooting). He owned the glass (14 rebounds). He ruled the paint (five blocks, and a seemingly infinite number of altered shots). He was the catalyst of the strongest defensive performance the Lakers have turned in this season. (All of the starters got to sit through the fourth, as well.) Memphis needed half of the third quarter just to reach 50 points. A suffocating team defense shut down the paint, made the Grizzlies uncomfortable on the perimeter, and forced turnovers. Darvin Ham tightened the rotation as the Lakers clearly went all in on Game 6, and it paid big dividends. Particularly with the Sacramento Kings beating Golden State in San Francisco, forcing a Game 7 in that series and meaning the Lakers will get a few extra days off before the second round begins Tuesday somewhere in northern California. It was a spectacular night for the Lakers, and Lakers fans, at the Crypt as the Lakers won their first playoff series since the title run. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18m

Apr 29

The Lakers hit a wall on Wednesday, missing shots and falling short against a highly motivated Memphis Grizzlies squad in Game 5. LeBron James looked tired, but vowed to be better in Game 6. And surely the Crypto.com Arena crowd will be jacked up for the first closeout game the fans have seen in a very, very long time. One key will be keeping that energy flowing throughout, and not allowing the Grizzlies the ability to put fear into nearly 20,000 folks. It'll help for the Lakers to hit some shots, because these sub-30% 3-point nights aren't gonna get it done. It'll help to force some turnovers, and create easy buckets. It'll help for LeBron to do good stuff early, after a really bad night on Wednesday. And would it also help if Darvin Ham tweaked the rotation? There have been many, many calls for Ham to quit running with the small lineups while Anthony Davis is off the floor, where LeBron or Rui Hachimura is playing center, and the Lakers are undersized. Those small bench lineups were hammered in Game 5. But what's the right solution? Is it to play Wenyen Gabriel more? Mo Bamba? What about those minutes going to Malik Beasley? Should they instead go to Lonnie Walker IV, or should both guys sit and the rotation get a little shorter? Plenty of choices, and in a tight series, they matter. But whatever the decisions, the Lakers have every reason to come out focused and get 'er done. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham is looking at the rotation. Is it time to make changes? SEGMENT 2: Is it Bamba? Walker? What are the ripple effects effects when changes like this are made? SEGMENT 3: What goes into making these kinds of choices? What about some of the crazier ideas fans have? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

39m

Apr 28

The Lakers used up a lot of energy to scrape out an overtime win Monday in Game 4 against the Grizzlies. It was worth it, as the purple and gold went up 3-1, and radically changed the stakes for Wednesday's Game 5. Good thing, too, because the Grizzlies were the better team from the jump, with much more spring in their step and while Memphis didn't exactly shoot the lights out, they were significantly better from 3-point range than L.A., and it was enough to fuel the win. One big thing in the favor of the Grizz? LeBron James was clearly tired. Like, dog tired. 5-17 from the floor tired. 1-9 from 3-point range tired. How he bounces back will be a key theme for Game 6, Friday at the Crypt. The Lakers will also need to hit an outside shot. For the third game in a row, they were under 30% from downtown. That can't continue. Memphis wasn't hot, but did get 30+ each from Desmond Bane and Ja Morant. That was too much for the Lakers to overcome. Thought don't blame Anthony Davis. He was everything the Lakers needed on both sides of the ball, a nice bounce back from what has been a very difficult series offensively. They'll need more of the same on Friday, and hopefully Davis can bring a few more teammates along this time. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose Game 5, and LeBron looks really tired. SEGMENT 2: How concerned should fans be about James? Can they put a lid back on Bane and Morant? SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis looked excellent on both sides of the ball. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m

Apr 27