Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers knew they'd be without Luka Dončić ahead of Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State at the Crypt, thanks to a groin injury suffered the other night against Philadelphia. They learned shortly before it started that Deandre Ayton would join him in street clothes, thanks to knee soreness. It's hard to say the Lakers were sharp or looked particularly excellent on Saturday, but they won, and as it was against Philadelphia, they got contributions from basically everyone who played. 
LeBron James wasn't great, turning the ball over seven times against 10 assists, and making only six of 17 shots. But six Lakers finished in double figures, and guys like Maxi Kleber who didn't reach 10 points made a lot of important plays. New guy Luke Kennard was a very positive presence, making four of his seven shots, including 2-4 from downtown. But as James pointed out in his ESPN on-court interview after the game, it was the other stuff that went beyond shooting that made an impression. 
It's pretty clear Kennard will be a tool JJ Redick will enjoy deploying as the season goes on. 
The Lakers get a big win at home, keeping up with the Joneses in the Western Conference, where the gap between the third seed and the seventh seed is only a couple of games. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 
 
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The game the Lakers played Tuesday against the Nets in Brooklyn went exactly as it should have. LA rolled a genuinely ghastly Nets squad, went up by nearly 40 and threw it in cruise control en route to a 125-109 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate. 
Luka Dončić played well. LeBron James played well. Jake LaRavia finally got a few easy buckets to help lift his confidence. Jaxson Hayes was great. 
This game mattered because we saw the return of Austin Reaves, after 19 games on the sidelines. And his impact was clear, despite some rust -- particularly as it relates to the team's offensive attack, getting into the paint and finding ways to reach the free throw line. The Lakers are a bad shooting team. They aren't deep. They don't have a great defense. They need to control the game as much as possible through their offense, which is easier to do if they can draw a lot of fouls. 
Having Reaves back in the lineup will make the defense better, because it allows the offense to play into its strengths, which hopefully results in more time avoiding long rebounds and bad transition opportunities for Lakers opponents. 
Meanwhile, the trade deadline week got going big on Tuesday, with three major deals, two of which potentially impact the Lakers. First, Jaren Jackson Jr. goes to Utah, ostensibly to pair next year with Walker Kessler, which in theory at least takes Utah's young center off the market. James Harden to Cleveland is worth watching for LA, because it's part of a potentially larger set of moves the Cavs could make to save money, which reportedly includes trading center Jarrett Allen, who will enter the first year of a contract extension next fall. 
And there are conflicting reports about whether the Bucks will move Giannis at all... or if he's about to get traded to Minnesota. Reports indicate that the Lakers might just wait until there is clarity. Is this smart? 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back. 

SEGMENT 2: Who does Redick start with the Big Three and Ayton? 

SEGMENT 3: Giannis! Allen! Bears, oh my! 
 
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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 
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Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
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PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Quo
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 
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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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There are certain wins over the course of an 82-game season that seem to defy any explanation. The Lakers had one of those on Thursday, overcoming an incredibly sloppy first half and a second quarter injury to Luka Dončić to beat Philadelphia 119-115. This one was truly a team contribution. It starts with Austin Reaves, who had 35 points in only 25 minutes, using strong change of pace to get himself into the paint in combination with some absurd shot-making from the perimeter. 
The bench was incredibly valuable. Obviously having Reaves as a bench player on Thursday gooses the numbers, but Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt particularly provided the energy and countless little things, whether keeping plays alive with hustle, setting good screens, sealing players inside to open up a driving lane, etc. 
You had Jake LaRavia doing Jake LaRavia stuff, and Marcus Smart goading opponents into fouls and then hitting two critical fourth quarter triples. 
Luka didn't return, and there wasn't a big update immediately following the game, but the Lakers will obviously be incredibly careful with Donćić as the All-Star Game approaches. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
 
SEGMENT 1: Luka injured, Lakers win. 
 
SEGMENT 2: Austin Reaves dominates play. 
 
SEGMENT 3: Contributions from everyone who played real minutes. 
 
Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
 

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The Lakers made a small-but-positive move ahead of Thursday afternoon's NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second round pick. 
It's a move that will help them on the margins this year, which is about as good as anyone could have expected since the team made it pretty clear it was prioritizing cap space and flexibility this offseason, when the Lakers believe it'll be easier to build around Luka Dončić. And, of course, one of the big pieces that might now be available? Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star went untraded at the deadline, as Milwaukee seems determined to exhaust every possible avenue towards putting a contending team around him, and Giannis himself continues to fence sit. 
Of course, now every team in the league is preparing to put its best foot forward on a potential summer offer, obviously including the Lakers who (if you believe reports) would be a major contender to make a deal. 
So how should the Lakers approach this? Landmines abound! 
The first installment of what surely will be a constant topic of conversation through the rest of this season and into the offseason. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 
 
Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Thursday morning brought good news for Lakers fans who wanted to see the team make a move, even around the margins. The team has acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from Atlanta in exchange for Gabe Vincent and their remaining tradable second round pick. 
This is a good, low cost move for LA. 
While he has shortcomings as a defender -- like, many shortcomings -- Kennard is a spectacularly good shooter. He's currently leading the league in percentage (49.7%), has five straight seasons over 43%, and is a career 44.2% shooter from deep. He is the real deal in this space. He'll rebound when possible, and is a solid passer who understands how to keep an offense rolling. So why is he available for a second round pick? Again, defense, which limits his big-minute playability. (Plus, Atlanta has acquired Corey Kispert in the Trae Young deal, who is a younger version of Kennard, and Wednesday picked up Buddy Hield, too.) Kennard is an expiring contract, so the Lakers don't owe him anything beyond this season. 
In the process, they also get a little bit more wiggle room below the apron, which could help during the buyout period. Ultimately, Kennard won't fix all of their problems - no one player can - but he shores up a major weakness that should have knock on effects around the roster. 
All in all, a good deal. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 
 
Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
 
 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.