Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers haven't yet officially signed Blazers free agent forward and defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle to a veteran's minimum deal, but that's only a formality. He'll be inked soon enough and expected to provide a true Three-and-D presence as, along with Ziaire Williams, part of a concerted recent effort to shore up the roster's wings. The real question isn't whether Thybulle is capable of handling his assignment, but rather whether he'll stay healthy enough to do it. Over the last two seasons, Thybulle played just 45 combined games. Were he able to remain on the court, he may not have been available for the Lakers in the first place, and certainly not at this price.

To get a better idea of Thybulle, Andy spoke with Mike Richman from Locked On Blazers.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Mike Richman (Locked On Blazers)

 

Photo Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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The Lakers have undergone a massive offseason roster transformation, with three (at most) holdovers from last season's rotation. Lots of new faces. More long-term deals than in recent memory. All in the name of maximizing Luka Dončić's prime.

How good should Lakers fans feel about their team heading into this season, as is? And how would fans feel about their team after one more trade, which, according to multiple reports, the Lakers want to make? Is it for Jonathan Kuminga? And if not, is there a Plan B possibility that would move the needle?

Andy breaks it all down with Khobi Price, who covers the Lakers for the California.

 

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Khobi Price (California Post)

Segment 1: Roster overhaul

Segment 2: Pelinka has to be right about the offseason choices.

Segment 3: Kuminga or bust when it comes to any further moves?

 

Photo Credit:  Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Unless the Lakers can pull what's become a very tricky rabbit out of their proverbial hat and figure out a complicated deal for a high-profile forward, the offseason's roster rebuild is more or less done. Make no mistake. It's different... way, way different. Younger. Faster. More athletic. More balanced. Less collectively experienced. Entirely retooled around Luka Doncic. And not without many lingering questions.

Can Walker Kessler anchor the defense to become better than it appears on paper?

How quickly can this group jell?

Are there opportunities for unproven but intriguing players like Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero? And will JJ Redick let them learn on the job?

For answers to these questions and more, Andy talked with Raj Chipalu.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Raj Chipalu (Silver Screen and Roll, Offsides App)

Segment 1: How good can the new Lakers roster become? 

Segment 2: Different defensive scheme? Roles for Carr, Thiero? 

Segment 3: More on the younger players, and the defense.

 

Photo Credit:  Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

 

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

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The Lakers have long needed more young players and promising wing defenders... and if possible, more young promising wing defenders. As such, it makes perfect sense that the Lakers inked a veteran's minimum deal with Ziaire Williams, a 24-year-old forward coming off a solid season with the Brooklyn Nets. At his best, Williams can provide strong defensive playmaking, reasonable defensive versatility, and made threes off open looks, all while operating at high energy. At his worst, Williams can fall prey to messing with an offense's flow while trying to show more shot-making than he's capable of.

Or, in the case of these Lakers, what's even needed of him.

Can Williams play to his strengths and become a star in his lane? Andy Kamenetzky breaks down the pluses and minuses with Erik Slater, the host of Locked On Nets, who also covers the team and the NBA at large for Clutch Points.

 

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Erik Slater (Locked On Nets, Clutch Points)

Segment 1: Matisse Thybulle's health issues, offensive improvement

Segment 2: Thybulle's defensive prowess

Segment 3: Someone has to get moved to make room for Thybulle

Photo Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

 

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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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The Lakers have clearly been pondering the defensive issues that remained evident after their initial wave of new roster additions. Yes, Walker Kessler and, to a lesser but still tangible degree, Quentin Grimes can be helpful along these lines, but in particular, too many holes along the perimeter remained. Well, over the last two weeks, Ziaire Williams was first signed, and then on Monday, news broke that the Lakers brought two-time All-Defense member Matisse Thybulle aboard.

 

On the plus side, Thybulle can be an elite on-ball defender and defensive playmaker who also offers good three-point shooting. A true 3&D presence, which all teams covet. On the minus side, Thybulle gets hurt. A lot. Enough that he may have to play limited minutes or even games to keep him healthy come playoff time. This will require excellent planning by the coaching staff and excellent work by the training staff. Still, it's a veteran's minimum deal for a player with a high floor and an established calling card. At worst, it's no harm, no foul at the price, and with a lack of better options. At best, Thybulle provides a lot at a low cost.

 

Either way, he puts the Lakers' roster at 16 guaranteed players, and you can only carry 15. Someone's gotta go.

 

 

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

 

Segment 1: Matisse Thybulle's health issues, offensive improvement

Segment 2: Thybulle's defensive prowess

Segment 3: Someone has to get moved to make room for Thybulle

 

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

 

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!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

 

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

 

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable 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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