Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Thursday's NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Lakers are in a tough spot as they look to build around Luka Dončić.
The pressure for them to act is significant, but their assets are limited. The League might be active... but teams might collectively wait for the Giannis Sweepstakes to end before making their next moves. There aren't that many appealing players out there, anyway, and the best ones probably can't be had by the Lakers, anyway. 
So maybe it's better to wait until this summer, right? 
Well, that has its own set of problems for Rob Pelinka. First, while the Lakers might have a pretty good amount of cap space, the bigger that number rises, the more players they'll likely need to replace as they use it. They have a lot of expiring contracts. LeBron James might go. All of that opens up room, but that's a lot of players to get, and money goes fast. They could also swing trades and bring people into their cap space that way, but in that will face stiff competition from about 10 teams around the NBA that could have a good amount of space to work with themselves, many of whom are equipped with more stuff to put on the table. 
So what should Pelinka do? 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The deadline is coming fast! 
 
SEGMENT 2: Why the summer is tricky, too. 
 
SEGMENT 3: What the Lakers need is coherence, not flash. 
 
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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.
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For a half, at least Sunday's game in New York had the chance to be a candidate for "best win of the season." 
It was a ragged, disjointed game from both sides, but one the Lakers were winning at the break. In the third, however, the Knicks started straightening things out, but the Lakers couldn't get untracked offensively, and as a result couldn't keep up. 112-100 the final, in what could have been LeBron James's final game in Madison Square Garden. Certainly he was questioned after the game as if that was a possibility. And it appears that the league might be worried, too, because James was named as a Western Conference reserve, despite a long absence before playing, then a slow start once he did. 
But back to the game... 
New York cranked things up from 3-point range, shooting 43 percent for the game. The Lakers were much worse at 29 percent, but peering under the hood, the results were even more problematic. Luka and LeBron were 7-20 (not great, but tolerable) but Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt were a combined 3-18. Just no secondary floor spacing all night. 
Oof. 
Ultimately, that discrepancy was at the core of the loss. The Lakers needed offense, and couldn't find it. 
And finally... still no Austin Reaves. What gives? 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Offense fades as Lakers lose. 
 
SEGMENT 2: LeBron's All Star nod deserved? 
 
SEGMENT 3: No Reaves, still. 
 
Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/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.
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 needed a bounceback game Friday in Washington after laying an egg in Cleveland on Wednesday, and Luka Dončić made sure they got it. Luka registered his second career FIRST HALF triple-double en route to 37/11/13, as the Lakers cruised past the Wiz 142-111. Needless to say, he was dominant from the jump, scoring with efficiency and moving the ball well. The Lakers as a group were making sure a lot of hands got touches possession to possession, built up a big lead after one, a huge lead after two, and were never threatened from there.
 
Luka was obviously the story, but he wasn't the only one. Deandre Ayton, who badly needed a great game, got one. 12-14 from the floor, 28 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Engaged and active from the start, aided by a Lakers group that got him involved early.
 
LeBron had 20, including some highlight dunks for the Washington crowd.
 
All in all, a great night. The only downer was Austin Reaves, who had been upgraded to questionable heading into the game, but was downgraded before it started. No setbacks, said JJ Redick, just caution. He's still on track to play before the end of the trip. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
 
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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. 
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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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First things first: Giannis Antetokounmpo is NOT going to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, even after he has officially been put on the block, and the Bucks are open for business. 
But that doesn't mean the Lakers aren't impacted by a potential Giannis deal. There are three major points where this (potential) trade can have an effect on how the deadline plays out in El Segundo... 
First, the market is much more likely to be active with Giannis available. There are a lot of teams that see themselves as potential players in the Giannis Sweepstakes, and they don't want to use up anything that could be part of a trade that big in something smaller. That can tamp down the trade market a ton. 
Second, the Lakers may not get Giannis, but that doesn't mean they can't be part of a trade that involves him. One scenario, for example: The Heat might be willing to move off Andrew Wiggins if they could get a first rounder, and in this scenario the Lakers could potentially keep Rui Hachimura. There could be a lot of moving parts, and the Lakers could be one of them. 
Third, and most importantly, if Giannis is traded, the Lakers can officially stop being tempted by the possibility of acquiring him themselves. That means they can get to the business of building for Luka, without preserving assets in service of the possibility Giannis could be had. 
So what else is going on? Well, there's Dalton Knecht, who may or may not have asked for a trade. Not that it really matters, because the Lakers have already been looking to move him. But is he a player anyone wants, and would actually give something of value to get? Between him and whiffing on Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers have done themselves real damage, both on the floor and in the trade market. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
 
SEGMENT 1: Health updates! Plus, Giannis updates!
 
SEGMENT 2: Why a Giannis deal impacts the purple and gold. 
 
SEGMENT 3: Does anyone want Dalton? 
 
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. 
 
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
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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This one got away from the Lakers in a hurry. After a decent first quarter against the Cavs in Cleveland, the Lakers lost control of the game near the end of the first half, and were completely blown out in the third quarter. 
LeBron James, who got a little teary watching a tribute video played for him before the game, finished with more turnovers (six) than assists (five). Luka Dončić (29 points, 12-20 shooting) did his level best to keep the Lakers in it, but turned his ankle falling off the court (there's a stepdown in Cleveland between the end of the court and the first row of seats) and was clearly impacted by the pain for the rest of the game. Fortunately, he was able to sit early, given how big the Lakers were down. 
After Luka, nobody scored more than 11 points. 
Oof. 
And it wouldn't have mattered anyway, because any hold the Lakers had on the game defensively disappeared in a hurry. Particularly in the third, the Lakers couldn't keep Cleveland off the three point line, or away from the rim. Bad combo. 
Probably the biggest story was a very nostalgic, reflective LeBron speaking with the media after the game. You can tell he knows time is short... he just hasn't figured out HOW short. 
 
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
 
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get thumped in Cleveland. 
 
SEGMENT 2: Luka banged up, Austin still out. 
 
SEGMENT 3: LeBron gets reflective. 
 
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. 
 
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
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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