Lakers Lounge

The Lakers are roughly 24 hours from tipping off their 2023-'24 campaign. All things considered, it was a successful preseason. Anthony looks at who impressed him and who needed to show more (for a variety of reasons). Then, he zooms out to define the identity the Lakers will need to accept to optimize this season by looking closely at the strengths and weaknesses of this team. Finally, he outline...

The Lakers wrapped up their preseason with a weird one against a shorthanded Suns team (no Devin Booker, no Bradley Beal). It was pretty clear the intent was to get out of there healthy (mission accomplished) but did lead to some lackadaisical play. Anthony recaps the game in both macro and micro senses, all the while understanding why Lakers fans might not have the most patience.

With so little complain about with the Lakers, Anthony turns his attention to the atrocities Nike continues to commit against NBA uniforms. He and Aaron discuss that, James Harden and how pleasant this preseason has been. He also tells the story of Jen shooting down any ego he may have ever developed from being recognized in public.

Anthony is joined by Mirin Fader to discuss her latest piece on Austin Reaves. He had one of the most insane offseasons in recent memory and it honestly is a perfect continuation for his basically inimitable career. The trio discuss golf, Austin's drive, how he gained LeBron's trust, Taylor Swift and frugality. Yeah, this was a typical ridiculous Anthony and Harrison interview.

Jovan Buha (The Athletic) comes back to outline just how different this preseason/training camp has been from the others he's covered on the beat. Both on and off the court, the contrast couldn't possible be more drastic -- and enjoyable. He talks about the offensive overhaul, the three-point shooting, and the general competency he's noticed this year. The guys also discuss D'Angelo Russell and hi...

Anthony recaps a nice preseason weekend. The Lakers handled the Warriors (while all the main rotation players were playing) and then competed with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with LeBron James. Yes, this team will succeed in different ways than we might be used to, but they're going to be very good all the same -- so good that Anthony is upping his expectations for them this season.

Anthony is welcomed by an old friend in Adam Mares (AllCity, DNVR) whose Nuggets have a very real animosity towards the Lakers, who are happy to share that feeling. Both guys think it's good the teams are open to feeling that way, even in the "rent-free" era. They also talk about why Nikola Jokic pisses off Lakers fans specifically, even while he shares a lot in common with Kobe Bryant, according...

Anthony starts the show with a short rant about his stupid Dodgers. He quickly moves off of that to enjoy the positively immaculate vibes surrounding the Lakers, all starting with D'Angelo Russell. If this is who he might be moving forward, wow. Anthony and Aaron discuss him, the rotation, Jaxson Hayes, and what they were most right or wrong about heading into preseason.

Anthony can't get enough of this team. He heaps praise on D'Angelo Russell, the multiple wing looks presented, how they're taking advantage of the math and just generally how professional this team looks. He also has been pleasantly surprised by Jaxson Hayes, who shined in his start even against Damontas Sabonis.

Anthony and Raj talk through the rotation they think makes the most sense for the Lakers, which allows Anthony to finally figure out the identity he wants for both the starters and the bench unit. This involves an analogy involving the 2004 classic "300," which, you guessed it, Raj hasn't seen.

Anthony and Raj marvel at the Lakers finally warming to the concept of math in the sport of basketball. This team is going to be difficult to defend. Raj also explains how he's somehow right that there always was a good team in there somewhere. Then, in the surprise of all surprises, Raj pushes back against some of Anthony and Sabreena's optimism from yesterday's episodes.

Anthony and Sabreena wrap up their conversation with a debate over who should be the Lakers' backup center. They then turn their attention to the WNBA MVP results and the finals series currently underway and how both those things point to an incredibly bright future for women's basketball.

Anthony has really liked what he's heard and seen about or from D'Angelo Russell. He explains why he's buying into a guard who was once seen as nothing more than future contract matching fodder to Sabreena Merchant (The Athletic). The Dodgers also lost a playoff game that hurt both Anthony and Sabreena's souls.

The Lakers started a different small forward in their second preseason game. Taurean Prince stepped in and looked quite good, which led Anthony and Sabreena Merchant (The Athletic) to discuss who they think should be the fifth starter after D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They did so while the Dodgers lost another playoff game, so that launched a separate conversat...

With "Ahsoka" now finished, Anthony and Aaron recap the finale and the series as a whole. What did they think of the show? What kind of groundwork did it lay for Star Wars moving forward? Where did it fall short?

With camp underway, Anthony is curious how Rui Hachimura and Max Christie have looked. He explains why he has his eye on them specifically. Christie appears to be on the Alex Caruso/Austin Reaves career path, but Darvin Ham might have to work to get him minutes if what Aaron says is true.

In their final conversation before everyone gets to see the Lakers play (Saturday), Anthony and Aaron explain why it's perfectly fine to head into this season with a sense of real optimism about this team. Yes, the top of the league is stacked (and matching up with them is going to be difficult), but as is, the Lakers have a punchers chance against anyone, and we know they'll improve if they need...

Anthony and Jason continue their conversation about the Lakers and, specifically, about their two starting guards. Is there a concern about Austin Reaves getting picked on? Can D'Angelo Russell play well enough to stick around beyond the deadline? What kind of deal would the guys envision if one is to be made? Then, the segue to a galaxy far, far away to discuss this season of "Ahsoka."

Jason Timpf (The Volume) stops by again seeing as last time, he and Anthony were interrupted by the Damian Lillard trade. They start by identifying the identity they believe will optimize the roster and rotation. The Lakers are somewhat unique in that they can adapt to situations rather than force their approach on anyone they face.

After having plenty of fun with their favorite moments from the NBA's various media day, Anthony and Harrison turn their attention to the budding rivalry between the Lakers and Nuggets, and also enjoy how nice it was to have such a drama-free day yesterday.

Anthony and Harrison usually play media day BINGO but as they are talking after it's happened already, the chose instead to laugh at their favorite quotes and moments as teams introduced themselves ahead of the 2023-'24 season.

Anthony picked up on four themes from media day and all had him feeling pretty great about the season heading in.

As with anything that happens in the NBA, the most important question becomes: How does this impact the Lakers? The guys discuss, plus wonder where Jrue Holiday winds up.

Damian Lillard didn't get his way. All along, Miami thought they could strong-arm Portland into a lesser deal because of Lillard's preference. It didn't play out that way. Anthony and Aaron discuss whether this signals a cultural shift or if this was just a matter of specific circumstances.

Anthony and Jason Timpf (The Volume) had a plan to talk about the Lakers. They thought maybe if it came up they'd talk a little about Dame. Boy did that plan get thrown out the window.