Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

JJ Redick has, on balance, not performed like a rookie coach this season. There have been some slow adjustments, the periodically odd choices for his inbounders, etc. But for the most part, Redick hasn't looked remotely like a deer in the headlights during his first go-around with a clipboard, which has played a role in reaching 50 wins.   That said, the playoffs are a totally different beast, as...

The NBA West Squad Show brings together hosts from various Locked On podcasts to discuss the Western Conference playoffs. They debate the Nuggets' chances against the Clippers, with differing opinions on Denver's potential. The conversation shifts to the Lakers-Timberwolves matchup, with most hosts favoring the Lakers. They analyze Luka Doncic's past success against Rudy Gobert's teams and discuss...

The Lakers open up what will surely be a challenging first round series against Minnesota on Saturday evening at the Crypt. And while a lot of advanced numbers like what the Wolves have done this year–it's worth noting that in a season that has seemed like a step back, they won exactly one fewer game than the Lakers—it's not like there aren't strong positive signals for the Lakers as well. One big...

Other than Jordan Goodwin, the entire Lakers rotation rested in their regular season finale vs the Portland Trail Blazers, a 109-81 loss that meant absolutely nothing for a team already locked into the three seed. Instead, Luka, LeBron, Austin, and the gang started resting up and preparing for a first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers will likely (and rightly) be favored...

With the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs already secured, the Los Angeles Lakers benched their stars in their last regular season game, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers 109-81. The Lakers were led in the loss by rookie Dalton Knecht’s 27 points but finished the year with a top five record in the NBA.   Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimu...

Mission accomplished.  The Lakers still don't know what team they're going to play in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, but they do know it'll be whatever team finishes sixth, following LA's 140-109 win over a (largely) resting Houston Rockets squad Friday night at the Crypt. After a slow start, the Lakers took control of the game and never let it go, comfortable knowing they could win pretty e...

Wednesday's game in Dallas was fascinating in part because it provided the first opportunity to see Luka Dončić playing for the Lakers against a team led by Anthony Davis, and the contrast between the two. Not that this is a shock, but the side-by-side reinforced all the reasons this trade was a generational opportunity for the Lakers. (And, to say the least, a controversial choice for Dallas.) Wh...

That was impressive.  In a highly emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday, Luka Dončić came out hot, scoring 14 first quarter points, 31 by halftime and finishing with 45, to go along with eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Particularly impressive (especially to his teammates and coach) was how Luka was able to put on that type of performance after absorbing huge ovation from the crowd a...

With 7:40 left in the fourth quarter, Luka Dončić made a basket and talked trash to a courtside fan. Referee JT Orr, presumably, thought he was yelling at him (or, perhaps, that this sort of exchange is off limits), and T'd Luka up. Dončić, who had been hit with at tech earlier in the game, was done. At that point, OKC went on an extended run and ended up winning 136-120.  Had the officials not in...

LeBron James scored 28 points, Austin Reaves added 24, and Luka Doncic chipped in with 23 before being ejected in the 4th quarter as the Lakers lost to the Thunder 136-120. Most Valuable Player candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to victory with a game-high 42 points. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Dorian...

In this episode of the NBA Squad Show West, hosts discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent losses and their playoff prospects. The conversation delves into the Lakers' impressive win over the Thunder, analyzing key factors like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance and the Lakers' defensive strategy. The hosts explore the bottom teams in the Western Conference, debating which have the brightest...

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Segment 1: Are the Lakers punting tonight's game vs. OKC?  Segment 2: Good strategy or risky? Segment 3: Is Maxi Kleber a postseason option? And what to expect from Luka's "Revenge Game?" Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support...

In what was perhaps the best, most complete win of the season, the Lakers controlled the NBA-Best OKC Thunder on both sides of the ball from nearly start to finish of this game. Luka Doncic scored an extremely efficient 30 points, and he got quality support from across the roster, including a swarming team-wide effort defensively. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Segment 1: Luka goes off. Segment...

Luka Doncic scored a game-high 30 points, Austin Reaves added 20, and LeBron James chipped in with 19 as the Los Angeles Lakers were outstanding in OKC, beating the Thunder 126-99. The Lakers will look to run it back again Tuesday night when the Thunder host the Lakers for round two. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Dori...

The Lakers messed around for a half, but then got serious (enough) to put away a depleted Pelicans squad. In the meantime, does Dalton Knecht need to reenter the rotation?   Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.   Support Us By Supporting Our...

The Lakers' Big Three shined bright as Luka Doncic scored a game-high 35 points, Austin Reaves added 30, and LeBron James chipped in with 27 as the Los Angeles Lakers blew out the New Orleans Pelicans 124-108. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways Sunday afternoon when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.   Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachi...

The Lakers had a big opportunity Thursday to put themselves in prime position for (at worst) a 3rd seed in the Western Conference with a win over the visiting Golden State Warriors.  Lose, and things would get a lot more interesting.  Well, things are a lot more interesting. Golden State punished the Lakers on the glass, racking up second chance points to fuel a 123-116 win over the purple and gol...

Steph Curry scored 37 points and Brandon Podzimski added 28 as the Golden State Warriors downed the hometown Lakers 123-116. LeBron James had 33 points in the loss for Los Angeles. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Friday night when they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to town.   Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin R...

Wednesday in El Segundo, JJ Redick was given a chance to hype up Austin Reaves for this year's NBA Most Improved Player award. In his weird way, he advocated for Reaves by saying essentially that he can't/won't win because people just don't know what that award is supposed to be. By rejecting the plausibility of the premise, his implication was strong that Reaves is deserving.  And is he a more wo...

At this time of year, you'll often hear players talk about how they don't pay attention to what's happening around them in the standings. We just focus on ourselves. We keep it tight, inside the building. We're controlling what we control.  And, yeah, sure. Control what you control. That's always sound strategy. But the idea these guys don't pay attention to the standings? To how teams around them...

The Locked On NBA Squad Show West brings together hosts from various NBA podcasts to discuss the latest developments in the Western Conference. This episode delves into the surprising firing of Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins with just over a week left in the season. The hosts debate the merits of the decision, analyzing team performance and management expectations. They also explore coachi...

The Lakers showed a lot Monday night in their 104-98, even while the game was, to say the least, not a ton of fun to look at. Two teams, both playing extremely hard, both playing solid defense.  But everyone knows at this point that, good as they are, the Rockets really can't score at an elite level. The Lakers, however, have Luka! They've got LeBron! Austin Reaves has been insanely good over the...

  Luka Doncic scored 20 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 9 assists, and Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent added 20 offensive rebounds from the bench as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting Houston Rockets 104-98. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways Thursday night when they welcome Steph Curry and the Warriors to town.   Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron...

It wasn't long ago the Lakers had reached the 2nd spot in the Western Conference playoff race (by percentage points, but still second). Having fallen off that pace, if they have any hope of getting there again, the Lakers absolutely must beat the visiting Houston Rockets on Monday night, and then do it again on April 11 when Houston returns to town.  The Lakers are yet to play the Rockets in the L...

The Lakers needed a win on Sunday in Memphis, and they got it. 134-127 over the Grizzlies, giving LA a key tiebreaker in the Western Conference playoff race, and keeping them in fourth place (in position to host a first round matchup).  The big three were huge, with Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves combining for 85 points and 25 assists, as the Lakers moved the ball very well as a team...