The Lakers Exceptionalism Podcast

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball catch up on the last week's worth of Lakers preseason basketball, including a check-in on how the Lakers are doing with their new 5-Out offense, what we want to see from the defensive scheme (hedging) and then do a quick stock check on the main rotation guys. Outro music by @sleepyghostmp3 Check us out on Playback and come watch the games live with us! Learn more a...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball react to the first live hoops of the new season! From individual analysis of players to team scheme & sets, tap in to hear what the guys learned from the (limited) amount of information from the 1st game. Follow us on Playback and check the link in this episode to sign up for our private Discord, where we will be podding and creating content much more often! Outro...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball return from a short break to discuss the most important X-Factors to the Lakers success in chasing title #18 this season. Is Christian Wood's defense, team 3pt shooting, or avoiding injuries the most important X-factor to team success? Follow us on Playback and Youtube -- we are upping our content big time this SZN. Outro music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about y...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dig into the details of all things Christian Wood. How were the Lakers able to land a talented scoring big for the league minimum, who will he squeeze minutes from in the rotation, and what makes him such a tantalizing high-upside option off the bench for the Lakers? Outro music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dive deep into the top contenders in the West, including the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors, the LA Clippers, and the Memphis Grizzlies, including strengths and weaknesses, who is a bigger threat to the Lakers, and how concerned we would be if LAL matches up with them in the playoffs. Outro music by  @sleepyghostmp3  Follow us on Youtub...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss Austin Reaves fantastic World Cup play, how he's improved, if he has room to improve even more, and later, take an in-depth look at the 2023-2024 schedule and how the team can navigate this year's unique challenges. Outro Music by  @sleepyghostmp3  Follow us on Youtube @LakersExceptionalism to see the extra special Austin Reaves video we mention in the pod...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the recent play of Austin Reaves and Team USA, including what skills has AR flashed on the team and how can they translate to the Lakers next year. Later, we take questions from the discord about lineups, Max Christie, and whether or not Jaxson Hayes can stretch his game to the 3pt line. Outro music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Tim breaks down his level of confidence in 14 results that Lakers fans said need to happen for LA to be a real title contender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball finish their position group preview by discussing the Guard Rotation. Should D'Lo or Vincent start? Who should close? How can the team put Max Christie in a position to contribute in Year 2? All of that is discussed including how the team can maximize the ceiling of their guard rotation. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball finish their deep dive into the Lakers Bigs, including a discussion about the pros & cons of bringing back Gabriel or Thompson, and take a quick look at some other options outside the NBA who could possibly fit. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by S...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dive deeper into what the Lakers should with their Bigs. What will they do when AD misses time and they don't add another big & who should they target if they do? Later, Tim makes a strong argument for the next player he wants to add to the team. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Excep...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the reports that the Lakers are interested in playing a Big next to AD. We discuss what that means for the rest of the Wing & Big rotations, how AD has performed in each role historically, and later, we play fact or fiction with several bold statements about next season. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball dive deeper into the Wing Rotation for 2024... Is there a logjam or should they keep everyone for depth & versatility? We discuss LeBron's minutes load, how Prince can stay on the court with LBJ & AD, if Rui can keep up the 3 AND the D, and whether or not Vanderbilt can improve enough to be better than his role last season. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball take questions from the Discord about how Max Christie can realistically contribute next year, what Summer League plays & actions could translate well to the parent team, what to expect from Austin on Team USA, plus early lineup madness and MORE!!!! Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Ex...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the first 4 Summer League games, including how Max Christie has developed, is JHS a short-term or long-term piece, does Castleton's success change how the Lakers approach another C, and what to do with Maxwell Lewis. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the recent Free Agent additions, including breaking down how Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, & Cam Reddish fit in. Streamed live on Playback Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss the news of Bamba & Beasley's declined contracts, if the team could look to sign them back, and then later discuss 3 options that could fit the backup C position (Plumlee, Saric, Love). Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball launch their SUMMER SERIES of Lakers Coverage, going live at 6:00 PM PST every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of the...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss Rui Hachimura's market and how his deal could affect the Lakers flexibility, and discuss a couple other targets at various price points (Watanabe, Bates-Diop, Crowder) and how they could fit in LA's plans if Rui doesn't return. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball launch their SUMMER SERIES of Lakers Coverage, going live on Playback at...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss potential FA guard paths for LA, including details from Project Ghostbusters on how the market will realistically shake out for D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder, and Austin Reaves. Later, we discuss possible options in FA with our analysis focused on Dennis Smith Jr, Jevon Carter, Josh Okogie, & Seth Curry. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBa...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball are joined by Mike Garcia (@CanyonDriver) to discuss what the new Lakers draft picks bring to the team. Is JHS ready to be a primary initiator? What does he need to work on to contribute long-term? Is Maxwell Lewis more than a bouncy scorer? Can any of the 2-way guys make an impact on the parent team this season? Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBaske...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss a few more options for the Lakers in the draft, including a breakdown of the types of roles they've been working out, then later, Tim breaks out the spreadsheet while discussing different paths forward (and what the roles they've been scouting could tell us about their plans). Music by @sleepyghostmp3 LAKERS EXCEPTIONALISM SUMMER SERIES of Lakers Coverage,...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball are joined by Tag the Roll's Zach Milner to discuss Jett Howard, Nick Smith Jr, and a handful of 2nd Round options. Streamed live on Playback with film on each player. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 LAKERS EXCEPTIONALISM SUMMER SERIES of Lakers Coverage, going live at 6:00 PM PST every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of the offseason. Featuring guests, video, and live whit...

Tom Zayas and Cranjis McBasketball discuss recent news about Austin Reaves becoming USAtin Reaves, Tim breaks down the state of the coaching staff and does the team need to find an offensive identity next season? Join us on Playback M/T/Th @ 6:00 PST music by @sleepyghost mp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Host...

Tom Zayas and Cranjis McBasketball return to discuss the end of the Lakers season, how the team succeeded in the run to the WCF, what they need from the squad to run it back to the chip next year, and how some of the Summer's pivot points could play out. Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! H...

Tom Zayas & Cranjis McBasketball discuss an in-depth scouting report of the DEN-LAL series, including how to defend Jokic, who has a chance to become a starring role-player, and why Tim thinks Vando should be banished (for this series at least). Music by @sleepyghostmp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism Discord here! Hosted by...