Is the Hield/Turner for Westbrook/Draft Picks Trade Dead? Should the Lakers Revive It?

Have the Lakers Closed the Door on Myles Turner and Buddy Hield? Plus... More on LeBron and BaldGate!: Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Indiana Pacers expect to open the season with Myles Turner as their starting center. Which means, definitionally, that he will not be acquired before then by the Lakers with Buddy Hield in exchange for Russell Westbrook and two first round picks. Nor is it expected that the Lakers will trade for anyone on the Utah Jazz as they look to rebuild after trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. So what are they going to do? Does Rob Pelinka just plan on punting the season? Does passing up an opportunity now mean the Lakers won't have a better one later? Are any of the options available to them today better than what might be behind doors as the season proceeds? Could Turner and Hield be an option closer to the deadline? Are any of these trade options better than simply waiting, holding the picks and combining that with some cap sp by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

30 min listen

Trade Talk! Who Can the Lakers Get for Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley and/or Kendrick Nunn?: December 15th is approaching fast. That's the day the NBA's trade market opens up wider, as players (like Patrick Beverley) who signed contracts last summer can be traded. So what could be coming for the Lakers? It's fairly common knowledge that the Lakers would be willing to package Kendrick Nunn with Beverley in an effort to bring in some help, in a move that could be helpful if less splashy than trading Russell Westbrook. But what does that look like? What kind of player would the Lakers get in return? Is it a matter of taking on long term salary? Giving up one pick instead of two? Are there any potential deals where the Lakers could actually demand draft capital come to them? And regarding Westbrook, how has his play changed the context of a deal? It's no longer addition by subtraction, given the success Russ has found as a sixth man. And meanwhile, the context around the league has al by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

33 min listen

Can the Lakers Be Contenders if They Trade for Kyrie Irving? (Guest, Trevor Lane, Part II): In Part I of our interview with Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation, we talked a lot about what the Lakers are now. In Part II, we focus on what they might become, if the team can swing one of the rumored deals on the table for Russell Westbrook. First and foremost, which deal does Trevor think is best for the Lakers? He's a believer in the Kyrie Irving swap, based on the upside, especially if the Lakers can get a couple other players back in the deal. First, Kyrie is still a transcendent talent, all the weirdness aside. Second, acquiring him with someone like Joe Harris would sort out the current rotation in a more coherent way, while making the spacing around Anthony Davis and LeBron James significantly better. Yes, there are risks - significant ones, at that - So how much better would the Lakers be, if they managed to pull this off? Would they become contenders in a crowded Western Conference? High by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

34 min listen

Will the Nets Decline the Lakers' Best Offer for Kyrie Irving? Plus, Lakers Retiring Pau's Jersey!: It's been assumed (by many, at least) the Lakers, once Brooklyn was ready to deal and the Lakers would throw in a second first-round pick, would acquire Kyrie Irving from the Nets. But what if the conventional wisdom here isn't correct? What if the Nets, even after Irving goes on the market, simply aren't interested in a package built around those two picks, especially if it means taking on Russell Westbrook (which it would)? That's the question percolating as the week comes to a close, as multiple reports are noting this might be the situation facing L.A.... Brooklyn isn't currently interested in what the Lakers have to offer. Now some of that is probably posturing. Brooklyn obviously wants as robust a market for Irving as possible, should they decide to move him. But it could also reflect their preferences, and that matters. So if they can't get Irving - not just before the season, but by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Lakers Trade Rumors: Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn for Gary Trent Jr., anyone?: With the taste of Wednesday's hideous loss to the Kings still too fresh in the collective mouth of Lakers Nation, it's no surprise that Thursday's news was centered a lot around potential trades. Reports that the Lakers are interested in Toronto Raptors swingman Gary Trent Jr., who at only 23 has come into his own as a shooter and would certainly give the Lakers another threat on the perimeter. Could he be had for the standard Lakers package of Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and draft considerations? Would that be a deal worth making for LA? Is the team any closer to a viable path to Detroit's Jerami Grant, now that the Knicks (an awkward but frequently mentioned potential suitor for the Pistons forward) acquired former Hawk Cam Reddish Thursday afternoon? How about a hypothetical uber-blockbuster that would send Westbrook to Philly for Simmons AND Tobias Harris, who is apparently available if i by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

32 min listen

Should the Lakers Wait for Kyrie Irving or Trade Now for Buddy Hield? How Badly Do They Need a Deal?: Some interesting numbers were released today by our friends at Betonline - namely, the first look at win projections. Every team gets a marker set, and bettors can go over or under. Well, almost every team. The Lakers and Brooklyn Nets were conspicuously off the board. Why? Because people are expecting trades (or at least recognizing the possibility) and understand the impact could have a massive impact on win totals. If the Nets trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, for example, and if the Lakers both ditch Russell Westbrook, and/or acquire someone like Irving or perhaps Indiana sharpshooter Buddy Hield and maybe center Myles Turner. They're not giving the Lakers a number until they know what kind of team that number is assigned to. It indicates a big range of potential outcomes, depending on what the Lakers do. So first, how badly do the Lakers need a trade? Is there any other way the by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

34 min listen

How Does Jarred Vanderbilt's Injury Change the Lakers' Rotation, and Plans at the Trade Deadline?: It's a very, very busy week in the NBA with the trade deadline coming up on the 8th. And, of course, that means the Lakers tied to any available player on the market, because that's how this works. But while before the chatter was built mostly around Atlanta guard Dejounte Murray, the Lakers now have to fill a massive hole left by the injury to Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers now have a gaping hole to fill, in addition to any improvements they want to make in the backcourt, or anywhere else. And the stuff they have available doesn't change. It's one pick, it's D'Angelo Russell, it's (maybe) Rui Hachimura and an injured Gabe Vincent, plus whatever appeal guys like Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino might have. So which holes do they try to fill? Do they keep more assets for this summer, roll the dice on this year and hope for the best? It's not an easy time to be Rob Pelinka. Meanwhile, on by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

35 min listen

Anthony Davis Probable vs. Nets: How it Impacts LeBron, the Lakers. Plus, Westbrook for Wall Trade Rumors?: The Lakers, obviously, are at a critical juncture in their season. It's getting awful close to make-or-break time, in terms of understanding just how realistic a deep playoff run is going to be. And fundamentally, that means getting Anthony Davis back on the floor. That could happen Tuesday, as the Lakers star was upgraded to probable after nearly suiting up against the Heat on Sunday. Not only does Davis make the team better on both sides of the floor based solely on his talent - for all the talk of vaguely disappointing play from him this season, it's in the context of a guy being a top 15 player instead of a top 5 - he also allows: some pressure to come off LeBron offensively slots Westbrook into a better spot (and gives Russ another large man to pass to at the rim) helps the Lakers settle into their small-ball identity for real. ...and more. Really, there's nothing that by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

36 min listen

Would Trading Russell Westbrook to Utah Be a Better Option for the Lakers?: A new trade possibility emerged for the Lakers (and Russell Westbrook), at least in theory. According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reported late last week that Los Angeles could get itself involved in the talks between New York and Utah around Donovan Mitchell, whether as literal players in that hypothetical swap (turning it into a three-team deal) or as a vulture picking at the carcass of a now rebuilding Jazz squad. But the bones of a deal: Westbrook and a first rounder for two of Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley and Pat Beverley. Is this a good idea? Well, it depends on a few things, namely whether the Lakers could maneuver to a place where they could absorb as much unpleasant money tied to useful-but-overpaid players without surrendering significant assets. Draft capital, specifically. If that's an option? Sure, let's break Westbrook up into smaller contracts, and add some useful players i by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Have Kyrie Irving Trade Talks Already "Lost Traction?" What Leverage do the Lakers Have?: Last week, momentum seemed to be gathering around a trade that would bring Kyrie Irving to the Lakers. This week, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the teams no longer have any "traction" on a deal, and he's wondering if the thing will ever happen at all. So what happens now? Are the Lakers and Nets each destined to hold on to their respective problematic point guards? Well, a lot of it has to do with leverage. The Lakers have a little bit over the Nets - namely that no other teams seem interested in acquiring Kyrie - and the Nets have more over L.A., because without a deal it's pretty certain the Lakers won't have a shot at winning anything significant this season. Fans want action. LeBron James wants action! Can the Lakers, then, afford not to act? And when it's all said and done, how much pressure are the Nets really under to make a deal? Does it have to get done before the year? by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

36 min listen

How Does Anthony Davis' Injury Impact The Lakers Moving Forward? Will Rob Pelinka Make a Trade?: Monday night in Phoenix, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Russell Westbrook. Sure, Patrick Beverley and Wenyen Gabriel were back in the lineup, but that wasn't nearly enough and predictably, the Lakers lost big to the Suns. It was in many ways a scheduled loss, and it seems Darvin Ham might have had his eye on keeping James healty heading into Wednesday's game against Sacramento, and then Friday's very winnable game against the Hornets. Why does all of this matter? Because the Lakers can justify thinking that they're too far behind to make real noise in the West, especially with Davis set to miss a lot of time. But they can also justify thinking that, based on recent results, if they can hang in there long enough while Davis is hurt, the Lakers can play with anyone. So do they make a trade? Do they hold off until the offseason, and try to build then? Wh by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

33 min listen

Harden Sacrifices Money, Sixers Get Reinforcements | Can Lakers Salvage Westbrook Situation? | Should Nets Just Run It Back With Durant & Kyrie?: Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Keith Pompey (@Locked On Sixers) to discuss James Harden's reportedly sacrificing A LOT of money for the Philadelphia 76ers to be able to add some much needed depth to the roster, acquiring PJ Tucker, De'Anthony Melton, and Danuel House. What does this say about Harden's desire to win? How important is the "version" of James Harden the Sixers get next year? Who will be the most impactful player added to the Sixers rotation? What is Tobias Harris' future in Philly? Then, Andy Kamenetzsky (@Locked On Lakers) stops by to discuss whether or not the LA Lakers can salvage the Russell Westbrook situation and establish a contender-worthy roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis again. What does a Russell Westbrook-Kyrie Irving trade look like? Even if LA trades Russ, is there enough left on the roster to f by Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

37 min listen

How Would a Shift in the "Player Empowerment" Era Impact the Lakers? Plus, Mailbag!!!: NBA headlines have been occupied by the trade demands of James Harden from Philadelphia, and Damian Lillard from Portland. Tuesday, NBA headlines were occupied by journeyman guard Austin Rivers talking about those trade demands. He doesn't think they're good for the game, and are contributing to what he sees as a bad deal for players in the new CBA. So beyond the philosophical questions about whether he's right, there are implications for the Lakers in how fans, media and owners view these expressions of player empowerment. The Lakers, after all, have a long history of being central in power plays, whether in trade demands made by Lakers players (think Kobe, Shaq) or perhaps more importantly, players trying to force their way to LA (most recently, Anthony Davis). The Lakers will always be central in these conversations, as a crown jewel of the league and a very popular place to play. Meanwhile, the e by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Lakers 2023 NBA Draft Preview: Who Should L.A. Target With the 17th Pick?: It's been a minute since the Lakers had, and kept, a first round pick. But at least right now, signs point to the team holding on to the 17th pick in this year's NBA Draft, coming in a couple of weeks. So with that in mind, it's time to bring in the experts to help Lakers fans get ready. We spoke with Rafael Barlowe, host of Locked On NBA Big Board, and the NBA Big Board newsletter to get some insight into this year's class, and where the Lakers might find good value. We started with an overview of the depth of the class. Everyone knows about Wembanyama and Henderson at the top of the lottery, but those guys don't matter much to the Lakers. How much depth is there? Are quality rotation players going to be available at 17? What about the second round, where the Lakers have done really well in their talent evaluation? From there, Barlowe broke down different names that could be had when it's time for the Lakers to by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

36 min listen

Are the Lakers Running out of Trade Options for Russell Westbrook?: So much of the summer has been a waiting game, with the league and the Lakers (and Russell Westbrook) in a holding pattern until the situations around Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and Donovan Mitchell in Utah. Well, both have been resolved, and Russell Westbrook is still in Los Angeles. So what happens now? What options are realistically remaining on the Russell Westbrook Trade Option Tree? There's Indiana, Utah's skeletal remains, and whatever's behind Door #3 - basically some future option we just don't know about yet.. (And, of course, you could hold on to him... but that's not something people like to talk about.) So how good do these deals need to be to make them "worth it?" Is a trade pointless if it doesn't vault the Lakers into high end contention? Is there even a deal out there that could do that? Probably not. So what about legit top 6? A real, live playoff team (something, thanks to the depth of the Western Conf by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

27 min listen

Can the Lakers Make a Trade to Help LeBron? And what's LeBron's Trade Value, if he Requests One?: Reports currently forecast Anthony Davis will be sidelined through mid-January... at the earliest. So maybe that's the next 10 or so games, maybe 15, if we're all being reasonably optimistic, based on current information. Where will the Lakers be when he returns? How much time would they have to integrate new parts, even if the team actually made a deal? Does the record even matter, or has the braintrust already made up its mind, short of some sort of miracle development on the trade market? And now that LeBron James has made it abundantly clear he wants/expects to play meaningful basketball games, the kind occurring in playoff series, in his final seasons, how does that factor in? Do the Lakers need to consider LeBron's comments as February's trade deadline approaches? Is there even a meaningful deal out there to make? Are the Lakers more frightened of making a deal or standing pat? How m by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

32 min listen

NBA Rumors: The Lakers are Reportedly Interested in Brooklyn's Kyrie Irving: Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Brooklyn Nets and mercurial guard Kyrie Irving have reached an impasse in contract negotiations, making it more likely the Nets star decides to become a free agent. And if that happens, Charania says the Lakers, of course, would be among the interested parties. So much to unpack. On Monday's show the idea of Bradley Beal, another potential target for the Lakers should things go wrong with Beal and the Washington Wizards, was tossed around. Players like Beal come with significant injury risk, and would cost a lot of money. But Beal is a rock solid locker room presence. Kyrie? He's like dropping a load of incredibly self-important dynamite into the building. You're just begging for an explosion. On the other hand, Irving is a transcendent offensive talent. That much is undeniable. So under what terms should the Lakers swing a deal (which would, definitiona by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

33 min listen

The Lakers Acquire Patrick Beverley for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson. Is Westbrook Next to Go?: It wasn't the trade people were expecting, necessarily, but it was a pretty important one. Wednesday night, the Lakers agreed to send G/F Talen Horton-Tucker and forward Stanley Johnson to Utah for veteran point guard Patrick Beverley. Assuming Beverley at 34 can keep up his track record of defense and (a slump from distance last year notwithstanding) good 3-point shooting, he'll improve the Lakers in both areas this season. Meanwhile, THT and Johnson both had potential, in different ways, and potential value, in different ways, but neither had a clear path to significant playing time. So in that sense - one guy in who will play a lot for two guys out who might not have - the Lakers improve. So what's next? On the surface at least, it appears to be a trade that comes before another trade, in part because it leaves the Lakers with a glut at point guard in Beverley, Russell Westbroo by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

35 min listen

Are the Lakers More Likely to Trade Anthony Davis Before Russell Westbrook?: Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka were trending today, and these days that's never a good thing. Fans seem to have been angry about commentary (including from The Athletic's Shams Charania) that the Lakers won't be trading the two first round picks they currently control ('27 and '29) if the team continues to perform as it has. The reasoning - no trade would save the season, and they'd be better off waiting. Is that correct? What kind of option tree are the Lakers even looking at right now? With LeBron banged up and a subpar supporting cast? Which leads to an interesting hypothetical - is it possible Anthony Davis is the one who gets moved this year? Before Russell Westbrook? Could it be both? What would an A.D. trade look like? Would it be for a star? For depth pieces? Picks and maybe a young good-but-not-star player? And what kind of return would Davis even fetch right now? And has Westbrook's value changed, given by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

33 min listen

The Lakers' Four Options for Trades and Fixing The Roster. Plus, LeBron Posts A Cryptic Tweet!: The Lakers finish out the year with (stop us if you've heard this before) basically a must-win home game against a lousy Charlotte team tonight, then a very winnable road trip against Dallas (a .500 team), Orlando (a bad team), Miami (a .500 team), Atlanta (a .500 team) and Charlotte (as noted, lousy). Are they gonna sweep? Get swept? Split? No idea, but as far as NBA road trips go, this is about as favorable as they come. And the Lakers are getting a bit of good news, too. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are expected to play tonight, and Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable. Maybe that means he needs another game, but it signals availability on Christmas, and through the road trip. And how the team fares will have a significant impact on its attitude about trades. Here, they have basically four options: Do something on the margins this year, maybe for an expendable contract by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Kyrie Irving opts in with Nets. What Next For the Lakers? Plus, Would Malik Monk Take Less to Stay?: The world woke up Monday to news that the relationship between Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets continued to deteriorate, and the star guard had permission to look for a sign and trade deal that would end his stay with the Nets. The Lakers, it was said, were the only team that showed interest. But Brooklyn, it was said, didn't want Russell Westbrook. So would it be a three-team deal? Four? How far would the Lakers go to simultaneously add the dynamic (if problematic) scorer and rid themselves of the Westbrook problem? Well, by 4 pm local time, it was a moot point. Kyrie announced, in the most pretentious way possible, he'll be staying with the Nets. Irving opts into the final year of his contract, and while that doesn't mean he can't be traded, it does mean he can't be part of a sign-and-trade that would bring him the contract Brooklyn seems unwilling to provide. So what does this sit by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

34 min listen

Clippers Get James Harden! How Does this Trade Impact the Lakers and the Western Conference?: The Lakers may have won on Monday and evened their record at 2-2, but the big postgame news had nothing to do with them. The Clippers and Sixers agreed on a massive trade, sending James Harden to LA for draft compensation, mostly. Other human basketballers also moved in the deal, and whether PJ Tucker going to the Clippers or a host of dudes (K-Mart Jr., Nic Batum, Marcus Morris, etc.) going to Philly, some might make a difference, if only on the margins. But the big thing for the Lakers is what Harden means for the Clippers. For starters, it means the LAC are likely going to be shorthanded tonight when they "visit" the Lakers. Not in the same way Phoenix was last week (the stars are likely playing) but robbed of some depth. That tilts the game more towards the Lakers and (as it was vs. Phoenix) makes the game more winnable and therefore more important. These head-to-head games can/will have b by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

32 min listen

Can the Lakers Get Value in a Russell Westbrook Deal? (Guest: Jovan Buha, Part II): In Part I of our conversation with Jovan Buha of The Athletic, we covered the LeBron James and Anthony Davis core, how viable it is, and what the Lakers might do to improve the supporting cast around them this summer. Central to that is the future of Russell Westbrook. Part II starts there. First and foremost, Jovan doesn't think the Lakers can bring Westbrook back, at least in a basketball playing capacity. If he's on the roster, the Lakers pay him to stay away. So that leaves a trade. What is realistic? Could the Lakers get Indiana to trade Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield to LA? Would that cost them both of their available first round picks? Would that be worth it? What about the head coach? Whatever identity the team forges moving forward will come, at least in part, from the influence of the guy on the sidelines. Could the Lakers land a big fish like Nick Nurse? What about Quin Snyder or Doc Rivers by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Kyrie Irving-Lakers Trade Scenarios Could Include Seth Curry, Joe Harris. Plus, Cryptic Jeanie Buss Tweets!: The momentum behind a potential trade of Kyrie Irving to the Lakers didn't abate over the weekend. In fact, things seemed to gain a little clarity. Both teams are playing the leverage game, but broadly it appears the Lakers are the only team in the market for Kyrie. That makes the dance a little more delicate, but also would appear to make the result more inevitable. Do the Lakers give up multiple picks? What other names might be involved? Reportedly, the Nets would like the Lakers to take small forward Joe Harris off their hands. The Lakers prefer guard Seth Curry. Both guys shoot the lights out, but Curry makes less money and is on an expiring contract. But is it worth getting hung up on that sort of thing? If the Lakers can fill out the roster, holding on to as much human talent as they can and bringing back multiple players, does that give them a much more legitimate shot at by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

35 min listen

Why Darvin Ham Should Coach the Lakers, and Is a Kyrie Irving/Russell Westbrook Trade Worth the Risk?: The Lakers are down to Terry Stotts, Kenny Atkinson and Darvin Ham. One will be the next head coach. So after a series of scouting reports breaking down each guy, who ought to be the hire? The answer is Ham, but why? And what about the other guys? Would either constitute a real mistake? Meanwhile, if Rob Pelinka can't do serious work improving the roster, does it even matter who coaches the Lakers next season? Speaking of new talent, the relationship between, um, "mercurial" point guard Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets has soured, with the Nets reportedly unwilling to give Irving the long-term extension everyone expected. (Not surprising, given how the last couple seasons have gone.) If he leaves Brooklyn, the oddsmakers think the Lakers are a relatively probable landing spot. Is this a good idea? How deep into the Kyrie Irving Business should the Lakers get, even if it means gettin by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

34 min listen

Should Rob Pelinka Make a Big Deadline Trade, or Big Offseason Moves? What's Better for the Lakers?: Trade season is starting to heat up, and while the Lakers aren't currently at the center of any big rumors (no, Cam Reddish chatter doesn't count), they're generally expected to do something in one form or another before the deadline. Because, if nothing else, they're the Lakers and under a ton of pressure to at least give the appearance of trying to provide LeBron James a fighting chance to compete. This, of course, is all predicated on the idea that a) Anthony Davis will return at some point soon—Davis participated in parts of Thursday's practice and is at least trending in the right direction—and b) the Lakers are actually interested in trying to salvage this season, vs. waiting until the summer. To that end, an interesting breakdown on the merits of "Now or Later?" on the Rob Pelinka Decision Tree was posted to Hoopshype by cap guru Yossi Gozlan. He lays out the case for making a mo by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

33 min listen

The Lakers, Free Agency and Trade Season: Who's Coming or Going? What's Possible? With Cap Expert Danny Leroux!: The NBA season is now officially in the books, which means it's officially time for Offseason Rumor-a-palooza, with the Lakers at the center of it all, as always! The Lakers have several players heading into free agency (most notably, Dennis Schröder, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker), another who has the option to follow suit (Montrezl Harrell), and two players prominently in the rumor mill (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma). They also have the 22nd pick in the draft to potentially trade. Does that mean the Lakers are set for a whirlwind of activity between now and August 2, when free agency kicks off? Not necessarily. The Lakers aren't just capped out. They also have luxury tax issues that could limit the moves that are even legal, much less optimal. As much as they might want to make changes, it won't be easy by any stretch. To better understand the Lakers' option by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

42 min listen

Has the Free Agency Market Been Set for Rui Hachimura? Do the Lakers Need to Keep Mo Bamba?: The Draft is done, and now the NBA is getting ready for the rush of free agency. In a twist on the normal run of things, the Lakers really aren't a big part of the rumor mill. The reasons are fairly obvious: They lack cap space, and to create any, it would require the Lakers to clear the decks of too many important players. Way too many. Meanwhile, the types of guys they can afford aren't the shiny names that get attention at this point of the process. But logic and reality has never been a big part of determining whether people talk about the Lakers and free agent action. Instead, the focus really is much more on the market for their own free agents, and whether the Lakers will make a real effort to run it back. That starts with D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. And the market for Hachimura might have taken shape over the weekend, when Minnesota's Naz Reid signed an extension with the Wolves by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

31 min listen

Can the Lakers Maintain Continuity... and Also Try to Sign Bruce Brown as a Free Agent?: On Tuesday, introducing the team's two draft picks to the local media, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka reiterated the idea the team enters this offseason valuing continuity. They want to keep this core group together, and build on what was accomplished following the trade deadline last season. Of course, continuity can mean a lot of different things, as can core. Some guys are more core than others, right? So who might get left out if the Lakers decide to run it back... mostly? And if they go that direction, do they have a path to better players? Well, on Wednesday reports indicated the Lakers would be very, very interested in Denver's Bruce Brown, were they to free up use of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception, worth a little over $12 million. They'd have plenty of competition, and even getting to a place where an offer could be made would mean parting ways with Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba, and perhaps mor by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

28 min listen

How Hard Will It Be for the Lakers to Trade Russell Westbrook?: Now that Darvin Ham is in the fold, attention returns to Russell Westbrook, and the efforts the Lakers will surely make to try and trade him this offseason. It's what he wants, it's what the Lakers want. But that doesn't mean it'll happen. Many fans, however, have become fully invested emotionally at the idea of trading him at any costs, or at the least, cutting him before training camp begins if that's not an option. But just how realistic is it? Will the Lakers be able to find a trade that isn't cost prohibitive? Just how big will the market be for Westbrook? On the one hand, it's a $47 million expiring contract. On the other, it's easy to wonder how many teams would want him, for all the same reasons Lakers fans want him gone. Where, exactly, would he fit? So matching the goal (no more Russ) with the difficult balancing act the Lakers have to manage this offseason (trying to get better with VERY few options at their dis by Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

30 min listen

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Is the Hield/Turner for Westbrook/Draft Picks Trade Dead? Should the Lakers Revive It?

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