It's Draft Day! The Lakers have been rumored to be using their 22nd pick as everything from a sweetener in a larger trade package, a mechanism to move higher in the first round, a mechanism to trade into the second round... and... well... a means of selecting a player 22nd overall. Whatever decision ultimately made will be dictated in part by whoever's most likely available for them at that spot. To break down the field of candidates, the Kamenetzkys welcomed NBA draft expert Mike Garcia (@canyondriver). He offered scouting reports on several rookies linked to the Lakers, including Jared Butler, Chris Duarte, Jared Springer, and Trey Murphy III. Additionally, he offered perspective on potentially underrated gems for the second round, a couple of high upside candidates worth rolling the dice on late in the first, and the strength of the class as a whole. Plus, learn which incoming rookie reminds Garcia of Talen Horton-Tucker, along with the animal you'll now be comparing THT to from this day forward! Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More than any player, Baylor point guard and national championship Jared Butler has been the consensus pick for the Lakers at 22. Would he make sense? SEGMENT 2: The rumor mill has the Lakers trying to move up to ensure a chance at Oregon sharpshooter Chris Duarte. Would he be worth the effort? Plus, scouting reports on other players. SEGMENT 3: Who are sleepers worth keeping an eye on, and how good is the 2021 class to begin with? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Who Will the Lakers Select with the 22nd Pick? An NBA Draft Preview with Mike Garcia

Another day, another trade rumor involving the Lakers and Kyle Kuzma. This time, he was reportedly offered, along with the 22nd pick, to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for T.J. Warren and the 13th pick. If that sounds lopsided in favor of the Lakers, that's only because it is. Like, a lot. But what's even more curious is the Lakers' reported attempt to move up in a draft. Could the Lakers have a specific player in mind (Chris Duarte?), or another plan altogether? In the meantime, there's change a-foot among the coaching staff. The venerable Lionel Hollins and the Lakers have parted ways after an impasse during contract negotiations. Reportedly, Hollins will be replaced internally by a promoted Mike Penberthy, heretofore largely known for his work as a shooting coach with the Lakers. (Take that info as you will.) If nobody else is brought on from the outside, should eyebrows be raised. Plus, the Kamenetzkys reminisce about their days as published authors. Have you picked up a copy of "Fishing on the Edge?" It apparently still sells copies. Seriously. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Pacers reportedly (and reasonably) turned down a trade offer involving Kuzma and the 22nd pick. What can be read into this attempt by Rob Pelinka? SEGMENT 2: More on what the Lakers could be up to in the draft, where it's been suggested they're trying to do everything from move higher in the first, or out of it entirely. SEGMENT 3: Hollins out. Penberthy promoted. Significant development? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Kuzma trade rumor! Lakers moving up in the Draft? Plus, Lionel Hollins out!

With free agency approaching, and the Lakers negotiating several salary cap obstacles while trying to make roster upgrades, there's nobody better to break down the "how" of it all than NBA salary cap expert Eric Pincus (Bleacher Report, Basketball Insiders, Sports Business Classroom). The conversation begins with Pincus explaining exactly what the Lakers are up against while trying to make deals, particularly sign-and-trade swaps, which could potentially trigger a hard cap and create new sets of limitations. From there, what are the complications for their individual free agents, when it comes to retaining them? What is Montrezl Harrell going to do, opt in or become a free agent? Which is a better result for the Lakers? What about Dennis Schröder? Is he good as gone? What exactly does his market look like, anyway? One important thing to remember -- all of the NBA is one big Butterfly Effect. One move impacts another which impacts another. Then, it's another Westbrook debate. Pincus believes it's not as problematic an idea as the Kamenetzky brothers (and others) think, and explains why. One big thing - he explains why a hard cap creating deal (like a sign-and-trade to the Lakers) may not be as bad a thing for LA it might look on the surface.... depending at least on how they shuffle the deck chairs. And all of this is fueled by listener/viewer-supplied emails and Q's. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Where the Lakers stand heading into what could be a big week in the NBA. Where are the challenges? Where are the opportunities? SEGMENT 2: Looking at the market for Harrell and Schroder, and the pros/cons of a Westbrook trade, SEGMENT 3: So is a hard cap the worst thing in the world? Plus, more of your questions for Eric, including one thing he'd change in the CBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Questions for the Lakers as the Draft and Free Agency Arrive: Guest, NBA Cap Expert Eric Pincus

With Draft week approaching, the NBA Rumor Mill certainly wasn't going to take the weekend off. So after Friday brought news of Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, it's no surprise, then, to see the Lakers connected to two more intriguing names: Sacramento sharpshooter Buddy Hield, and Utah's smooth shooting, savvy Aussie Joe Ingles. Would either be a good fit with the Lakers? Is Hield even the best guy on Sacramento's roster for LA to target? Ingles is an interesting name not just because he's good and would address some (though certainly not all) of the Lakers' shortcomings this season, but because integrating him in to the lineup would be relatively simple. Is Ingles as talented as Westbrook? Absolutely not, though as Team USA is showing, talent should always be a major consideration... but it can't be the only one. Other things matter, too. Would the Lakers benefit more from adding a lesser player than Westbrook who fits better? Where's the sweet spot? Finally, the same two names -- Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope -- have reportedly been included in every trade offer the Lakers are making. Well, there's a decent reason for that, but could it still cause some long term damage? What does it do for their reps around the league. SEGMENT 1: Would Buddy Hield make sense as a trade target for the Lakers? SEGMENT 2: How much should the Lakers prioritize increased talent vs. a smooth transition when it comes to any new faces added? SEGMENT 3: Are Kuz and KCP sick of being included in every rumor involving the Lakers? Probably, but such is life. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trade Rumors Keep Flying: How About Buddy Hield or Joe Ingles for the Lakers?

As it turns out, Chris Paul isn't the only future Hall of Fame point guard at the tail end of his career that's now linked to the Lakers. Marc Spears of ESPN/The Undefeated has reported discussions between the Lakers and Wizards about a blockbuster that would send Russell Westbrook to L.A. in a complicated scenario involving signed-and-traded(s) Dennis Schröder/Talen Horton-Tucker, Kyle Kuzma... and very little logic on either side. Westbrook remains a great player, but he makes zero sense for the Lakers. At all. (Frankly, Washington's end of the deal is weird for them.) Never say never, but with all sincere respect to Russ, this feels like an insane long shot. The Lakers extended a qualifying offer to Horton-Tucker, which was completely expected. And speaking of THT, the Kamenetzkys take a question Conor 511 left on the podcast show page. (You can also hit them up on Twitter, @kambrothers, or via email, kamenetzkybrothers@gmail.com.) The Cavaliers are reportedly shopping their young and very talented guard Colin Sexton, who's already proven himself a 20+ppg scorer. Were this a possibility, should the Lakers trade Horton-Tucker for Sexton? Finally, LeBron James has reportedly accumulated a net worth of one billion dollars. (Just like the Kamenetzkys, although theirs is combined, not individual.) He may be the first of his NBA generation to reach this peak, but won't likely be the last. If nothing else, many of his peers will retire worth half a billion or more. What is the future impact of athletes with this type of money, power, and influence? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Russ to the Lakers? Really? Like... really? C'mon now. SEGMENT 2: Is it worth trading the unique potential of THT for the more established, conventional talent like Sexton? SEGMENT 3: What are the larger implications of LeBron and other athletes becoming billionaires, or thereabouts? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the Lakers Interested in Russell Westbrook? Possibly. Is LeBron James a Billionaire? Definitely.

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' options, the Kamenetzkys talk with NBA cap expert Danny Leroux (The Athletic, Dunc'd On Podcast, RealGM Radio). How viable is a sign-and-trade involving Schröder? What are the market values for Caruso and THT? Are KCP and Kuzma reasonably valuable trade chips? Is it more likely for the team to make moves or run back a large chunk of the roster? These and many other questions get chopped up. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Danny Leroux breaks down the Lakers' cap situation, as well as the complications that make sign-and-trade deals a potentially difficult option to shake up the roster. SEGMENT 2: Are KCP and Kuzma valuable trade assets to help swing a larger deal? After some publicly stalled negotiations between Schröder and the Lakers, followed up an uneven playoffs, what's the point guard's market value? Can he leverage the Lakers' limited ability to replace him into a sizable payday? SEGMENT 3: How much competition will the Lakers face to retain Caruso and THT? Traditionally, the Lakers have been a strong option for veterans willing to take minimum deals in pursuit of a ring. Might that advantage be lessened this offseason? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers, Free Agency and Trade Season: Who's Coming or Going? What's Possible? With Cap Expert Danny Leroux!

The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Champions, capping off a crazy season that was, frankly, often difficult to watch. But beyond being a great story and reward for some outstanding people, like Giannis, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, the Bucks showed a few things that are instructive for the Lakers. First, it's a reminder of how thin the margins are, and how easily things could go the other way. If Brooklyn's Big Three is healthy, do the Bucks make it to the Finals? Maybe not. If Anthony Davis doesn't get hurt, do the Lakers get there, despite all the other things that ate into the margin for error built up from winning in 2020? Yeah, they probably do. Next season is going to be as open as any in recent NBA history. The Lakers have two superstars. Is the lesson of Milwaukee the need to take big swings, like the Bucks did with the Jrue Holiday trade? (And the Lakers did with Davis?) What's the equivalent of that for LA this offseason? Magic Johnson has some suggestions on how the Lakers can improve. The Kamenetzky Brothers discuss, and acknowledge executing on Magic's plan requires a little chicanery. Finally, NBA Draft prep continues at Locked On Lakers. Kendall Kaut, who literally wrote the book on Baylor's 2021 NCAA title, joins to break down smooth-shooting guard Jared Butler. Is he the best fit for LA at 22? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBhh19es9nSvPn0ixAmYEA HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Bucks are NBA champs. How did they get there, and what does it say about this year's Lakers? SEGMENT 2: Magic has a plan that, no surprise, doesn't necessarily fit neatly into the NBA's salary cap rules. But no worries, the Kamenetzkys explain how it can happen. Plus, should the Lakers make a big swing this summer, even if it comes with some risk? SEGMENT 3: Kendall Kaut joins, with an excellent scouting report on Butler's Jared Baylor. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What Milwaukee's Title Says About the Lakers This and Next Season. Plus, Scouting Jared Butler!

The Kamenetzky Brothers open up the Locked On Lakers Mailbag. (Direct all questions to @KamBrothers on Twitter, kamenetzkybrothers@gmail.com, and on the iTunes show page.) First, from Will Powell (@willpowell_4): Who is most likely between Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma to open the season with the Lakers? Could all of them stay? None of them? From there, Aniket Mohan (@Aniket_Mohan24) asks who'd they'd rather have for the last five minutes of a game: Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo? Is one better as a closer? What are their respective shortcomings in this scenario? Then, as part of their continuing coverage of the 2021 NBA Draft. they talked with Adam Chimeo, who covers University of Oregon sports for SB Nation's Addicted to Quack, about guard Chris Duarte. The senior can shoot the lights out, plays smart, and seems ready to contribute now. However, he's also near 24 years-old, and doesn't have incredible athleticism or projected upside. What are the pros and cons for Duarte? After the conversation with Chimeo, the Kamenetzkys talk about the importance of finding a player who can become a part of the Lakers' rotation, assuming they keep the pick. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Mailbag time! How will the Lakers' tricky cap situation affect the purple and gold futures of Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma? Also, who do you want in crunch time? Giannis or AD? SEGMENT 2: Adam Chimeo provides a scouting report on Oregon guard Chris Duarte, who's been linked to the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: The Kamenetzkys react to the interview with Chimeo, and break down the importance of finding someone in the draft who can contribute. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kuzma, Harrell and Schröder: Who's Most Likely on the Lakers Next Year? Plus, Scouting Chris Duarte.

How was your weekend? Good? Well, LeBron's was better. The Lakers superstar's new movie, Space Jam: A New Legacy, opened Friday, and despite a plethora of very bad reviews, did nearly $32M in sales, more than 10 mil above industry estimates, despite still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and the movie simultaneously streaming on HBO Max. All in all, this was impressive, and audiences seem to have liked the movie. For that matter, the Kamenetzkys liked the movie better than the 1996 original. Is it a *great* movie? No. But it's an entertaining enough watch, and has some positives going for it. From there, a discussion about what this opening means for whatever aspirations LeBron has to be a genuine movie star. Fair to say this doesn't confirm he's The Rock 2.0, but could LeBron carve out a film career if he wants? The answer could be yes, for a few reasons. Finally, Eric Cain, host of Locked On Vols, joins to discuss Tennessee guard Jaden Springer. One of the youngest players in the Draft, he's been linked to the Lakers in multiple mocks, and worked out for the team over the weekend. Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What are the best parts of this version of Space Jam? To begin, Don Cheadle, who's amazingly committed, and amazingly weird. For that matter, the whole movie's kinda weird, in a good way. SEGMENT 2: LeBron's performance is just adequate, but given the strong opening, does this mean he could be a movie star? The Kamenetzkys discuss his potential. SEGMENT 3: The Kamenetzkys talk with Eric Cain (Locked on Vols) about Tennessee guard Jaden Springer's one and done season, along with his strengths and weaknesses. Subscribe to Locked on Lakers on YouTube, here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBhh19es9nSvPn0ixAmYEA Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reviewing LeBron James and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Is it Good? Plus, a Scouting Report of UT Guard Jaden Springer.

It's getting close to the draft and free agency, which makes it a great time for an examination of various implications with both for the Lakers! First, the Kamenetzkys scout guard Cam Thomas, an absolute scoring machine during his lone season at LSU, who's been linked to the Lakers in a few mock drafts. Just how talented of a scorer is this kid who averaged 23 ppg? What else, if anything, has he demonstrated capable of consistently doing other than get buckets? Is he ready to contribute now? The answers to these questions and more, courtesy of Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona), who covers all things LSU for Locked on LSU and ESPN Baton Rouge. From there, the Kamenetzkys discuss several recent articles predicting a slew of sign-and-trades once free agency kicks off, with the Lakers mentioned as a team that would at least want to be players. In particular, Dennis Schröder could be of interest around the league as a potential asset. The devil, however, is always in the details, and the Lakers' cap situation will make these types of deals quite difficult to pull off. Finally, LeBron James remains the most popular jersey in the league for fans, although several young players are nipping at his heels. What can be ascertained from this, whether in terms of the overall health of the NBA, but also the anticipation of LeBron's upcoming Space Jam reboot? The early reviews have been, well, bad. Will that matter in terms of viewership? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Matt Moscana breaks down how the frosh phenom Cam Thomas could fit in with the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: How viable an option will sign-and-trades be for the Lakers when free agency starts, given how little wiggle room they'll have with the cap? SEGMENT 3: LeBron remains very, very popular among fans. Popular enough to get eyeballs on a Space Jam reboot? That remains to be seen. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the Lakers do any Sign-and-Trades? Plus, LeBron's Space Jam, and Scouting LSU G Cam Thomas with Matt Moscona!

The Lakers have the 22nd pick in this year's NBA Draft, and names of potential draftees are flying around. We've discussed the priorities for the Lakers heading in - shooting, playmaking, and perhaps most important, the ability to contribute quickly - and begin our scouting reports talking Florida guard Tre Mann with Brandon Olsen, host of Locked on Gators and Whole Nine Sports. Could Mann, who played two years with the Gators, improved considerably between years 1 and 2, and even grew a few inches, be a good fit in purple and gold? Olsen breaks down his strengths and weaknesses. From there, the other shoe we've all been waiting for finally dropped on the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is out for at least six months following surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Likely, the absence could be closer to nine or even 12 months, meaning there's an real chance Leonard misses most if not all of next season. What does that mean for the Western Conference? How does it impact the Lakers' title window? Lakers fans may be happy their team has a better shot at winning next year, but shouldn't (and likely won't) get too gleeful. We discuss why. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1; All about Tre Mann, with Brandon Olsen. Is he a good fit at 22? SEGMENT 2: Kawhi's injury, and how it impacts the Lakers. What does it mean for their offseason? Can the Clippers recover? Do the Lakers, and other teams, push harder to win now, now? SEGMENT 3: Kawhi's injury illustrates the dangers inherent in building teams around highly paid stars. When they go down, there's just no recourse. It's the worst nightmare for a fanbase... including for Lakers fans. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Kawhi Leonard's ACL Injury Impacts the Lakers Next Season... Plus, NBA Draft Scouting Report: Florida's Tre Mann

It's a bit of a change of pace for today's show. We bring on one of the great writers working in sports today, The Ringer's Mirin Fader, whose biography of Giannis Antetokounmpo, "Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP" comes out August 10th. (Preorder wherever you get your books!) Having had a chance to preview the book, it's a fantastic look at a wholly unique player and the conditions and circumstances that made him what he is today. In a wide-ranging interview, we talk with Fader about the incredibly difficult process of writing a book about a guy who grew up in Greece during a pandemic, when travel is impossible and communication more complicated. What don't people understand about the way Giannis grew up, and the obstacles he encountered? How is his experience different than athletes who grow up poor, even desperately so, in the United States? What turned him into an MVP, someone who plays with incredible joy but equally incredible drive? What was the influence of his family? Of veteran players both on his team, and around the league (including Kobe Bryant)? Also, what does Mirin keep on her bookshelf? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How to write a well-reported biography during a pandemic. What makes Giannis such a complex and intriguing biography subject? SEGMENT 2: It's easy to get caught up in the sheer wonderfulness and innocence of Giannis, and the way he came into the league. But he, and other Black immigrants in Greece, faced real and often violent discrimination. Giannis only received Greek citizenship after the family started looking to other countries in an effort to get a passport, and only after it was clear Giannis could become a star. What is different about growing up poor there vs. the experience so many athletes have in the US? SEGMENT 3: What is the role of family in Giannis' development? Of veteran leaders on his own team, like Caron Butler, or around the league, like Kobe Bryant? Fader tells the story of a meeting engineered between Giannis and Bryant and the impact it had. Plus, what getting the Bucks to the Finals means for a city like Milwaukee. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mirin Fader discusses Giannis Antetokounmpo's Inspiring Career, Obstacles Overcome, Relationship with Kobe Bryant, and more!

As part of his Space Jam promotional tour, LeBron James appeared on the "Smartless" podcast with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, and among many subjects, touched on his basketball future. In a nutshell, he wants to play another several years, and all of them in a Laker uniform. What's crazy is how absolutely sane the notion of him playing well into his forties feels. LeBron also talked about his future in Hollywood, and what he could have in common with Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson and The Rock. From there, the Kamenetzkys break down what type of player the Lakers should target with the 22nd pick, assuming they keep it. Should they target a high ceiling, or a high floor? What skills should they covet? Is it even possible to find a multifaceted player late in the first round? Finally, Team USA lost what is ultimately an insignificant game against Nigeria, but basketball fans are still freaking out. Why do American basketball fans lose their minds over this stuff? Does it reflect some of our worst characteristics as a country? Plus, Andy mocks the sheeple who care about Olympic sports once every four years because they're told to. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron wants to retire a Laker, and not for a while. What are the implications of this, and more importantly, how will this affect his potential next act as a Hollywood action hero? SEGMENT 2: If the Lakers keep their first round pick, what kind of player should they target? SEGMENT 3: Is it really that big of a deal if Team USA -- and by extension, America -- isn't THE BEST in the world at basketball anymore, considering how this country set out to make the game more global in the first place? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron Says He Wants to Retire (many years from now) as a Laker! Plus, the Lakers' Draft Needs.

Andre Drummond and Montrezl Harrell, the former a free agent to be and the latter potentially so, both made recent headlines with what appeared to be swipes at Frank Vogel on social media. Drummond claims he was intentionally making headlines to help promote his new NFT's, and didn't mean any of it. Whether sincere or not, the stakes with Drummond's theoretical unhappiness are fairly low, because he might not be back even if he were totally pleased with time in L.A. Either way, he's selling the hell out these NFT's, and they'll need all the help he can provide. Harrell, however, can exercise a player option to return next season, and might need to do from a financial standpoint, even if he's not thrilled to return. While Harrell is obviously a quality NBA player, how he views himself and how the rest of the world sees him may be significantly different. Given how much Harrell wears his emotions on his sleeve and the likelihood that his role next year will likely remain exactly the same, could this be a problem waiting to happen? Finally, the shooting coach known as Lethal Shooter (@LethalShooter__), who works with many NBA players, has been raising among Laker fans of late for seemingly combining drills and post-apocalyptic gadgetry. Admittedly, the Kamenetzkys would LOVE to see a version of basketball that involves spiked rims and revolving hoops, we're not sure what any of this has to do with developing great mechanics. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Now that he has your attention, how much would you pay for a certain seven-footer's NFT, which in certain cases are packaged as part of a larger "Andre Drummond" experience? (Hint: He expects the answer to be "a lot.") SEGMENT 2: On one hand, Harrell has a definitive role on next year's Lakers. On the other hand, he's seemed increasingly dissatisfied with that role. Even with a nice 2021 salary, would opting into it be the right choice, financially and for his own happiness? SEGMENT 3: Lethal Shooter has some Laker fans concerned.... and the Kamenetzkys kinda get it. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harrell and Drummond Take Shots at Vogel. One is Definitely Serious. The Other is Definitely Selling NFT's.

He's one of our favorite people, and a hugely popular figure on NBA social media, and Lakers Twitter particularly. Daman Rangoola (@damanr) joins Locked On Lakers, on a busy day in the NBA. After a quick breakdown of Game 2 of the Finals, and talking about our respective rooting interests, we dive into some provocative comments made by Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, who is out promoting his new TV show. He thinks with a more consistent role and opportunity, he can be an All Star. Is he right? Kuz also made some interesting comments about team chemistry, which wasn't as good this year as before. Is that evidence that the moves the Lakers made last offseason were a mistake? What should they be looking for this summer? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, GUEST: Daman Rangoola SEGMENT 1: Talking NBA Finals, rooting interests and Kyle Kuzma's TV show. SEGMENT 2: Kuz thinks he's an All Star level player. Is he right? Does it matter if he's wrong? SEGMENT 3: What do Kuzma's comments on team chemistry mean? Should the Lakers have run it back with what they had? How was last offseason instructive for what this offseason might bring? SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON LAKERS ON YOUTUBE! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Kuzma Talks Team Chemistry, His Scoring Potential and TV Shows... Guest: Daman Rangoola

Anthony Irwin brings you a daily look into the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. He digs deep into all the latest around LA's premiere franchise on "Locked On Lakers" podcast, a part of the "Locked On Podcast Network". #nba #lakers

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Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

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