Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers entered the preseason with two starting spots theoretically up for grabs. (Though most people think one of those spots was always Quentin Grimes's to lose, and to this point, it doesn't seem that he has.)
But that leaves one spot available. Who are the most prominent candidates?
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Jake LaRavia
Ziaire Williams
Matisse Thybulle
Adou Thiero
The good news for JJ Redick is that all of these guys have had strong preseasons to this point. Williams has been hurt, but flashed the skill set that made him an early dark horse to win the gig. Thiero continues to show growth, and his absurd levels of athleticism. Thybulle's defensive reputation precedes him, while LaRavia has had a fantastic bounceback through three preseason games, after a terrible second half to last year. And Mamu has arguably been their best non-Luka player in the first three games.
So what direction will Redick head? Which way should he go?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are still searching for the final starter.

SEGMENT 2: Who gets eliminated from the list?

SEGMENT 3: The case for Mamu, Williams and LaRavia.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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So there seems to be some reasonable optimism that Walker Kessler will be back on the floor soon, where he can make his Lakers debut.
But what about Collin Sexton?
The backup guard, expected to play a significant role off the bench as a playmaker, three-point shooter and bucket getter, is still on the sidelines, and has been described by JJ Redick as a little behind Kessler. The diagnosis is a somewhat vague "lower leg injury," so presumably something kneecap or below? On one of his two legs?
For the Lakers, it's important to figure out how they're going to respond should Sexton miss real time, or in any instance where one of their three primary guards isn't available.
One solution is to have Sandro Mamukelashvili handle as much work as possible. The Lakers certainly can put him in critical decision-making positions and have him use his court vision to their advantage. But there are certain things Mamu won't be able to do himself. So if they need more traditional guard skills, where do they turn? Bronny James is probably the most qualified member of the roster to step in there, but we've seen that he's not yet qualified to be a lead guard in high-leverage situations against first and second string NBA competition.
So what do the Lakers do?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)



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The Lakers have had some highlights this preseason, but one massive absence—literally and figuratively—has undercut some of the optimism.
Walker Kessler jammed his left pinkie on the backboard early in the preseason, and has been limited since. He's missed all three of the team's preseason games. But this weekend, he was back on the floor, playing without restrictions (other than some tape on his fingers). Those bullish on Kessler's impact this season (including the hosts of this podcast) and his capacity to elevate the Lakers defense (especially via rebounding and rim protection) are excited to see what comes next.
It also raises a significant question, one that has been somewhat answered in the preseason, with mixed results. What do the Lakers do when Kessler isn't on the floor? Whether the 15-18 minutes a night he's not playing while healthy, or the 48 minutes that open up in those games he's not available for? (Hopefully not too many of those.)
We've seen in the preseason that the Lakers will struggle with rebounding and rim protection. Is there anything they can do to address those shortcomings?
Plus, Collin Sexton isn't playing yet. The Lakers aren't giving up much info as to why.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Kessler to return soon?

SEGMENT 2: What to do without Kessler

SEGMENT 3: No info on Sexton is... not exactly surprising.

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Luka Dončić is a tough nut to crack. He's not a basketball and global celebrity, but even more than a decade into his professional career is uncomfortable with fame.
Still, he's the centerpiece of the NBA's crown jewel franchise, which has not been completely turned over to him.
Doncic knows he needs to let people in a little, and has spent the offseason doing just that, as Chris Mannix reports for Sports Illustrated in a very good, highly insightful profile. Like his Lakers teammates and coach JJ Redick, Mannix went to see Luka in Slovenia, and profiled him there. That's been the mechanism for letting people in.
The story details how Doncic is slow to let his guard down, but beloved once he does. His love for basketball is palpable, as is an increasing enthusiasm for golf. But more importantly, the story illustrates Luka's role in building this year's Lakers squad, and shaping the direction of the team. He talks about taking blame for last year's hamstring injury, which functionally ended LA's season.
It's smart for Luka to open a window into his personality in the way he has. He's likely not going to change how he operates towards the media, so the work he did this summer is helpful for providing context that might not come through as much once the games begin.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Lakers still are waiting for the preseason debut of Walker Kessler, who sat out a third game with an injured finger. (FWIW, he in a halftime interview said it was fine, they're just being really, really cautious.)
As for the guys who did play?
Luka made it to the line nine times, and while he wasn't exactly hyper-efficient from the floor (6-16) he was playing with palpable joy and is very clearly ready to go. Austin Reaves made his preseason debut, and lived in the paint, piling up eight assists and five boards. Sandro Mamukelashvili finished with 19, along with four assists and continues to impress in the preseason. Jake LaRavia continues to build confidence after a terrible second half to last season.
All in all, plenty to like in what finished as a 114-110 Lakers win.
So what comes next?
The Lakers don't play again until early next week, so it's very fair to start looking for Kessler on the floor between now and then. And Collin Sexton, who also hasn't played yet in the preseason. At some point, even more hearty fans will start to get nervous if some of these dudes don't play soon. Even if management says they're fine.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat Sacramento, but are still missing a few guys.

SEGMENT 2: Reaves's preseason debut.

SEGMENT 3: Mamu and LaRavia continue to impress.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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