Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers, having traded Deandre Ayton, badly needed to address the backup center position, and on Tuesday did just that, signing veteran Kevon Looney, known mostly for his time in Golden State but most recently with the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Looney is an interesting addition, because he's definitely a veteran who can provide a voice and guidance for a team that is now extremely young. But at nearly 31 years old when the season starts, there's reason to question how effective a player he'll be. His per minute numbers were broadly similar last year in New Orleans compared to his time with the Warriors, save shooting and scoring numbers that cratered. As did his some of his defensive metrics, but this could be more a function of the Pelicans than Looney. 

He's still an aggressive rebounder, but his finishing around the rim has fallen off. 

But what he really might be is a player designed to attract free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is the current apple of LA's eye as they try to fill out the roster. Of course, to get him, the Lakers will need to free up some space. The "how" there is yet to be determined. Is Kuminga worth the pursuit? They've apparently tried to lure him with a deal starting at 2 years and $20 million.

Still work to do! 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers sign Looney

 

SEGMENT 2: Pursing Jonathan Kuminga, hard!

 

SEGMENT 3: Can they open up space? 

 

Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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We learned Monday morning that Rui Hachimura will be heading to Inglewood to join the Clippers next season, on a two year deal worth $28 million (with the second season a team option). The Lakers had reportedly hoped they might be able to keep Hachimura around, but clearly he hasn't been a priority, given the number of players they've already brought in, and the fact that Rui has been extension eligible for a while, and yet here we are. 

So why is he gone? 

For starters, the Lakers simply seem to be prioritizing players they believe are more multi-dimensional than Rui, who has essentially one dimension... it just happens to be one (shooting) that he's fairly elite at (by percentage at least) and is always in demand. 

It's reasonable to let Rui go, but it doesn't change the fact that the Lakers have holes around the roster that need filling. The question becomes how. 

Meanwhile, why exactly did the Lakers and LeBron break up? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lost Rui. Now what? 

SEGMENT 2: What the shift says about the team's priorities. 

SEGMENT 3: Why LeBron and the Lakers broke up. 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

 

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The Lakers need some wins in the draft and player development space after swings and misses on Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht. 

Well, Cameron Carr looks like that guy, through two California Classic games, at least. 

Carr has displayed the rangy, top shelf athleticism and excellent shooting skills (coming off screens, relcating, catch and shoot and so on) from beyond the arc. Needless to say, after two very good showings in early play, he's got Lakers fans (and surely the Lakers) excited. Looking great in Summer League isn't a guarantee a player will be successful at the NBA level -- the more predictive warning flags come when a player doesn't look good -- but it's never a bad thing for your guy to look like he's one of the best players on the floor, and that's been Carr. 

Adou Thiero, meanwhile, followed up a wild, out of control effort on Friday with a much more controlled and productive effort on Sunday. The gap between Theiro and meaningful playing time might really be related to how effectively he can slow things down, and make sure he's not he's losing his fundamentals and making too many mistakes. 

And then there are the two-way guys, Chris Manon, AK Okereke and Peter Suder. How are they looking? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

 

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As the Lakers reportedly try to open up the space to continue adding to what is currently a guard-heavy, wing/forward-light roster, there was at least some hope that they could find a way to bring Rui Hachimura back. 

Well, that's not a thing anymore. 

Reports on Monday have Hachimura moving crosstown to the Clippers, on a two-year, $28 million contract. Rui was definitely a fan favorite, and a truly killer playoff performer, but also has serious limitations in his game, namely rebounding, passing and defense. He might have had a more natural role this year given LeBron's departure, but we'll never know. 

In the meantime... the Lakers really need to figure out how they're going to clear some space, and obviously attention will shift even more heavily to free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. And they still need a backup center, given the trade of Deandre Ayton to Washington. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

 

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One of the big moves the Lakers made after the big Walker Kessler trade was to wrap up former Raptors PF/C Sandro Mamukelashvili. The Georgian vet has been a darling of the analytics community for a while, but had a breakout year last season, showing chops as a passer, rebounder and energy-bringer. But enough to justify a four year, $52 million contract? 

The Lakers hope so. 

But is Mamu a power forward? A center? Can he play starters minutes? Can he hold up enough defensively to perhaps even outplay that contract? 

And what does Mamu look like on a Luka Doncic-led squad? 

To answer all of these questions and more, we bring in Sean Woodley, host of Locked On Raptors for a comprehensive scouting report. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Sean Woodley!

 

SEGMENT 1: What led to Mamu's breakout season last year? 

 

SEGMENT 2: Can Mamu handle a bigger role? 

 

SEGMENT 3: Reaction!

 

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

 

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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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

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

 

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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