Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Walker Kessler got off to an incredibly strong start for the Lakers, hitting all 12 of his shots in his first game, and blocking six shots in his second. But the last three haven't been quite as strong, particularly when it comes to rebounding. Indeed, Kessler's numbers in terms of (especially) offensive and defensive rebounding percentage are both down.
But why?
Are teams working to keep him off the boards, limiting his effectiveness? Is Kessler not playing with enough force and aggression? Yes to both?
Because while the Lakers have started off 4-1, one thing that hasn't gotten better is the team rebounding, something Kessler was brought in to help address.
Were there any keys revealed in Wednesday's win against the Clippers, where Kessler wasn't necessarily dominant on the glass, but the team's rebounding was much better?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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The Lakers were without Luka Dončić and Ziaire Williams on Wednesday at the Intuit Dome against the Clippers, he second night of their back-to-back set. The league's best offense definitely looked a lot different (to be charitable) with Luka in street clothes, but the results defensively were great.
The Lakers kept the clamps on the Clips, winning 103-87. This was definitely a game that was won on the defensive end. That will be satisfying given how ineffective they were on that side of the ball against Portland on Tuesday.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: No Luka, but Lakers win.

SEGMENT 2: Defense steps up.

SEGMENT 3: Quality win given the context.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-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.
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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.
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The Lakers lost their first game of the season, 136-129 to the Blazers at home, despite 41 from Luka Dončić, and 26 from Austin Reaves.
For a game that featured tons of scoring and shotmaking, the game was disjointed thanks to an endless stream of whistles, and the Lakers at critical moments couldn't match Portland's shotmaking. 

But really, the Lakers lost because they couldn't get stops. They were broken down on the perimeter, putting a lot of pressure on Walker Kessler inside. And when the Lakers seemed like they had a chance to put some real distance between themselves and the visitors in the third quarter, untimely turnovers helped Portland get back in it and eventually take the lead. 

So the undefeated season is dead. the Lakers get a reality check as they head to Inglewood Wednesday to play the Clippers. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky



SEGMENT 1: Luka hot again, but the Lakers can't gets stops. 
 

SEGMENT 2: Biggest fears about the defense realized? 
 

SEGMENT 3: Balance required? 
 
PHOTO CREDIT: Kirby Lee-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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The Lakers have an interesting test Tuesday night against Portland at the Crypt, but for the time being have enjoyed not just success on the court, but success driven in large part by a very cohesive and complementary group.
Following Sunday's exciting comeback win in Utah, Austin Reaves attributed some of this success to a group playing without ego.
Now, many interpreted that as a shot at LeBron. It isn't, and we explain why.
But more importantly, we unpack why the Lakers are able to play with that kind of ethos. It has a lot to do with roster construction and role definition, not just the people they've chosen to be on the team (though that matters, too).
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Gray-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.
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The Lakers have started 3-0, and no question, much of that is due to the play of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, along with (Sunday notwithstanding) Walker Kessler. But one consistent factor over the first three games has been steady contributions from the supporting cast. Whether the "other" two starters (Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle) or the bench players (Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jake LaRavia) there has been meaningful, consistent production from the collective every night.
Given how awful the team's bench was productivity wise last year -- by any metric, they had one of the biggest drop offs from starting to bench units in the league last year -- this is a huge development. It's also an early validation of the offseason blueprint.
Will it hold? There's a good chance it will. Or should, even, assuming folks stay healthy.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are getting steady production from the supporting cast.

SEGMENT 2: Why some people are making the wrong argument.

SEGMENT 3: Can it last?

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Quo
Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.
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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