The Lakers kicked off training camp with Media Day on Monday, and man alive, there was plenty of interesting stuff on the agenda. (What there wasn't? Drama! Tension! Controversy! It was ahistorical for a Lakers Media Day, to be honest.) So without all the low-hanging, headline grabbing stuff available, the focus was on what's in front of a team that rightly has extremely high expectations following a run to the Western Conference Finals. One big thing everyone was happy about? Continuity. All the returning players, from LeBron James on down, spoke glowingly about what it means for this team to be entering training camp starting somewhere ahead of scratch. They know each other. They know the system. They have to integrate players into it, but the guys who are new are also role players, and in the case of Taurean Prince and Gabe Vincent, are extremely well respected pros. Christian Wood? Well, he's got some stuff to prove, but he's the only player in the rotation with any sort of question mark. Guys are incredibly excited that the band is back together. As for LeBron, he's back after floating the idea of retirement following the end of last season. What brought him back? And how much longer is he planning on playing? While James definitely didn't say this would be his final season, he also definitely said he couldn't look past this year. What goes into the calculus around how long he'll play? What does Bronny James and a good health report have to do with any of it? Anthony Davis said he'd like to play in all 82 games this year, and is prepping with a mindset of making it happen. Obviously he's not going to play that many games, but he's obviously aware of the perception surrounding him, and hopes to push back through attendance. Does he see himself as the face of the franchise? Is this his team? LeBron says it's his, but what does Davis think? Why does each guy answer that question the way that he does? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: It's Media Day! The Lakers are a drama free operation, and it showed on Monday. SEGMENT 2: LeBron James, his present and future. SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis. Is this his team? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you’re beating inflation no matter what you’re purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked.  Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.  Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The long offseason is over. The season starts today, as training camp kicks off with Media Day and the first official practices. And it promises to be an exciting season for the Lakers, who are undoubtedly in the mix of the most elite teams in the NBA. Should they stay healthy - a fairly big if given the age and injury histories of their stars - LA seems likely to be one of the two or three best teams in the West, which makes them one of the best teams in the league. Nice spot to be. So when the Lakers open camp, it's going to be about how to keep LeBron and Anthony Davis healthy and fresh, about finding the right lineup combinations, and maxing out the impressive depth available on the roster. Two players that have big roles to play that aren't stars? Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Both had a lot of attention paid to them last week when Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham med the media. Reaves was the recipient of high praise from Pelinka, who compared him to Kobe Bryant as an owner of "the Mamba gene." Not that he's as good as Kobe (nobody even kind of thinks that) but Pelinka noted the similarities in competitive drive and commitment, and it's worth noting how much Bryant appreciated players who maxed out their talent. And while Reaves has more of it than perhaps NBA scouts thought, he's certainly not resting on any laurels. Fair to say Kobe would have loved the guy. Meanwhile, Hachimura has experienced what Pelinka called a renaissance since coming to the Lakers. And they expect that to continue. One reason to be optimistic? Context with role players is critical, and the Lakers believe that, especially next to LeBron, Hachimura has been put in the best position to succeed. Finally, big news in the Western Conference... as Jrue Holiday's stay in it was very short. And while Lakers fans might not love his destination -- he's once again put the Celtics at the top of the odds list after being traded from Portland to Boston -- it's a lot better that he land with an Eastern Conference contender than turning a team like the Clippers into a much more potent squad. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers open training camp today, and the vibes are really solid. SEGMENT 2: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Celtics, and that's good for the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: The Lakers will be depending on Hachimura and Reaves, and are excited at the prospect. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you’re beating inflation no matter what you’re purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked.  Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.  Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With training camp set to open next week, GM Rob Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham met with the media Thursday, and covered a ton of ground. After all, compared to where they were at this time last season, Pelinka especially was far more comfortable and confident answering questions about the team, and the direction in which it is headed. To the point where he didn't have to try and talk up their title chances. Frankly, that sort of thing is assumed. This is a group that expects to contend, and isn't dependent on smoke and mirrors to make it seem possible. That, as a starting point, is a great place to be. From there, Pelinka spent a lot of time talking about Anthony Davis, and why the team felt comfortable investing that massive contract extension in him, despite a long track record of injury that is certainly not going to fade over the life of the contract. So what was the foundation? "Character, character, character," Pelinka said. The team believes not just in the talent, but also the person. Still, Pelinka noted that they've talked to A.D. about the investment they need him to make in the franchise. Not to imply he hasn't bought in to this point, but the post LeBron Era is coming, and they've signed him to be The Man in the not-so-distant future. That's a different deal. And regarding LeBron, Ham made it clear they have a strategy to keep him fresh at a time where the league doesn't want its stars sitting just for rest. And it involves playing him less. So basically, be good, win games, let LeBron avoid as much high leverage activity as possible. They talked about the starting guards - no surprise, it'll be D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Interestingly, both expressed a great deal of confidence in Russell, focusing much more on the positive impact he made after arriving from Minnesota at the deadline as opposed to a very, very ugly Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets. Finally, while there won't be that much competition for starting gigs (the third forward spot is the only real question mark) there will be a TON of competition for minutes. And that is something Ham loves. But everyone, Pelinka says, will have opportunities to contribute. And in this case, he's not blowing smoke. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers open camp next week, and Pelinka and Ham are talking up the team. SEGMENT 2: The investment in Davis, and protecting the investment in LeBron. SEGMENT 3: Starting guards and the competition for playing time. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, that turned out a little different than many thought it would! Wednesday afternoon, the NBA finally got the blockbuster it's been waiting for, as Damian Lillard was traded away from the Blazers. But not to Miami, as Lillard had been pushing for since asking out of Portland. Instead, Lillard ends up in Milwaukee, teamed up with Giannis in a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns, who sent D'Andre Ayton to Portland in exchange for some depth pieces that help fill out the roster both from a personnel and a salary standpoint. So what does this mean for the Western Conference, and by extension, the Lakers? Well, Portland wasn't going to contend, so that part doesn't matter. But what Phoenix did certainly does. And while the Suns did add needed depth and they did remove Ayton from the building—even with the new contract, that situation still wasn't healthy—did they get better around their Big Three of Durant, Beal and Booker? If you're the Lakers, would you rather play a Suns team in the postseason with Ayton and less depth, or Nurkic and a little more? But as big a move as Phoenix made, the biggest shoe in the West is could still drop. Because Jrue Holiday was sent from Milwaukee to Portland, and is not destined to stay there. So while James Harden is still on the market, Holiday becomes an incredibly appealing player and arguably the most appealing one on the market. Say for a team that still wants another guard. Like the one sharing Crypto.com Arena for another year. If you're the Clippers, wouldn't you rather add someone like Holiday, who would be a great, near seamless fit next to Kawhi and Paul George, instead of the (waves arms about) thing that is the James Harden Experience? Surely Team Harden doesn't like this little wrinkle in the market. But obviously what impacts the Clippers impacts the Lakers, so this is something to watch, whether now or a few weeks down the road. Finally, what exactly did Portland owe Lillard through this situation? Did they "do right" by him? It's a huge topic of conversation around the league and across NBA social media. What exactly are they obligated to do for a star who wants out, and wants to go to one team and one team only (until he doesn't, at least...)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lillard to... Milwaukee? SEGMENT 2: How it impacts the Lakers, starting with Phoenix. Did the Suns get better? Did they become a tougher or easier matchup? SEGMENT 3: Could this deal help the Clippers, eventually? What would that mean for the Lakers? Plus, did the Blazers treat Dame as they should have? He's not in Miami, in the end. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers know Christian Wood's talent. Heck, everyone knows Christian Wood's talent. But the big question about him (one of them, at least) has been attitude. Is he willing to play a role? Can he accept one that might not totally be in line with his self image? On the one hand, he thinks he's really good (which you want in every player). On the other, this is a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It has title aspirations, and other quality players around the roster. Wood was, or should have been, humbled by the market. So will he fit into LA's culture? So far so good, but it's never been about first impressions, but what happens once things get going. This is the sort of thing tackled on this episode with guest Dan Woike of the LA Times! Will Wood start? Come off the bench? Woike thinks it's the latter. And who will be starting? Woike has a potential name that might not be getting quite as much buzz as he should. But what happens when the game gets going? The Lakers will be looking to give players consistent roles, but there are tons of options at play, here, especially as the team decides who starts at small forward. Finally, it's a quick look around the West. Austin Reaves, guesting on Zach Lowe's podcast, said he thinks the Lakers have the most talented roster in the league. Like, in talent. And depth, and versatility. Are they the best team? Dunno, but in terms of how you look at talent, you can make an argument. Maybe you don't come down on the Lakers, but it's not absurd. Then Reaves said something perhaps more bold: That he's the best golfer in the NBA. Most people would say it's Steph Curry. (Steph Curry likely would, at the least). Whether he's right or wrong, the fact that Reaves believes this and pushed back on Lowe when he suggested it might be Steph? This is as revealing as anything about the guy. Reaves is scarily competitive. If someone doesn't set up some sort of match play event with Reaves and Curry, everyone is doing it wrong. HOSTS: Andy Kamenetzky, with guest Dan Woike! SEGMENT 1: Will Christian Wood fit in well with Lakers culture? SEGMENT 2: Who starts at small forward? Could it be Taurean Prince? SEGMENT 3: Reaves speaks! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices