Buha's Block with Jovan Buha

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers signing Deandre Ayton on Day 3 of NBA free agency. Joan covers Ayton's fit in Los Angeles, what's next for the Lakers in free agency and on the trade market, their most significant remaining needs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:11 The Lakers signed DeAndre Ayton to a two-year deal 1:56 How Ayton fits in Los Angeles 7:37 Ayton's friendship with Luka Doncic 9:11 What's next for the Lakers this offseason? 13:36 Adou Thiero injury update 15:21 Q&A 2:05:39 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to Day 2 of NBA free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers, including their continued search for a center in free agency and the trade market, Deandre Ayton's impending decision, Al Horford, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:29 The latest with the Lakers in free agency and on the trade market 9:37 Q&A 2:15:16 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the start of NBA free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers, including LA losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, signing Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal, and targeting Deandre Ayton and De'Anthony Melton. If you enjoy this type of NBA content, please subscribe, comment, and like this video. Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:03 DFS leaves the Lakers for the Rockets 3:15 Deandre Ayton & De'Anthony Melton are LA's new top targets 8:15 How LA can recover from the DFS loss 12:35 Q&A 3:08:07 Outro #lakers #losangeleslakers To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the news that LeBron James is opting in to his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. He also reacts to Dorian Finney-Smith declining his $15.4 million player option and becoming a free agent. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:57 Updates: LeBron opts in, DFS opts out, Goodwin's team option, Koloko is RFA 3:33 LeBron's statement after opting in 5:09 What does this mean for LeBron? 8:35 Where could LeBron go? 10:36 Where do the Lakers go from here? 11:45 What's going on with DFS? 17:25 What does all of this mean? 19:42 Luka's extension looms large over LA's offseason 22:31 Q&A 2:00:12 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Great Western Forum -- a new podcast from Jovan Buha, Anthony Irwin, and Pete Zayas at Audacy. Jovan, Anthony and Pete discuss the potential impact of the Lakers' record sale to Mark Walter and the TWG Group, as well as realistic expectations for the Lakers' roster this summer. Later, they are joined by Raj Chipalu and Mike Garcia to discuss the sale, trading for the No. 36 pick to select Adou Thiero, the Lakers' two-way and Exhibit 10 deals, and the offseason. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:24 The potential impact of the Lakers' sale 22:55 What are realistic expectations for LA this offseason? 30:09 Raj and Mike join the show 31:45 Raj's reaction to the sale 34:25 Any concerns about scouting being affected by the sale? 35:54 LA's history with landing superstars 39:21 Assimilating the front office under the new ownership 42:29 LA's draft and Adou Thiero 58:39 Closing thoughts 1:06:17 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers drafting Adou Theiro with the No. 36 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:12 The Lakers draft Adou Thiero at No. 36 6:12 Q&A 1:05:33 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Mike Garcia (@CanyonDriver) to break down the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2025 NBA Draft. Jovan and Mike discuss the 2025 NBA Draft, including whether the Lakers should trade up, potential center targets such as Khaman Maluach, Thomas Sorber, and Derik Queen, late first-round and early-to-mid second-round prospects, candidates for the No. 55 pick, and the value of the Lakers' trade assets in this draft, among other topics. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:07 Why I’m no longer at The Athletic 7:53 Mike Garcia 8:05 Why is this draft so difficult to assess? 9:28 How has LA’s draft approach changed recently, if at all? 10:43 Can LA trade up to solve its roster issues? 12:47 How would Maluach fit? Worth trading up for? 15:30 Thomas Sorber + favorite late first-round targets 17:16 Any potential 3-and-D wings or guards in 21-to-35 pick range? 19:09 Early-to-mid second-round targets? 21:36 Hidden gems in late second round 22:46 Targets for the No. 55 pick 27:42 Two-way and summer league targets 32:13 Draft compensation value of LA’s future 1st, Dalton Knecht + Rui Hachimura 40:06 What does Mike’s dream draft look like? 42:30 What about Derik Queen? 48:06 Is there some Mark Williams in Maluach’s game? 50:06 Outro 50:46 Tune in for my Draft Live Show! Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes how the Lakers can add a center AND depth, if LA can mimic Indiana's build around Luka Doncic, realistic guard/wing trade targets, if Austin Reaves will be a value on his contract, accurate and misrepresented Lakers national storylines, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Question No. 1: Can LA add a center AND depth? 5:46 Question No. 2: Can LA mimic Indiana’s build around Luka? 8:53 Question No. 3: Realistic guard/wing to trade for? 13:54 Question No. 4: When will AR be a value on his next contract? 17:05 Question No. 5: Best veteran’s minimum targets? 21:03 Question No. 6: Would LA be better trading AR or moving him to the bench? 24:02 Question No. 7: What do Luka and AR need to work on this offseason? 26:19 Question No. 8: What Lakers national storyline is most accurate? Biggest misconception? 30:47 Question No. 9: Can LA get back to being an elite defense? 34:07 Question No. 10: Any way LA can get NAW and Bruce Brown Jr.? 35:18 Question No. 11: Which underperforming players should be traded? Possible to flip Rui & DK for a center? 38:32 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the WILD news of the Buss family agreeing to sell the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, CEO of TMG Global for a valuation of $10 billion, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:57 Instant reaction to the Lakers being sold 8:02 Q&A 1:05:38 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Iztok Franko of digginbasketball to discuss the best ways for the Los Angeles Lakers to build around Luka Doncic this offseason. Jovan and Iztok analyze which rotation players fit best with Luka, the types of players the Lakers need to add to their roster, center and perimeter trade targets, the pressure that will be on LA ahead of Luka's extension date, why Luka will likely sign the extension, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:42 What did we learn about Luka as a Laker? 4:49 Examining how each Laker rotation player fits with Luka 6:30 Austin Reaves 12:50 Rui Hachimura 16:47 Dorian Finney-Smith 21:13 Gabe Vincent 25:55 Jarred Vanderbilt 29:00 Jaxson Hayes 32:40 What do the Lakers need roster-wise around Luka? 37:36 Nic Claxton + other centers 42:56 Wing and guard trade targets 50:48 Jaren Jackson Jr. 53:48 Marcus Smart 57:08 How much pressure will Luka apply on LA this summer? 1:01:55 Does Luka sign the extension? 1:03:48 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers and NBA Finals questions. Jovan analyzes Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, what, if anything, LeBron James' latest commercial means, the ideal nine-man rotation for the Lakers, Austin Reaves vs. Dyson Daniels, if Rui Hachimura could hang in the Finals, why Dorian Finney-Smith is unlikely to be traded, a slew of fake trades, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Buha's Block meetup reminder 2:56 Thunder-Pacers Game 4 reaction 3:06 Takeaway No. 1: SGA crunch-time masterclass 5:49 Takeaway No. 2: OKC saves their season again -- and is probably winning it all now 10:29 Takeaway No. 3: Lakers what-ifs from these Finals 15:03 Q&A 1:27:49 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Anthony Irwin to answer your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan and Anthony analyze the most realistic offseason for the Lakers, the most likely center(s) for LA, Nic Claxton, Dalton Knecht's trade value, the types of players they'd trade Austin Reaves for, the alternative universe in which the Luka Doncic trade doesn't happen, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:20 Question No. 1: What’s the most realistic offseason for LA? 8:31 Question No. 2: Most likely center for the Lakers? 15:03 Question No. 3: Dalton Knecht + expirings for Nic Claxton? 27:57 Question No. 4: What type of player would you trade AR for? 38:55 Question No. 5: What would LA have done at the deadline if the Luka trade didn’t happen? 47:29 Question No. 6: Are Lonzo Ball and/or Robert Williams III possible? 58:34 Question No. 7: Lakers-Nets-Heat three-way trade? 1:05:30 Question No. 8: Lakers & Jazz swap AR and Kessler? 1:16:59 Question No. 9: Should LA trade up in the draft? Thoughts on Highsmith? 1:28:34 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha divides the Western Conference into tiers ahead of the 2025 NBA offseason. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' place in the West, what they can do to ascend in the conference after the draft and free agency, ranks their biggest competitors, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Oklahoma City Thunder (Tier 1) 3:08 Denver Nuggets (Tier 2) 6:16 Minnesota Timberwolves (Tier 2) 6:54 Golden State Warriors (Tier 3) 9:05 Los Angeles Lakers (Tier 3) 14:25 LA Clippers (Tier 3) 16:43 Houston Rockets (Tier 3) 18:30 Memphis, Dallas & San Antonio (Tier 4) 19:14 Phoenix, Sacramento & New Orleans (Tier 5) 19:35 Portland & Utah (Tier 6) 21:20 Recap 24:30 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Pete Zayas of Laker Film Room to rank and debate the biggest decisions of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason. Jovan and Pete examine the Lakers’ urgency this summer, building for 2026 vs. 2027, realistic center targets, potentially trading Rui Hachimura, why they’d both keep Austin Reaves at least one more season, their favorite taxpayer mid-level exception targets for LA, an exciting podcasting update, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:38 What is the biggest decision of the Lakers’ offseason? 7:00 Who’s the best realistic center target? 14:02 Are the Lakers on a 2026 or 2027 timeline? 23:14 Why trading Rui is feeling likely lately 27:54 How Giannis & KD could impact LA’s offseason 30:45 How does Austin Reaves factor into this summer? 42:30 Who should LA target with the TMLE? 50:11 Update: I will be podcasting with Pete more moving forward! 51:28 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If the Los Angeles Lakers are to contend for a championship next season, they will need internal improvement. Jovan Buha examines one area each Lakers player and head coach JJ Redick can improve for the 2025-26 season. From Luka Doncic's conditioning to Austin Reaves' strength to Dalton Knecht's defense, there are numerous ways next season's group can be better, regardless of any roster changes. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:36 Luka Doncic 3:39 LeBron James 7:14 Austin Reaves 11:01 Rui Hachimura 14:39 Dorian Finney-Smith 17:33 Gabe Vincent 20:13 Jaxson Hayes 24:07 Jarred Vanderbilt 27:39 Jordan Goodwin 30:27 Dalton Knecht 33:44 Bronny James 35:13 Trey Jemison 37:56 Christian Koloko 40:06 JJ Redick 46:53 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Sean Davis to grade the second half of the regular season and playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers. Jovan and Sean analyze the final 41 games of the regular season and five-game playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, focusing on the key rotation players and head coach JJ Redick. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Criteria for player grades 2:28 LeBron James 10:01 Luka Doncic 18:52 Austin Reaves 32:55 Rui Hachimura 42:01 Dorian Finney-Smith 46:44 Jaxson Hayes 53:48 Gabe Vincent 1:00:11 Jarred Vanderbilt/Dalton Knecht/Jordan Goodwin 1:04:11 JJ Redick 1:15:00 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 offseason. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' key dates, provides a general overview of their flexibility, examines their free agents and trade assets, discusses the first and second apron, explores various cap-sheet scenarios, outlines offseason needs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Key offseason dates for the Lakers 2:00 General overview of LA’s offseason 3:58 LA’s free agents 4:29 LA’s trade assets 6:13 Moves that trigger hard-cap at first or second apron 7:26 LA’s cap sheet for 2025-26 17:54 Offseason needs 19:10 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation to break down the biggest questions of the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason. Jovan and Trevor analyze what the Lakers should learn from the playoffs, why Rui Hachimura is the potential pivot point of the offseason, realistic center options and trades, building the roster this summer vs. at the trade deadline, their favorite cheap free-agent targets, LA's tradable assets, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Playoff lessons for the Lakers 7:51 Why Rui is the potential pivot point of LA’s offseason 17:24 Realistic center options and potential trades 24:58 Jovan and Trevor’s ideal offseason moves 33:30 Building the roster this summer vs. at the trade deadline 39:58 Back to ideal moves & favorite cheaper FA targets 50:22 Ranking LA’s tradable assets 54:03 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:41 Q&A 1:21:13 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha analyzes one lesson the Los Angeles Lakers can learn from each of the four conference finalists: the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers. Jovan examines the Knicks' 'heliocentric' blueprint, the power of the Thunder's identity, the Timberwolves' physical advantages, and the Pacers' depth. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:11 New York Knicks 7:21 Oklahoma City Thunder 13:26 Minnesota Timberwolves 20:34 Indiana Pacers 27:01 Recap 27:45 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes the ideal (realistic) Lakers offseason, how LA can build depth if LeBron James doesn't take a pay cut, how Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, Myles Turner or Walker Kessler would fit with the Lakers, if there are any concerns with LeBron's knee, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Question No. 1: What is the ideal Lakers offseason? 10:48 Question No. 2: How can LA build depth if LeBron doesn’t take a pay cut? 13:57 Question No. 3: Would LeBron leaving open up cap space + help with a new star? 21:28 Question No. 4: How realistic are any of Turner/Claxton/Gafford/Kessler? Best fit? 28:48 Question No. 5: Any concern with LeBron’s knee injury lingering? 30:28 Question No. 6: Where does this rank among my favorite LeBron seasons? 34:22 Question No. 7: Would you sign Gary Trent Jr. or Clint Capela to TMLE? 37:34 Question No. 8: Are there guidelines for what media can/can’t ask? 42:51 Questions No. 9-10: Potential packages for Bam or JJJ? 47:57 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes the biggest takeaway of the season, if the Lakers should trade Austin Reaves, if Reaves can be a No. 3 and fit next to Luka Doncic, the realistic centers LA should target this offseason, Luka's rank among players in trade value, if this will be LeBron James' last season, sports-media advice, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:11 Question No. 1: Biggest takeaway of the season? Favorite part? What could’ve gone better? 5:25 Question No. 2: Should LA trade Austin? Can he be a No. 3? Fit with Luka? 22:19 Question No. 3: Which centers are the Lakers looking at? 31:51 Question No. 4: Where does Luka rank among players in trade value? 36:16 Question No. 5: Will this be LeBron’s last season? 38:30 Question No. 6: One piece of advice for Luka? 42:33 Question No. 7: Would LA trade AR for Claxton/Kessler/Turner? 45:30 Question No. 8: AR/DK for Lauri/Kessler? 47:04 Question No. 9: Sports media advice? Sacrifice and workload? 56:31 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike and the Southern California News Group's Khobi Price -- the other three Los Angeles Lakers beat writers -- to talk about what it's like to cover the Lakers. Jovan, Dave, Dan and Khobi share their favorite moments covering the Lakers, the biggest surprises on the beat, road life, favorite road cities and arenas, the state of NBA media, the Luka Doncic trade, sports media advice, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:48 Roundtable intros 2:55 What would we change about NBA media? 10:41 Biggest surprise covering the Lakers? 17:29 Favorite moments covering the Lakers? 28:29 Where we were at for the Luka trade 31:53 Do reporters become fans of the team they cover? 39:07 Routine on the road? 51:04 Are you ever skeptical of other media reports? 57:47 Favorite road city for food and road arena 1:00:57 Advice for someone who wants to become an NBA beat reporter? 1:09:27 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' exit interview with JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka. Jovan analyzes Pelinka and the Lakers' belief in the star trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, LA's offseason goals of adding a starting center and more perimeter defense, Redick saying the group has to get in 'championship shape,' and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:20 Takeaway No. 1: LA still believes in Luka/LeBron/AR as a trio 5:06 Takeaway No. 2: The Lakers' offseason goals 10:00 Takeaway No. 3: JJ says they must get in 'championship shape' 16:30 Q&A 1:04:11 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' elimination in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The Lakers lost to the Timberwolves 103-96 in Game 5. Jovan analyzes the disappointing end to the Lakers' season, LA's strong foundation for the future, the clear need for more size and depth this summer, the offense, offseason questions, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:28 A big thank you for this season 5:43 Buha's Big Picture: LA has a strong foundation, but needs to make some changes 19:21 Takeaway No. 1: This series exposed the Lakers' lack of size and depth 26:11 Takeaway No. 2: LA needs to figure out its offense entering next season 28:46 Takeaway No. 3: An offseason full of questions 34:09 Q&A 1:41:27 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha discusses five adjustments the Los Angeles Lakers should make entering Game 5 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jovan discusses the obvious starting lineup change, running more organized and intentional offense, mixing up coverages against Anthony Edwards, the possession battle, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Adjustment No. 1: Start Dorian Finney-Smith 5:07 Adjustment No. 2: More organized offense 9:38 Adjustment No. 3: Mix up looks against Anthony Edwards 14:00 Adjustment No. 4: Play the bench more 18:13 Adjustment No. 5: (Finally) win the possession battle 23:26 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes Game 5 adjustments, why the Lakers are down 3-1, what he got wrong in his series preview, LA's rotation, Luka Doncic's conditioning, LeBron James' two-way play, starting center options for LA this offseason, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:32 Q&A 1:22:51 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round. The Lakers trail the series 3-1. Jovan analyzes why the Lakers are losing this series, the brilliant performances from LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the possession battle, JJ Redick's bold and controversial second-half rotation strategy, 16-game players vs. 82-game players, the glaring offseason needs, Game 5 adjustments, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:41 Buha's Big Picture: LA is losing this series on the margins 14:25 Notable performers 23:20 Stat of the night: Possession battle (LA was -10 in FGAs, -8 in FTAs, +3 in TOs) 24:22 Takeaway No. 1: The bold -- and controversial -- second-half rotation 29:02 Takeaway No. 2: 16-game players vs. 82-game players 35:42 Takeaway No. 3: Game 5 adjustments 40:29 Q&A 1:06:46 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on Friday, April 25, 2025. Jovan analyzes why he still thinks the Lakers can win this series despite being down 2-1, LA's crunch-time collapse, Luka Doncic's struggles through sickness, LeBron James' offensive breakout, LA's necessary lineup change, Anthony Edwards' playmaking, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:41 Buha's Big Picture: LA can still win this series -- with serious changes 20:15 Notable performers 24:30 Stat of the night: 13-1 run to close game by MIN 25:46 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's sickness makes analyzing this game difficult 30:10 Takeaway No. 2: LeBron's play is the most encouraging sign from Game 3 33:44 Takeaway No. 3: Ant's play is the most discouraging sign from Game 3 35:43 Q&A 1:37:49 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Claire de Lune of The Guardian to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers’ adjustments for Game 3, Luka Doncic and our 2024-25 NBA awards ballots. Jovan and Claire analyze Game 2 takeaways, Playoff Luka, LeBron James’ defense and health, LA’s offense, Game 3 adjustments, the rotation, our awards ballots and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Takeaways from Game 2 10:36 Playoff Luka is incredible 17:05 LeBron’s defense and health 24:53 LA needs to find more offense … somewhere 30:20 Game 3 adjustments 36:06 Reevaluating the rotation 44:53 Our awards ballots (including Lakers picks) 1:10:47 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 94-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2. The Western Conference first-round series is tied 1-1. Jovan analyzes LA's bounce-back performance in Game 2, their blueprint to win the series, the Lakers' defensive domination, Playoff Luka, early Game 3 adjustments, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:37 Buha's Big Picture: The blueprint for LA to win this series 10:44 Notable performers 17:03 Stats of the night: 6 fast-break points & 5-for-25 3-point shooting for MIN 19:19 Takeaway No. 1: This was a defensive masterclass from LA 26:06 Takeaway No. 2: Playoff Luka is special 29:31 Takeaway No. 3: Early Game 3 adjustments 37:07 Q&A 1:37:38 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group to discuss the Lakers’ Game 1 loss and how they should adjust in Game 2. Then, he welcomes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic to analyze the Minnesota Timberwolves’ performance and how they might adjust in Game 2. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Top-line takeaways from Game 1 6:52 Did Game 1 change how you view the series? 12:50 Should LA play Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt more? 23:21 Why LA has more to adjust offensively than defensively 37:27 What’s the most interesting tactical battle moving forward? 49:02 Welcome Jon Krawczynski! 50:27 Top-line takeaway from Wolves’ perspective? 54:13 What’s Minnesota looking to do in Game 2? 56:53 Jaden McDaniels as an X factor 1:03:08 Should LA defend Ant similarly to how MIN guards Luka? 1:09:12 Should LA target Minnesota’s smalls more? 1:14:32 How comfortable is Minnesota playing smaller? 1:19:37 How will MIN handle being up 1-0 mentally? 1:23:50 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 117-95 Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Jovan analyzes what's real and not from Game 1, Minnesota's size and athleticism advantages, the Lakers' game plan vs. Anthony Edwards, the playoff rotation, adjustments for Game 2, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:36 Buha's Big Picture: This series is going to be tougher than anticipated for LA 14:18 Notable performers 22:30 Stat of the night: Minnesota's 25-6 edge in fast-break points 23:42 Takeaway No. 1: LA needs to reevaluate how they're defending Ant 30:26 Takeaway No. 2: The first look at the Lakers' playoff rotation 33:40 Takeaway No. 3: Adjustments for Game 2 37:02 Q&A 1:32:43 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Tim (aka Cranjis McBasketball) of the Lakers Exceptionalism Podcast and Bball Index to preview the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jovan and Tim discuss their biggest question for the Lakers and the Wolves, their player X factor for both teams, one statistical X factor and one series X factor before making their series prediction. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 How Tim has been preparing for this series 6:05 Tim’s question for LA: How will the coaching staff adjust in the playoffs? 14:33 Jovan’s question for LA: How do their center-less looks fare vs. MIN’s size? 21:23 Tim’s question for MIN: Can they defend without conceding mismatches? 25:51 Jovan’s question for MIN: How are they going to guard Luka? 30:55 Tim’s Lakers X factor: Jaxson Hayes 40:20 Jovan’s Lakers X factor: Rui Hachimura 44:34 Tim’s Wolves X factor: Julius Randle 49:25 Jovan’s Wolves X factor: Jaden McDaniels 54:03 Tim’s statistical X factor: LA’s offensive scheme 59:44 Jovan’s statistical X factor: Turnover battle 1:04:02 Tim’s series X factor: How long can MIN avoid switching? 1:08:37 Jovan’s series X factor: Which frontline has to adjust more? 1:12:50 Tim’s series prediction 1:15:22 Jovan’s series prediction 1:18:13 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers matching up with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Jovan shares his initial reaction and prediction for the Lakers-Wolves series before getting into audience questions. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:55 Lakers-Timberwolves opening thoughts 17:34 Q&A 1:27:37 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday, April 11, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers clinching the No. 3 seed and winning 50 games, the madness of this season, LA's likely path and first-round opponent (depending on Sunday's results), Luka Doncic's 2-point improvement, rest vs. rhythm entering the playoffs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:34 Buha's Big Picture: LA clinches the No. 3 seed 17:17 Notable performers 21:07 Stat of the night: LA reaches 50 wins 21:39 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's increased efficiency inside the paint 24:38 Takeaway No. 2: The playoff path is crystallizing 38:28 Takeaway No. 3: Rest vs. rhythm 41:34 Q&A 1:49:26 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Iztok Franko of digginbasketball to discuss Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas and the state of the Lakers’ offense. Jovan and Iztok discuss Luka playing through emotions, how he’s wired, Luka’s fit within the Lakers’ offense, LA’s defense in center-less lineups, why those groups are so difficult to match up with, how the Lakers are looking entering the playoffs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Luka’s emotions + dropping 45 points 4:57 Luka being built to withstand pressure 7:19 Additional observations from Lakers-Mavs 15:47 How has Luka acclimated as a Laker? 21:35 What should LA focus on with Luka and their offense entering the playoffs? 24:14 LA’s defense in center-less lineups 30:13 Why LA’s center-less groups are so difficult to match up with 39:48 Evaluating the Lakers’ potential first-round matchups 47:54 Optimism about LA one week from the playoffs 52:12 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Jovan analyzes Luka Doncic's emotional return to Dallas, LA clinching a playoff spot and a top-five seed, their defense against Anthony Davis (and in general recently), the Lakers' potential playoff rotation, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:29 Buha's Big Picture: LA secures a playoff spot and top-5 seed 9:25 Notable performers 14:51 Stat of the night: 14 steals (second-most of the season) 16:46 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's emotional return to Dallas 26:19 Takeaway No. 2: LA's defense continues upward trend 32:10 Takeaway No. 3: Playoff rotation preview? 36:51 Q&A 2:29:05 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Jovan analyzes the ridiculous Luka Doncic ejection and ending to the game, why he thinks the Lakers can beat the Thunder in the playoffs after watching these past two games, his updated West first-round matchup rankings, a crucial game in Dallas (for many reasons), and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:35 My perspective on tonight's egregious ejection and ending 4:35 Buha's Big Picture: The Lakers can beat the Thunder in the playoffs 14:16 Notable performers 18:44 Stat of the night: LA was up 108-107 when Luka was ejected -- and then got outscored 29-12 19:05 Takeaway No. 1: More on tonight's ridiculousness 23:01 Takeaway No. 2: Looking ahead to a crucial game in Dallas 31:01 Takeaway No. 3: First-round matchup rankings update -- and how LA can lock up No. 3 34:35 Q&A 1:14:59 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Sean Davis of Los Angeles Lakers Network to rank the Los Angeles Lakers’ five potential first-round matchups. Jovan and Sean analyze each matchup for the Lakers, including reasons for optimism and concern, and make a series prediction. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:57 Format explained 2:22 Memphis Grizzlies 9:06 Minnesota Timberwolves 24:30 Denver Nuggets 35:05 LA Clippers 45:02 Golden State Warriors 53:25 Recap of Jovan and Sean’s rankings 53:43 Favorite non-Lakers potential first-round series 56:19 Predictions for each potential Lakers series 59:10 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 126-99 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' statement win over the Thunder, Luka Doncic's masterful performance, LA's best defensive performance since LeBron James' return from injury, the Lakers' incredible shotmaking, why this was important for their odds of being the No. 3 seed, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:08 Buha’s Big Picture: LA shows why they can win the West 9:35 Notable performers 17:45 Stats of the night: Season-high 22 3-pointers and holding SGA to 0 free throws 19:59 Takeaway No. 1: Luka destroys the best defense in the league 26:45 Takeaway No. 2: LA shows their defensive fastball is still there 31:17 Takeaway No. 3: The No. 3 seed is more likely now 34:00 Q&A 1:46:20 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 124-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, April 4, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' bounceback win (kind of) over the Pelicans, why LA is in control of its fate in the standings, LeBron James looking more like himself offensively the past two games, Luka Doncic rediscovering his rhythm after a rough first quarter, the Big 3's insane shotmaking, Dalton Knecht's reemergence and potential playoff role, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1: 43 Buha's Big Picture: Back on track (kind of) 7:29 Notable performers 11:20 Stat of the night: 92 points and 21 assists for the Big 3 13:19 Takeaway No. 1: Luka/Austin/LeBron continue to display an incredible level of shotmaking 16:52 Takeaway No. 2: Dalton Knecht's impact -- and increased role? 22:11 Takeaway No. 3: LA controls its standings destiny 23:58 Q&A 1:21:42 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Jovan analyzes how the Warriors exposed the blueprint to beating the Lakers in the playoffs, Luka Doncic's worst performance as a Laker, LeBron James looking more like himself, the troubling state of the Lakers' defense, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:23 Buha's Big Picture: Tonight was the blueprint of how to beat the Lakers 9:22 Notable performers 14:29 Stats of the night: Golden State's 31 free throws and 23 second-chance points 16:19 Takeaway No. 1: This was Luka's worst game as a Laker -- on both ends 22:18 Takeaway No. 2: LA's defense is beginning to really worry me 29:12 Takeaway No. 3: This was the closest LeBron has looked to his pre-injury self 31:46 Q&A 1:12:01 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes the two-man game between Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the best seed for the Lakers, LA’s defense, his favorite win and least favorite loss of the Luka era, how to game plan against the Lakers, JJ Redick’s rookie coaching season, the negative net rating of the Big 3, the ninth man, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Question No. 1: Why the lack of two-man game between Luka & LeBron? 7:40 Question No. 2: Potential value in No. 3/4 seed over No. 2 due to prep? 13:59 Question No. 3: Should we be worried about the defense? 18:43 Question No. 4: Favorite win of the Luka era? Least favorite loss? 21:08 Question No. 5: Rank OKC, BOS, CLE, HOU defensively 26:03 Question No. 6: How would you game plan against LA? 30:17 Question No. 7: How would I assess JJ’s rookie season? 34:25 Question No. 8: Record with the Big 3? 38:49 Question No. 9: Would LA be in the same spot with DLo instead of DFS? 41:28 Question No. 10: Are the Wolves the worst first-round matchup? 45:34 Question No. 11: Worried about stamina/conditioning? 48:21 Question No. 12: Who should be the ninth man? 51:02 Question No. 13: How does Dalton fit next to Luka and AR long term? 56:43 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers' ceiling with the playoffs approaching. Jovan and Jason analyze the Lakers' win over the Houston Rockets, where LA ranks in the West hierarchy, LA vs. OKC, the optimal offensive balance between Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the best and worst first-round playoff matchups for the Lakers, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Top-line takeaways from Lakers-Rockets 12:42 Where does LA rank in the West? 22:47 LA’s offensive balance between Luka, LeBron & Austin 33:01 Best and worst first-round matchups for LA? 37:28 Mailbag No. 1: How would LA’s offense fare vs. OKC/Boston/Cleveland? 41:15 Mailbag No. 2: Why doesn’t JJ trust Jaxson more? 45:20 Mailbag No. 3: Ideal Luka-centric units and LeBron/AR-centric units? 49:07 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 104-98 win over the Houston Rockets on March 31, 2025. Jovan analyzes how the Lakers and Rockets match up, why the No. 2 seed is in play for the Lakers, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent's impact, the defensive blueprint against the Lakers, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:17 Buha's Big Picture: The No. 2 is still a real possibility 7:23 Notable performers 13:49 Stat of the night: 13 fast-break points for Houston 16:27 Takeaway No. 1: How LA and Houston match up -- and why I'd pick Lakers in 5 26:27 Takeaway No. 2: This is (arguably) the defensive blueprint vs. the Lakers 30:39 Takeaway No. 3: Rotation update 35:20 Q&A 1:26:31 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 134-127 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' massive road win in Memphis, why LA is in control of the No. 4 seed -- and possibly higher, the incredible performances from Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers' offense reaching its peak, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:40 Buha's Big Picture: LA is in the driver's seat for the No. 4 seed -- and possibly higher 7:30 Notable performers 14:52 Stat of the night: Luka/LeBron/AR combined for 120 of 134 points + team-wide 50/40/90 shooting %s 16:03 Takeaway No. 1: The meeting between JJ/Luka/LeBron/AR pays off 21:05 Takeaway No. 2: LA flashes its offensive ceiling 26:53 Takeaway No. 3: The rotation is officially extended to 9 1/2 players 29:43 Q&A 1:28:30 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Tim MacMahon of ESPN to discuss his new book, 'The Wonder Boy,' about Luka Doncic. Jovan and Tim discuss what MacMahon learned about Doncic during the reporting and writing process of the book, his reaction to Doncic being traded and the Mavericks' reasoning, Doncic's future with the Lakers, if the Mavericks would reverse the trade, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:30 What did Tim learn about Luka during his book reporting process? 6:20 What was his reaction to Luka being traded to the Lakers? 11:32 Tim’s post-trade chapter of the book 14:28 How Tim balanced his reporting for ESPN and the final chapter 19:03 What are Tim’s impressions of Luka with the Lakers? 25:45 Does Tim anticipate Luka remaining a Laker long-term? 31:17 Would the Mavericks reverse the trade (if they could)? 33:54 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' fourth-quarter collapse, LeBron James' part in it, why this is the worst loss of the season, the late-game execution against Indiana and Chicago, LA's progress in the second and third quarters, the two-man game with Luka Doncic and LeBron, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:24 Overarching thought: This was the worst loss of the season 12:38 Notable performers 19 :29 Stat of the night: Chicago was 11-for-14 on 3s in the fourth (including three in the final 9 seconds) 20:00 Takeaway No. 1: This is a continuation of some of LA's bad habits 24:14 Takeaway No. 2: Progress in the middle quarters 26:25 Takeaway No. 3: What’s the carryover (if any at all)? 30:23 Q&A 1:36:30 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers converting Jordan Goodwin from a two-way contract to a standard contract and waiving Cam Reddish. Jovan analyzes Goodwin's fit with the Lakers, his new contract, why LA converted Goodwin today, his potential playoff role, Trey Jemison and Christian Koloko, why this shows the Lakers are serious about this season, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Jordan Goodwin’s contract — and why it’s two years 2:34 Why did LA convert Goodwin? 3:07 Goodwin’s fit with the Lakers 6:30 Why did LA convert him today? 7:22 What does this mean moving forward? 9:04 What’s next for LA with their roster? 10:43 Final thoughts 11:11 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices