Lakers Lounge

Anthony can confirm reports out there that the Lakers have shown an interest in Brook Lopez (though the extent to which that's mutual remains to be seen) and isn't exactly over the moon about the potential signing. The guys discuss this, as well as a couple other player archetypes they'd like to see the Lakers stay away from. 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

After watching these playoffs, Anthony and Harrison arrive at the conclusion that the Lakers can't hope to combat some of the elite teams' strengths and would be unwise to try. Instead, they need to find their own identity and match strengths for strengths. 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

We're soooooo close. At most, there are only two games left in the Finals and we've already gotten out first blockbuster trade, as the Memphis Grizzlies sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Anthony and Raj talk about game five, why people don't like the Thunder, the Desmond Bane trade and its impact on the Lakers and more. 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

Well, OKC is one win away from an NBA championship. The guys detail how this latest game went and where they think the series goes from here. 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

Anthony and Raj both saw plenty of Lakers fans wonder what Austin Reaves' return in a trade could possibly be if Desmond Bane could fetch four first rounders. They both explain why it doesn't really work that way and also discuss how interesting it is to compare the returns on star players and stars in their roles. 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

Anthony and Raj discuss the Brook Lopez noise after Anthony tells the story about how he found out Lopez was not exactly in a hurry to stick around long-term with the Lakers. From there, they discuss the approach they'd prefer the Lakers take at that position. 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

It's a Hook Friday, so Anthony and Pete send you off into the weekend with some thoughts on which buy-low type players they think should be on the Lakers' radar. 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

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Anthony makes a macro-level point about how the Lakers can maximize any buy-low move they make. From there, the guys dig into some potential free agents flying under the radar, then give their thoughts on these Finals. 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

Anthony hopped on Jovan Buha's show yesterday and, in this sneak preview, discussed who or what kind of player the guys would trade Austin Reaves for. They also addressed a fun hypothetical from a listener who wondered what the Lakers may have done at least year's trade deadline had they not made the Luka Doncic trade. 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

Most people around the league consider it most likely that LeBron James will opt into the second year of his contract this summer, but based on some of the stuff Anthony has been hearing, he anticipates James could take a couple other paths. He explains each scenario and their impact on the Lakers' summer. 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

With the Knicks seemingly calling everyone who may be happy with their head coach to see if they can pry said coach away from them, Anthony offers what he knows about the situation and explains how the Lakers may handle this situation should the Knicks come calling. 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

Absolutely loaded episode here as Anthony and Raj break down the Pacers' game two win over the Thunder, the series outlook from here on out and what Indiana has done to get to this point. From there, the guys talk a little about what the Lakers can learn from Indiana, then dive into a discussion about LeBron James' player option and whatever his contractual situation might be coming out of this summer. They wrap with a conversation about Dalton Knecht because Twitter is angry at Anthony. 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

For some reason, Raj only seems to be available to come on the show if the Pacers win. Well, they did last night, so the guys broke it down. Anthony also ranted again about the NBA's role in how poorly ESPN has handled these Finals and the sport in general. 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

Anthony wrote a lengthy piece about LeBron James' player option and the potential discount he could give the Lakers if he so chooses. After offering up what he can about the situation, he and Raj have a discussion about what James could do in this spot, what's fair to hope for as fans and the impact of James' decision, no matter what it might be. 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

Anthony pissed off Twitter by saying he is out on Dalton Knecht and wondered what Raj thought about that discussion. This led to a few other topics and before you know it, it became a whole extra half hour of Knecht/Lakers/JJ Redick talk. 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

In Anthony's latest piece, he took a closer look at what the Lakers will look to do with their taxpayer midlevel exception. He narrates that piece on today's Lowdown. 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

Anthony breaks down Rob Pelinka's performance last year, which was defined by inactivity heading into the season and quite possibly one of the best trades in Lakers history. Ironically, the former doomed the latter, and makes Anthony a lot less confident than he'd like to be in the Lakers' chances of maximizing their opportunity with Luka fro here on out. 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

Rob Pelinka is known for highs and lows and no other season exemplifies that existence more than last year, where his decisions heading into the season damned the beginning of the miraculous Luka Doncic era. 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

Using recent history, Anthony explains why he isn't super confident in the Lakers maximizing the Luka Doncic era under Rob Pelinka and the rest of the upper tier of management. 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

Ron Pelinka has been able to run out the string on the end of the AD-LeBron era, but now that he's landed Luka Doncic, the pressure is right back on him to turn this team around this summer. Anthony explains why and how Lakers fans should be happy about the timing of all of this. 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

Anthony was cranky after watching yet another NBA Finals game in 720p, this time with emoji Finals trophies. He discusses OKC going big and how he doesn't like Indiana's chances as a result, then dives into the mailbags. 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

ESPN somehow found a way to make their presentation of the NBA Finals even worse. Anthony couldn't help but laugh at their attempt at bringing the Larry O'Brien trophy back to the telecast. 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

We all know the Lakers need a center. Every team they talk to also knows this. If everyone is trying to price gauge the Lakers, should they check in on a center who might actually be worth that increased price? 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

Anthony and Raj celebrate the game they just watched, wonder what the hell ESPN is doing with this telecast, marvel at Tyrese Haliburton, laugh at Mark Daigneault and extend lessons from both the Pacers and Thunder to the Lakers. 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

As thrilling as that game was, the whole time, both Raj and Anthony found themselves wondering why ESPN was treating this game like any other random Thursday night in February. 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

Anthony has obviously voiced his opinion on heliocentric offenses. Once again, the Pacers were able to stay attached and eventually win outright because of their diverse offense. The guys discuss why the Lakers need to take note. 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

In a loaded episode, Anthony is joined by Ethan Strauss to talk about, well, a lot. The guys hit on everything from this finals matchup and the inevitable poor ratings that will come of it, the discourse around this matchup heading in, Adam Silver's latest tweak to the All Star Game and LeBron taking yet another side-swipe at Brian Windhorst. 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

Anthony and Ethan have both noticed a rather standoffish stance from NBA media about this upcoming series and give their thoughts on this matchup and that narrative heading in. 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

Anthony and Ethan discuss Adam Silver's latest pleat to viewers to please baby please watch the All Star Game and their overall view of his tenure as commissioner. 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

In the latest entry to the Lakers season review series, Anthony looks back on JJ Redick's first season as a coach. Not just an NBA coach, but as a coach, ever. Still insane to think about. Overall, we have to split this season into two segments. He was fantastic in the regular season and a bit of a disaster in the playoffs. Anthony explains why, then discusses Redick's future as a coach. 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

We want to be absolutely clear about this: JJ Redick was fantastic in the regular season and that performance becomes all the more impressive when you consider all the context. Anthony lays it all out with the backdrop of Tom Thibodeau's firing. 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

Anthony in genuinely curious because even he goes back-and-forth on this... Does that brutal series from JJ Redick make you feel differently about the amount of success we saw from him in the regular season? He discusses that, then wraps with a fun question about youth coaching differences domestically and internationally. 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

Anthony was thinking about the whole "will or won't LeBron take the pay cut" subject and wondered whether people are going about that all wrong. He then explains how Dorian Finney-Smith opting out and walking wouldn't necessarily be the worst thing. He points out how Austin Ainge's new gig is just the latest example of nepotism in the NBA and then discusses the Jazz apparently coming to their senses about tanking. 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

In all likelihood, Dorian Finney-Smith is going to be back with the Lakers after either opting into his player option or after opting out and re-signing a longer deal for less per year. But, if DFS does leave, Anthony explains how it could open up options for the Lakers while also freeing up minutes at the four. 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

Anthony noticed a lot of people trying to have the nepotism conversation after Austin Ainge was hired to run the Jazz and decided to wade into those waters. After that super duper fun conversation, he offers up Ainge's message on tanking, and how this is a directly result of the flattened lottery odds (as he predicted a couple weeks ago). 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

Anthony wrote late last week about the two-timeline spot the Lakers have to navigate, as they prep for the end of the LeBron James era and the beginning of the Luka Doncic era simultaneously. He narrates that piece for this episode. 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

Loaded show, considering it's a Sunday without basketball. Anthony opens with a response to listeners not exactly thrilled about the all-time Lakers rotation draft from Friday. In it, he explains that building a rotation is a lot more complicated than just listing the best players in Lakers history. He then tells a story about why he thought James Worthy thought his actual name was podcast. He wraps by diving into all the Lounge mailbags, which had some excellent questions. 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

So, a lot of y'all were NOT happy about the results of Anthony and Pete's rotation draft from Friday. Honestly, we get it. Some truly great players went way later than they should've in the draft. However, as Anthony explains, when you're putting together a rotation that actually has to play together, you have to factor in fit. He explains all that, then follows up that segment with a story about meeting James Worthy, who thought his name was Podcast. 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

A listener asked Anthony about the Lakers uniforms and whether it might be time to redesign them as the organization heads into the Luka Doncic era. It's honestly a pretty good idea, though Anthony has a specific kind of rebrand in mind. 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

Anthony is, frankly, sick of the same old conversation about this summer so he's going to reframe it. In this episode, he and Pete Zayas (LFR) participate in a snake draft to build out their ideal 10-man rotations using only former Lakers. From there, they discuss some lessons they learned from the draft and extend them to this offseason and beyond. They wrap with questions from the audience but not until after Pete shocks the world with a couple revelations. 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

In a wildly entertaining exercise, the guys snake draft 10-man rotations of any players who've ever worn a Lakers uniform. They explain the parameters of the draft, then get into it. Also, Anthony commits a truly earth-shattering gaffe. 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

After drafting their all-time 10-man rotations, the guys offer up some observations about the exercise and extend them to some key factors the Lakers will have to take into account this summer. More importantly, Pete has two revelations that are absolutely incredible. They wrap with questions from the live audience. 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

Anthony and Harrison have one of *those* episodes, where they start with one subject and just kind of wander around. These tend to be their best shows. In this one, they start with LeBron and Luka and the notion of two timelines, but wind up touching on all the trade stuff, Jayson Tatum's injury, the upcoming finals series and The Last of Us. 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

Anthony is coming to realize that LeBron and Luka can obviously fit at least fairly well, but it's inherently short-term because of where LeBron is in his career. So, with that in mind, the guys set the table for a really tricky conversation about how the Lakers can do right by LeBron while also giving Luka his best chances at a championship asap. 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

The year is 2078. The podcast has been taken over by AI, and by that we mean Anthony Irwin IV despite Anthony's rants against nepotism. Somehow, some way, the guys are still debating the notion of individual talent vs overall fit. 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

We know, we know, but stick with us. If you enjoyed that show, you'll like this conversation. If not, well, it's the third part of a really long conversation that was mostly about the Lakers. 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

As usual, after Anthony write anything, he narrates it for you exclusively in the Lounge RSS feed. This time, he wrote about the how the Lakers view Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura internally and the back-and-forth about trading them taking place as the offseason nears. 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

Anthony dropped another report last night, this time detailing the internal debate within the Lakers organization on Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. He and Raj discuss Reaves and Hachimura's place in the Lakers core, the return the Lakers should be looking for in any trades for each, the risk with both in free agency and more. 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

With the OKC Thunder well on their way to a finals series they'll be heavy favorites, the guys give their thoughts on what the finals might look like. Anthony thinks OKC will roll. Raj thinks otherwise. From there, the guys launch into their conversation about Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura as part of the Lakers "core" and whether they should be considered as such. 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