Lakers Lounge

Anthony reacts to the first win of the 2023-'24 season. Yes, the Lakers made us sweat it out, but given that it's a divisional opponent at home, they needed it. Anthony Davis bounced back. LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant sure was fun. Christian Wood! What Austin Reaves needs to do to look more comfortable. What the hell was Darvin Ham thinking with all those Gabe Vincent minutes? Plus, some picks for a fun Friday night of hoops courtesy of Sleeper. 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 classic Anthony-and-Aaron fashion, this episode sure does wander. First, they start with a viral clip of LeBron James reminding Phil Handy he can play point guard. Should he, is the question. Then, after Anthony credits Charles Barkley for pushing Adam Silver on the NBA's domestic violence policies, the guys discuss that situation and how they think the league can do better. They segue awkwardly to tonight's game against Phoenix, in which Anthony thinks Anthony Davis needs to dominate. 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 wraps up what's left of the discussion about opening night. He offers a couple more notes and a little more explanation for the guys some of you think he was a little too hard on after Tuesday night. Then, he looks ahead to a matchup with the Phoenix Suns, who might not have Devin Booker and/or Bradley Beal. Anthony Davis needs this one. We need him to need it. He finishes with a trip around the league on a busy night and laughs at the Chicago Bulls. 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 fan favorite Matt Moore discuss the sights and sounds from opening night. The Nuggets beat the Lakers, though Matt and Anthony somewhat disagree on why. What they do agree on is how the Lakers need more from Anthony Davis, especially if LeBron James' limits are going to be limited the way Darvin Ham said they might after the game. They wrap with a few minutes on how to bet the Lakers this year and which kinds of matchups they'll play well 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 discusses an interesting game between the Nuggets and Lakers that went just about as he thought heading in, with a couple details that certainly felt noteworthy. He talks about Anthony Davis disappearing in the second half -- especially painful given what Nikola Jokic did. He offered some additional context as to why that happened. He also talked about D'Angelo Russell's disappointing night. On a lighter note, LeBron James looked great and Cam Reddish and Christian Wood pleasantly surprised. 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 previews Lakers-Nuggets, a fascinating matchup to open the NBA season. He then takes a few questions from the various mailbag options. He wraps by wondering what's up with Jarred Vanderbilt and takes issue with the Lakers' approach to injury information. 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 multiple years of not being able to record together, Anthony, Pete and Harrison are together again. They talk about expectations for this upcoming Lakers season. They talk about questions they have heading in. They argue over expectations for Anthony Davis and LeBron James. But most of all, they just enjoy getting to do this for the first time in way too long. 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 Lakers are roughly 24 hours from tipping off their 2023-'24 campaign. All things considered, it was a successful preseason. Anthony looks at who impressed him and who needed to show more (for a variety of reasons). Then, he zooms out to define the identity the Lakers will need to accept to optimize this season by looking closely at the strengths and weaknesses of this team. Finally, he outlines his expectations for this team, which are pretty damn high.. 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 Lakers wrapped up their preseason with a weird one against a shorthanded Suns team (no Devin Booker, no Bradley Beal). It was pretty clear the intent was to get out of there healthy (mission accomplished) but did lead to some lackadaisical play. Anthony recaps the game in both macro and micro senses, all the while understanding why Lakers fans might not have the most patience. 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 so little complain about with the Lakers, Anthony turns his attention to the atrocities Nike continues to commit against NBA uniforms. He and Aaron discuss that, James Harden and how pleasant this preseason has been. He also tells the story of Jen shooting down any ego he may have ever developed from being recognized in public. 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 joined by Mirin Fader to discuss her latest piece on Austin Reaves. He had one of the most insane offseasons in recent memory and it honestly is a perfect continuation for his basically inimitable career. The trio discuss golf, Austin's drive, how he gained LeBron's trust, Taylor Swift and frugality. Yeah, this was a typical ridiculous Anthony and Harrison interview. 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 (The Athletic) comes back to outline just how different this preseason/training camp has been from the others he's covered on the beat. Both on and off the court, the contrast couldn't possible be more drastic -- and enjoyable. He talks about the offensive overhaul, the three-point shooting, and the general competency he's noticed this year. The guys also discuss D'Angelo Russell and his approach to the game, and whether what we've seen increases the likelihood that he remains on the team into the postseason. 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 recaps a nice preseason weekend. The Lakers handled the Warriors (while all the main rotation players were playing) and then competed with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with LeBron James. Yes, this team will succeed in different ways than we might be used to, but they're going to be very good all the same -- so good that Anthony is upping his expectations for them this season. 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 welcomed by an old friend in Adam Mares (AllCity, DNVR) whose Nuggets have a very real animosity towards the Lakers, who are happy to share that feeling. Both guys think it's good the teams are open to feeling that way, even in the "rent-free" era. They also talk about why Nikola Jokic pisses off Lakers fans specifically, even while he shares a lot in common with Kobe Bryant, according to Adam. This conversation touches on a bunch, including labor sentiments of all things, so tune 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 starts the show with a short rant about his stupid Dodgers. He quickly moves off of that to enjoy the positively immaculate vibes surrounding the Lakers, all starting with D'Angelo Russell. If this is who he might be moving forward, wow. Anthony and Aaron discuss him, the rotation, Jaxson Hayes, and what they were most right or wrong about heading into preseason. 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 can't get enough of this team. He heaps praise on D'Angelo Russell, the multiple wing looks presented, how they're taking advantage of the math and just generally how professional this team looks. He also has been pleasantly surprised by Jaxson Hayes, who shined in his start even against Damontas Sabonis. 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 talk through the rotation they think makes the most sense for the Lakers, which allows Anthony to finally figure out the identity he wants for both the starters and the bench unit. This involves an analogy involving the 2004 classic "300," which, you guessed it, Raj hasn't seen. 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 marvel at the Lakers finally warming to the concept of math in the sport of basketball. This team is going to be difficult to defend. Raj also explains how he's somehow right that there always was a good team in there somewhere. Then, in the surprise of all surprises, Raj pushes back against some of Anthony and Sabreena's optimism from yesterday's episodes. 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 Sabreena wrap up their conversation with a debate over who should be the Lakers' backup center. They then turn their attention to the WNBA MVP results and the finals series currently underway and how both those things point to an incredibly bright future for women's basketball. 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 really liked what he's heard and seen about or from D'Angelo Russell. He explains why he's buying into a guard who was once seen as nothing more than future contract matching fodder to Sabreena Merchant (The Athletic). The Dodgers also lost a playoff game that hurt both Anthony and Sabreena's souls. 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 Lakers started a different small forward in their second preseason game. Taurean Prince stepped in and looked quite good, which led Anthony and Sabreena Merchant (The Athletic) to discuss who they think should be the fifth starter after D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They did so while the Dodgers lost another playoff game, so that launched a separate conversation, as well. 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 "Ahsoka" now finished, Anthony and Aaron recap the finale and the series as a whole. What did they think of the show? What kind of groundwork did it lay for Star Wars moving forward? Where did it fall short? 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 camp underway, Anthony is curious how Rui Hachimura and Max Christie have looked. He explains why he has his eye on them specifically. Christie appears to be on the Alex Caruso/Austin Reaves career path, but Darvin Ham might have to work to get him minutes if what Aaron says is true. 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 their final conversation before everyone gets to see the Lakers play (Saturday), Anthony and Aaron explain why it's perfectly fine to head into this season with a sense of real optimism about this team. Yes, the top of the league is stacked (and matching up with them is going to be difficult), but as is, the Lakers have a punchers chance against anyone, and we know they'll improve if they need to. 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 Jason continue their conversation about the Lakers and, specifically, about their two starting guards. Is there a concern about Austin Reaves getting picked on? Can D'Angelo Russell play well enough to stick around beyond the deadline? What kind of deal would the guys envision if one is to be made? Then, the segue to a galaxy far, far away to discuss this season of "Ahsoka." 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

Jason Timpf (The Volume) stops by again seeing as last time, he and Anthony were interrupted by the Damian Lillard trade. They start by identifying the identity they believe will optimize the roster and rotation. The Lakers are somewhat unique in that they can adapt to situations rather than force their approach on anyone they face. 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 having plenty of fun with their favorite moments from the NBA's various media day, Anthony and Harrison turn their attention to the budding rivalry between the Lakers and Nuggets, and also enjoy how nice it was to have such a drama-free day yesterday. 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 usually play media day BINGO but as they are talking after it's happened already, the chose instead to laugh at their favorite quotes and moments as teams introduced themselves ahead of the 2023-'24 season. 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 picked up on four themes from media day and all had him feeling pretty great about the season 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

As with anything that happens in the NBA, the most important question becomes: How does this impact the Lakers? The guys discuss, plus wonder where Jrue Holiday winds up. 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

Damian Lillard didn't get his way. All along, Miami thought they could strong-arm Portland into a lesser deal because of Lillard's preference. It didn't play out that way. Anthony and Aaron discuss whether this signals a cultural shift or if this was just a matter of specific circumstances. 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 Jason Timpf (The Volume) had a plan to talk about the Lakers. They thought maybe if it came up they'd talk a little about Dame. Boy did that plan get thrown out the window. 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 fights through the elements (his daughter brought back a cold from school) to discuss a topic that legitimately intrigues him and will be revisited throughout the season. 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 finds a link between audiences not really feeling commercialized sports "documentaries" and what's going on at USC. Then, he and Aaron break down episode six of "Ahsoka." 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 guys explain why the Lakers will not be in on Buddy Hield now that he has finally been made more available for 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

Anthony and Aaron react to the latest in the Damian Lillard saga and respond to the ridiculous notion that the Blazers "owe" it to Lillard to send him to Miami no matter the return. 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 wrap up their 'Winning Time' discussion, then segue to Jarred Vanderbilt's extension. It mostly makes sense, with a couple notes both this season and moving forward. Also, Anthony explains how he thought he poisoned himself with cucumber water. 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 discuss "Winning Time" and where they believe the show went wrong in its second season. Well, Anthony thinks it went kind of wrong. Harrison stans. 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 gives his thoughts on 'Winning Time' now that the show is over. Which choices did he take issue with? Can the show be saved? Then, he dives into the mailbag to answer your 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

In response to yet another disappointment in FIBA play, LeBron is rounding up the gang for one last ride. Anthony's brain immediately jumped to how this will help 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

Anthony and Aaron take a look at the league's new approach to load management and agree that, frankly, the new rules aren't actually going to do anything to teams that rest players more than they should. 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 gives some parting thoughts on Team USA once again falling flat in FIBA play. Then, he discusses "Winning Time," which, while still entertaining, has made some choices that show how the sausage gets made. He also opens the iTunes mailbag to answer a couple 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

Anthony starts by wondering if the Lakers are a top-five team. That actually might be conservative, as he and Aaron explain. 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

Christian Wood hasn't shown an interest in defending consistently. If he wants to save his career, he'll have to rethink that approach. Will he? 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

Aaron and Anthony break down the various reactions to the Lakers signing Christian Wood. The spectrum of analysis has been pretty wild (which also leads to a brief detour into media analysis), which makes Anthony wonder what is going on. 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 goes positional group by positional group to analyze a roster that... he actually likes quite a bit? He likes them enough to rank them as a top five group heading into next year. If he's happy, something terrible is about to happen, so let's all just enjoy 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 returns from vacation to some actual news! The Lakers have a (quite good) backup center! He discusses Christian Wood's strengths, weaknesses, and why he is available at the discounted price the Lakers were able to take advantage of. He also explains his lengthy absence. 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

"Winning Time" has become super watered down and Rosario Dawson isn't a very good Ahsoka. Aaron and Anthony react to a couple shows that they still mostly like but do wish were a bit better. 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 NBA has fined James Harden and it's making Anthony think owners have finally drawn their line in the sand that players will not cross as player empowerment has gotten somewhat out of control. 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 Lakers formally announcing when Kobe's statue will be unveiled, Anthony and Aaron reminisce on Bryant, marvel at Vanessa's strength, argue about Kobe v Harden, but mostly just think back on a player and person they dearly miss. 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