Lakers Lounge

HOOK: Anthony and Pete disagree about the offseason so far; Let's hash this out Jul 3, 2026 4068 Anthony and Pete break down the Ayton trade, then dive into a conversation about the offseason so far. Anthony offers his foundational issues with how Rob Pelinka sees the sport, and he and Pete discuss whether the way Pelinka seems to see things can lead to a championship. The conversation wanders around a bit, then the guys wrap with a Q&A session with the live audience.

PART 1: Breaking down the Deandre Ayton trade Jul 3, 2026 1332 Right before the guys went live, we got some breaking news. Deandre Ayton is the center Anthony Davis has been asking Rob Pelinka for, for years.

PART 2: Can a team win a championship while being *bad* on defense? Jul 3, 2026 1376 The age-old cliche is that good offense beats good defense. Anthony pushes back just a bit, but that becomes another aspect of his and Pete debate about the roster makeup and the direction Rob Pelinka, JJ Redick and Luka Doncic clearly see the sport.

PART 3: Q&A - Could executing this plan have ever worked with LeBron? Jul 3, 2026 1459 Listeners had several questions for the guys after their debate about the offseason so far. Anthony would feel a lot better about this roster if LeBron was somehow still on it. Could it ever have worked out that way?

FULL: Are the Lakers better or worse? Rui vs. Kuminga? Q&A Jul 2, 2026 4164 As we await the Lakers' efforts to land a starting power forward, Anthony runs through this roster against last year's. He then debates Rui vs. Kuminga and explains why the debate is going on internally for the Lakers. He then dives into an incredibly active live chat after spending some time laughing at the Celtics.

PART 1: With the dust settled, are the Lakers worse? Kuminga or Rui? Jul 2, 2026 1373 Anthony discusses this roster as it is now and tries to figure out whether it's better or worse than last year's. Then, because the Lakers are still working on a position of glaring need, he debates Rui Hachimura or Jonathan Kuminga in a way only he would.

PART 2: Good on Bill Simmons for actually criticizing the Celtics Jul 2, 2026 1419 The Celtics screwed up. They just did. It shouldn't be hard to say it, and yet here we are. Anthony credits Bill Simmons of all people for actually knocking the Celtics for a very stupid series of events.

PART 3: The Lakers NEED Cam Carr, Adou Thiero to pop Jul 2, 2026 1454 A listener asked about including some young talent to make whatever trades the Lakers still need happen. Anthony explained why doing so wouldn't make sense for the Lakers right now.

FULL: Lakers add Kessler, Mamu, Grimes, Sexton Jul 1, 2026 4927 A LOT happened earlier today. The guys react to all of it, explain why they aren't thrilled about this summer haul, offer up some positives and remember the LeBron James era. Then, they dive into a Q&A with the live audience.

PART 1: The Lakers offseason so far has the guys telling therapy stories Jul 1, 2026 1652 Both Anthony and Harrison wish they liked this Lakers offseason a lot more than they do. They explain their trepidation and why this all feels very desperate from Rob Pelinka.

PART 2: Alright, let's try to find the positive Jul 1, 2026 1651 After a half hour or so ripping the moves the Lakers made in part 1, the guys find some positives to latch onto.

PART 3: How will you remember LeBron James' Lakers tenure; Q&A Jul 1, 2026 1703 With LeBron James officially no longer a Laker, Anthony and Harrison look back on the last eight years of LABron. Then, they dive into questions from the live audience -- including one about Jonathan Kuminga.

BREAKING: LeBron James, Lakers to part ways Jun 30, 2026 2420 Anthony reacts to the news that LeBron James will continue his playing career, just not with the Lakers. He offers up the timeline as he knows it, gets you ready for the leak-off between the Lakers and Klutch that's already started, and outlines the Lakers' options from here. Pressure's on, Rob.

FULL: NOT GREAT, ROB. Jun 30, 2026 3119 The reports and whispers about the Lakers' offseason so far aren't what Anthony would like them to be and he's getting nervous. Real nervous.

PART 1: Latest on LeBron, Smart, Ayton, center chase Jun 30, 2026 1532 Anthony isn't exactly over the moon about the stuff he's hearing about the Lakers' offseason so far. He offers up what he knows about the LeBron-Warriors noise, then echoes the reports of Marcus Smart heading to Houston.

PART 2: How Walker Kessler impacts LeBron's future Jun 30, 2026 1631 During a Q&A with the live audience, Anthony explains how the Lakers' pursuit of the A-list center Luka Doncic wants is affecting their level of communication with LeBron James.

FULL: What to make of the quiet start to the offseason Jun 29, 2026 3662 Anthony is right there with you in wondering what the Lakers might be up to, following a quiet first week of the offsseason. He starts the show with a fun James Worthy story then dives into how the summer has kicked off.

PART 1: A fun James Worthy story; LeBron to Miami? Jun 29, 2026 1899 The Lakers had a quiet weekend so Anthony starts with a story, then he dives into a rumor he doesn't quite buy into.

PART 2: The Lakers need to get rid of the dead money Jun 29, 2026 1793 Look across the league at the real contenders. A commonality: Clean books. Anthony discusses why a top priority for this summer is cleaning up the books with more productivity than the Lakers are getting from Vando, Knecht and others.

FULL: Ayton, Smart's decisions made; Trade options at center; Jokic extension rumors; LeBron's future; Q&A Jun 27, 2026 3874 Anthony said he was going to record a nice, quick chat seeing as it's a Saturday but the live audience wasn't having it. Between today's topics and the Q&A, it was an absolutely packed episode.

PART 1: Ayton, Smart's option decisions; Trade options with Ayton in; Jokic??? Jun 27, 2026 1770 As Anthony has mentioned over the course of the summer so far, Deandre Ayton is going to opt in, and Marcus Smart is going to opt out. He explains what both decisions mean for the Lakers, then dives into an interesting situation with Nikola Jokic.

PART 2: The Lakers haven't made an offer to LeBron; Here's why that doesn't matter Jun 27, 2026 2145 Anthony explains the recent noise about LeBron still waiting for the Lakers' first offer as he prepares for free agency. In Anthony's eyes, the situation hasn't changed. He wraps with a lengthy Q&A with the live audience.

FULL: Jalen Duren frustrated? RFA risks; Myles Turner trade options; Mitchell Robinson buzz; Q&A Jun 26, 2026 2492 Anthony runs through a slew of rumors, buzz and updates on some of the centers most closely or most idealistically linked to the Lakers. Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler? Not realistic, but certainly ideal options. Myles Turner and Mitchell Robinson? More realistic, but not exactly inspiring. We head into a (hopefully) busy weekend with a Q&A, too.

FULL: LaMelo Ball traded; Lakers' center options dwindling; Mega Q&A Jun 25, 2026 4531 Anthony reacts to a fascinating trade between Minnesota and Charlotte, then explains why it may have hurt the Lakers' chances at landing the center they need. He then breaks down some of the options he's heard at center and dives into a nice, long Q&A with the live audience.

PART 1: LaMelo Ball trade breakdown, fallout for Lakers Jun 25, 2026 1555 The Hornets and Wolves pulled off a shocking trade, exchanging (among other players and assets) LaMelo Ball for Naz Reid. This fundamentally changes Minnesota and, more importantly for the Lakers, takes two center options off the board.

PART 2: A little game of centers would-you-rather Jun 25, 2026 1708 Anthony offers up a couple hypotheticals at the center position that hopefully outline what the Lakers' options are right now. It doesn't feel great, right now.

PART 3: If this offseason isn't enough for Luka, would Jeanie Buss ever fire Rob Pelinka? Jun 25, 2026 1350 Fans are past the point of restlessness and they're wondering at what point Rob Pelinka would feel the heat. One listener did push back somewhat, giving Pelinka's credentials, which led to an analogy that gave him a super awkward realization.

FULL: BREAKING - The bank Jun 24, 2026 3087 Austin got PAID. Cam Carr is legit. The Lakers still need a center. Can they find one in the second round, if they get there?

PART 1: Austin's new deal; Lakers trying for second round; Cam Carr scouting report Jun 24, 2026 1607 The Lakers and Austin Reaves are in agreement on a four-year max. Anthony breaks it down, as well as the differing information he has on the timeline compared to what's out there nationally. Everything happened so fast last night that Anthony hadn't given a full Cam Carr scouting report, so he does that.

PART 2: Latest on Lakers' search for their center; Q&A Jun 24, 2026 1521 The Lakers are still canvassing the league for the starting center upgrade they know they need. Anthony discusses that, then takes questions from the live audience.

FULL: Lakers' search for a center continues; LeBron, Austin updates; iHart??? CAM CARR Jun 24, 2026 6819 Anthony and Raj figured this would be a nice, one hour trip through the NBA draft, but boy did ESPN and Adam Silver laugh at those plans. Still, it was all worth it in the end, as the Lakers somehow wound up with the exact player Anthony hardly even dared to hope for.

PART 1: Draft tablesetter; Center market isn't great Jun 24, 2026 1709 Anthony and Raj briefly discuss how they thought the Lakers would use the pick at the onset of the draft. They also run through some of the options the Lakers still have at the center position but how tough the summer has been in that regard to this point.

PART 2: Anthony and Raj on the Giannis deal; LeBron James update Jun 24, 2026 1709 The Lakers believed Giannis would consider them an option and, as it turns out, weren't on the list of teams he'd extend with. Anthony details an intel issue that keeps popping up. He then offers up the latest that he's heard about LeBron James' future with the Lakers.

PART 3: Why restricted free agency might be too big a gamble Jun 24, 2026 1729 Walker Kessler, Payton Watson, Jalen Duren, Tari Eason... All guys who make a lot of sense for the Lakers. Anthony explains why the risk in signing them is probably too much to take lightly for the Lakers.

PART 4: Jaylen Brown? LAKERS SELECT CAM CARR Jun 24, 2026 1807 Anthony and Raj have a discussion about Jaylen Brown as a potential target, then FINALLY get to react to the Lakers making their pick in this year's first round... and Anthony was PUMPED. Cam Carr is legit and exactly the type of player the Lakers need on the perimeter.

FULL: NBA Draft eve mega pod with Harrison Jun 23, 2026 5929 Honestly, buckle in. This one goes ALL over the place.

PART 1: Did the Lakers miscalculate their Giannis plan? Jun 23, 2026 1519 Giannis hadn't been traded when they recorded this (he eventually was dealt, to be clear), and the Lakers never factored seriously into his pursuit. What should Lakers fans make of that?

PART 2: There is no "houses that aren't for sale" this summer Jun 23, 2026 1511 Rob has made every excuse in the book to this point. That won't fly this summer if it isn't an outright success.

PART 3: Could Luka actually leave? Jun 23, 2026 1565 The Lakers promised Luka Doncic a lot this summer. His opt-out opportunity is sooner than you think. So... is his eventual departure something the Lakers have to actually be concerned about? Anthony and Harrison both think so, if this summer doesn't go exceedingly well.

PART 4: Anthony details his blood feud with Marc Stein (it's not a blood feud) Jun 23, 2026 1467 Over the weekend, Anthony reported the Lakers had spoken to the Pistons about Isaiah Stewart and Bucks about Kel'el Ware to check on their prices in the event Giannis went to Miami. Marc Stein reported he hadn't heard that and the internet ran with that to conclude Anthony didn't know anything. So, Harrison and Anthony discuss the situation, how reporting works and the media literacy needed to nav

FULL: Giannis still hasn't been traded; Lakers check in on Stewart, Ware; Doncic keeps pressure on; Q&A Jun 22, 2026 4005 Anthony gives a behind-the-scenes look at how information spread about Giannis maybe getting traded, then definitely not getting traded and where everyone goes from here. The Lakers checked in on Isaiah Stewart and Kel'el Ware, so Anthony details that info and the more important thing to take from that situation. Another beat reporter wrote about the pressure the Lakers are feeling from Luka Donci

PART 1: What a weird weekend Jun 22, 2026 1281 For a good little minute Saturday, word in league circles was that a Giannis trade was imminent. Anthony explains what he thinks was going on there, then dives into his reporting on Isaiah Stewart and Kel'el Ware as potential targets.

PART 2: Luka Doncic's demands are the theme of this summer Jun 22, 2026 1318 Rob Pelinka's job might be riding on his ability to add the caliber and type of center Luka Doncic is asking for. Anthony explains that situation and why we stand to benefit from it.

PART 3: Luka applying pressure is GOOD Jun 22, 2026 1483 Lakers fans should root on Luka Doncic and his camp as they apply pressure to Rob Pelinka and his front office to build the roster he said he would this summer.

THE HOOK: Big weekend ahead; Luka applies good pressure; Beef Stewart report; Confidence check-in Jun 19, 2026 3446 Absolutely packed episode to send us into a critical Father's Day weekend. The guys discuss how they feel about recent reporting around Luka Doncic's demands, Isaiah Stewart being made available, which A-list centers fit Luka's standard and their confidence Rob Pelinka can pull off everything he needs to this summer.

HOOK PART 1: Isaiah Stewart, anyone? Jun 19, 2026 1729 Anthony and Pete set the table for a critical weekend likely filled with all kinds of action, reports and speculation by talking about their love of Beef Stew.

HOOK PART 2: One this has become clear: No more kicking the can Jun 19, 2026 1764 Anthony and Pete react to word coming out of Luka's camp that he's done waiting. They're happy to see this pressure.

FULL: Luka's messaging is becoming impossible to not understand; LeBron, Austin updates Jun 19, 2026 3112 Anthony explains the parts of ESPN's reporting on Luka Doncic's preferences/expectations you need to pay extra close attention to and give his thoughts on what it all means. He then updates the LeBron James and Austin Reaves situations, and discusses how he sees these three players' summers playing out.

PART 1: Is Luka Doncic sending a message? Jun 19, 2026 1449 Anthony reacts to the reporting about Luka Doncic wanting an "A-list" center on the heels of Doncic going on the record with the kind of player he prefers at that position. One quote in particular leads Anthony to believe this is Doncic (or his camp, at the very least) making it crystal clear what's on the line this summer.

PART 2: Will Luka's pressure play work? Anthony goes on an epic LeBron rant Jun 19, 2026 1704 Anthony asks the question we're all wondering: If this is indeed Luka Doncic applying pressure, will it work? He has a back-and-forth with the audience about LeBron James that leads to a pretty classic rant. Sorry, Tobias Harris.

FULL: Lakers center options Jun 18, 2026 3028 The Lakers need to add a legit starting caliber center this summer. Some might be available using different pathways. Anthony lays out some options and how they'd be acquired, then outlines how likely each option might be.

PART 1: Walker Kessler; Kel'el Ware; Why they NEED a center Jun 18, 2026 1499 After explaining how critical it is that the Lakers land a center, Anthony starts with one familiar name, and one we haven't discussed much before.

PART 2: Myles Turner, Jarrett Allen, Nic Claxton; Draft prospects; Others Jun 18, 2026 1572 Anthony rolls through some options further down the list as well as some draft prospects the Lakers could land if their primary targets aren't available.

FULL: Jalen Brunson's paycut has become a hot topic of cultural debate Jun 17, 2026 3589 For ages, the discussion of hometown discounts in the NBA were always owner propaganda. Now, with the owners having succeeded in putting essentially a hard cap into place, the discussion has come back up again. Jalen Brunson taking less objectively helped the Knicks. Is it fair to hope your team's superstar does the same? Anthony and Harrison hash this subject out.

PART 1: The discussion of pay cut for superstars is different now, it just is Jun 17, 2026 1816 Anthony and Harrison begin their discussion on pay cuts by outlining the various ways this is different now than it was under previous CBAs and economic situations.

PART 2: Aspiration's role in this pay cut debate can't be ignored Jun 17, 2026 1819 If Adam Silver doesn't come down hard on the Clippers for their alleged cap circumvention, pay days may become a mainstay in NBA economics. The guys discuss this and the notion of what fans and athletes owe each other (with Tom Brady as the example).

FULL: Lessons from the Knicks; LeBron, Austin negotiations underway; Giannis update; Q&A Jun 15, 2026 2884 Packed episode as Anthony reacts to the Knicks once again walking down the Spurs. He offers up a couple lessons from that win and the history the Knicks made. From there, he officially kicks off the Lakers' offseason and centers it around Giannis trade noise. He updates the situations surround LeBron and Austin, then dives into a Q&A with the live audience.

PART 1: Knicks lessons; Offseason primer Jun 15, 2026 1401 Anthony gives his thoughts on the Knicks winning it all and then dives into some of the conversations about the Lakers offseason he had with people around the league over the weekend.

PART 2: Paycut culture Jun 15, 2026 1525 Jalen Brunson is making less than he could be on the Knicks. That has allowed them to build a better roster around him. It also applies inherent pressure to players of his caliber and better to take a similar deal, or else compete at a disadvantage. Anthony discusses this, then dives into a Q&A with the live audience.

FULL: Lakers in Review - JJ Redick & Co. (with Cranjis) Jun 12, 2026 2737 Anthony welcomes Cranjis back into The Lounge to break down JJ Redick's second season.

PART 1: Did JJ Redick grow enough in year two? Jun 12, 2026 1372 The Lakers need JJ Redick to continue growing on the job. Did he do enough of that in his second year?

PART 2: So... about that time JJ called out Cranjis' play charting... Jun 12, 2026 1408 The funny thing about that whole experience, according to Cranjis? He mostly agreed with what JJ said about organized offense! The guys talk about that, those processes that go into charting that information and how to balance organized offense with Luka's own creativity.

FULL: Wemby's weakness; LeBron to Warriors? Mailbag/Q&A Jun 12, 2026 3831 Anthony gives his thoughts on that historic comeback from the Knicks over the Spurs and the role Victor Wembanyama's offensive limits played in San Antonio's late struggles. From there, he discusses a rumor circulating in The Bay that apparently, LeBron James is curious about playing on the Warriors. He wraps with a lengthy Q&A/mailbag session.

PART 1: Wemby needs a go-to move; LeWarrior? Jun 12, 2026 1952 Anthony saw all the blame (rightfully) heaped on De'Aaron Fox but also found himself wondering why more of the conversation wasn't about Victor Wembanyama's limitations placing a ceiling over the Spurs. He then discusses a report out of The Bay that alleges LeBron James having curiosity about playing on the Warriors next year.

PART 2: Q&A - What would be Anthony's *ideal* starting/closing lineup next season? Jun 12, 2026 1920 Anthony was asked by someone on Twitter what his ideal offseason would look like and what kind of team he'd prefer to watch next year. He allows himself to drift away to dreamland to answer the question.

FULL: Trevor Lane on running it back as a hypothetical, expectations, optimism and everything in-between Jun 11, 2026 2844 Anthony welcomes Trevor Lane back into The Lounge to talk about a hypothetical most fans would really prefer not to imagine exists... What if the Lakers run it back?

PART 1: What if the Lakers can't buy houses that aren't for sale? Jun 11, 2026 1393 Anthony and Trevor run through at particularly annoying hypothetical and explain why it would be so annoying.

PART 2: How optimistic are you that Rob Pelinka can pull this off? Jun 11, 2026 1495 Anthony asks the million-dollar question to Trevor: The Lakers have A TON riding on this summer. How confident are you that it will go as they're hoping it will?

FULL: The (latest) definitive Austin Reaves conversation Jun 10, 2026 3393 Anthony and Harrison discuss Austin Reaves' season, the consistent progress he's made as a pro and the impossible decision the Lakers have ahead of them this summer.

PART 1: Is Austin's contract the biggest decision the Lakers have this summer? Jun 10, 2026 1700 Whatever number the Lakers re-sign Austin Reaves to is going to tell us a lot about the kind of roster Luka Doncic is going to have for at least the next year or so. Anthony and Harrison debate whether this is the biggest decision the Lakers have facing them this offseason, then look back on the season Reaves just had.

PART 2: We're aware of the defensive concerns with Luka and Austin, we promise Jun 10, 2026 1730 Listeners keep commenting as if those of us who cover the team aren't aware of Austin (and Luka's) weaknesses, especially defensively. The guys discuss those concerns and what needs to be done to supplement them. And if it does become clear the ceiling on this roster is too low, what can be done to maintain flexibility after Austin's big raise this summer.

FULL: Spurs-Knicks recap; Lakers culture needs work; Giannis stuff; Q&A Jun 9, 2026 4835 Raj stops by for the first time in a little while and, as per usual, the guys wander around in a really fun convo.

PART 1: Spurs stun Knicks Jun 9, 2026 1214 Anthony and Raj recap a game three thriller between the Spurs and Knicks. Anthony can't hold back from laughing at a certain someone ruining the Knicks' vibes.

PART 2: The REAL lesson from these playoffs is... Jun 9, 2026 1258 As much as we'd like for the Lakers to be able to play a certain way or for the roster to sit at a certain caliber next season, Anthony thinks the real lesson from these playoffs is how critical organizational culture is. Raj agrees.

PART 3: The Lakers need to start developing and keeping talent Jun 9, 2026 1240 If a team is going to reach the heights of those franchises still in real pursuit of a championship, they'll need to develop talent and keep them longer term than the Lakers have.

PART 4: Q&A Jun 9, 2026 1254 Anthony and Raj wrap up their conversation with a Q&A with the audience, which included a question about the relationship they'd like to see between the Lakers and their superstar.

HOOK: Austin wants his max; Anthony and Pete's heated LeBron debate; Myles Turner; Q&A Jun 5, 2026 3868 This is a loaded episode, which features a discussion about Austin Reaves' contract and the complications it comes with. From there, they get into some new reporting on LeBron's contract and potential destination -- which leads to one of the more fiery debated Pete and Anthony have had in a little while. Anthony offers Pete his thinking on Myles Turner, then they answer some quick questions from t

PART 1: Don't we all want the max? Jun 5, 2026 1274 Anthony and Pete react to reports that Austin wants his full max salary slot for next season, first by saying, well, don't we all, but then also running through all the ripple effects of this information.

PART 2: Anthony and Pete's fiery LeBron debate Jun 5, 2026 1315 Anthony and Pete rarely disagree to the extent they do in this episode (which also extends into part three).

PART 3: What does Pete think of Anthony's Myles Turner idea? Jun 5, 2026 1386 Anthony spent all last show trying to convince himself about Myles Turner, so now he spends a little while doing the same to Pete. They're still friends!

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