Lakers Lounge

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!

FULL: Alright hear me out... Myles Turner? Jun 5, 2026 3239 Anthony has watched enough of these playoffs to come to the realization that the Lakers are going to need to be able to play five-out next year. If they're going to do that, there really aren't many centers on the market with the skillset they'd need. So... sigh...Myles Turner! No please, come back.

PART 1: Knicks steal game one; Lakers need to be able to throw a certain pitch next season Jun 5, 2026 1589 The west is filled to the brim with incredible talent at the center position, both offensively and defensively. Anthony has always felt they need to focus on that spot, but now feels a specific player type is going to be necessary if the Lakers are going to keep up in that positional arms race.

PART 2: Myles Turner has his warts but he might be the best of a bunch of bad options Jun 5, 2026 1678 Anthony opens by not exactly celebrating the season Myles Turner had last year but he also stresses that there are not many better realistic options who boast his skillset. He wraps up by diving into the chat for a few questions.

FULL: Kirk Henderson on Luka's season, media coverage and ways to improve Jun 3, 2026 3021 Anthony welcomes Kirk Henderson (Pod Maverick) into The Lounge to discuss the season he watched Luka Doncic have from afar. The guys talk about Doncic's production, the way he's talked about by various media types, the MVP race and ways Doncic could still get better. They also discuss the Maverick's interesting offseason ahead and whether a certain former Laker could ever make a return.

PART 1: "It's like asking someone to review their ex's new relationship" Jun 3, 2026 1547 Anthony and Kirk take a look back at the season Luka Doncic had and the bummer of an ending to it. Kirk lobbies for handling Doncic's minutes better, but does grant that doing so is kind of tricky because of the impact he makes while he's on the court.

PART 2: How can the Lakers help Luka improve next year? Jun 3, 2026 1518 Anthony and Kirk agree about the most important position teams must prioritize when building around Luka Doncic. They also discuss the Mavericks and whether they've moved on to the point where they can trade with the Lakers again. (please bring us back Max, please)

FULL: Are the Lakers are risk of losing ground in L.A. to Dodgers, Rams? Jun 2, 2026 4306 About an hour before Anthony and Harrison were getting ready to record, news dropped that the Rams had traded for Myles Garrett. The Rams have enjoyed a run of recent success that would normally make them the pride of their sports city, except they share L.A. with the Dodgers, who are vying for a three-peat of their own. So, the guys discuss whether the Lakers are at risk of giving up ground at a

PART 1: Did the Rams just apply even more pressure to Rob Pelinka? Jun 2, 2026 1463 If so, should we be thanking the Rams for trading for Myles Garrett?

PART 2: A John Salley story??? (it's a good one) Jun 2, 2026 1305 The guys continue their conversation about the state of trust Lakers fans have in the team compared to the Dodgers or Rams, but first, Anthony tells his favorite story from the three-peat Lakers, featuring John Salley and cheap parking.

PART 3: How to navigate bad aggregation during rumor szn Jun 2, 2026 1627 Anthony noticed something from afar over the weekend as, once again, aggregators did a disservice to their audience by removing context from a reporter's content (in this case, Jovan's). So, as we embark on another summer filled with reporting and speculation, all viewed through the filter of whichever aggregating account you prefer, Anthony and Harrison discuss how they think you can avoid this k

FULL: Spurs-Thunder lessons, Lakers mailbag Jun 1, 2026 3760 The finals matchup is set. The Spurs upset the Thunder. The league feels different now than it was a couple weeks ago. Anthony reacts to all of it, then dives into a mailbag focused on closing the gap between where the Lakers are and where the Spurs appear to be going.

PART 1: Lakers' buy-low approach; Spurs-Thunder lessons Jun 1, 2026 1168 Anthony answers a quick question about the Lakers' approach to finding value in free agency and how that might change over time. He also starts a conversation about how this WCF oddly made him more confident in the Luka-led Lakers.

PART 2: Spurs-Thunder felt like it changed the makeup of the NBA Jun 1, 2026 1343 Anthony enjoyed that WCF and found himself thinking throughout the series that it might be a league-altering event. He explains that, then discusses a buy-low wing who a listener is hoping might be available from Milwaukee.

PART 3: It's feeling like a dark horse team might trade for Giannis Jun 1, 2026 1335 The price on Giannis has fallen far enough that Anthony kinds wondering if we'll see a repeat of what Toronto did with Kawhi. He explains that theory, then wraps up the final couple questions of a packed Q&A.

FULL: Adam Silver takes on tanking, leaves flopping alone; Impact on Lakers, Giannis May 29, 2026 3706 Anthony gives his thoughts on the anti-tanking measures the NBA took and what they say about the things Adam Silver cares about. He also has an epiphany about the kind of league Silver is working toward.

PART 1: NBA's new tanking rules, explained ... kind of May 29, 2026 1217 The funny part in all of this is the league itself says it's still working through some stuff. This leads to some questions from Anthony on why this needed to be announced right away, and what doing so says about Adam Silver.

PART 2: New anti-tanking rules HELP the Lakers May 29, 2026 1275 If you just want to be purely machiavellian, the NBA's anti-tanking measures help the Lakers -- who don't think they can tank anyway. So if no one can, well, all the better for the team that won't.

PART 3: Anthony's epiphany - The league Adam Silver really wants May 29, 2026 1302 The NBA has, historically, enjoyed its most prosperity by way of superstars and super teams. Adam Silver has methodically built a league that stands ten toes down against those ends. Anthony realized this live on the air.

FULL: MAILBAG - Lakers options if LeBron leaves; Anthony Davis bridge status; Red Flag Robby? May 28, 2026 3308 Anthony dives into a particularly full mailbag slate, with listeners curious about how ownership might feel about Rob Pelinka's efforts to fill out the front office, late draft picks vs. UDFAs, the impact LeBron leaving would have on the Lakers and Bronny, and more.

PART 1: Is the bridge between the Lakers and Anthony Davis fully burnt? May 28, 2026 1549 A Twitter follower asked if Anthony Davis could ever return to the Lakers. This one is kind of tricky, but Anthony tries to navigate it nonetheless.

PART 2: This summer's stakes on Rob Pelinka; Some live-breaking news May 28, 2026 1804 Anthony got a tip while he was on the air right towards the end of the episode. Before that, he expanded on what Rob Pelinka has riding on this summer (with a Star Wars analogy).

FULL: Lakers hire blog boi rocket scientist; Knicks blow out Cavs May 27, 2026 3697 Anthony and Harrison discuss the Lakers hiring their first of two assistant GMs and the nagging questions that have been bugging Anthony. They also discuss the Knicks dominating the Cavs and the impact that might have on LeBron James' offseason.

PART 1: Let the Dodgerfication... BEGIN May 27, 2026 1778 Anthony and Harrison explain why this is, for the most part, an objectively net-positive for the Lakers. But still, that really annoying voice in the back of their minds just won't shut up about a couple unfortunate truths about what led to this hire, instead of some higher-level talent from more respected organizations.

PART 2: Why might top-level talent be reluctant to work for Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss? May 27, 2026 1962 Anthony and Harrison continue their conversation about the Lakers' efforts to become more like the Dodgers and the speed bumps they've run into, as people around the league aren't sure who will be in charge for how long. They also touch on the Knicks run through the east and, more importantly for Lakers fans, the Cavs falling squarely on their face. LeBron can't possibly look at that and think Cle

THE HOOK: Anthony just won't let this Giannis thing go (but this time Pete agrees) May 22, 2026 3556 The Lakers need superstar talent and have the ability to potentially add one in some pretty unique circumstances this summer. Anthony and Pete discuss why they want the Lakers to make their push for him, all the while understanding why some Lakers fans are less than sold on the idea.

PART 1: Pete and Anthony's best sales pitches for trading for Giannis May 22, 2026 1797 Anthony has spent this week trying to convince two different guests on trading for Giannis. He finally has someone who has spent the year selling him on the idea.

PART 2: Split the aces, Lakers May 22, 2026 1804 The guys continue their conversation about Giannis, this time focused a little more on LeBron. They also tackle why Lakers fans are iffy about trading for him. The episode ends with the blackjack analogy to end all blackjack analogies.

FULL: Yaron Weitzman on Lakers Dodgersification, Rob Pelinka's future May 22, 2026 2689 Anthony welcomed Yaron Weitzman back into The Lounge, this time to talk about his latest piece, which detailed Dodgers management helping modernize the Lakers. From the sound of things, the process isn't going as smoothly as some might hope, so the guys discuss why not and what it might mean for those involved.

PART 1: Can Mark Walter recreate what he's built with the Dodgers with Lakers people in place? May 22, 2026 1350 Anthony has spoken in the past about what Mark Walter wants to do with the Lakers and, with that process now underway, he brings in Yaron Weitzman (Yahoo!) to detail its early stages -- which don't seem to be going as well as everyone would like.

PART 2: The Rambi will outlive us all May 22, 2026 1383 Yaron noticed the reaction to Kurt Rambis being involved in the interviews for open positions with the Lakers and offers a fairly simple explanation for why that is still the case.

FULL: Spurs-Thunder tied up; More Giannis talk; Lakers front office rumors; Q&A May 21, 2026 5005 Anthony and Raj break down the series they've watched so far and marvel at the level of basketball they've seen from these two teams -- neither of which are 100%. From there, Anthony pitches Raj on Giannis. The guys detail some of the noise coming from the Lakers' efforts to build out the front office, then wrap with a Q&A.

PART 1: Good lord Spurs-Thunder is incredible May 21, 2026 1563 Anthony and Raj have loved this Spurs-Thunder series. Anthony can't believe how much he likes this Spurs team, though that might have more to do with how much he hates this Thunder squad.

PART 2: Giannis or depth? May 21, 2026 1549 Anthony once again makes the case for Giannis, this time to Raj -- who is against the idea. Anthony says he's gonna keep receipts on this one.

PART 3: Can we PLEASE get conference realignment? May 21, 2026 1979 Anthony and Raj wrap up the episode with some questions from the live audience, who all agreed Spurs-Thunder feels like the finals. Are we ever going to see the west properly represented in the playoffs by way of 1-16 seeding? (no, is the answer -- and it sucks)

FULL: Have these playoffs changed your mind on Giannis? May 20, 2026 4219 Anthony and Harrison's annoyance with Giannis' will-he, won't-he ask for a trade has come full circle because of the caliber of basketball the Lakers would have to play to compete with the likes of OKC and San Antonio. Anthony makes the case for trading for Giannis on several levels, including as a means to convince LeBron to take a little less.

PART 1: Alright hear us out... What about Giannis? May 20, 2026 1410 Anthony has watched these playoffs and walked away from them so far wondering how the Lakers can bring in the kind of upper tier talent that would bring them closer to the classes of the league. He can't believe he's making this case either, but what about Giannis?

PART 2: How can the Lakers get value contracts? May 20, 2026 1378 Anthony makes the case for Giannis with an additional benefit being value contracts the Lakers would sign if free agents look to latch onto a contending Lakers team.

PART 3: If Milwaukee jumps right into rebuild mode, trading Giannis to the Lakers makes sense May 20, 2026 1521 More often than not, owners don't let their front offices go straight into a rebuild after trading a superstar. If that trend continues, the Lakers don't have much of a chance at Giannis. If Milwaukee does accept their new reality, then a Lakers package makes some sense.

FULL: Luka finishes distant fourth for MVP; Conference finals thoughts; MAILBAG May 19, 2026 3850 Anthony explains why there was a bit of a break between episodes, then discusses Luke Doncic finishing so far behind the top three in MVP voting results. From there, he offers up some macro-level thoughts on the teams left heading into the conference finals. Finally, he opens the iTunes mailbag and answers some questions and comments from the live chat.

PART 1: Luka MVP voting results exemplify Lakers voter fatigue May 19, 2026 1181 Anthony uses Luka finishing so far behind in the MVP voting results to explain why he's so fed up with this process on the whole.

PART 2: How to build around Luka and Austin (who isn't going anywhere) May 19, 2026 1316 Anthony explains why he'd be shocked to see Austin Reaves anywhere other than back with the Lakers and then segues from there to a discussion about how the Lakers will need to build around he and Luka Doncic.

PART 3: The Lakers can't just let everyone walk whenever they don't win a championship May 19, 2026 1440 Anthony has seen the comments since the season ended and explains why just letting guys walk isn't in the Lakers' best interests heading into the summer. No, they don't need to run it back either, but a good offseason will need to feature more nuance.

FULL: Jovan Buha on whether last season was a success; Offseason predictions May 15, 2026 3584 Anthony and Jovan look back on last season after he realized he never really has to this point. Was last year a success? Well, kind of. Mostly, sure, but only kind of. From there, they dive into the top stories facing the Lakers this summer: LeBron's future, Austin's contract and how they'll need to improve the roster around them.

PART 1: Was last season a success for the Lakers? May 15, 2026 1942 In most ways, the Lakers had a fairly successful season. They won more games. They advanced further in the playoffs. Key figures took tangible steps forward. And yet... there's this nagging voice in the back of Anthony's head telling him it was solid, but...

PART 2: What is a fair number on Austin; Where to start: Wing or center? May 15, 2026 1686 Anthony has believed a while now that the Lakers need to start at center when upgrading this roster, but Jovan makes a solid case for starting on the wing. Before that, they wrap up their LeBron convo and try to figure out the ideal Austin Reaves contract.

FULL: ESPN dropped a new LeBron-Lakers report and it might kill Harrison May 14, 2026 4361 Anthony and Harrison marvel at the newest dramatic morsels from ESPN about LeBron James and the Lakers. Unfortunately for Harrison, every time he laughs, he is thrown directly into a coughing fit and, well, there's a lot of laughing in this one.

PART 1: Game Ball-gate May 14, 2026 1454 Where does LeBron put all the game balls he's gotten over the years?

PRT 2: The Lakers' pettiness towards LeBron is pretty wild when you detail everything May 14, 2026 1411 Anthony outlines what LeBron has done for the Lakers and how ridiculous it is that Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss have somehow convinced themselves he's the problem.

PART 3: Should getting swept by OKC change our minds about a Giannis trade? May 14, 2026 1584 Anthony has been thinking about this basically since the series ended so he asked Harrison about it. On one hand, the Lakers could obviously use the injection of talent. On the other, Giannis is just so annoying.

FULL: Rob Pelinka, JJ Redick preview critical Lakers offseason May 13, 2026 4597 Anthony plays the vast majority of yesterday's joint presser, in which JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka summed up this Lakers season and set the tone for this summer.

PART 1: The Lakers FINALLY said they want LeBron back May 13, 2026 1529 Rob Pelinka spoke more eloquently and positively about LeBron in today's presser than he has in years.

PART 2: Have the Lakers moved beyond optionality as a goal? May 13, 2026 1571 Rob Pelinka used his favorite key word again, but Anthony noted a difference in the way the Lakers PBO talked about it.

PART 3: JJ Redick on JJ Redick's own growth May 13, 2026 1583 JJ Redick was asked about the ways he has grown as a coach. He and Rob Pelinka answer that question, and Anthony uses it as an opportunity to discuss the ways Redick still needs to develop.

FULL: Fin. May 12, 2026 4443 Anthony opens the door to whoever wants to give their thoughts on this series and Lakers season. He gives his own thoughts on those subjects. He then answers questions from the chat on... those same subjects.

PART 1: How can the Lakers catch up to their contender competition? May 12, 2026 1433 A Thunder fan hopped on to give his props to the Lakers for their fight in this series, so Anthony also asked him to explain what's gone into this Thunder culture and how long it took to arrive here.

PART 2: Should this be "it" for LeBron and the Lakers? May 12, 2026 1472 A fan hopped on the show to make the case for a gap year and for LeBron to head back east. Anthony gives his responses on both fronts (while understanding where those stances might have come from).

PART 3: Lakers need "sprint everywhere" guys May 12, 2026 1626 The Lakers have gotten by through halfcourt execution, but Anthony makes the case for a slight tweak in their roster-wide approach to athleticism. From there, he wraps with questions from the live audience.

FULL: Lessons the Lakers must learn from these playoffs; Lottery reaction; MEGA MAILBAG May 11, 2026 4140 The Lakers are on the brink of elimination, so Anthony discusses what they'll need to carry on from this experience. From there, he dives into the lottery results and embarks on one of the fullest mailbags in show history.

PART 1: This Thunder series is the beginning of... something May 11, 2026 1419 Anthony quickly discusses what he noticed from game three and zooms out to hit on what actually matters here: How the Lakers respond to one of the most lopsided series losses in Lakers history.

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