Among the more confounding of Darvin Ham's habits in the mind of many Lakers fans was his unwillingness to give steady minutes to Max Christie, even if the team seemed to need some of his skill set at different points throughout the season.

Well, having signed an four-year, $32 million contract this offseason, Christie is going to play.

Now it's a matter of whether new coach JJ Redick is more willing to deploy Christie without reservation. And more than just giving him a consistent role and not penalizing him for whatever it was Ham saw last year (Darvin never really got into depth about it), will Redick be able to optimize Christie? Getting the most he can from him as a player while mitigating his weaknesses?

If so, in many ways Christie would then become like a free agent acquisition. Someone essentially not available to them last year, who makes a big contribution without giving up existing talent. Obviously Christie isn't a summer signing—nobody on this roster is, as of now—but that would be the effect. It's something, for that matter, the Lakers are hoping for with Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, as well. Two guys that were, for all intents and purposes, unavailable to the team last year.

So between internal improvement and the arrival of Redick, where does this team stand (assuming a little bit of injury luck)? Does all of this point to a scenario where the Lakers really are better off being patient now rather than pushing for a summer trade under very suboptimal circumstances?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Christie gets a new deal. Will he get new opportunities?

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers are hoping Christie is just one of a few returning players who give the team MUCH more this season.

SEGMENT 3: Is Christie part of the reason the Lakers are smart to wait to make a deal?

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The biggest controversy to this point for Team USA, whether in their pre-Olympic training or the time spent in Paris, has centered around Joel Embiid, and his poor play (in a vacuum, and especially compared to the other centers on the roster). Wednesday against South Sudan, coach Steve Kerr sat Embiid down. For the whole game.

That meant more opportunities for Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis. Davis, obviously a big focus for Lakers fans, played a very solid 19 minutes for Team USA, and continues to build towards an opportunity to change the way people talk about him, and perhaps even the way he thinks of himself, as Team USA moves into the high leverage games. The potential is there for an image boost that doesn't exist for LeBron James, since James is, you know, already the greatest who ever lived in the opinion of many who judge these things.

As for JJ Redick, Coach K had some kind words to say about him, visiting Colln Cowherd's show. He focused a lot on Redick's experience as a role player, as a vet hanging on later in his career, and also his time at Duke, where he was considered a big time star. He's seen things from multiple perspectives as a player, which should help him as a coach. Which is true. His work ethic is incredible, and his hoops knowledge elite, as well. This is all stuff we've been told by credible folks.

But even if you believe Redick will be a good, maybe even excellent NBA coach, will he get there fast enough to help the Lakers this season?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: AD at the Olympics.

SEGMENT 2: An underrated part of JJ Redick's qualifications to be a coach?

SEGMENT 3: Mailbag!

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers have done nothing this offseason. No trades, no signings. Nothing. So when there's one guy who is seemingly available for the type of haul the Lakers can actually satisfy, it's worth a conversation about whether it's a good idea.

That's the state of things with Portland forward Jerami Grant. For Tuesday's show, Mike Richman of Locked On Blazers joined to provide a scouting report, covering Grant's defense, offense and fit.

It's a trade idea that really emphasizes how tight a window the Lakers have to operate through, because with Grant you have to consider:

• Whether the Lakers should give up draft capital.
• If the gap between Grant and the (likely) two to three rotation players required to make the money work is big enough for the Lakers to improve in the transaction.
• The future implications, because Grant makes a ton of money for the next four years, and is already on the wrong side of 30.

Well, Lakers fans have considered the info, and decided they didn't like the idea of trading for Grant. Overwhelmingly, the sentiment on the Locked On Lakers YouTube page was anti-Grant, at least for the price the Lakers would be expected to have to pay, with current rates. That's despite all the frustration with the total inactivity this summer. So it says fans want improvement, not just action.

It didn't, however, prevent fans from criticizing the front office. We opened up the mailbag, and listeners responded with many, many letters critical of Lakers managment/ownership.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Reacting to your reaction about Jerami Grant

SEGMENT 2: Fans weigh in on Jeannie and Pelinka.

SEGMENT 3: Is the criticism accurate?

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers have, just in case you've been sleeping through the summer, done as close to nothing as a team can assuming they actually participate in the Draft. No free agent signings. No trades. Nothing.

And aside from Zach LaVine, who Chicago can't seem to get rid of but has very, very little buzz around him (not just with the Lakers, but everywhere) the only guy left on the trade market the Lakers might actually have access to — no, they can't make a run at Utah's Lauri Markkinen — is Portland's Jerami Grant. He's a guy that's been connected to the Lakers at different points over the years and would, at least in theory, help address team needs on the wing as a guy with a good defensive reputation and a steady 3-point shot.

But does the reality match the reputation?

Do the Lakers, who don't have that many quality assets, have the means to acquire Grant without overpaying, whether in draft picks, rotation caliber players, or both?

Is it a good idea to acquire a 30-year old on a $160 million deal that runs another four seasons?

To answer these questions and more, we hit up Mike Richman, host of Locked On Blazers, who has watched Grant up close and on repeat for the last couple seasons. Does he think the proverbial juice is worth the squeeze here for LA?

Richman breaks down Grant's strengths and weaknesses as a defender, and how he might fit into a playoff rotation next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. We also get into whether the Lakers would have to overpay by too much, just to make the dollars work. Especially if Portland chooses to drive a hard bargain.

He's a tempting name, but is it worth it?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (with Mike Richman)

SEGMENT 1: Scouting Jerami Grant -- Is the Defense as good as the rep?

SEGMENT 2: What would it cost to get him?

SEGMENT 3: Is Grant worth it?

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Sunday, the US Men's National Team scored an impressive win over Serbia to kick off their run at the Paris Olympics. A big reason for that success was LeBron James, who scored 21 points, and added nine rebounds and seven assists and a steal in only 27 minutes.

The dude was dominant. And this against high end competition. LeBron was often the best player on the floor, which is pretty amazing given his age and mileage. At this point, if he's even on the team, he should be some sort of player emeritus, not a main cog in the team's success. But here we are. And fans are noticing what he (and Anthony Davis, who was good-but-relatively quiet Sunday thanks to some foul trouble) is doing.

But what does any of this mean for the Lakers? Does it mean something that the Lakers have two players capable of dominating at this level but have so many failed NBA postseasons (with a couple good ones mixed in, no doubt). Does their dominance reflect poorly on the front office?

Does any of it translate?

Meanwhile, in terms of potential upgrades, the Lakers "lost out" on another high profile player, as Tyus Jones went to Phoenix on a veteran's minimum. Now, this wasn't necessarily a matter of Jones choosing the Suns over the Lakers - there's no indication the Lakers were even interested, or tried to get him - but it's another example of good players going to other players with the Lakers either unable to make an effort, or losing out on the players they try for.

It's just a reminder that the Lakers are, for now, basically stuck. And that's uncomfortable, because they're not bad by any stretch, but clearly not good enough yet to contend.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron dominates against Serbia for Team USA.

SEGMENT 2: Does great Olympic play from LeBron and AD have meaning for the regular season/playoffs?

SEGMENT 3: "Losing" Tyus Jones.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Brian's last day of vacation and in his place is friend of the show Jovan Buha, Lakers beat writer for The Athletic and host of the podcast, Buha's Block. After recounting the vibe in Las Vegas towards Bronny James during Summer League, Jovan digs into the 43.5 win over/under for next seasons' Lakers, set by our friends over at FanDuel. Does Jovan predict a number closer to 47 in 2024, or closer to .500 (or below!)? There's also talk about next season's rotation as the roster currently stands. Presumably, four starters (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell) are set, but will that fifth starter be either Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt? Will Dalton Knecht get minutes next season, and if so, what will be the factors keeping him on the floor or on the bench? And if no big man is added, should Jaxson Hayes or Christian Wood get the nod as the backup center?

Plus, Robert Horry says he wants that iconic game-winning three vs. the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals played at his funeral. That got Jovan and Andy thinking about the coolest moments in Lakers history they've witnessed live and in person.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Jovan Buha

SEGMENT 1: FanDuel has the Lakers' over/under at 43.5 wins for 2024-25. What's Jovan's prediction?

SEGMENT 2: Jovan offers thoughts on the Lakers rotation next season. Rui vs. Vando? Dalton Knecht to see PT?

SEGMENT 3: More on the rotation, and our coolest in-person Lakers moments.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Brian's still on vacation, so today we're joined in his place by Matt Peralta from Lakers Nation, a site and show with as big of a reach among Lakers fans as Locked On Lakers. As such, it felt useful to talk with Matt to get his take on how Lakers fans are feeling about an offseason where LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been provided no new faces by Rob Pelinka to help them, save Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. (And JJ Redick, who does matter.) Are fans angry? Resigned? Or perhaps even optimistic? Former Laker (and Lakers killer upon joining the Nuggets) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, along with former NBA player Austin Rivers, both think the Lakers roster isn't too far off from contention. Are they correct?

Plus, what to make of the strong performances of LeBron, AD and Rui Hachimura during the Olympics exhibition games? How much does this translate to tangible success for the Lakers during this regular season? Is the upside worth the constant worry about those three (and especially LeBron) getting hurt or just putting on excess wear and tear?

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt Peralta

SEGMENT 1: How do the Lakers fans feel about the slow offseason?

SEGMENT 2: KCP and Austin Rivers say the Lakers are close. True?

SEGMENT 3: LeBron, AD and Rui in the Olympics.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Brian remains on vacation, so L.A. Times Lakers beat writer Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) is in the house! We begin by talking about how the Lakers front office feels internally about the roster, as it currently stands. Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a position to compete at the highest level and how do they evaluate what assets they're willing to sacrifice to reach another tier? What's the cost/benefit math determining whether it's better to move or keep one or both of their first-round draft picks? The Lakers aren't working with a surplus, so they have to be careful, but overcautiousness could result in paralysis by analysis. How much better does it need to make the team in order to pull the trigger? Could the improvement come with better health from Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, plus development with youngsters like Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Jalen Hood-Schifino?

Plus, the eternal question lingering over the franchise for Lakers fans: How much patience does Jeanie Buss have for Rob Pelinka? She's clearly loyal, but are there limits?

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Dan Woike.

SEGMENT 1: How do the Lakers feel about the roster as it stands?

SEGMENT 2: How do the Lakers evaluate trades that are worth it?

SEGMENT 3: Jeanie's patience with Rob.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)