Podcast: Which moves do the Lakers have to make to fill out their roster?

The Los Angeles Lakers cannot head into next season with JaVale McGee as their starting center. This much we all know. But what can Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and the rest of the front office do to address that dire need, and what might be holding them up? It’s Friday, which means Pete Zayas stops by to talk about this and plenty of other stuff.

Even better news: He joins me for a second podcast in the same day on Locked on NBA. Y’all are truly hashtag blessed.

In part one, we start by analyzing the moves made since signing LeBron James. Do you guys mind if I repeat that the Lakers convinced LeBron James to sign this summer? Cool. The Los Angeles Lakers convinced LeBron James to sign here this offseason. Anywho, back to the conversation.

JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson sent me into something just short of a conniption fit. Over the last few days, however, I’ve come to understand the thinking behind the moves, for the most part. I’ll never be convinced Stephenson (especially at this price) is an even decent decision. It’s dumb. And Pete agrees!

The second segment of part two covers what can realistically be done in the near future to address some needs on the roster. Namely, the center position, and shooting. You know who plays center and shoots the ball well? Disneyland’s top fan, Brook Lopez. This needs to happen. It’ll probably happen soon. But for a little extra fun, Pete offers up an explanation for why it hasn’t happened already.

In segment three, we address the Leonard situation further. Unlike Harrison, who wants to ignore leverage and offer anyone and everyone under the age of 25 on the roster, Pete recognizes the situation and thinks the Lakers should slow play this hand. I agree.

In part two of the crossover podcast, we take a look at how the Lakers compare to the rest of the league.