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After a frustrating loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with the team having won only one game since LeBron James got hurt, it’s easy to head down a dark path in regards to the situation surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. While some concern might be reactionary, there are some legitimate questions surrounding the organization. Today’s podcast content asks some of those questions.
The 30
In this episode, Jas is joined by Marcus Fitzgerald of Sportsnet radio.
To kick things off, Marcus and Jas discuss the Lakers’ disappointing loss to Paul George and the Thunder, and whether or not Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball will be long-term fits next to LeBron.
After that, they dive into the Staples Center crows booing George all night, and if they think he will be a Laker at some point in the future.
With LeBron out with the groin injury, Marcus and Jas talk about the King’s new found attitude, and how he has handled himself as he gets later into his career.
With Marcus being based out of Vancouver, Canada, Kawhi Leonard was also natural topic.
Following that, you’ll hear Marcus and Jas touch on the prestige of being a Laker and whether or not today’s young guys in the league have lost an appreciation for it.
Listen below for their full conversation and make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts.
Locked on Lakers
On today’s episode, Pete and I broaden our scope beyond the current roster to ask whether the Lakers were ready for LeBron James at this stage of his career.
Look throughout the organization. Jeanie Buss has been with the Lakers for a very long time, but she’s only in year three of life without Jim Buss. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka both have tangential experience to their current roles, but they’ve never actually run an NBA team before. Luke Walton is a third-year head coach.
On more than a couple occasions this season, that lack of experience has jumped up and bitten the Lakers. But with that said, James signed up for at least three years with the franchise. There is time to figure things out.
Pete and I then turn our attention to where we’d like to see some of that turn-around to start. Basically, the Lakers have to stop insulating themselves from the outside world and open up their candidate pool when they have open positions. Speaking of open positions, please hire a shooting coach, Lakers. Please.
Listen to our full conversation, which includes why it’s still too early to freak out completely, below. And subscribe on iTunes to make sure you don’t miss any episodes.