Jovan Buha shares three observations from the first day of training camp for the Los Angeles Lakers.

From the vibes around the group being at an all-time high to an important team meeting the Lakers had after media day to JJ Redick's projected nine-man rotation, Jovan analyzes everything we learned from the first practice.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Media day takeaways
6:10 Training camp takeaway No. 1
12:07 Training camp takeaway No. 2
16:41 Training camp takeaway No. 3
23:13 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Pete Zayas (aka Laker Film Room) to preview the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season and answer the big questions facing the team.

Will the Lakers trade their picks and go all-in with this group? How will the offensive hierarchy change? What will head coach JJ Redick prioritize defensively? Can Max Christie or Dalton Knecht outperform expectations? Where will the Lakers finish in the West standings? What are Pete and Jovan's bold predictions?

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 JJ & Rob press conference
3:35 Pete’s offensive question: Bench scoring?
5:28 Jovan’s offensive question: New offensive hierarchy?
11:06 Pete’s defensive question: Defensive priorities under JJ?
13:18 Jovan’s defensive question: Survival without AD?
17:15 Pete’s X factor: Dalton Knecht
18:59 Jovan’s X factor: Max Christie
21:30 Pete’s biggest JJ question: Defensive system?
25:06 Jovan’s biggest JJ question: How does he problem-solve?
30:30 Pete’s biggest Rob question: Is LA gonna go for it?
34:05 Pros and cons of waiting until the trade deadline
41:56 Jovan’s biggest Rob question: Is LA gonna trade their pick(s)?
43:28 Pete’s ranking/seeding/record for the Lakers
45:00 Jovan’s ranking/seeding/record for the Lakers
47:41 Pete’s bold prediction
48:24 Jovan’s bold prediction
50:08 Listen and subscribe to LFR!
51:15 Outro

Jovan Buha explains why he thinks the Los Angeles Lakers' projected win total -- 43.5 or 44.5 wins, depending on the sportsbook -- is too low.

Jovan discusses the coaching upgrade to JJ Redick and his new staff, the Lakers' unlucky health breaks over the past few seasons, the potential for internal improvement, last season's finish with Rui Hachimura as the start, trade possibilities, the bottom of the league, LeBron James and Anthony Davis remaining top-15 players (at worst), and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 Reason No. 1: The coaching upgrade
5:32 Reason No. 2: Health regression
11:24 Reason No. 3: Internal improvement
15:35 Reason No. 4: Last season’s finish
20:36 Reason No. 5: Trade possibilities
24:19 Miscellaneous reasons
29:39 Outro

Jovan Buha poses one question for each Los Angeles Lakers player for next season.

Jovan discusses LeBron James’ longevity, Anthony Davis’ dominance, D’Angelo Russell’s future, Jarred Vanderbilt’s offense, Gabe Vincent returning to his Miami form, Max Christie potentially taking a jump, Dalton Knecht’s defense, Christian Wood vs. Jaxson Hayes, the problematic backend of the roster, and much more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:59 How long can LeBron James maintain his play?
7:44 Is there another level Anthony Davis can get to?
12:50 Will JJ Redick fully unleash Austin Reaves?
17:04 Is D’Angelo Russell a Laker on Feb. 8?
20:19 Can Rui Hachimura improve on the little things?
24:05 How real was Jarred Vanderbilt’s offensive improvement?
28:05 Can Gabe Vincent return to his Miami form?
29:53 Can Max Christie make a jump?
32:58 How does Dalton Knecht hold up defensively?
36:19 Who wins the backup 5 battle: Christian Wood or Jaxson Hayes?
38:40 Can Cam Reddish, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Lewis or Bronny James play?
42:19 Outro

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions on trade updates from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Jovan covers the latest trade intel, if the Lakers’ front office still believes in thus roster, LA’s patient approach, the most likely trade outcome, big and small realistic trades, roster priorities, Max Christie’s potential next season, Cam Johnson’s fit, Serbia vs. Puerto Rico, the Laker Film Room news, and more.

If you'd like Jovan to answer your questions in a future mailbag, drop your question in a comment on YouTube (or hit him up on X/Twitter when he tweets out the mailbag prompt).

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:12 Question No. 1: Any trade updates from Vegas?
7:26 Question No. 2: Does LA still believe in its roster?
14:11 Question No. 3: Most likely trade outcome for the Lakers?
16:10 Question No. 4: Big and small realistic trade options?
18:55 Question No. 5: Can LA start the season with AR and DLo?
22:21 Question No. 6: Improvements for AR, Rui and Vando
27:10 Question No. 7: Front office prioritizing a big man?
33:10 Question No. 8: How would Cam Johnson fit?
35:16 Question No. 9: Max Christie leap next season?
38:22 Question No. 10: Who am I rooting for between Serbia & Puerto Rico?
40:05 Question No. 11: Favorite soda?
41:34 Question No. 12: Status for JHS? His future role?
45:34 Question No. 13: Thoughts on the Laker Film Room news?
50:29 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to Team USA beating Canada 86-72 in Wednesday’s Olympic exhibition game in Las Vegas, NV. He also responds to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 80-76 loss to the Miami Heat in the finale of the California Classic in San Francisco, CA.

Jovan covers Team USA’s win over Team Canada, why Anthony Davis should be starting at center over Joel Embiid, his ideal starting five (and what he thinks they will settle on), LeBron James and Steph Curry playing together, Dalton Knecht’s skill set, Bronny James’s defense, Maxwell Lewis’ recent struggles, Colin Castleton, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:48 Team USA beats Canada reaction
4:58 Why Anthony Davis should be the starting center
7:41 The bench unit works well together
13:06 My projection for the eventual rotation
13:58 LeBron & Steph two-man game
15:08 Closing thoughts on Team USA
15:56 Lakers summer league reaction
19:05 Dalton Knecht observations
24:52 Bronny James observations
29:34 Maxwell Lewis observations
33:14 Colin Castleton observations
35:36 Blake Hinson observations
36:53 Armel Traoré observations
38:26 Closing thoughts on the California Classic
40:03 Outro

Jovan Buha takes stock of the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster one week into 2024 free agency.

Jovan covers LA's roster and cap situation, their depth chart, Rui Hachimura vs. Jarred Vanderbilt for the starting small forward spot, positional caveats, why the backend of the roster needs improvement, the potential addition of Gary Trent Jr., where LA ranks in the crowd West, the primary reasons for optimism with their roster, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:13 A thank you as we approach 15K on YouTube!
1:48 LA’s roster and cap situation
3:16 Depth chart 1.0
6:00 Rui vs. Vando as the starting SF
11:37 An important positional caveat
12:40 The backend of the roster needs improvement
17:47 Where LA ranks in the West as is
19:00 Reasons for optimism with the Lakers’ roster
21:05 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to LeBron James re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and taking a $2.7 million discount. He also analyzes the Lakers' 108-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings in the opening game of the California Classic.

Jovan covers what LeBron taking a discount means for LA, the Lakers' options now, the best-case scenario, Maxwell Lewis' impressive finishing, the learning curve for Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, Blake Hinson's 3-point shooting, Tommy Kushe's stellar play, Colin Castleton's passing and skill, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:56 What LeBron taking a discount means for LA
6:26 Takeaway No. 1: Maxwell Lewis
9:32 Takeaway No. 2: Bronny James and Dalton Knecht
18:29 Takeaway No. 3: Blake Hinson, Colin Castleton & Armel Traore
22:30 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to LeBron James planning to re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million deal with a no-trade clause and player option on the second season. He also analyzes the Lakers adding Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks to JJ Redick's coaching staff.

Jovan covers what LeBron re-signing means, how McMillan and Brooks fit, the ways the Lakers can avoid the second apron, why Max Christie's cap hold -- and not LeBron's -- is actually the key, LA's only path to improvement being a trade, the present vs. the future, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:56 What LeBron signing a 1+1 max contract means for LA
7:34 The Lakers hire Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks
11:24 The ways LA can get under the second apron
16:33 The Lakers’ only path to improvement is a trade now
21:45 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers pivoting to DeMar DeRozan after Klay Thompson turned them down to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jovan covers DeMar DeRozan's potential fit with the Lakers, why I don't think he makes much sense next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis given his weaknesses, DeRozan vs. Jerami Grant, how the Lakers could fit Derozan onto the roster, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:22 DeMar DeRozan is another target for the Lakers
1:10 Why I’m skeptical of DeRozan’s fit in LA
4:33 DeRozan vs. Jerami Grant
7:29 A reminder of LA’s roster constraints
7:56 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Angeles Lakers re-signing restricted free agent Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal with a player option on the fourth year.

Jovan covers why he thinks this is a good and fair deal for both sides, Christie’s potential, LA’s belief in him for next season and beyond, how the Lakers can clear roster spots, what this could mean for both LeBron James and the use of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the trade restrictions on Christie’s contract, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:50 Why this deal makes sense for both sides
7:25 Why LA likely needs to make a consolidation trade (or two)
12:05 What this could indicate about LA’s free-agency plans
14:41 The trade restrictions on Christie’s contract
16:01 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to LeBron James opting out of his contract and what's next for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.

Jovan covers why LeBron opted out, why it helps LA, the possibility of him taking a pay cut, the current roster and financial situation, what I'm hearing about Klay Thompson, how Klay would fit in LA, Max Christie, why the Lakers have no excuses not to upgrade this roster, what an ideal Lakers offseason looks like, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:24 Why LeBron opted out and how a pay cut could work
6:10 How the Lakers can keep Max Christie
9:36 What Cam Reddish opting in means
10:34 Where things stand currently
11:19 Why LA likely needs to make a consolidation trade
12:30 How Klay Thompson would fit with the Lakers
21:35 LA has no excuse to not upgrade this roster
24:41 What an ideal Lakers offseason now looks like
27:32 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the season-opening news conference of Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick.

Jovan covers the team's health updates entering training camp, Pelinka's stance on trading the team's 2029 and 2031 first-round picks, the roles for Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell and Max Christie, Redick's offensive and defensive systems, transparency, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:51 Takeaway No. 1: Health updates
5:49 Takeaway No. 2: More clarity on the trade front
11:08 Takeaway No. 3: Player roles crystallizing
18:03 Takeaway No. 4: JJ’s offensive and defensive systems
22:20 Takeaway No. 5: Transparency with strategy
27:25 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell opting into his $18.7 million player option for next season. He also covers Jaxson Hayes opting into his $2.5 million player option for next season.

Jovan analyzes Russell's future in Los Angeles, his report for The Athletic that the Lakers are "expected to be aggressive in pursuing Russell-centric trades," the rest of the West making aggressive win-now moves, why the Lakers now have a chance to do the same, what Jaxson Hayes opting in means, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:34 What DLo opting in means for his future in LA
4:01 The rest of the West is being aggressive
4:51 LA has the flexibility now to make a trade
6:56 What Jaxson Hayes opting in means for LA
8:08 Outro

I react to the Los Angeles Lakers drafting USC guard Bronny James — son of Lakers star LeBron James — with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jovan covers the complexities with the Lakers selecting Bronny, his opinion on the backlash, why this is a historic moment, Bronny’s athleticism and defense, why his shot will likely determine his NBA future, the ongoing development plan for Bronny, LA’s potential roster crunch, my thoughts on their two new two-way players and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:18 My thoughts on the Bronny-Lakers complexities and backlash
9:17 Takeaway No. 1: This is a historic moment
11:56 Takeaway No. 2: Bronny has legitimate NBA attributes
18:12 Takeaway No. 3: His shot will likely determine his future
20:46 Takeaway No. 4: LA is still designing his development plan
24:13 Takeaway No. 5: The Lakers are facing a potential roster crunch
30:55 Bonus takeaway: Thoughts on the two-way signings
33:15 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers drafting Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jovan covers how Knecht could be the steal of the draft, why the Lakers were surprised he fell to them, how they might use him offensively, why JJ Redick is the ideal mentor for him, the potential concerns with Knecht, how LeBron James and Anthony Davis could feel about the Lakers' draft-day inactivity and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:35 Takeaway No. 1: Knecht could be the steal of the draft
4:29 Takeaway No. 2: Knecht is a legit shooting weapon
7:03 Takeaway No. 3: Knecht is a three-level threat
9:24 Takeaway No. 4: JJ Redick is the ideal mentor
11:57 Takeaway No. 5: The potential concerns with drafting Knecht
20:20 Takeaway No. 6: What happens next?
24:27 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Sam Amick of The Athletic — the first two-time guest of the show! — to discuss Sam's reporting on Tuesday about LeBron James and Anthony Davis wanting the Los Angeles Lakers to upgrade the roster with elite talent.

Jovan and Sam discuss Sam's story, LeBron’s longstanding desire for a third star, AD wielding his power more recently, players that qualify as upgrades in LeBron and AD's eyes, Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ read on their roster, the potential outcomes if the Lakers stand pat, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:04 LeBron’s motivations entering the offseason
7:27 Is it a third-star-or-bust proposition for LeBron and AD?
11:01 LA’s public messaging about player development
13:40 What is AD’s role in all of this?
18:42 How do the Lakers read this situation?
24:52 Outro

#losangeleslakers #lakers

Jovan Buha reacts to JJ Redick’s introductory news conference as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jovan covers how Redick won his first press conference, what we learned about his coaching philosophies, why the Lakers are prioritizing player development, how Rob Pelinka tempered trade expectations for this week, the clarification we received on the coaching search and hiring process, LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ involvement, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:01 Takeaway No. 1: JJ won the press conference
6:04 Takeaway No. 2: Redick’s coaching philosophy crystallizes
11:42 Takeaway No. 3: The importance of player development
17:20 Takeaway No. 4: Tempered trade expectations
26:19 Takeaway No. 5: Clarification on the coaching search
31:52 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Mike Garcia to break down the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jovan and Mike discuss the types of players the Lakers will be looking at with the No. 17 pick, why Mike is so high on DaRon Holmes II, if it’s worth trading up for Devin Carter or Ron Holland, other players that could drop to LA at No. 17 or No. 55, Bronny James Jr.’s potential, Zach Edey’s fit, Jalen Hood-Schifino’s role and G League play, Maxwell Lewis, Max Christie’s development and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:55 What types of players are the looking for at No. 17?
3:19 Why Mike loves DaRon Holmes II
6:34 Other players that could drop to the Lakers
8:07 Is it worth it for LA to trade up in this draft?
11:25 Is it worth keeping the pick given LA’s title ambitions?
15:32 Best player available even if it’s a PG?
20:51 Bronny James Jr. as a prospect
23:11 Is it worth potentially trading up for Bronny?
25:15 Second-round sleepers?
28:12 How would Zach Edey fit in LA?
31:57 How would Edey fit next to AD?
33:38 JHS’s rookie season and Year 2
37:17 JHS in G League vs. the NBA
38:08 Maxwell Lewis’ rookie season and Year 2
39:17 Can Lewis scale up to defend bigger wings?
40:59 Max Christie’s potential
47:54 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts and reports on the news that the Los Angeles Lakers have hired JJ Redick as their next head coach.

Jovan covers Redick’s contract, how we got here, potential assistant coaching candidates for Redick’s staff, what we know about Redick as a coach from his interview process, the risk of the hiring, the potential upside, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:55 How we got here
6:10 Potential assistant coaching candidates
8:29 What we know about JJ as a coach
11:59 The obvious risk and potential upside with this hire
17:21 Outro

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions in the latest Buha's Block mailbag.

Jovan covers why the Lakers aren’t going to trade LeBron James, the potential scenarios in which D’Angelo Russell remains a Laker, what the Arenas provision means for Max Christie’s free agency, if Christie can develop into a 3-and-D rotation wing, DeMar DeRozan’s fit in LA, Jalen Hood-Schifino’s trade value, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Question No. 1: Any scenarios in which DLo stays a Laker?
7:18 Question No. 2: Do we need to use the MLE on Christie? Arenas provision?
12:16 Question No. 3: Can Max be the elusive 3-and-D wing?
16:06 Question No. 4: Trae Young and Deandre Hunter?
19:50 Question No. 5: Revisit Dejounte Murray trade talks?
21:57 Question No. 6: What is JHS’s trade value?
23:55 Question No. 7: Does LA have a chance to sign DeMar DeRozan?
26:16 Question No. 8: LeBron-Booker swap?
28:24 Question No. 9: JHS and Maxwell Lewis contribute next season?
31:29 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic and Game Theory Podcast to preview the Los Angeles Lakers' plans for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jovan and Sam discuss the passing of Jerry West, the Lakers’ plans at No. 17, the prospects Sam likes in that range, if LA will draft the best player available or for need/position, Zach Edey, Bronny James, LA potentially acquiring another second-round pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis entering Year 2, Max Christie’s free-agency market, Dan Hurley and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:39 Rest in peace Jerry West
6:30 Lakers’ No. 17 pick in Sam’s latest mock
9:10 Will draft BPA or best fit/position?
15:17 Which other players make sense at No. 17?
19:05 Odds the Lakers trade the No. 17 pick?
23:23 Bronny James at No. 55?
27:56 What is Bronny’s ceiling in the draft?
29:50 Any buzz about LA acquiring another second-round pick?
33:46 Jalen Hood-Schifino entering Year 2
38:03 Maxwell Lewis entering Year 2
41:12 Max Christie’s restricted free agency and his market
51:36 Sam’s take on LA’s Dan Hurley pursuit
59:26 Check out Sam’s NBA Draft guide!
1:01:16 Outro

Jovan Buha breaks down Connecticut coach Dan Hurley rejecting the Lakers’ six-year, $70 million contract offer on Monday, June 10, 2024. 

Jovan analyzes the timeline of events, why this never passed the smell test for me and many others, why this situation reflects poorly on LA, Hurley’s potential leverage play, all of the fallout from the Lakers’ Hurley pursuit, JJ Redick’s standing, his take on the contract offer for Hurley, what’s next and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Recapping the Hurley timeline
2:07 This situation never passed the smell test
4:06 How this reflects on the Lakers
7:31 The fallout from striking out on Hurley
13:10 The second botched coaching search?
16:11 There are more questions than answers currently
17:44 My take on the Lakers’ contract offer to Hurley
25:24 What’s next for LA?
28:02 Outro

Jovan Buha examines five Los Angeles Lakers lineups he’d like to see next season.

From copying the 2020 championship model to previewing the trade deadline to designing bench configurations around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Jovan breaks down five realistic units that new head coach JJ Redick and his coaching staff should test.

Also, after three weeks off, Jovan covers his wedding and honeymoon at the end of the episode.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:58 General lineup strategy and parameters
6:16 Lineup No. 1: The 2020 blueprint lineup
11:35 Lineup No 2: The trade preview lineup
15:48 Lineup No. 3: LeBron-led bench lineup
19:22 Lineup No. 4: AD-led bench lineup
21:48 Lineup No. 5: Non-LeBron/AD lineup (aka Doomsday)
24:35 Let me know your lineup ideas!
25:29 Wedding & honeymoon recap
29:15 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation to break down the Los Angeles Lakers' surprising pursuit of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley.

Jovan and Trevor discuss the stunning nature of Thursday’s news, the Lakers’ secrecy during the process, how Hurley could fare at the NBA, what this could signify from a roster-building perspective, why JJ Redick shouldn’t be counted out yet, LA’s biggest team priorities, the potential roster crunch, the reality of the new NBA and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 LA’s stunning pursuit of Dan Hurley
4:41 Does this signify a shift toward player development?
9:46 How would Hurley fare at the NBA level?
16:19 What about JJ Redick?
19:48 Hurley vs. Redick
21:09 The secrecy element is fascinating
25:03 Ranking the biggest roster priorities for LA
31:05 The Lakers’ potential roster crunch
37:08 The ideal third frontcourt player
39:35 Using Dallas as a roster-building example
43:38 The realities of the new NBA
44:56 Outro

Jovan Buha looks at the Lakers’ current roster and depth chart to assess their five biggest roster priorities this offseason. He then breaks down LA’s needs on the wing, their hole in the backcourt if D’Angelo Russell leaves or is traded, their revolving door of subpar backup bigs, their potential 3-point shooting void, bench wildcards and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:23 A look at the roster and depth chart
5:43 No. 1: 3-and-D wings
19:51 No. 2: DLo replacement
24:18 No. 3: Quality backup big
30:46 No. 4: 3-point shooting
35:10 No. 5: Bench scoring
39:15 Outro

The Los Angeles Lakers are "zeroing in" on JJ Redick as the "front-runner" for the franchise's next head coaching position, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Jovan Buha covers why this has been building for weeks, James Borrego's standing, the uncertainty with the assistant coaching staff and the next steps.

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Jovan Buha welcomes Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily and the Lakers Lounge podcast to break down the Lakers’ coaching search and roster-building approach and answer a few mailbag questions.

Jovan and Anthony discuss the latest on the coaching front, JJ Redick, the assistant coaches the Lakers are looking at, the most likely roster-building path, why LA should go all-in this summer, Darvin Ham interviewing with Golden State, how LA can acquire a better second big, how to build around LeBron James in the frontcourt, Cam Johnson, wing and big free-agent options, and more.

If you'd like Jovan to answer your questions in a future mailbag, drop your question in the YouTube comments (or respond to him on X/Twitter when he tweets out he’s doing a mailbag).

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:37 Coaching search updates
6:15 Assistant coaching options
17:44 Most likely roster-building path for LA?
23:15 Why LA should go all-in with assets this summer
35:58 How would Darvin Ham fit with the Warriors?
41:22 Mailbag 
41:28 Feasible ways to acquire a good big?
45:51 Will LA actually go all-in for LeBron and AD?
52:43 Best approach in building frontcourt around LeBron?
1:02:05 Is Cam Johnson a good target?
1:09:00 Wing and big free-agent options?
1:23:40 Outro

Jovan Buha answers your questions on the coaching search and offseason plans in the latest Buha's Block mailbag.

Jovan covers the Los Angeles Lakers’ most likely roster-building route this offseason, how strong the JJ Redick coaching rumblings are, how Mikal Bridges would fit, the best non-star targets for LA, the best role players around a hypothetical LeBron James/Anthony Davis/Trae Young core, the need for more frontcourt size and athleticism, if Zach Edey makes sense if the Lakers keep the No. 17 pick, if Kyrie Irving really was an option at the 2023 trade deadline, the Lakers’ future post-LeBron, and more.

If you'd like Jovan to answer your questions in a future mailbag, drop your question in the YouTube comments (or respond to him on X/Twitter when he tweets out he’s doing a mailbag).

If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:43 What is the most likely route for the Lakers this offseason?
6:26 How strong are the JJ Redick rumblings?
8:08 Should LA go after Mikal Bridges?
11:58 Who are the best non-star targets?
18:40 Are the Lakers shopping Rui Hachimura?
20:42 What are the ideal player archetypes around Trae/LeBron/AD?
24:23 D’Angelo Russell’s future?
27:48 Is LA going to prioritize more frontcourt size and athleticism?
31:32 Should LA draft Zach Edey at No. 17 (if they keep the pick)?
33:54 Was Kyrie Irving really an option for the Lakers?
38:08 Is Zach LaVine at Klutch Pro Day a sign?
40:13 Do the Lakers have a bright future post-LeBron?
44:27 Outro

With the conference finals underway, here is one lesson for the Los Angeles Lakers from each finalist.

Jovan Buha covers the impact of Minnesota’s size and length (and especially their frontcourt), Dallas’ trade-deadline activity turning their season around and showing you can significantly improve without acquiring a star, Boston’s 3-point volume and one of the most decisive trends of the playoffs, Indian’s all-in trade for Pascal Siakam and the importance of finding a star that complements your roster, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:14 Minnesota Timberwolves
9:19 Dallas Mavericks
17:44 Boston Celtics
23:58 Indiana Pacers
29:16 Overarching lesson from all four teams
31:24 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report and Sports Business Classroom to break down the Los Angeles Lakers’ salary cap outlook entering the 2024 offseason and the various roster-building paths they can take this summer.

Eric and Jovan discuss the exceptions the Lakers could have available to them, the pros and cons of LeBron James opting in vs. opting out, making a trade on draft day vs. waiting for the offseason, how aggregating players in offseason trades works, why D’Angelo Russell is the pivot point of the offseason, how his decision affects Max Christie and Taurean Prince, free-agent point guard replacements for DLo, how Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland would fit in LA, and more.

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Chapters:'
0:00 Intro
1:15 What are the likely tools LA will have available in free agency?
6:13 LeBron opting in and extending vs. opting out and re-signing
10:55 Difference in making a draft-day trade vs. waiting for the offseason?
16:03 How aggregating players in an offseason trade works
24:03 Why LA will have three picks available to trade regardless of NOP's decision
27:35 Why DLo is the pivot point of the offseason (and affects Max Christie)
39:10 Free-agent point guard replacements if DLo walks
46:35 When DLo could be traded if he opts in
47:30 Trae Young’s fit in LA
49:26 Where else could DLo end up?
55:43 How LA could flesh out the roster around a third star if they trade DLo
58:06 How a sign-and-trade three-team trade could work
1:03:00 Why the Lakers are unlikely to go over the second apron
1:04:47 How do empty roster charges factor in?
1:10:27 Darius Garland could become available
1:11:55 How willing would Cleveland be to help LeBron/the Lakers?
1:15:55 Why the Lakers and the Bulls trading is unlikely
1:17:39 How do the Reddish and Hayes player options impact things?
1:23:05 Where you can find Eric online
1:23:48 Apply for Sports Business Classroom!
1:27:39 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group to break down the recent Los Angeles Lakers buzz surrounding JJ Redick and Donovan Mitchell.

Khobi and Jovan discuss Khobi's first year on the Lakers beat, the pros and cons of JJ Redick as the Lakers' potential head coach, the other candidates they like, the X-factors of the job, the importance of how LeBron and Anthony Davis feel about the coaching search, Donovan Mitchell's potential fit as a third star, three stars vs. upgrading the supporting cast, roster lessons LA can take from these playoffs, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:54 Khobi’s Mo Bamba story
4:36 Khobi’s first year on the Lakers beat
6:38 The pros and cons of JJ Redick as LA’s potential next coach
19:16 Our favorite non-Redick candidates
31:12 LeBron & AD will have a say in all of this
38:15 How would Donovan Mitchell fit? Three stars vs. supporting cast upgrade
53:04 The importance of nailing roster-building approach this summer
1:01:08 What roster lessons should the Lakers take from these playoffs?
1:20:54 Outro

Jovan Buha breaks down his report at The Athletic with Shams Charania on JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell emerging as the three leading targets for the Los Angeles Lakers during their coaching search.

Jovan covers the three frontrunners, the rest of the candidate pool, what the Lakers are looking for from their next coach, legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski (aka Coach K) advising them, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Lakers coaching search update
1:12 What LA is looking for from its next coach
2:36 Why this is more of an AD hire than a LeBron hire
3:47 Coach K is advising LA during this process
4:57 JJ Redick
6:06 James Borrego
6:41 Sam Cassell
7:50 Which coaching candidate do you prefer?
8:00 Outro

Jovan Buha analyzes the five most important offseason questions for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Jovan covers why the coaching search is so important, how the week leading into LeBron James' option deadline could influence his decision, why D'Angelo Russell might be the pivot point of LA's summer, the two different roster-building paths, the draft picks they can trade, and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Question No. 1: Who is the next Lakers coach? 
8:57 Question No. 2: What happens with LeBron?
13:01 Question No. 3: What happens with DLo?
21:25 Question No. 4: Which roster-building path?
27:32 Question No. 5: How do they use their picks?
31:50 Stay tuned for more
32:59 Outro

Jovan Buha looks at one area each Los Angeles Lakers player could improve on for this upcoming season.

From LeBron James’ turnovers to D’Angelo Russell’s off-ball effectiveness (especially in the playoffs) to Jarred Vanderbilt’s finishing at the rim, there are numerous ways that the Lakers could benefit from internal improvement for 2024-25.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:07 LeBron James
7:24 Anthony Davis
11:41 Austin Reaves
15:39 D’Angelo Russell
21:14 Rui Hachimura
24:31 Jarred Vanderbilt
28:51 Gabe Vincent
32:00 Max Christie
33:57 Christian Wood
36:09 Jaxson Hayes
39:10 Cam Reddish
43:55 Dalton Knecht
45:15 Bronny James Jr.
46:20 Jalen Hood-Schifino
49:23 Maxwell Lewis
51:14 Outro
51:38 September schedule
52:16 Future schedule/questions 

Jovan Buha answers your questions on the coaching search and offseason plans in the latest Buha's Block mailbag.

Jovan covers the Los Angeles Lakers potentially trading the No. 17 pick, the timeline of the coaching search, if Micah Nori and David Adelman are candidates, D'Angelo Russell's market, his prediction for the next Lakers head coach, optimism for Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie's future in LA, and more.

If you'd like Jovan to answer your questions in a future mailbag, drop your question in a comment below (or hit him up on X/Twitter when he tweets out the mailbag prompt). 

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Will LA trade the No. 17 pick for an upgrade?
4:28 Timeline on coaching search?
9:17 Micah Nori and David Adelman in the mix?
10:38 D’Angelo Russell’s market this summer?
14:49 Prediction for the Lakers’ next coach?
19:51 Jarrett Allen for picks + filler?
23:10 Any optimism with JHS?
30:11 Gabe Vincent and CP3 at PG?
33:16 DeMarcus Cousins an option?
36:29 How likely is Max Christie to stay in LA?
39:01 Outro

As the Los Angeles Lakers begin their coaching search, there are three important lessons from the tenures of Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham that they need to apply moving forward.

Jovan Buha covers the importance of nailing the basics with their next coach, why the Lakers will need to be more competitive with their contract offer, prioritizing the alignment between the coach, front office and players, why the new coach has to be more adaptable than his predecessors, why the coach also needs gravitas (and how that favors JJ Redick), and more.

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0:00 Intro
0:40 The basics of this coaching search
6:39 Lesson No. 1: Alignment between the coach, front office and stars
14:31 Lesson No. 2: Adaptability based on roster personnel
20:05 Lesson No. 3: Gravitas and commanding the locker room
30:59 Lessons recap
32:49 Outro

In Episode 19, Jovan Buha reacts to the news that the Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Jovan covers where the season went wrong for Darvin Ham, why this isn't all his fault, the latest names he's hearing on the Lakers' coaching search, what the organization is looking for, which candidates he finds most intriguing, and much more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:32 Where did things go wrong?
18:02 This isn’t all Darvin Ham’s fault
21:35 The latest on the Lakers’ coaching search
29:10 Jovan's coaching candidate rankings
31:47 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 108-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Ball Arena on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Jovan covers the Lakers' Game 5 loss, the margins of the series, his report at The Athletic, the future of LeBron James, the future of Darvin, many of the questions the Lakers are facing, what we learned about LA in the postseason, the Lakers' needs this offseason, why he thinks JJ Redick is an interesting potential coaching candidate, the reality of this series, Denver's greatness and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:38 Breaking down our report at The Athletic
17:21 Takeaway No. 1: What this all means moving forward
24:43 Takeaway No. 2: What LA learned in the playoffs
32:25 Takeaway No. 3: The reality of this series' outcome
38:42 Thank you for the last few months!
41:17 Outro

In Episode 18, Jovan Buha answer your Lakers questions in my latest mailbag.

Jovan discusses the best-case scenario with D'Angelo Russell this summer, if the Lakers can come back and beat the Denver Nuggets, the different offseason paths LA can take, if coming back to beat Denver and winning a fifth ring would make LeBron James the unanimous GOAT, if LeBron and Anthony Davis will have their jerseys retired in Los Angeles, and much more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:30 Question: Is Rob Pelinka’s seat getting warm?
2:59 Question: What’s the best-case scenario for LA with DLo’s contract?
8:20 Question: Should the Lakers trade Rui because of this series?
12:39 Question: Will Jamal Murray play in Game 5?
13:40 Question: Can the Lakers come back and win this series?
17:42 Question: Favorite ice cream flavor?
18:56 Question: Multiple-choice options for LA offseason
19:13 Question: Would beating Denver & winning 5th ring make LeBron the unanimous GOAT?
20:30 Question: What are the options if LeBron & DLo leave?
23:06 Question: Favorite players & team I don’t want to win title
26:06 Question: What changes should the Lakers make?
32:24 Question: Will LeBron & AD’s jerseys be retired?
33:40 Question: How should/will the Lakers handle Vando if he plays?
36:45 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-108 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Jovan covers how LA finally beat Denver, the psychological impact after 11 straight losses, reasons for optimism, why Anthony Davis has been awesome and has me cursing, LeBron James taking over in the fourth quarter, D'Angelo Russell's bounce-back game, Game 5 and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
20:22 Takeaway No. 1: The Nuggets can actually bleed
26:29 Takeaway No. 2: 70.8 percent
33:58 Takeaway No. 3: AD deserves his flowers
40:04 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 112-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Jovan covers why this series is essentially over, D'Angelo Russell's disappearance against Denver, some of the tough decisions the Lakers will have to make this offseason, where the season went wrong, how LA was too small in this series, why they need to think about building a roster to compete with Denver and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
12:24 Takeaway No. 1: This series is over
19:09 Takeaway No. 2: DLo’s Denver disappearing act
25:28 Takeaway No. 3: LA is just too small
31:48 Outro

In Episode 17 of Buha’s Block, Jovan Buha breaks down three adjustments the Los Angeles Lakers need to make in Game 3 and beyond against the Denver Nuggets in their first-round NBA playoff series.

Jovan covers the importance of not going down 3-0 in the series, the Lakers needing to keep Anthony Davis on Nikola Jokic, LA’s second-half offensive collapses, why the rotation should be tighter, how LA can counter Denver’s defensive adjustments in Game 2 and more.

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Chapters
0:00 Intro
4:43 One note about the defense
9:47 Adjustment No. 1: Prioritize pace and offensive organization
18:26 Adjustment No. 2: Tighten the rotation even more
28:28 Adjustment No. 3: Don’t let Denver dictate terms of engagement
37:05 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 101-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Ball Arena on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Jovan covers why this is the worst of the 10 straight losses to Denver, how the Lakers blew a 20-point second-half lead, why they lost on a Jamal Murray buzzer-beater, why this feels more like a 3-0 series deficit than a 2-0 deficit, deja vu in crunch-time, their inexcusable lapses in Game 86 and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
18:47 Takeaway No. 1: 2-0 but feels like 3-0
24:47 Takeaway No. 2: Deja vu
33:00 Takeaway No. 3: Inexcusable lapses in Game 86
41:27 Outro

In Episode 16, Jovan Buha welcomes Sean Davis of Lakers Nation to break down the adjustments the Los Angeles Lakers should make for Game 2 and the rest of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.

Jovan and Sean discuss what they're encouraged about for LA from Game 1, their offensive and defensive adjustments for Game 2, how Christian Wood potentially fits into this series, what the Lakers need from D'Angelo Russell, how they would tweak the rotation, why Game 2 is essentially a Game 7 and more.

Follow Sean on Twitter/X here: @Sean_Davi

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:36 More or less encouraged for LA after Game 1?
5:00 How would you reimplement Christian Wood in this series?
11:09 What offensive adjustments can LA make for Game 2?
22:46 What defensive adjustments can LA make for Game 2?
36:42 Is this just a bad matchup for DLo? How should LA handle him?
51:52 What rotational adjustments can LA make for Game 2?
1:02:22 Why Game 2 is essentially Game 7
1:07:23 Outro

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions in his latest mailbag.

He grades the offseason, analyzes why LA is being overlooked in preseason rankings, evaluates potential big man options on the trade market, explains why he’s skeptical of Zach LaVine’s fit with the Lakers, reveals his GOAT and thoughts on the 90s, and more.

If you'd like Jovan to answer your questions in a future mailbag, drop your question in a comment below or when he posts a prompt in the YouTube community section (or on X/Twitter when he tweets out the mailbag prompt).

If you enjoy this type of NBA content, please like, comment and subscribe!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:17 Thank you for 50 episodes!
3:26 Question No. 1: How would you grade the offseason?
15:40 Question No. 2: Are the Lakers undervalued entering the season?
22:21 Question No. 3: Which bruising bigs would make sense for LA?
30:27 Question No. 4: How good would LA be with LaVine and Kessler?
35:10 Question No. 5: Next retired Lakers jersey?
38:12 Question No. 6: Starting lineup and bench unit?
40:34 Question No. 7: Who is the GOAT? Thoughts on the 90s?
51:10 Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 114-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Ball Arena on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Jovan Buha covers LA's offensive struggles in the second half, the performances of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers' inability to slow Nikola Jokic and Denver's shooters, D'Angelo Russell's poor performance on both ends of the floor, some adjustments for Game 2 and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
8:55 Takeaway No. 1: The offense collapsed in the second half
14:13 Takeaway No. 2: LA has to mix up coverages vs. Jokic
20:04 Takeaway No. 3: DLo needs to be better
29:44 Takeaways recap
30:23 Outro

In Episode 15, Jovan Buha welcomes Tim a.k.a. Cranjis McBasketball of the Lakers Exceptionalism podcast and BBall Index to preview the first-round NBA playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

Jovan and Tim discuss one question for each team, one player X-factor for each team and one series X-factor before making our series prediction. We touch on Darvin Ham's playcalling, LA vs. Denver in the clutch, LeBron James' 3-point shooting, Denver's bench, Anthony Davis' two-way ask, D'Angelo Russell, Jamal Murray's shotmaking and more.

Check out the Lakers Exceptionalism podcast here: Lakers Exceptionalism
Follow Tim on YouTube:  @LakersExceptionalism
You can also follow him on Twitter: @Tim_NBA

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Chapters:
(0:00) Intro
(1:09) Tim’s Lakers question: Does Darvin Ham call plays at a high rate?
(8:23) Jovan’s Lakers question: Can LA hang with Denver in the clutch?
(13:11) Who should the Lakers close games with?
(17:07) Jovan shares his out-of-the-box closing configuration
(21:00) Tim counters but then starts to like the idea
(24:06) Tim’s Nuggets question: Can their bench be effective?
(28:09) Jovan’s Nuggets question: How does Denver handle this version of LeBron James?
(32:44) Tim’s Lakers X-factor: Anthony Davis
(38:38) Jovan’s Lakers X-factor: D’Angelo Russell
(45:10) Tim’s Nuggets X-factor: Jamal Murray’s shotmaking
(48:53) Jovan’s Nuggets X-factor: Michael Porter Jr.
(52:38) Tim’s series X-factor: Which starting PG’s defense will be tested more?
(57:26) Jovan’s series X-factor: Can LeBron and AD finally outplay Murray?
(1:02:26) Jovan’s series prediction
(1:05:45) Tim’s series prediction
(1:10:03) Outro

In Episode 14, Jovan Buha answers your Lakers questions in his latest mailbag.

Jovan covers where the Lakers rank among all playoff teams, if the Lakers are better than they were last season, the best way to defend the Denver Nuggets, Max Christie's future, the latest non-updates on Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt, his favorite games/moments of the season and more.

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Chapters:
(0:00) Intro
(0:49) Question 1: Where do the Lakers rank among playoff teams?
(3:55) Question 2: Is LA better than last season? But so is this West?
(7:33) Question 3: What's the best way to defend Denver's starters?
(16:02) Question 4: Will Max Christie remain a Laker? Role next season?
(19:19) Question 5: Any Christian Wood update?
(20:34) Question 6: Is a Jarred Vanderbilt return possible in the playoffs?
(22:58) Question 7: Favorite game/moment of the season so far?
(26:58) Outro

Jovan Buha reacts to the Lakers' 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Jovan covers LA preserving through poor shooting performances for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Davis playing through back spasms, LA figuring out a way to hold on, the supporting cast stepping up, a couple of key benefits to winning the game, a quick Denver preview and more.

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Chapters:
(0:00) Intro
(11:59) Takeaway No. 1: A gritty, gutsy road performance
(16:00) Takeaway No. 2: The benefits of LA winning this game
(19:18) Takeaway No. 3: Quick Nuggets thoughts
(27:07) Outro