What the Western Conference Finals Can Teach the Lakers This Summer episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 1, 2026 · 38 MIN

What the Western Conference Finals Can Teach the Lakers This Summer

from Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · host Locked On Podcast Network

The Lakers have a challenging offseason coming, nobody doubts that. But did the just-finished Western Conference Finals provide any type of guide for how they should approach it?  After all, the "forget it, we're all cooked" dynasty that was supposed to be the Oklahoma City Thunder ended in a year... but then again, it wasn't so much because the Thunder did anything to take steps backward (other than get some poorly timed injuries). San Antonio just caught them, and look to have something massive building themselves going forward.  So what now?  Well, the series highlighted the value of depth, not just as a playoff tool but a regular season weapon that makes your playoffs better. It raised questions about how you build teams, and with what in mind. Do you match up with specific teams? Or just build the best version you can around the stars you have? And what about Chet Holmgren's struggles? After a terrible WCF, would Sam Presti pull the trigger on something significant as Chet starts his max-dollar extension?  And does the discourse around Chet remind anyone else of the conversation LA is having around Austin Reaves?    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky    SEGMENT 1: The lessons of the WCF.    SEGMENT 2: Could OKC's loss mean more summer movement in the NBA?    SEGMENT 3: Chet and Reaves.    Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers have a challenging offseason coming, nobody doubts that. But did the just-finished Western Conference Finals provide any type of guide for how they should approach it? After all, the "forget it, we're all cooked" dynasty that was supposed to be the Oklahoma City Thunder ended in a year... but then again, it wasn't so much because the Thunder did anything to take steps backward (other than get some poorly timed injuries). San Antonio just caught them, and look to have something massive building themselves going forward. So what now? Well, the series highlighted the value of depth, not just as a playoff tool but a regular season weapon that makes your playoffs better. It raised questions about how you build teams, and with what in mind. Do you match up with specific teams? Or just build the best version you can around the stars you have? And what about Chet Holmgren's struggles? After a terrible WCF, would Sam Presti pull the trigger on something significant as Chet starts his max-dollar extension? And does the discourse around Chet remind anyone else of the conversation LA is having around Austin Reaves? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The lessons of the WCF. SEGMENT 2: Could OKC's loss mean more summer movement in the NBA? SEGMENT 3: Chet and Reaves. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. 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)

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What the Western Conference Finals Can Teach the Lakers This Summer

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This episode was published on June 1, 2026.

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The Lakers have a challenging offseason coming, nobody doubts that. But did the just-finished Western Conference Finals provide any type of guide for how they should approach it?  After all, the "forget it, we're all cooked" dynasty that was...

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