Jovan Buha, a senior reporter covering the Los Angeles Lakers for The Athletic, covers the purple and gold with a weekly podcast, including news, analysis and e...
Luka’s Offense, 9-Man Rotation, West Playoff Race & Lakers Storylines 70 Games In
Jovan Buha breaks down the biggest storylines for the Los Angeles Lakers at the 70-game mark of the season.
Jovan analyzes Luka Doncic’s increased comfort and production, Austin Reaves shattering his ceiling, the nine-man rotation, the Western Conference playoff race, LA’s schedule, Jaxson Hayes, the looming two-way decisions, and more.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:41 Storyline No. 1: Luka’s increased comfort offensively
7:08 Storyline No. 2: Austin Reaves continues to rewrite his ceiling
11:43 Storyline No. 3: The new nine-man rotation
16:01 Storyline No. 4: The West playoff race & LA’s remaining schedule
20:04 Storyline No. 5: Jaxson Hayes’ increasing importance
25:54 Storyline No. 6: The downside with LeBron & Rui missing so much time
28:13 Storyline No. 7: LA’s shot variance on both sides of the ball
32:57 Storyline No. 8: Looming two-way decisions on Goodwin, Koloko & Jemison
36:23 Storyline No. 9: Mounting injuries & back-to-back management
38:37 Storyline No. 10: Looking ahead toward playoff matchups
42:59 Outro
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51:08
Lakers-Magic Reaction: LA Overpowered By Orlando's Stars For Third Straight Loss
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Jovan analyzes the Lakers' recent skid, their defensive limitations against Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (and how that could apply in the playoffs), LeBron James and Rui Hachimura still acclimating, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt's struggles, the rest of their four-game road trip, and more.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Overarching thought: The Lakers are in a rut right now
6:39 Notable performers
8:27 Stat of the night: Orlando was plus-15 at the 3-point line
9:50 Takeaway No. 1: Franz & Paolo overpowered the Lakers' perimeter defense
16:18Takeaway No. 2: Rough performances for Jaxson Hayes & Jarred Vanderbilt
21:21 Takeaway No. 3: Why the rest of this road trip will test LA's defense
25:38 Q&A
1:26:36 Outro
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1:35:33
Lakers-Bulls Reaction: LA Embarrasses With Season-Worst Defense Despite LeBron, Rui Returning
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Jovan analyzes the Lakers' worst defensive performance of the season, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura returning, the big-picture defensive concerns from this game, the nine-man rotation, and more.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:19 Overarching thought: The Lakers are back ... but need to get reconnected
9:44 Notable performers
11:33 Stat of the night: 146 points allowed (season-high and ties franchise record for most at home in regulation)
12:33 Takeaway No. 1: LeBron James & Rui Hachimura return ... and predictably look rusty
17:38 Takeaway No. 2: The big-picture defensive concerns from this loss
23:41 Takeaway No. 3: The nine-man rotation
28:12 Q&A
1:22:29 Outro
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1:31:06
Lakers Questions, X Factors & West Matchups With Andy Kamenetzky
Jovan Buha welcomes Andy Kamenetzky of Locked On Lakers to analyze the stretch run of the Los Angeles Lakers' season.
Jovan and Andy discuss their biggest question for the Lakers over the final 13 games, the team's X factor, the most important remaining game, the most difficult non-OKC West teams, where LA ranks in the conference and the league, and more.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:31 Top-line takeaways from LA’s 6-games-in-8-days stretch?
11:57 What is the biggest question for the Lakers over the final 13 games?
22:51 Who is LA’s X factor over the rest of the season?
36:39 Which game will be the most telling over the final 13?
42:52 Rank these potential first-round opponents: Memphis, Houston, Minnesota, LA Clippers
51:56 Are Denver and Golden State the two biggest non-OKC threats for LA?
58:46 Where does LA rank in the West and the league?
1:06:09 Outro
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1:16:06
Lakers-Bucks Reaction: LA Is Blown Out Without Luka, LeBron & Reaves
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Jovan analyzes Bronny James' season-best performance, JJ Redick's update on LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, LA's 6-games-in-8-days stretch, the latest on the West standings, and more.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:20 Overarching thought: LA survives its 6-games-in-8-days stretch
9:02 Notable performers
10:34 Stat of the night: Bronny's season-high 17 points & Markieff Morris' plus-minus
11:42 Takeaway No. 1: Bronny's career night
18:31 Takeaway No. 2: JJ is "hopeful" LeBron & Rui return on Saturday
20:34 Takeaway No. 3: Standings watch
24:39 Q&A
1:29:38 Outro
Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration.
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Jovan Buha, a senior reporter covering the Los Angeles Lakers for The Athletic, covers the purple and gold with a weekly podcast, including news, analysis and exclusive interviews with media, players, coaches, team personnel and more.
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