Many tried to sell this NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana as a clunker. Two small market teams without the league's biggest stars (even though it does have, you know, it's MVP). Well, Game 1 showed how much potential for sheer entertainment this series contains.

A jumper from Tyrese Haliburton won the game for the Pacers with .3 seconds left on the clock.

Indiana's depth was on display, something the Lakers could certainly use. Moreover, Indiana's consistent ability (driven by Haliburton) to execute late in games has been a presence throughout the postseason. That is an area in which the Lakers have fallen short every series after reaching the Western Conference Finals a couple seasons ago. Twice against Denver, this year against Minnesota. Leads or close games in crunch time that they can't hold on to.

And finally, Chris Paul reportedly wants to finish his career in Los Angeles, which means he has two choices. Lakers or Clippers. He's been on both teams (though not for very long as a Laker, and could certainly help the roster overall. But he's also over 40, can't defend like he used to doesn't score a ton anymore. He does pass the ball incredibly well, still. He orchestrates well. He's a pretty good 3-point shooter.

So if the rumor is true, should the Lakers pull the trigger?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A thriller of a Game 1.

SEGMENT 2: How Game 1 shined a light on what's wrong with the Lakers.

SEGMENT 3: To CP3 or not to CP3? That is the question.

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The NBA has become a wasteland for coaches over the last few months. This week, the Knicks canned Tom Thibodeau, despite just having made the Eastern Conference Finals.

Why? The reasons are still emerging, but it's reasonable to say that Thibs is someone who tends to wear on players and organizations over time. The same can be said for Michael Malone, who did last a decade in Denver but clearly wore through his welcome despite having a successful team and a very recent title. Taylor Jenkins in Memphis? Fired. Mike Brown? Mike Budenholzer? All fired. Many had just received contract extensions. All had, on one level or another, been successful, either in that gig, or in others.

All gone.

So how does JJ Redick, who showed real promise in his first season on LA's sideline but also some shortcomings (particularly in the playoffs) parlay his best qualities into the type of long career the Lakers say they were hoping for when they hired him? How do ownership and management play into the equation?

If he can't make it happen, what aspects of his coaching are personality are most likely to be his undoing?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Thibs is out, the NBA is cold.

SEGMENT 2: How can JJ avoid that fate?

SEGMENT 3: What qualities will help and hurt Redick?

OpenPhone
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Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.

Monarch Money
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FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Basically every Lakers fan knows that Luka Dončić is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Everyone knows that the Lakers will give Luka whatever it is he wants, whether talking dollars, years, player options and whatever.

What people may not know is just how long Luka has to make this decision. most of the good parts of the NBA offseason will be past by the time his date of eligibility rolls around. That's August 2nd. But Luka doesn't have to sign that day, or the day after, or the day after that. 8.2 is just the first day Luka can sign. The last day? June 30... of 2026.

So what does all this mean for the Lakers?

They need very much to display competence between now and August. That doesn't mean massive, roster reshaping moves that completely revamp LA's roster. (Though by all means, if great opportunities present themselves, go for it.) It means smart choices, well-reasoned and thought out, where each decision is made with the idea of how these players will fit together as a group, not just an assembly of talent. They have to display good communication skills, and basically appear to have their **** in order.

Luka doesn't appear to have any desire to go anywhere. He doesn't want to move again, after gaining some comfort in LA. So don't give him a reason.

PLUS... the bottom feeders in the West are making decisions about their futures, and all of it will impact the Lakers this summer.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka has a LONG timeline.

SEGMENT 2: What does it mean for LA?

SEGMENT 3: The cellar dwellers in the West are makin' plans. Why that matters for the Lakers.

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)