It's August, sure, but when reporting notes that one of the two or three best players in the NBA may—may—not be fully content with his franchise (or at the least, is going to wait and see in order to keep pressure on them). So as Marc Stein on his Substack noted, with Giannis Antetokounpo unwilling to commit (years earlier than he has to, no question) to a forever future in Milwaukee, and then noting that the Knicks and Lakers would be potential destinations?

Well, there isn't much else to keep the mind from engaging with the possibilities.

First, the Lakers will very likely have some space available at the superstar level when something like this occurs, because LeBron James won't play forever. Second, it's impossible not to be giddy and the mere thought of Anthony Davis and Giannis, who could play together with the right combination of people around them, working on the same team. And especially, playing defense together.

Because that would be insane.

And if you're interested in trade math...

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves keeps Himming it up with the US World Cup squad, putting on another steller performance (and remaining a plus/minus monster) as the Americans moved to the next round after an easy win over Greece.

Reaves keeps moving the bar on what people think he's capable of, and expectations for the regular season are rising. What if his top end is a little higher than anticipated? People already figured he'd give the Lakers, more or less, what he did after being inserted into the starting lineup, and through the playoffs. But what if there's more than just incremental improvement there?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves continues to tear up the World Cup. Does it change expectations for his regular season? Would more pressure be good for him?

SEGMENT 2: More AR, plus Giannis might, maybe want out of Milwaukee eventually, if the Bucks don't stay competitive. FIRE UP YOUR SPECULATION MACHINES, LOS ANGELES!

SEGMENT 3: Well, the Lakers will have a need for a new star in a couple seasons. Plus, Mookie Betts talks Kobe.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Ibotta

Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED.

Birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.

FanDuel

This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED.  Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. 

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices