An argument could be made that Kent Bazemore was the most important offseason acquisition not named "Russell" or "Westbrook" for the Lakers. If nothing else, Bazemore feels like he has the highest chance of becoming the team's best two-way role player, and given how the Lakers seemingly sacrificed a lot of defense to help jumpstart the often sluggish offense during the last two seasons, any player with skills on both sides of the ball will be crucial. Is Bazemore capable of making that type of contribution?

For more insight, the Kamenetzkys spoke with Sam Esfandiari and Andy Liu, who cover the Golden State Warriors as co-hosts of the Light Years podcast. They addressed questions like whether Bazemore's hot shooting in Golden State last year was real (yes), his defense meets the mark (depends on the assignment) and where his weaknesses lie (most loudly, on-court decisions). At times, Bazemore will frustrate the hell out of fans, but they'll also dig how hard he plays and his non-stop energy. If nothing else, they expect Bazemore to outplay his veteran's minimum contract by a solid margin, and is in a position to succeed with the Lakers.

From there, Esfandiari and Liu assess where the Warriors currently stand in a seemingly wide open Western Conference. A lot hinges on the health of Klay Thompson, who's missed two consecutive seasons with significant injuries. But if he's back to form, they're both confident the Warriors can hang with anybody. Other teams discussed include the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Esfandiari and Liu break down the positives and negatives of Kent Bazemore, and the often wild fluctuations in his play.

SEGMENT 2: More on Bazemore, including his shooting and defensive strengths.

SEGMENT 3: A look at the Warriors next season, along with a few other teams in the conference. (Plus, Everyone Loves Klay!)

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

SweatBlock

Get it today for 20% off at SweatBlock.com with promo code LockedOn, or at Amazon and CVS.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

BetOnline AG

There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.

Rock Auto

Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.

StatHero

StatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play.

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