This show has spent a lot of time breaking down the 2021-22 Lakers down to the fine details. It's what goes on around here! But sometimes it's helpful to step back and see how the rest of the world sees the team. And with that, Locked On Lakers welcomes Adam Mares, host of the Locked on Nuggets and Locked On NBA podcasts to give his thoughts on L.A.'s big moves, what he sees as strengths and potential weaknesses of the Big Three-led purple and gold. Good news for Lakers fans, the former definitely outweigh the latter. From there, Mares answers a big question from Thursday's show: How smart is it for the Lakers - or any team, really - that thinks it might see the Nets in the Finals to sacrifice a little defense to make sure there's greater offensive firepower available, given how potent the Nets offense ought to be? From there, it's a quick look at his Nuggets, who (in theory) could be one of the bigger challengers to the Lakers in the conference, especially if Jamal Murray comes back in time to regain good form ahead of the postseason. And if not the Nuggets, what other teams should Lakers fans fear? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Adam Mares! SEGMENT 1: "Enough about what we think about the Lakers, what do you think about the Lakers?" SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers smart to load up on O, even if it sacrifices a little D, if the endgame is a Finals matchup against Brooklyn? Are people focusing too little on the good stuff Westbrook can bring? SEGMENT 3: How good are the Nuggets?Who else around the West should be considered a contender? Does Adam think the Mavericks and Warriors are legitimate contenders? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices