It didn't exactly end well, but according to longtime NBA reporter/writer/podcaster Howard Beck (known in these parts as "The Great" Howard Beck), it's hard to call this season anything but a success for the Lakers. Especially, he says, when you consider where things started at the beginning of the year, and where they finished.

Yes, as things improved Lakers fans got greedy - it's what fans do - and the team had a legitimate chance to reach the Finals. But from 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals, with a clear blueprint to keep the team competitive next season and beyond, it's hard to get too riled up.

Of course, this assumes the Lakers stay the course?

We ask Beck what he thinks is the best course of action. Is Kyrie Irving really in play? Would he make sense for the Lakers? What about D'Angelo Russell? Will his market value be in that $25 million per year range he reportedly hoped to get from Minnesota? Or did that bad WCF do the Lakers a favor by significantly driving down his market value?

And if it's not Kyrie, what other names are out there that could make sense for the Lakers? Is it about adding a true "third star," or a quasi-third star, or finding the best ways to maximize the supporting cast? What about guys like Fred VanVleet? Maybe Buddy Hield?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Howard Beck!

SEGMENT 1: This season was a major success for the Lakers, even if the ending was a disappointment.

SEGMENT 2: What is D'Angelo Russell worth on the open market? Do the Lakers and Russell need each other (like the Mavs and Kyrie need each other)?

SEGMENT 3: If not Kyrie, where might the Lakers look to improve, leveraging the assets on hand?

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