Austin Reaves had a fantastic overall showing for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, but was also targeted defensively by multiple teams as the tournament wore on. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how this approach could impact Austin's season with the Lakers, and how concerned they are about the different ways teams could try to attack him. And then later, the guys discuss the general defensive approach of team, and what adjustments could be in store to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of potential bench units.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team USA failed to medal at the FIBA World Cup in the Phillippines after a tough loss to Canada in the bronze medal game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the issues with the team, the continuity challenges the US roster faces, the job Steve Kerr did as head coach, and much more. Then later, the guys debate what the 2024 Olympic team could look like and discuss the report that LeBron could return to Team USA for one final chase of the gold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers roster now set, Pete, Mike, and Darius take stock in the team and discuss their overall feelings about the roster, whether there are still any needs, and the potential tradeoffs between their offensive ceiling and their defensive floor. And then later, the guys discuss two-big lineups, Anthony Davis' defensive versatility, and how expanding his offensive game can translate to success on both sides of the floor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have signed Christian Wood to fill out their roster and add to their big man depth. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Wood's immense talent, his fit on this roster, why he was available this late in the free agency period, and the general risk vs. reward of his acquisition. Then later, the guys begin to break down potential lineup options for Wood and how he might fit next to LeBron and/or Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron going into his 21st season, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the unprecedented level he continues to play at, how the roster construction could lead to a shift in his offensive approach, how much LeBron's role could end up being a function of age vs. his own approach to games vs. the roster, and much more. And then later, the guys debate the appropriate defensive ask for LeBron at this stage of his career.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Topics include Austin Reaves shining for Team USA, his potential role on the Lakers, Gabe Vincent's game and fit on the Lakers roster, and the dynamics of player positions and ball handling skills.

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers overall depth, their open 14th roster spot and how the choice made in filling that spot impacts the optionality Darvin Ham has for different lineups. And then later, the guys debate Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt as potential starters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Austin Reaves' strong play with Team USA in the lead up to the World Cup, his continued growth as a player, and why his defensive versatility will be key to the Lakers ceiling. Then later the guys discuss Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish as "second draft" prospects and where both can fit in, both from a tools and role standpoint, on this roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darius & Mike break down the Lakers 2023-2024 schedule, taking into account the in-season tournament, the road heavy start, how their feelings about the schedule changes based on how they view about the team, the extended stretch with little travel for the team & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Reaves' inclusion on Team USA's World Cup roster is a great recognition of his rising status in the NBA and a reflection of his well rounded game. Mike and Darius discuss Reaves' summer to this point, the opening of Team USA's camp this week, where he might fit into the World Cup rotation, and their general expectations for how this experience will serve him heading into training camp and his third NBA campaign.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices