Jovan Buha welcomes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic and Game Theory Podcast to preview the Los Angeles Lakers' plans for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jovan and Sam discuss the passing of Jerry West, the Lakers’ plans at No. 17, the prospects Sam likes in that range, if LA will draft the best player available or for need/position, Zach Edey, Bronny James, LA potentially acquiring another second-round pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis entering Year 2, Max Christie’s free-agency market, Dan Hurley and more.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:39 Rest in peace Jerry West
6:30 Lakers’ No. 17 pick in Sam’s latest mock
9:10 Will draft BPA or best fit/position?
15:17 Which other players make sense at No. 17?
19:05 Odds the Lakers trade the No. 17 pick?
23:23 Bronny James at No. 55?
27:56 What is Bronny’s ceiling in the draft?
29:50 Any buzz about LA acquiring another second-round pick?
33:46 Jalen Hood-Schifino entering Year 2
38:03 Maxwell Lewis entering Year 2
41:12 Max Christie’s restricted free agency and his market
51:36 Sam’s take on LA’s Dan Hurley pursuit
59:26 Check out Sam’s NBA Draft guide!
1:01:16 Outro

Jovan Buha breaks down Connecticut coach Dan Hurley rejecting the Lakers’ six-year, $70 million contract offer on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Jovan analyzes the timeline of events, why this never passed the smell test for me and many others, why this situation reflects poorly on LA, Hurley’s potential leverage play, all of the fallout from the Lakers’ Hurley pursuit, JJ Redick’s standing, his take on the contract offer for Hurley, what’s next and more.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Recapping the Hurley timeline
2:07 This situation never passed the smell test
4:06 How this reflects on the Lakers
7:31 The fallout from striking out on Hurley
13:10 The second botched coaching search?
16:11 There are more questions than answers currently
17:44 My take on the Lakers’ contract offer to Hurley
25:24 What’s next for LA?
28:02 Outro

Jovan Buha welcomes Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation to break down the Los Angeles Lakers' surprising pursuit of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley.

Jovan and Trevor discuss the stunning nature of Thursday’s news, the Lakers’ secrecy during the process, how Hurley could fare at the NBA, what this could signify from a roster-building perspective, why JJ Redick shouldn’t be counted out yet, LA’s biggest team priorities, the potential roster crunch, the reality of the new NBA and more.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 LA’s stunning pursuit of Dan Hurley
4:41 Does this signify a shift toward player development?
9:46 How would Hurley fare at the NBA level?
16:19 What about JJ Redick?
19:48 Hurley vs. Redick
21:09 The secrecy element is fascinating
25:03 Ranking the biggest roster priorities for LA
31:05 The Lakers’ potential roster crunch
37:08 The ideal third frontcourt player
39:35 Using Dallas as a roster-building example
43:38 The realities of the new NBA
44:56 Outro