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Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James Ready to Lead Lakers Into Playoffs. Can He Turn Back the Clock? (Plus, Bufkin Waived)

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Locked On Podcast Network

La Lakers Podcast, Lakers Nba, Lakers News, Nba Podcast, Lakers Basketball, La Lakers, Sports, La Basketball, Podcast, Lakers, Basketball Podcast, Los Angeles Lakers, Daily Podcast, Basketball, Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Nba, Nba, Los Angeles, Lakers Highlights, Sports Podcast, Lakers Podcast, Lakers Game, Lakers Today, La Nba, Los Angeles Lakers Podcast

4.4 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 10 April 2026

⏱️ 22 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

After Thursday's win in Golden State, LeBron James was asked by Amazon/Spectrum's Allie Clifton about what's needed from him as the Lakers head into the playoffs: "Everything. Nothing changes for me, it's just back to the old ways. I gotta give them my leadership both on the floor and off the floor. I gotta lead in all facets on the court, both ends. That's what the job requires, so I look forward to it and let's see what we can get done." That basically sums it up. But in that quote is a lot of nuance. First, there are questions of whether at 41 years old, LeBron has the juice to be "the man" in the ways he once was. And certainly the Lakers have changed how he's used on a team supported by a megastar in Luka and an All-Star caliber player in Austin Reaves. So how much does the script change in the postseason? How can the Lakers lay the best foundation for James to thrive, and for the team to have a chance to create an upset? Meanwhile, the Lakers have released Kobe Bufkin, meaning there's an open roster spot. Likely, they convert Drew Timme or Nick Smith Jr. to a full NBA deal. Who is the better option? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTaxThis year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Transcript

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0:00.0

LeBron James says he's ready to lead the Lakers into the playoffs.

0:04.1

Can he do it?

0:05.4

The answer isn't just up to him.

0:07.0

We'll explain next.

0:15.0

You are Locked-on Lakers.

0:17.4

Your daily Los Angeles Lakers podcast, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day.

0:25.7

Thanks to everybody for joining Locked on Lakers, Brian Komenetsky, Andy Kaminowski, Lakers playing a critical game against the Suns on Friday night.

0:34.5

The magic number for the Lakers to clinch the number four seed in the West is two.

0:40.5

Any combination of Lakers wins or Houston losses and the Lakers are the four seed.

0:46.6

A three seed is still possible, a three-way tie for the Lakers.

0:50.5

Nuggets and Rockets means the Lakers would be the three-seed as both owning the tiebreakers,

0:56.3

but also being division winners.

0:58.6

Obviously, Andy coming off Wednesday's good vibes win in Golden State.

1:06.4

People are feeling a little bit better about the challenge in front of them.

1:11.6

LeBron was fantastic in Wednesday's win.

1:16.3

He had 11 assists.

1:17.5

He had eight rebounds.

1:18.5

He had 26 points.

1:19.6

And he did it very efficiently, 11 of 17 shooting.

1:22.3

After the game was over, he talked about kind of being ready to go and lead the team going forward.

1:31.8

He said, quote, to him talking to Ali Clifton.

1:34.7

What the Lakers team needs from him right now, quote, everything.

...

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