Well, it was fun while it lasted. Earlier this week, it was reported that the Lakers were among the teams that were ready to go with an offer for Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell should he become available. After all, there have been persistent questions about whether or not Mitchell would agree to a (very lucrative) extension with the Cavs, or try to force his way out. Thursday, at least, seemed to diffuse that notion. Additional reporting suggested that Mitchell wants to build a winner in Cleveland, something bigger than a team that advances a round each year before getting bounced. Now, all of this could be posturing, and until he actually signs an extension people will wonder... ...but this does seem to indicate Mitchell is more likely than not going to stay in Cleveland. So what's next for LA? On the one hand, there's a legitimate argument to be made that emptying the cupboard for Spida is not a good idea, because the Lakers would be painfully thin and asset free going forward. (There's also an argument to be made for getting him, because he's really good, is not even 30 and isn't positionally redundant to the team's other stars.) But bigger than that, if Mitchell isn't an option, that takes the "easy" road off the table, and demands Rob Pelinka make some harder choices, and do more crafty GMing. Is he up to the job? It might help if the Lakers had a head coach, and to that end, the robots are weighing in with suggestions. In fact, the robots might be responsible for laying out the criteria LA is looking for in its next head man. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Donovan Mitchell may be off the market before he gets on it. SEGMENT 2: If not Mitchell, who? SEGMENT 3: Did ChatGPT provide the qualities Rob and Jeanie Buss want in a coach? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. 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)