jordsantiago.bsky.social
@jordsantiago.bsky.social
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I am here for @forumbluegold.bsky.social going philosophical and talked about how people view life for a minute here. #GoLakers
New pod: 2025-26 Lakers Season Preview

The guys discuss their big picture views on the eve of the season, the importance of the start without LeBron, what excites them about the team’s offense, their defensive concerns, Redick’s biggest challenge & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
New pod: Green Light Gabe

Lakers lost to the Mavs, but played well despite being shorthanded. The guys discuss Gabe's hot start, Rui's good showing, look ahead to Friday’s preseason finale & react to the news that Bron may be delayed until mid November.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
I need Rui to come through for @forumbluegold.bsky.social. the asian on asian shade needs to stop 😆

Kidding aside, I will still contend Rui got paid with him off the bench for Lebron and then closing for us when we go small. That was the idea and it was just Vando getting hurt that altered that
New pod: LeBron to Miss Start of Lakers Season

LeBron will be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks. The guys discuss how this impacts the Lakers on both sides of the ball, the ways they will miss LeBron, whether there are any positives that can come out of this & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Too bad @lakerfilmroom.bsky.social @forumbluegold.bsky.social weren't able to include what Lebron said about this on the latest Mind The Game pod on his side on preparing for the season and how he sees it will work now on year 23.
These last 2 games felt that they still want Rui to act like that shooter/attack closeout/cutter guy even when there is no one else on the team. Clearly they dont him to slot up with Lebron and Luka out.

Still, instead of just taking the foot off the gas, they just jump off the car completely.
Overall, the circumstances on which he got hired and then ascended to his current post mainly clouded how Laker fans view him.
In hindsight, the names over games thing for Rob was just that 2021 offseason tbh. Then, other than the 2022 offseason where they needed to rebound from that Russ 1st season, things have been average for Rob at worst. It may be best to compare him not only Jerry West but also Mitch and/or Jim.
New pod: What Does Rob Pelinka Believe In? Pt. 1

The guys discuss Rob Pelinka's management of the Lakers and his approach to dealing with those in power, & how his management style and makeup of the organization has impacted his job performance.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
I just disagree a bit on @yossigozlan.bsky.social when he compared AR to Herro. I can see it but AR's value is being a compliment to whoever main guy you have. That will be how the Lakers will measure his next contract as well as his trade value.
New pod: Lakers Cap Situation

Darius is joined by salary cap expert @yossigozlan.bsky.social to discuss the Lakers cap situation for the summer of 2026 & beyond, the role LeBron’s future plans play, how Austin's cap hold & next contract impacts this & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
New pod: 2025-26 Schedule Release

The guys break down the Lakers' schedule, the most intriguing stretches of the season, the Lakers' toughest challenges, the importance of the team's depth & where it will be needed, managing LeBron's workload & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Too bad we don't get to have Mike on the pod for this
sadly, no. personal scheduling conflicts and a dearth of news. guys will probably talk about the new schedule tomorrow.
What is your philosophy on roster building in terms of addressing needs knowing you can't sign/trade your way to a perfect roster? What kind of holes do you hope be addressed by just internal growth?
Having to adjust with Rui after all the additions made is a good problem to have. JJ would love that challenge. Deeming Rui as expendable is just an easy way out especially if you havent played games yet.
New pod: No Time Like the Present

One way to be a contender is to have as many of your players outperform their salary as possible. The guys discuss who they think can play to or beyond their contract, how this sets them up to win this season & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
LFR knows Luka will definitely extend confirmed... 👀
I guess easier to coach someone to tone it down than to ramp it up. Maybe they can do the Goodwin path for him and then upgrade him by March if all goes well. Then Laker fans wont be that pissed we had to let Goodwin go.
@canyondriver.bsky.social do you have any thoughts on Manon?
FROM SHAMS:

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to sign 7-footer Christian Koloko and forward Chris Manon on two-way NBA contracts, sources tell ESPN. Manon, undrafted out of Vanderbilt, played for the Warriors in California and Las Vegas summer leagues. Koloko played 37 games for L.A. last season.
Right now, i feel they are near "a little bit of sugar" away from the right mix ... but they can easily accidentally throw the whole bag in. With that, the Lakers dont need to be that desperate and shouldn't grossly overpay to do so.
New pod: Lakers Get Smart

Lakers will reportedly sign Marcus Smart after he was bought out. The guys express their excitement, how Smart fits on the team, what it opens up for the Lakers defensively, if the Lakers have another move in them & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
If there is buzz on GP2, you might get him to replace Shake and that is about it. The Lakers need to grow into the team you want them to be because you can never check every box during the offseason. Now, I would do the 30 games thing with Vando and Goodwin and see how it goes.
Regarding the Lakers just needing a defensive piece or 2 away from contending, the Lakers have never acquired those in this Lebron era anyway. During the 2020 season, Danny Green wasn't that top tier defender and it was Lebron and AD who took over. Today, you get those organically.
New pod: LeBron's Last, Best Chance?

With rumors swirling about whether LeBron will be on the Lakers, the guys discuss the value of playing next to a motivated Luka, debate their championship chances & why LeBron getting on a new team isn't easy.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
The last thing the Lakers should do is think Dalton is JHS 2.0 and not pick up his team option. Players regardless of age should be given 2-3 years before you judge who they are
New pod: Bronny's Progress

Bronny had his best Summer League game vs the Clippers, being impactful on offense & defense. The guys discuss how his athleticism shines through as he gets more comfortable, Dalton’s struggles, Koloko’s defense, & more.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Considering the statement from Lebron's camp after his opt in, what should have the Lakers done to be a more "win-now" team this offseason? How does that compare to the Laravia and Ayton and retaining Hayes?
New pod: Hayes Stays…What Now?

After signing Ayton, Hayes will return as a backup big. The guys discuss his potential role, other options they might have preferred for the Lakers, the missing wing defender & 3 potential solutions to that, & MORE.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
After watching the Finals, at what balance of heliocentric vs egalitarian do you want the Lakers to be moving forward? What would it look like with the likely core players we have? #lfrpodmailbag
Pending any other major news breaking, the guys are planning on doing a mailbag pod tomorrow. Please reply with any questions you might have on the Lakers. Hate to do this, but if you can tag your questions with #lfrpodmailbag it might be easier to find your questions. Appreciate you guys! 💜
I think what @forumbluegold.bsky.social and @lakerfilmroom.bsky.social are saying is there will be changes but it is going to be a transition. The rest and anything in between is the debate. I think whoever stays will work with Walter now as the final say then go from there.
New pod: New Leadership

There will be a Game 7 of the NBA Finals after Indy blew out OKC in Game 6. The guys react to the game & then continue to discuss the Lakers sale & debate what changes to expect & on what timeline after the sale goes through.

🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
So just like the Dodgers, the Buss family with senior leadership and definitely secured a transition period for them and prevent Walter from just going scorched earth on them, valid or not.
The Buss family, especially Jeanie know what they signed up for. "Running things for multiple years" from Ramona just means 2 or 3 years and likely that is how long Rob was extended. Unless they show to be the best, the Buss family will just be a minority owner and Rob will move on.