Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' exit interview with JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka. Jovan analyzes Pelinka and the Lakers' belief in the star trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, LA's offseason goals of adding a starting center and more perimeter defense, Redick saying the group has to get in 'championship shape,' and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:20 Takeaway No. 1: LA still believes in Luka/LeBron/AR as a trio 5:06 Takeaway No. 2: The Lakers' offseason goals 10:00 Takeaway No. 3: JJ says they must get in 'championship shape' 16:30 Q&A 1:04:11 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' elimination in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The Lakers lost to the Timberwolves 103-96 in Game 5. Jovan analyzes the disappointing end to the Lakers' season, LA's strong foundation for the future, the clear need for more size and depth this summer, the offense, offseason questions, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:28 A big thank you for this season 5:43 Buha's Big Picture: LA has a strong foundation, but needs to make some changes 19:21 Takeaway No. 1: This series exposed the Lakers' lack of size and depth 26:11 Takeaway No. 2: LA needs to figure out its offense entering next season 28:46 Takeaway No. 3: An offseason full of questions 34:09 Q&A 1:41:27 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha discusses five adjustments the Los Angeles Lakers should make entering Game 5 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jovan discusses the obvious starting lineup change, running more organized and intentional offense, mixing up coverages against Anthony Edwards, the possession battle, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Adjustment No. 1: Start Dorian Finney-Smith 5:07 Adjustment No. 2: More organized offense 9:38 Adjustment No. 3: Mix up looks against Anthony Edwards 14:00 Adjustment No. 4: Play the bench more 18:13 Adjustment No. 5: (Finally) win the possession battle 23:26 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. Jovan analyzes Game 5 adjustments, why the Lakers are down 3-1, what he got wrong in his series preview, LA's rotation, Luka Doncic's conditioning, LeBron James' two-way play, starting center options for LA this offseason, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:32 Q&A 1:22:51 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round. The Lakers trail the series 3-1. Jovan analyzes why the Lakers are losing this series, the brilliant performances from LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the possession battle, JJ Redick's bold and controversial second-half rotation strategy, 16-game players vs. 82-game players, the glaring offseason needs, Game 5 adjustments, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:41 Buha's Big Picture: LA is losing this series on the margins 14:25 Notable performers 23:20 Stat of the night: Possession battle (LA was -10 in FGAs, -8 in FTAs, +3 in TOs) 24:22 Takeaway No. 1: The bold -- and controversial -- second-half rotation 29:02 Takeaway No. 2: 16-game players vs. 82-game players 35:42 Takeaway No. 3: Game 5 adjustments 40:29 Q&A 1:06:46 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on Friday, April 25, 2025. Jovan analyzes why he still thinks the Lakers can win this series despite being down 2-1, LA's crunch-time collapse, Luka Doncic's struggles through sickness, LeBron James' offensive breakout, LA's necessary lineup change, Anthony Edwards' playmaking, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:41 Buha's Big Picture: LA can still win this series -- with serious changes 20:15 Notable performers 24:30 Stat of the night: 13-1 run to close game by MIN 25:46 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's sickness makes analyzing this game difficult 30:10 Takeaway No. 2: LeBron's play is the most encouraging sign from Game 3 33:44 Takeaway No. 3: Ant's play is the most discouraging sign from Game 3 35:43 Q&A 1:37:49 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Claire de Lune of The Guardian to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers’ adjustments for Game 3, Luka Doncic and our 2024-25 NBA awards ballots. Jovan and Claire analyze Game 2 takeaways, Playoff Luka, LeBron James’ defense and health, LA’s offense, Game 3 adjustments, the rotation, our awards ballots and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Takeaways from Game 2 10:36 Playoff Luka is incredible 17:05 LeBron’s defense and health 24:53 LA needs to find more offense … somewhere 30:20 Game 3 adjustments 36:06 Reevaluating the rotation 44:53 Our awards ballots (including Lakers picks) 1:10:47 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 94-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2. The Western Conference first-round series is tied 1-1. Jovan analyzes LA's bounce-back performance in Game 2, their blueprint to win the series, the Lakers' defensive domination, Playoff Luka, early Game 3 adjustments, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:37 Buha's Big Picture: The blueprint for LA to win this series 10:44 Notable performers 17:03 Stats of the night: 6 fast-break points & 5-for-25 3-point shooting for MIN 19:19 Takeaway No. 1: This was a defensive masterclass from LA 26:06 Takeaway No. 2: Playoff Luka is special 29:31 Takeaway No. 3: Early Game 3 adjustments 37:07 Q&A 1:37:38 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group to discuss the Lakers’ Game 1 loss and how they should adjust in Game 2. Then, he welcomes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic to analyze the Minnesota Timberwolves’ performance and how they might adjust in Game 2. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Top-line takeaways from Game 1 6:52 Did Game 1 change how you view the series? 12:50 Should LA play Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt more? 23:21 Why LA has more to adjust offensively than defensively 37:27 What’s the most interesting tactical battle moving forward? 49:02 Welcome Jon Krawczynski! 50:27 Top-line takeaway from Wolves’ perspective? 54:13 What’s Minnesota looking to do in Game 2? 56:53 Jaden McDaniels as an X factor 1:03:08 Should LA defend Ant similarly to how MIN guards Luka? 1:09:12 Should LA target Minnesota’s smalls more? 1:14:32 How comfortable is Minnesota playing smaller? 1:19:37 How will MIN handle being up 1-0 mentally? 1:23:50 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 117-95 Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Jovan analyzes what's real and not from Game 1, Minnesota's size and athleticism advantages, the Lakers' game plan vs. Anthony Edwards, the playoff rotation, adjustments for Game 2, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:36 Buha's Big Picture: This series is going to be tougher than anticipated for LA 14:18 Notable performers 22:30 Stat of the night: Minnesota's 25-6 edge in fast-break points 23:42 Takeaway No. 1: LA needs to reevaluate how they're defending Ant 30:26 Takeaway No. 2: The first look at the Lakers' playoff rotation 33:40 Takeaway No. 3: Adjustments for Game 2 37:02 Q&A 1:32:43 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Tim (aka Cranjis McBasketball) of the Lakers Exceptionalism Podcast and Bball Index to preview the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jovan and Tim discuss their biggest question for the Lakers and the Wolves, their player X factor for both teams, one statistical X factor and one series X factor before making their series prediction. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 How Tim has been preparing for this series 6:05 Tim’s question for LA: How will the coaching staff adjust in the playoffs? 14:33 Jovan’s question for LA: How do their center-less looks fare vs. MIN’s size? 21:23 Tim’s question for MIN: Can they defend without conceding mismatches? 25:51 Jovan’s question for MIN: How are they going to guard Luka? 30:55 Tim’s Lakers X factor: Jaxson Hayes 40:20 Jovan’s Lakers X factor: Rui Hachimura 44:34 Tim’s Wolves X factor: Julius Randle 49:25 Jovan’s Wolves X factor: Jaden McDaniels 54:03 Tim’s statistical X factor: LA’s offensive scheme 59:44 Jovan’s statistical X factor: Turnover battle 1:04:02 Tim’s series X factor: How long can MIN avoid switching? 1:08:37 Jovan’s series X factor: Which frontline has to adjust more? 1:12:50 Tim’s series prediction 1:15:22 Jovan’s series prediction 1:18:13 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers matching up with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Jovan shares his initial reaction and prediction for the Lakers-Wolves series before getting into audience questions. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:55 Lakers-Timberwolves opening thoughts 17:34 Q&A 1:27:37 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday, April 11, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers clinching the No. 3 seed and winning 50 games, the madness of this season, LA's likely path and first-round opponent (depending on Sunday's results), Luka Doncic's 2-point improvement, rest vs. rhythm entering the playoffs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:34 Buha's Big Picture: LA clinches the No. 3 seed 17:17 Notable performers 21:07 Stat of the night: LA reaches 50 wins 21:39 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's increased efficiency inside the paint 24:38 Takeaway No. 2: The playoff path is crystallizing 38:28 Takeaway No. 3: Rest vs. rhythm 41:34 Q&A 1:49:26 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Iztok Franko of digginbasketball to discuss Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas and the state of the Lakers’ offense. Jovan and Iztok discuss Luka playing through emotions, how he’s wired, Luka’s fit within the Lakers’ offense, LA’s defense in center-less lineups, why those groups are so difficult to match up with, how the Lakers are looking entering the playoffs, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Luka’s emotions + dropping 45 points 4:57 Luka being built to withstand pressure 7:19 Additional observations from Lakers-Mavs 15:47 How has Luka acclimated as a Laker? 21:35 What should LA focus on with Luka and their offense entering the playoffs? 24:14 LA’s defense in center-less lineups 30:13 Why LA’s center-less groups are so difficult to match up with 39:48 Evaluating the Lakers’ potential first-round matchups 47:54 Optimism about LA one week from the playoffs 52:12 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Jovan analyzes Luka Doncic's emotional return to Dallas, LA clinching a playoff spot and a top-five seed, their defense against Anthony Davis (and in general recently), the Lakers' potential playoff rotation, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:29 Buha's Big Picture: LA secures a playoff spot and top-5 seed 9:25 Notable performers 14:51 Stat of the night: 14 steals (second-most of the season) 16:46 Takeaway No. 1: Luka's emotional return to Dallas 26:19 Takeaway No. 2: LA's defense continues upward trend 32:10 Takeaway No. 3: Playoff rotation preview? 36:51 Q&A 2:29:05 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Jovan analyzes the ridiculous Luka Doncic ejection and ending to the game, why he thinks the Lakers can beat the Thunder in the playoffs after watching these past two games, his updated West first-round matchup rankings, a crucial game in Dallas (for many reasons), and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:35 My perspective on tonight's egregious ejection and ending 4:35 Buha's Big Picture: The Lakers can beat the Thunder in the playoffs 14:16 Notable performers 18:44 Stat of the night: LA was up 108-107 when Luka was ejected -- and then got outscored 29-12 19:05 Takeaway No. 1: More on tonight's ridiculousness 23:01 Takeaway No. 2: Looking ahead to a crucial game in Dallas 31:01 Takeaway No. 3: First-round matchup rankings update -- and how LA can lock up No. 3 34:35 Q&A 1:14:59 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha welcomes Sean Davis of Los Angeles Lakers Network to rank the Los Angeles Lakers’ five potential first-round matchups. Jovan and Sean analyze each matchup for the Lakers, including reasons for optimism and concern, and make a series prediction. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:57 Format explained 2:22 Memphis Grizzlies 9:06 Minnesota Timberwolves 24:30 Denver Nuggets 35:05 LA Clippers 45:02 Golden State Warriors 53:25 Recap of Jovan and Sean’s rankings 53:43 Favorite non-Lakers potential first-round series 56:19 Predictions for each potential Lakers series 59:10 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 126-99 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' statement win over the Thunder, Luka Doncic's masterful performance, LA's best defensive performance since LeBron James' return from injury, the Lakers' incredible shotmaking, why this was important for their odds of being the No. 3 seed, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:08 Buha’s Big Picture: LA shows why they can win the West 9:35 Notable performers 17:45 Stats of the night: Season-high 22 3-pointers and holding SGA to 0 free throws 19:59 Takeaway No. 1: Luka destroys the best defense in the league 26:45 Takeaway No. 2: LA shows their defensive fastball is still there 31:17 Takeaway No. 3: The No. 3 seed is more likely now 34:00 Q&A 1:46:20 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 124-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, April 4, 2025. Jovan analyzes the Lakers' bounceback win (kind of) over the Pelicans, why LA is in control of its fate in the standings, LeBron James looking more like himself offensively the past two games, Luka Doncic rediscovering his rhythm after a rough first quarter, the Big 3's insane shotmaking, Dalton Knecht's reemergence and potential playoff role, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1: 43 Buha's Big Picture: Back on track (kind of) 7:29 Notable performers 11:20 Stat of the night: 92 points and 21 assists for the Big 3 13:19 Takeaway No. 1: Luka/Austin/LeBron continue to display an incredible level of shotmaking 16:52 Takeaway No. 2: Dalton Knecht's impact -- and increased role? 22:11 Takeaway No. 3: LA controls its standings destiny 23:58 Q&A 1:21:42 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Jovan analyzes how the Warriors exposed the blueprint to beating the Lakers in the playoffs, Luka Doncic's worst performance as a Laker, LeBron James looking more like himself, the troubling state of the Lakers' defense, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:23 Buha's Big Picture: Tonight was the blueprint of how to beat the Lakers 9:22 Notable performers 14:29 Stats of the night: Golden State's 31 free throws and 23 second-chance points 16:19 Takeaway No. 1: This was Luka's worst game as a Laker -- on both ends 22:18 Takeaway No. 2: LA's defense is beginning to really worry me 29:12 Takeaway No. 3: This was the closest LeBron has looked to his pre-injury self 31:46 Q&A 1:12:01 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices