Lakers Lounge - podcast cover

Lakers Lounge

Anthony Irwin
Anthony Irwin takes a daily look at the Los Angeles Lakers in his own unique way, with the help of any number of guests from throughout NBA coverage, and beyond.
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Episodes

Why Austin Reaves has struggled so much defensively this season

Anthony discusses Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka not necessarily doing Darvin Ham the favors they think they are with all the leaking signs of support, using Game of Thrones as the example. Then, he discusses how the defensive strategies the Lakers are implemented aren't helping and are specifically hurting someone like Austin Reaves. He also wonders how much LeBron James' recent play has to do with all this noise and/or his frustrations with Ham specifically. Finally, he answers your questions, an...

Jan 12, 20241 hr 11 min

Darvin Ham goes full Byron Scott

Anthony reacts to an absolute no-show on national tv against the Suns. As he was doing so, Darvin Ham dropped a quote that should stop every Lakers fan in their tracks, telling the guys to "man up." Yeesh. For a quick second, Sabreena Merchant joined the show to talk about everything going on but was cut short by a faulty power line. One of those nights. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Jan 12, 202435 min

More trade rumors intel; How close was Darvin Ham to being fired?

Anthony and Aaron relay the latest trade reporting, plus what Anthony has been hearing, too. They also explain why the Lakers' options this trade season a little more limited than in years past and the impact that is going to have on their moves. They also spend a little time on Darvin Ham and whether these last couple wins have put all the drama behind him. How close was he to getting fired? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-pol...

Jan 11, 20241 hr 5 min

Anthony Davis appreciation episode

Anthony spends the opening segment admiring the season Anthony Davis has put together. He's been special, flat out. The Lakers need to stack wins while he keeps playing like this. From there, he looks at the trade market and combines the reporting already out there with what he's hearing, especially pertaining to Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell. To wrap things up, he discusses the latest on Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish's injuries. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices v...

Jan 11, 202439 min

Appateaser: No, the league isn't rigged for the Lakers

Toronto's head coach lost his mind talking about the refs last night. This, with the fourth quarter free-throw discrepancy, led NBA Twitter to once again do the whole "the league is rigged for the Lakers" bit, which is pretty played out at this point. Anthony and Raj reacted to all this live and Anthony wasn't having it. 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/ad...

Jan 10, 202410 min

Anthony Davis is playing the best he has as a Laker since the bubble

Anthony is joined in The Lounge by Raj Chipalu (All Access Lakers) to discuss a game the Lakers absolutely needed to win, and were able to behind Anthony Davis. The guys discuss the game itself, Davis' shooting impacting the roll he's on right now, and the Lakers finding a way to go back to him after they ignored him in the second and third quarters. Toronto head coach Darko Rajakovic lost his mind about free throws so they laugh at that a little. Also covered: D'Angelo Russell leaving without t...

Jan 10, 20241 hr 2 min

The Lakers threw Frank Vogel under the bus for the Russell Westbrook disaster

We're now years removed from both the ends of the Frank Vogel and Russell Westbrook era but the Lakers just can't seem to stop pointing fingers, with one person in particular consistently avoiding blame. 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

Jan 09, 20248 min

Darvin Ham opened up communication with players in response to recent reports

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Darvin Ham and the Lakers hashed things out in response to reports about the disconnect there. This is exactly what we were hoping to hear. Anthony reacts to that and discusses what it might mean moving forward. In a quick aside, he points out the cheap shot fired at Frank Vogel regarding Russell Westbrook and marvels at Rob Pelinka's office politics game. Jeanie Buss apparently really believes in Ham, so Anthony analyzes those reports as well. To wrap thi...

Jan 09, 202438 min

Appateaser: What did beating the Clippers do for Darvin Ham's job security?

One of last night's segments had to do with a look at everything coming into last night's game regarding Darvin Ham and his current job security and then, following the win, a discussion on what that looks like now. Honestly, not much has changed, as the people who would make the final decision on Ham have never wanted to fire him -- for a variety of reasons. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choic...

Jan 08, 202412 min

Lakers beat Clippers, quiet noise surrounding Darvin Ham

Almost nothing would've led one to believe the Lakers would be the surging Clippers... and then they did. Anthony recaps a fun, somewhat ugly game that saw Darvin Ham and the Lakers at least temporarily rise above all the noise and rumors surrounding the team. 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

Jan 08, 202434 min

The Lakers have to win a bunch in January to "save" Darvin Ham's job

Anthony opens The Lounge to give the latest on Darvin Ham and add to it what he's heard recently. It does sound like the temperature is rising on Ham's seat. So much so that this month could really impact how long he remains the head coach of the Lakers. From there, he takes some questions and sends you on your merry way into the weekend. 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://pod...

Jan 05, 202459 min

Appateaser: The real takeaway from all the locker room turmoil reporting

As promised, we're clipping important portions of the show and calling them Appateasers (Anthony will explain on today's Happy Hour). Today's 'Teaser is a macro takeaway from all the reporting about the locker room. At some point, communication broke down and enough people said they'd had enough. 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

Jan 05, 202414 min

Darvin Ham lost the locker room

Anthony and Aaron react to reports that paint a pretty bleak picture for Darvin Ham. How did things go from that magical run to a locker room that doesn't seem to trust its head coach? Also, if you've been listening to this show for the last couple months, none of this should surprise you. Anthony adds his couple cents to today's reports. 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://pod...

Jan 05, 20241 hr

Final Happy Hour of 2023

2023 was actually a pretty successful year for the Lakers, as Anthony explains. He looks back on the year that was, then ahead to the year that might be. He then takes questions from Twitter and the comment section. 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

Dec 29, 202341 min

Lakers get much-needed good vibes win over Hornets

Anthony recaps a nice, comfortable blowout. Didn't always look like that would be the case, but we got there. He discusses the bench extending the lead, Rui Hachimura stepping into the starting group, and how that move from Darvin Ham might only further the gap between him and Austin Reaves. 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

Dec 29, 202328 min

Is Darvin Ham's seat getting hot? BTS on Anthony's starting lineup scoop

Anthony and Aaron start the show with a quick explanation on the lengthy absence. Again, we are deeply sorry. We'll make sure Anthony never gets sick again. Then, they take you behind the scenes on the lineup story Anthony broke over the weekend and how it came to be. From there, they break down the new starting group and discuss what it signals now and why some in the locker room are annoyed with Darvin Ham's coaching. Finally, they have a lengthy discussion on whether Ham's seat is getting war...

Dec 28, 20231 hr 4 min

Rui Hachimura needs more minutes

After a(nother) conversation about D'Angelo Russell, Anthony and Aaron wonder aloud why Rui Hachimura seemingly can't crack the rotation more regularly. 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

Dec 22, 202345 min

It's time to have the Darvin Ham conversation

Anthony and Aaron react to the Lakers losing to the Wolves but it turns into a conversation about Darvin Ham. It's a little uncomfortable, and Ham isn't doing enough to quite the doubters (like Anthony). 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

Dec 22, 202344 min

Raj has had enough with these Lakers

Honestly, we're all going to get out of the way and let Raj cook here. 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

Dec 21, 20231 hr 18 min

Jon Krawczynski on the Wolves turnaround, upcoming Lakers matchup, and the D'Angelo Russell experience

Anthony welcomes Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic) to discuss the season the Minnesota Timberwolves are having and how important organizational culture is. Then, the guys preview Lakers-Wolves Thursday and why it's a particularly fun matchup. The wrap with a conversation about the D'Angelo Russell experience and everything it can entail, both good and bad. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Dec 21, 202347 min

Why are the Lakers such a different team outside the In-Season Tournament?

Anthony talks to Aaron about the Lakers outside the In-Season Tournament. Why is there such a stark contrast? Then, they talk about LeBron James' and Anthony Davis' minutes and whether they're concerned about how they're racking them up. Finally, they wrap by continuing Anthony's reporting on D'Angelo Russell and potential tension in the locker room. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Dec 20, 20231 hr 11 min

Is D'Angelo Russell becoming a problem?

Anthony recaps the latest frustrating, winnable loss, details some bad habits that have crept back in since the IST, and offers up some of what he's heard about some tension in the Lakers' locker room between some guys and D'Angelo Russell. 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

Dec 19, 202331 min

Anthony re-explains he trade season primer

Anthony didn't like how he explained he trade primer Friday so he goes back and clears it up, hopefully. He then discusses the backup center situation and how the Lakers might address it before updating Gabe Vincent's availability and previewing tonight's game against the Knicks. 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

Dec 18, 20231 hr 1 min

NBA trade rumors season kickoff

Anthony runs through some trade targets and goes through their prices after opening a quick mailbag. He wraps with a look at tonight's matchup against the Spurs. You can read about all those trade targets in more detail here: https://anthonyirwin.substack.com/p/happy-trade-season 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

Dec 15, 202337 min

Harrison and Anthony fight over In-Season Tournament banners... TO THE DEATH

Anthony and Harrison start by discussing the trio of Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince. Then, they debate the Lakers flying an In-Season Tournament Championship banner at the behest/nudging/request/demand of the league. They wrap with this week's power rankings, which focus pretty heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo fighting the Indiana Pacers over a basketball. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more ab...

Dec 15, 20231 hr 14 min

Once again, Darvin Ham goes away from defense/wings and it almost costs a win

Anthony and Raj debate over Darvin Ham's coaching approach. This should've been a nice, relaxing episode after a nice, relaxing win. But nope. Can't have nice things, apparently. 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

Dec 14, 20231 hr 9 min

Welp. Saw that effort coming

Anthony discusses the Lakers' approach to the sport and how it continues to bite them in the rear end. He then covers the move away from the identity they'd found success with and how that again highlights Darvin Ham's basketball ideologies. This was an annoying loss, mostly because of how predictable the effort felt. 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/adcho...

Dec 13, 202334 min

Did the NBA just make the Lakers disregard a decades-long banner policy?

Anthony offers up an update on Gabe Vincent and the news is surprisingly good. Anthony being Anthony, though, he wonders what this does to the identity the Lakers have found in Vincent's absence. Next, he discusses the Lakers seemingly being forced to fly a banner they pretty clearly weren't interested in only a few days ago. What went on there? Finally, he wraps by looking ahead to tonight's game against Dallas and wonders how NBA media is supposed to handle Zion Williamson's apparent condition...

Dec 12, 202345 min

The Los Angeles Lakers are NBA (in-season tournament) Champions

Anthony discusses one of the most fun Los Angeles sports weekends in a long, long time. Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy. Unless you're at work. Try to look busy. Please don't let us get you in trouble. 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

Dec 11, 202345 min

Let's celebrate this week with an ACTUALLY happy Happy Hour

Anthony started this show thinking it would be a nice, quick, 20-30-minute chat. It turned into a full on actually happy Happy Hour because you, the listeners, had so many great questions. He starts, though, with a quick monologue on why he thinks the Lakers belong in that top tier of championship contenders now. 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...

Dec 08, 20231 hr 6 min
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