The Lakers Have Improved Their Depth, but Need a Backup Center, Like, Right Now...

The Lakers are 3-0, with a supporting cast that is providing considerably more dynamic play around its stars than last year's group. But there's a major exception to this broad improvement: The Lakers do not have a playable backup center. Not someone who can play the five, or small ball options, but an actual "this is what I do" backup center behind Walker Kessler. Sandro Mamukelashvili is the team's primary option there, and Kevon Looney is technically the next true center on the team (undersized as he might be). But through three games, even the limited minutes with Looney on the floor have been a total disaster. Catastrophically bad. And while Mamu has held his own -- actually looked pretty good defensively on Sunday in Utah -- there are some matchups he'll be very poorly suited to handle, and leaving him as the only viable backup limits JJ Redick's options. So what do they do? Should they go find new players? Where and how? Should JJ dust off Jarred Vanderbilt for some small ball center minutes, which could help with the team's rebounding problems? Is there something different he could do with Looney? We discuss. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Endow-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Quo Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Wayfair Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Gametime Today'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. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM 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)