Doug Gottlieb in for Colin:

No way Kawhi prefers the Clippers over the Lakers

A recent reports claimed that California native Kawhi Leonard would prefer to play for the Clippers over the Lakers, but as a fellow So Cal native, Doug finds that hard to believe. The reason? Nobody that grew up in Southern California and knows the history of one of the worst franchises in sports would ever choose the Clippers over the Lakers. Doug thinks this rumor has to be coming from the Spurs to drum up fake demand to bolster Leonard’s trade value.

The Lakers post-LeBron signings actually do make sense

A lot of people were left scratching their heads with the Lakers post-LeBron signings of Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee, but Doug actually sees the method to the madness. He thinks the common thread is that all three play with an edge that the Cavs lacked in the playoffs, and foreshadows that LeBron will play more center in the L.A.’s small ball lineup so he can get more in-game rest and distribute out of the post more.

Ultimately, he thinks the Lakers are building a foundation now, but will attempt to make a huge splash in the 2019 free agency market when a host of big names become available.

Guests:

FS1 Analyst Rob Parker, The Athletic Lakers beat writer Bill Oram, and former Pro Bowl wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh