Austin Reaves: Lakers are NBA's Most Talented Team. Plus, the most Intriguing Training Camp Battles!

The Lakers know Christian Wood's talent. Heck, everyone knows Christian Wood's talent. But the big question about him (one of them, at least) has been attitude. Is he willing to play a role? Can he accept one that might not totally be in line with his self image? On the one hand, he thinks he's really good (which you want in every player). On the other, this is a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It has title aspirations, and other quality players around the roster. Wood was, or should have been, humbled by the market. So will he fit into LA's culture? So far so good, but it's never been about first impressions, but what happens once things get going. This is the sort of thing tackled on this episode with guest Dan Woike of the LA Times! Will Wood start? Come off the bench? Woike thinks it's the latter. And who will be starting? Woike has a potential name that might not be getting quite as much buzz as he should. But what happens when the game gets going? The Lakers will be looking to give players consistent roles, but there are tons of options at play, here, especially as the team decides who starts at small forward. Finally, it's a quick look around the West. Austin Reaves, guesting on Zach Lowe's podcast, said he thinks the Lakers have the most talented roster in the league. Like, in talent. And depth, and versatility. Are they the best team? Dunno, but in terms of how you look at talent, you can make an argument. Maybe you don't come down on the Lakers, but it's not absurd. Then Reaves said something perhaps more bold: That he's the best golfer in the NBA. Most people would say it's Steph Curry. (Steph Curry likely would, at the least). Whether he's right or wrong, the fact that Reaves believes this and pushed back on Lowe when he suggested it might be Steph? This is as revealing as anything about the guy. Reaves is scarily competitive. If someone doesn't set up some sort of match play event with Reaves and Curry, everyone is doing it wrong. HOSTS: Andy Kamenetzky, with guest Dan Woike! SEGMENT 1: Will Christian Wood fit in well with Lakers culture? SEGMENT 2: Who starts at small forward? Could it be Taurean Prince? SEGMENT 3: Reaves speaks! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedonnba at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply. Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices