Christian Wood can Play with LeBron. Or Anthony Davis. But Not Both At Once. Plus, the LAL Centers!

With training camp only a few days away, it's easy to start to think about what the rotations will look like. One place that's getting a lot of attention? With the addition of Christian Wood, how will the Lakers fold him in a way that makes the most sense offensively AND defensively? To that end, one prevailing argument (expressed on this show, for sure) is that Wood isn't a great option to start because it leaves LeBron James playing far too much small forward by design, which is not a good idea for a nearly 40-year old player in his 21st season. So in response to a viewer question about the Davis/James/Wood rotation dynamic, we break down how it could work. Yes, the three of them might get a few minutes together here and there, but it's likely not a regular thing. That said, Wood can absolutely, and will absolutely, play with both guys. It's just that more attention goes to his fit with Davis, both because in theory Davis protects Wood defensively, and because it's Wood that helps Davis spend less time at center, vs. power forward. To say the least, Darvin Ham has a wealth of options at his disposal. As camp gets closer, we're focusing on position groups. Monday was the guards, today the centers. Another big contrast between last year's group and this year's (remember Damian Jones?). Davis, Wood and Jaxson Hayes are the three main C's, with LeBron and Jarred Vanderbilt likely to get a few minutes here and there in small lineups. It looks like there's a blueprint for Davis and Wood... but what does that leave Hayes? Is there a path to playing time for him, especially in the games where Davis and Wood are available? Finally, another great viewer comment about the way the bar is likely to be raised in the West this year. Last year wasn't exactly easy, but it's fair to say the Conference played along as the Lakers struggled, and left the door open far longer than it might have been in a typical year. And this season is shaping up to be truly brutal. So how tough is that path to a high seed? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Optimism to start the season, and a look at the James/Davis/Wood dynamic. SEGMENT 2: Breaking down the centers. SEGMENT 3: It's gonna be very, very tough out West this year. 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