Even With a New Contract, Austin Reaves Still Has a Massive Chip On His Shoulder

The Lakers have one more game remaining in the preseason before opening next week in Denver. Every indication is that Taurean Prince has locked up what was really the only lineup spot in real question coming into training camp - the starting small forward gig. Still, Tuesday at practice, Darvin Ham nonetheless refused to publicly name who will fill that spot. At this point, he's just messing with folks for fun, right? Because he's really leaning into the bit. But it really does feel like performance as much as anything would push Ham to this decision, given how well the presumptive starting unit has played through the first five games of the preseason. And, it should be noted, Ham so much as said he knew who he'd start back at the beginning of October. Meanwhile, listener/viewer HERKIMER had an interesting observation comparing D'Angelo Russell to Dwight Howard, which is broken down on the show. Is Russell going to have a Howard-like redemption in his second go round with the team, overcoming some bad feelings from fans? (In Dwight's case, from the "This is Going to be Fun!" season that most certainly wasn't, with Russell from his first stint in LA, plus last year's WCF.) Not a totally apples to apples comparison, but it's an interesting one for sure. Finally, Austin Reaves is the subject of a great profile from The Ringer's Mirin Fader, who is one of the best writers in all of sports. In it, she tells a ton of great stories. What sticks out? For starters, one where LeBron tells Reaves he's too good to be measured at this point simply from plus/minus type stats. What does that mean in practical terms? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin is trolling, and it's fun! SEGMENT 2: Is Russell the next Dwight? SEGMENT 3: Reaves receives fascinating feedback from LeBron. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.  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