Published by Jovan Buha
Jovan Buha, a senior reporter covering the Los Angeles Lakers, analyzes the purple and gold with a weekly podcast that includes news, Xs and Os, statistical analysis, and exclusive interviews with media, players, team personnel, and more.
Listen on Apple PodcastsJovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:28 Question No. 1: Can LA trade for a wing now + still use NTMLE next summer? 13:05 Question No. 2: Why are the Lakers interested in Kuminga? 22:31 Question No. 3: Does LA match up better with OKC without Dort? 31:24 Question No. 4: Can anyone win the title nowadays post-NYK? 36:07 Question No. 5: Can Carr & Thiero develop into starters? 43:57 Question No. 6: Would you trade Carr & Thiero for Watson or Murphy? 49:19 Question No. 7: Is JJ the right coach for the team? 56:12 Question No. 8: Will LA keep Hardy after welcoming him? 59:06 Outro
Jovan Buha answers your Los Angeles Lakers questions. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:26 Question No. 1: What will LA's offensive and defensive identities be this season? 12:06 Question No. 2: Will the Lakers win at least 50 games again? 15:20 Question No. 3: How would adding Kuminga change LA's season outlook? (+ my favorite sitcoms) 23:30 Question No. 4: Are the Lakers afraid to go all-in with their assets? 28:10 Question No. 5: How can LA add two starters + a backup C? 37:14 Question No. 6: Will JJ hinder the young players' growth? 43:14 Question No. 7: Who has the brighter future: LA or Dallas? 47:54 Outro
Jovan Buha analyzes LeBron James' signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Why did LeBron choose Philadelphia? 3:29 How the 76ers' starting lineup will fit together offensively 8:37 How the Sixers stack up in the East and NBA 13:28 LeBron's relationship with Philly & its fans 14:44 Final thoughts on LeBron to Philly 16:30 What's next for the rest of the league? 17:22 Outro
Jovan Buha is joined by Mike Garcia to analyze the Los Angeles Lakers' young core from summer league — Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon and Arthur Kaluma — and how ready each is for NBA minutes next season. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Follow Mike on Substack: https://lakersdraft.substack.com/ And on X: https://x.com/CanyonDriver Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Opening impressions of Cameron Carr 10:03 Areas of improvement for Carr 15:19 Is Carr ready for a rotation role? 18:18 Adou Thiero's progress this summer 26:21 Why Thiero should be playing from Day 1 30:52 Arthur Kaluma's rise and two-way potential 37:20 How Kaluma potentially fits into the wing rotation 41:31 Chris Mañon's potential viability at the NBA level 47:10 Who makes more sense on the roster: Kaluma or Mañon? 50:36 Q&A 1:26:29 Outro
Jovan Buha analyzes the Los Angeles Lakers' signing of Matisse Thybulle, including how Thybulle fits, where things stand with the Lakers' roster, and their next moves. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 4:02 Thybulle's profile & strengths 8:55 Thybulle's limitations 15:00 Where does he slot in the rotation? 22:26 What's next with Kuminga? 25:26 Who will the Lakers eventually move on from? 30:15 Q&A 1:24:15 Outro
Jovan Buha analyzes how the Oklahoma City Thunder's trade of Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks impacts the Los Angeles Lakers. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:46 Initial thoughts on OKC trading Dort 5:52 How this trade impacts the Lakers' pursuit of Kuminga/another starter 15:24 Why LA's biggest hurdle is currently rerouting its players 32:03 Outro
Jovan Buha analyzes the Los Angeles Lakers' projected depth chart, including their potential starters, rotation, closing lineup, and what's still missing. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:34 One GIANT caveat to this entire conversation 3:04 LA's offensive depth chart 4:51 LA's defensive depth chart 16:16 Depth chart notes 29:38 How different starting lineups project statistically 37:38 Outro
Jovan Buha is joined by Andy Kamenetzky to discuss the Lakers' signing of Ziaire Williams, Austin Reaves ' pay cut, the Jonathan Kuminga situation, summer league standouts, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Watch Andy on Locked On Lakers here: https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnLakers And follow him here: https://x.com/KamBrothers YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/xFaPWsQFYr Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:23 The Lakers signed Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3M deal 12:02 Austin Reaves takes a $5M pay cut (4 years, $180M) 18:26 LA's continued pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga 35:16 Cameron Carr & Adou Thiero stand out in summer league 47:25 Chris Mañon and Arthur Kaluma are intriguing two-way prospects 53:37 Q&A 1:27:41 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers making several of their offseason moves official and to what's next with the Jonathan Kuminga situation. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:24 How LA can still create more cap space 3:29 Why LA will most likely operate above the cap 4:41 The asking price for Jonathan Kuminga 7:09 Trade rules for the Lakers (once above the cap) 9:01 Why Kuminga's contract is the most important part of the deal 12:35 Additional Kuminga intel 14:48 LA's reported lack of interest in PJ Washington 22:37 Final thoughts on the Kuminga situation 28:19 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers signing Kevon Looney as their backup center. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:52 LA signs Kevon Looney to be their backup center 2:16 Comparing Looney to the rest of the center market 5:13 Looney's profile 6:32 Looney's strengths 10:11 Looney's weaknesses 15:06 Why the Looney signing is ultimately fine (albeit underwhelming) 21:33 Outro
Jovan Buha discusses how the Los Angeles Lakers can add a starting forward, including their pathways, targets, and the importance of order of operations. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 3:55 The Lakers' pathways to landing a starting forward 7:11 LA's trade assets 8:03 Lakers trade candidates 11:30 LA's order of operations using additional cap space 14:01 LA's order of operations above the cap 15:36 Trade rules above the cap (depending on outgoing salary) 19:13 Potential trade forward/wing targets 31:33 Potential FA forward/wing targets 35:15 Potential FA center targets 38:41 LA's order of operations without a trade 40:25 Recap 41:22 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 2:27 Why did the Lakers make this trade? 10:17 What's the next move? 18:48 Backup center options 26:20 LA's updated depth chart 37:05 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' blockbuster trade for Walker Kessler, as well as their signings of Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:22 The Lakers land Walker Kessler 6:51 Buha's Big Picture: The Lakers land a cornerstone, but (potentially) take a step back 30:20 Takeaway No. 1: LA prioritizes youth, speed and shooting 32:16 Takeaway No. 2: Perimeter defense remains a fatal flaw 36:26 Takeaway No. 3: Big bets on Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr 45:26 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to Day 1 of NBA free agency. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha
Jovan Buha reacts to LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 2:05 Why are the two sides moving on from each other this summer? 10:15 Who's LeBron's next team? 15:50 What's next for the Lakers? 30:33 Q&A 49:30 Outro
Jovan Buha is joined by JSM to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers' wing targets in free agency and the trade market. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Follow JSM on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JSM24 And follow him on X: https://x.com/JSMonYT Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Ideal Lakers wing checklist 7:05 Unrealistic wing targets 11:53 Tier 1: Franchise cornerstone 22:14 Tier 2: Ideal starters 40:16 Tier 3: At the right price* (aka a first-round pick) 46:34 Tier 4: Flawed fits 1:02:16 Top 10 recap 1:03:49 Honorable mention: Marcus Smart 1:07:09 Q&A 1:17:28 Outro
Jovan Buha ranks the Western Conference into tiers ahead of 2026 free agency. (Note: I recorded this before the Suns' trade for Miles Bridges. It doesn't change where I rank them.) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:49 Tier 1: Title Favorites 4:53 Tier 2: Puncher's Chance 15:57 Tier 3: Almost There 19:06 Tier 4: Play-In Picture 22:12 Tier 5: On The Rise 24:43 Tier 6: Lottery Bound 26:06 Recap 26:19 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to Cameron Carr's introductory press conference and then shares his perspective on free agents the Lakers can target on the cheap (below $10M annually). If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 4:12 Cameron Carr's intro press conference 10:44 Lakers free-agent bargains 11:07 LA's bargain priorities 15:20 My favorite sub-$10M targets 16:10 My favorite big targets 29:46 My favorite wing targets 42:53 My favorite guard targets 56:33 Outro
Jovan Buha is joined by Khobi Price of the California Post to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers' center targets in free agency and the trade market. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Follow Khobi on X: https://x.com/khobi_price Read him at the California Post: https://nypost.com/author/khobi-price/ Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 2:21 Ideal Lakers center checklist 6:46 Unrealistic center options 9:31 Tier 1: Franchise cornerstones 35:47 Tier 2: Long shots 48:06 Tier 3: High-risk bets 1:08:54 Tier 4: Developmental bet 1:17:43 Tier 5: Flawed fits 1:29:05 Our best and most realistic center outcomes for LA 1:37:02 Outro
Jovan Buha reacts to Austin Reaves signing a four-year, $185 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing, commenting, and liking it. Buha's Block merch is LIVE!!!: https://jovanbuha-shop.fourthwall.com/ YouTube memberships are live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcs-QN0f0DkeCU_pDHTYtA/join Join our new Buha's Block Discord: https://discord.gg/ukSZpjZxcA Follow Jovan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanbuha/ Follow Jovan on X: https://x.com/jovanbuha Follow Jovan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanbuha TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:37 Analyzing Austin Reaves' new 4-year, $185-million deal 10:22 Long-term impact of this contract for LA 16:31 Long-term impact for Reaves 18:22 Where the Lakers go from here 25:15 Q&A 2:35:03 Outro
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