In the first edition of State of the Lakers for the 2025-26 season — 10 storylines every 10 games (or six preseason games) — Jovan Buha examines Luka Doncic's preseason, LA's offense and defense, the new starters, Gabe Vincent, Deandre Ayton, and much more.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:59 Storyline No. 1: New-look Luka and offensive optimism
6:35 Storyline No. 2: LA's defense has been concerning
15:32 Storyline No. 3: The new — and surprising — starting five
23:48 Storyline No. 4: Gabe Vincent's preseason heater
27:04 Storyline No. 5: Deandre Ayton's defense and buy-in
31:54 Storyline No. 6: Austin Reaves' offensive evolution
35:09 Storyline No. 7: Jarred Vanderbilt's return to form
37:59 Storyline No. 8: Marcus Smart impresses in preseason finale
40:01 Storyline No. 9: Dalton Knecht's continued struggles
43:06 Storyline No. 10: Jake LaRavia's unclear role (so far)
48:49 Outro
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53:28
What We Learned From The Lakers' Preseason Finale Against The Kings
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 117-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:57 Overarching thoughts: Where LA stands entering opening night
8:51 Notable performers
14:46 Stats of the night: 17 3-pointers made + 17 assists for Luka & Austin
15:31 Takeaway No. 1: The fifth starter is revealed -- and it's a shocker
22:58 Takeaway No. 2: Assessing the rest of the rotation
27:02 Takeaway No. 3: Previewing opening night vs. Golden State
31:45 Q&A
1:41:28 Outro
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1:46:27
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1:46:27
Lakers Mailbag: LA's Future Around Luka, Andrew Wiggins' Upside, Dalton Knecht's Trade Value
Jovan Buha answers all of your Los Angeles Lakers and NBA questions in the latest episode of Buha's Block.
Jovan analyzes how well the Lakers are set up to contend around Luka Doncic over the next few seasons, who the Lakers should try to flip Rui Hachimura for, whether Dalton Knecht can rehab his trade value this season, if Andrew Wiggins raises LA's ceiling enough to compete with OKC and Denver, LA's drop coverage against pick-and-rolls, and more.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:27 Question No. 1: Can LA contend with Luka over the next few years? Confident they can identify the right role players?
9:44 Question No. 2: Which teams would be interested in Rui Hachimura? Who should LA target?
14:54 Question No. 3: Can Dalton Knecht rehab his trade value?
20:38 Question No. 4: Would Andrew Wiggins improve LA's defense enough? Anyone you'd trade Austin Reaves for 1-for-1?
27:15 Question No. 5: What is LA prioritizing in their drop coverage?
32:10 Question No. 6: Most entertaining/fun/stressful parts of the last few seasons covering the team?
37:34 Question No. 7: What do those lines on the Lakers' practice court mean?
40:42 Question No. 8: Top five coffee shops in LA?
45:29 Outro
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49:42
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49:42
Lakers-Mavs Reaction: LA Thrashed In Second Half Without Luka + LeBron James Injury Update
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 121-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:45 Overarching thought: The Lakers continue to both encourage and madden this preseason
6:42 Notable performers
12:04 Takeaway No. 1: Injury updates on LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt & Bronny James
14:38 Takeaway No. 2: Gabe Vincent has been one of the bright spots of the preseason
17:33 Takeaway No. 3: Friday's preseason finale will be a dress rehearsal for LA
20:51 Q&A
1:32:15 Outro
#losangeleslakers #lakers
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1:37:25
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1:37:25
Lakers-Suns Reaction: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart Make Season Debuts As LA Loses Late
Jovan Buha reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers' 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:54 Overarching thoughts: Luka looks like Luka in season debut
6:19 Notable performers
11:56 Takeaway No. 1: The offensive blueprint without LeBron
15:46 Takeaway No. 2: First impressions of Marcus Smart
18:41 Takeaway No. 3: LA cleans up transition defense but still struggles defensively
20:27 Stats of the night: Luka & AR combining for 50 points on 31 shots + Smart taking 0 shots
20:56 Q&A
1:08:03 Outro
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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.
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