Thursday's episode was centered around Max Christie, and what he's expected to bring this season for the Lakers.

But it touched on Austin Reaves, as well, and it's that portion of the conversation that generated the most feedback in the comments and prompted discussion for today's show. Namely, are the expectations around Reaves, whether set by the hosts in this space or by the Lakers, fair? What are they, exactly? How much is set by media, and how much is put on Reaves by the contextual needs of the team (and the roster construction)?

Today, it's a deep dive into Reaves, how he performed last year and what needs to be different—and better—this year. That includes a lot of reason to think improvement could be on the way! Reaves, assuming he makes it through camp without any injuries, will be set up for success better this year than last, no question.

From there, it's a listener email about Christian Wood and expectations around him, as well. Earlier in the week, we discussed how Wood is the guy who will change the dynamic among the centers the most, once he comes back from his latest injury. When that will be, nobody is sure. Will he succeed? Nobody is sure. But relative to the other options, Wood has more upside. We explain.

Finally, when are the Lakers going to get the Bron/Bronny "moment" out of the way? How should they handle it?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Are expectations for Austin Reaves unfair?

SEGMENT 2: How good does Reaves need to be?

SEGMENT 3: What about Wood? Plus, predictions on the Bron/Bronny moment.

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It's no secret that Max Christie didn't like how he was used - or more specifically, not used - last season with Darvin Ham. Speaking to Allie Clifton at Spectrum SportsNet this week, Christie made it clear he's highly motivated this season after signing his 4-year, $32 million contract this offseason, and is fired up about the new coaching staff.

But whil most Lakers fans are excited to see Christie back and be given a chance to play, not every analyst around the league thinks this was a great deal. At the least, it's not without risk. Christie hasn't proven himself as an 82-game rotation player to this point. That probably should have happened last year, but here we are.

So the Lakers invested with some unknowns definitely still on the table. That can't be argued.

Can Christie step in and produce as the Lakers hope he can... and need him to? What would it mean for the team, in terms of optionality and flexibility, for Christie to break through this year? Who else on the roster is under the microscope in the same way? Start with Austin Reaves, who needs to make a jump if the Lakers are going to hit their ceiling as currently constructed.

And what about JJ Redick? He's not a player, obviously, but few around the league will be scrutinized like him, and the Lakers need coaching to contribute to more wins this season, after letting Ham go.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Max Christie on his contract and the new staff.

SEGMENT 2: Can Christie meet the expectations set for him?

SEGMENT 3: Where Redick ranks...

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The Lakers haven't done much this offseason, and as such have some holes in the roster, one of the biggest being at backup center. That hole only got larger after Christian Wood underwent knee surgery last week. He'll be out until at least early November, likely longer.

So with that in mind, the Lakers did make a move this week, signing former Toronto center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract (and releasing forward Blake Hinson to make the space). Koloko has a small body of work to evaluate, and hasn't played for about 18 months after a blood clot issue forced him to miss last season. So to get a better feel for his game, Sean Woodley of Locked On Raptors joins the show to provide a scouting report. Among the big topics of discussion:

• How effective is Koloko defensively?
• Is the offense as bad as advertised?
• Can Koloko contribute to a team with aspirations (assuming expectations are held at an appropriate level)?
• How much growth potential is there?

What does it say about the Lakers and their current predicament that we're talking about Koloko as a potential rotation player, which isn't a consideration usually afforded a two-way player? Is his ability to contribute this year even the best thing about the signing?

Plenty to unpack!

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky with guest Sean Woodley, Locked On Raptors

SEGMENT 1: Woodley on Koloko's O and D.

SEGMENT 2: Can Koloko contribute?

SEGMENT 3: How much could Koloko play? The answer has a lot to do with Christian Wood...

Gametime
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FanDuel
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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)