The most recent Locked On episode from the last 30 days that directly mentions Jarred Vanderbilt.
Locked OnLocked On Fantasy Basketball
Oct 6, 2026Los Angeles Lakers Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl/ OVERVIEW How do you approach the new-look Los Angeles Lakers for fantasy basketball after the departures of LeBron James, DeAndre Ayton, and others? I break down where Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves should be drafted, why I'm fading Walker Kessler at his current price, and highlight where the best sleeper and stash value lies given the team's deep but uncertain rotation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Draft Luka Dončić at pick 3 or 4; don’t reach for him at 2 given his slight soft tissue injury risk and average percentages, but his upside and usage are massive. Austin Reaves is severely undervalued on ESPN (ranked at 50) and is worth a pick at the 15–18 range even in non-ESPN leagues, with true first-round upside if his assists and usage rise. Walker Kessler’s inflated 2025–26 stats (especially threes, steals, and free throw percentage) aren’t likely to sustain; I’m avoiding him in the top 50 and won’t have him on most rosters. Quentin Grimes is a prime late-round flyer due to direct upside if Dončić or Reaves miss time, offering 2 paths to top-70 value (expanded role or injury fill-in). Matisse Thybulle may start but isn’t draftable in standard leagues outside of deep, punt-points builds despite his elite steals potential. Sandro Mamukelashvili is a valid stash in deeper leagues and best-ball, as he’s only fantasy-relevant if Walker Kessler misses significant time. The Lakers’ playoff schedule is bottom half, with a 3-4-3 game split through March 28, possibly making Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a better late-season option than Dončić in tight comparisons. Be cautious drafting Jarred Vanderbilt or other rotating forwards, as none project as fantasy-relevant outside of deeper formats or specific streamer situations. NEXT STEP Consider targeting Austin Reaves aggressively in drafts, especially if he slips past the mid-second round. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:24 Lakers’ roster questions and rotation changes 4:43 Projected starting lineup breakdown 5:42 Luka Dončić fantasy outlook and draft spot 8:18 Austin Reaves upside, rankings, and projection 10:41 Walker Kessler evaluation and draft range 16:40 Quentin Grimes’ handcuff value and upside 19:07 Matisse Thybulle: deep-league/steals consideration 20:38 Bench and rotation: Mamukelashvili, Sexton, Williams, LaRavia 29:46 Back-end rotation: Vanderbilt, young prospects, fantasy impact 31:16 Top targets, fades, stashes summary 32:42 Injury updates: Dončić, Kessler 33:54 Lakers playoff schedule analysis 35:40 Wrap-up and what’s next Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast . Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA . KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club , featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Visit Josh Lloyd Fantasy for more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.