July 1 might as well be a holiday for Lakers fans, albeit a new one. In 2018, that's when the news broke that LeBron James would be coming to Los Angeles to join the Lakers. It took a minute, but James dragged the franchise out of a near-decade long rut, and even if he doesn't win another title in purple and gold goes down as one of the most influential Lakers of all time, just based on impact. We talk about that, then look back at the alternate universe in which James doesn't come, and the Lakers keep all the young guys. How good would that team be? - - Then, it's a look at the Western Conference Finals, and the rehab Paul George did to his image. Chris Paul, too, who finally makes a Finals in his 16th season. As a basketball culture, we need to celebrate winning, because it's hard, and perhaps focus on what players are doing as much as what they aren't. Finally, are the Lakers and Clippers going to be the offseason equivalent of the Spiderman Meme? - - Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! - - Built Bar - Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. - BetOnline AG - There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. - Rock Auto - Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices