Mike Garcia
@canyondriver.bsky.social
Lakers. South Bay Lakers. Car guy in an NBA Draft world. +6" wingspan
F1. WEC. CSUF. The Rebellion. A bit Sci Fi.
lakersdraft.substack.com
F1. WEC. CSUF. The Rebellion. A bit Sci Fi.
lakersdraft.substack.com
Pinned
Mike Garcia
@canyondriver.bsky.social
· Nov 10
go.bsky.app/HycDWKH
I hope this is a good start. I did this from memory.
I'm still learning this place, so I'm sure I can edit if necessary.
I hope this is a good start. I did this from memory.
I'm still learning this place, so I'm sure I can edit if necessary.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
The shorthanded Lakers opened their preseason with a pair of losses. The guys offer their takeaways from both games, the team’s inconsistent effort in transition defense, what they’ve liked from Austin, Ayton, and Vando, and more.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
October 6, 2025 at 9:26 PM
The shorthanded Lakers opened their preseason with a pair of losses. The guys offer their takeaways from both games, the team’s inconsistent effort in transition defense, what they’ve liked from Austin, Ayton, and Vando, and more.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
👀
New pod: Fifth Starter Debate: Rui vs Smart
@canyondriver.bsky.social & @rajchipalu.bsky.social join the guys to debate starting Rui or Smart, discussing: Rui’s offense vs Smart’s defense, Rui’s production as a starter vs as a reserve & keeping Smart healthy & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
@canyondriver.bsky.social & @rajchipalu.bsky.social join the guys to debate starting Rui or Smart, discussing: Rui’s offense vs Smart’s defense, Rui’s production as a starter vs as a reserve & keeping Smart healthy & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
October 2, 2025 at 7:47 PM
👀
Reposted by Mike Garcia
New pod: The Kawhi Situation
The guys discuss Slovenia’s hard-fought loss in EuroBasket, Luka’s huge scoring night, Germany’s resolve & later, the new bombshell revelation dropped re the Clippers possible salary cap circumvention with Kawhi, & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
The guys discuss Slovenia’s hard-fought loss in EuroBasket, Luka’s huge scoring night, Germany’s resolve & later, the new bombshell revelation dropped re the Clippers possible salary cap circumvention with Kawhi, & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
September 11, 2025 at 11:20 PM
New pod: The Kawhi Situation
The guys discuss Slovenia’s hard-fought loss in EuroBasket, Luka’s huge scoring night, Germany’s resolve & later, the new bombshell revelation dropped re the Clippers possible salary cap circumvention with Kawhi, & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
The guys discuss Slovenia’s hard-fought loss in EuroBasket, Luka’s huge scoring night, Germany’s resolve & later, the new bombshell revelation dropped re the Clippers possible salary cap circumvention with Kawhi, & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Reposted by Mike Garcia
41 days until the 2025-2026 NBA season starts
September 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
41 days until the 2025-2026 NBA season starts
Interesting tidbit on Knecht and Thiero in the mailbag.
Wednesday delivery on a Lakers mailbag - thanks everyone for the questions www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
Lakers mailbag: Is this LeBron's last season in LA? Could Giannis or Jokić be future targets?
www.nytimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Interesting tidbit on Knecht and Thiero in the mailbag.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Lakers have signed RJ Davis, Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma and Augustus Marčiulionis to training camp (Exhibit 10) deals.
July 26, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Lakers have signed RJ Davis, Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma and Augustus Marčiulionis to training camp (Exhibit 10) deals.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Sacramento Kings place 2 players on the All-NBA Summer League Team.
Nique Clifford💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Isaac Jones 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Nique Clifford💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Isaac Jones 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
July 22, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Sacramento Kings place 2 players on the All-NBA Summer League Team.
Nique Clifford💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Isaac Jones 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Nique Clifford💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Isaac Jones 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Miami Heat head scout Eric Spoelstra is challenging center Kel'el Ware to improve his professionalism, consistency, and daily approach. Let's see how Ware performs as the Miami Heat take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
July 13, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Miami Heat head scout Eric Spoelstra is challenging center Kel'el Ware to improve his professionalism, consistency, and daily approach. Let's see how Ware performs as the Miami Heat take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
From what I've seen of Summer League play, I only regret ranking Hansen Yang so low.
But I don't regret:
Kasparas #4
Thiero #13
Beringer #14
Raynaud #17
But I don't regret:
Kasparas #4
Thiero #13
Beringer #14
Raynaud #17
July 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
From what I've seen of Summer League play, I only regret ranking Hansen Yang so low.
But I don't regret:
Kasparas #4
Thiero #13
Beringer #14
Raynaud #17
But I don't regret:
Kasparas #4
Thiero #13
Beringer #14
Raynaud #17
Wrote about the three Laker additions that matched by Best Player Available list, Adou Theiro, Eric Dixon, and Augustas Marciulionis.
lakersdraft.substack.com/p/what-a-wil...
lakersdraft.substack.com/p/what-a-wil...
What A Wild Draft Ride
I Could Have Not Predicted This
lakersdraft.substack.com
July 4, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Wrote about the three Laker additions that matched by Best Player Available list, Adou Theiro, Eric Dixon, and Augustas Marciulionis.
lakersdraft.substack.com/p/what-a-wil...
lakersdraft.substack.com/p/what-a-wil...
I feel like I did my job with the draft and now I'm watching this Laker FA / trade season go crazy 🤣
July 1, 2025 at 12:32 AM
I feel like I did my job with the draft and now I'm watching this Laker FA / trade season go crazy 🤣
Reposted by Mike Garcia
New pod: LeBron Opts In, DFS Opts Out
LeBron opted into his contract for next year while DFS opted out. The guys discuss what kind of deal they would offer DFS now, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers in free agency, Rich Paul's comments & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
LeBron opted into his contract for next year while DFS opted out. The guys discuss what kind of deal they would offer DFS now, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers in free agency, Rich Paul's comments & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
June 30, 2025 at 12:57 AM
New pod: LeBron Opts In, DFS Opts Out
LeBron opted into his contract for next year while DFS opted out. The guys discuss what kind of deal they would offer DFS now, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers in free agency, Rich Paul's comments & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
LeBron opted into his contract for next year while DFS opted out. The guys discuss what kind of deal they would offer DFS now, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers in free agency, Rich Paul's comments & MORE.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball played 26-games together for the Chicago Bulls
When they were on the court together, the Bulls had a defensive rating of 104.8 and turned opponents over on 17.4% of their possessions while sparking great transition offense.
Remembering the “Lockdown Brothers”
When they were on the court together, the Bulls had a defensive rating of 104.8 and turned opponents over on 17.4% of their possessions while sparking great transition offense.
Remembering the “Lockdown Brothers”
Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso dominate on defense
YouTube video by Thinking Basketball
youtu.be
June 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball played 26-games together for the Chicago Bulls
When they were on the court together, the Bulls had a defensive rating of 104.8 and turned opponents over on 17.4% of their possessions while sparking great transition offense.
Remembering the “Lockdown Brothers”
When they were on the court together, the Bulls had a defensive rating of 104.8 and turned opponents over on 17.4% of their possessions while sparking great transition offense.
Remembering the “Lockdown Brothers”
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Fun that these 2 went back to back in the draft. Lanier went where I had him, Thiero was my biggest steal by a mile.
Adou Thiero-Chaz Lanier summit conference
You rarely see recovery blocks with this much disdain. The defender is usually trying too hard to make sure they make the play.
Adou seems insulted that Lanier believes he has him beat.
Top 5 athlete in the draft (not 5 etc).
You rarely see recovery blocks with this much disdain. The defender is usually trying too hard to make sure they make the play.
Adou seems insulted that Lanier believes he has him beat.
Top 5 athlete in the draft (not 5 etc).
June 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Fun that these 2 went back to back in the draft. Lanier went where I had him, Thiero was my biggest steal by a mile.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
California Classic dates for Lakers games (PST):
Warriors vs. Lakers on Saturday, July 5 @ 3:30 p.m.
Heat vs. Lakers on Sunday, July 6 @ 1:30 pm
Spurs vs. Lakers on Tuesday, July 8, time TBD
www.nba.com/warriors/new...
Warriors vs. Lakers on Saturday, July 5 @ 3:30 p.m.
Heat vs. Lakers on Sunday, July 6 @ 1:30 pm
Spurs vs. Lakers on Tuesday, July 8, time TBD
www.nba.com/warriors/new...
Warriors to Host Seventh Annual California Classic Summer League, Presented By Carmax
The Golden State Warriors will host the seventh annual California Classic Summer League, presented by CarMax, at Chase Center on July 5, 6 and 8, f...
www.nba.com
June 27, 2025 at 5:59 PM
California Classic dates for Lakers games (PST):
Warriors vs. Lakers on Saturday, July 5 @ 3:30 p.m.
Heat vs. Lakers on Sunday, July 6 @ 1:30 pm
Spurs vs. Lakers on Tuesday, July 8, time TBD
www.nba.com/warriors/new...
Warriors vs. Lakers on Saturday, July 5 @ 3:30 p.m.
Heat vs. Lakers on Sunday, July 6 @ 1:30 pm
Spurs vs. Lakers on Tuesday, July 8, time TBD
www.nba.com/warriors/new...
👀
New pod: Lakers Trade Up for Adou Thiero
Mike Garcia hops on the pod to react to the Lakers moving up to draft the athletic Adou Thiero. Then, Pete & Darius discuss the events of the night, their impressions of Thiero & much more.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
Mike Garcia hops on the pod to react to the Lakers moving up to draft the athletic Adou Thiero. Then, Pete & Darius discuss the events of the night, their impressions of Thiero & much more.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
June 27, 2025 at 4:12 PM
👀
Ty Johnson is super interesting
The Lakers aren't done evaluating young talent. Here is a rundown of all the undrafted free agents they are reportedly adding to their roster. www.silverscreenandroll.com/2025/6/26/24...
Lakers begin adding multiple undrafted free agents to Summer League roster
Now that the 2025 NBA Draft is over, the Lakers have pivoted to signing undrafted free agents to deals for Summer League and beyond.
www.silverscreenandroll.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Ty Johnson is super interesting
Adou Theiro
Eric Dixon
Augustus Marciulionis
Unbelievable.
Eric Dixon
Augustus Marciulionis
Unbelievable.
June 27, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Adou Theiro
Eric Dixon
Augustus Marciulionis
Unbelievable.
Eric Dixon
Augustus Marciulionis
Unbelievable.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
My Lakers top UDFA targets
Wooga Poplar (The only one I’d really be excited about)
Igor Milicic Jr
Izan Almanza
Saint Thomas
Brice Williams
Hunter Sallis
Payton Sandfort
Dylan Cardwell
Clifford Omoruyi
Kadary Richmond
Chris Manon
Lamont Butler
Wooga Poplar (The only one I’d really be excited about)
Igor Milicic Jr
Izan Almanza
Saint Thomas
Brice Williams
Hunter Sallis
Payton Sandfort
Dylan Cardwell
Clifford Omoruyi
Kadary Richmond
Chris Manon
Lamont Butler
June 27, 2025 at 2:36 AM
My Lakers top UDFA targets
Wooga Poplar (The only one I’d really be excited about)
Igor Milicic Jr
Izan Almanza
Saint Thomas
Brice Williams
Hunter Sallis
Payton Sandfort
Dylan Cardwell
Clifford Omoruyi
Kadary Richmond
Chris Manon
Lamont Butler
Wooga Poplar (The only one I’d really be excited about)
Igor Milicic Jr
Izan Almanza
Saint Thomas
Brice Williams
Hunter Sallis
Payton Sandfort
Dylan Cardwell
Clifford Omoruyi
Kadary Richmond
Chris Manon
Lamont Butler
What a thrill.
This is an A+ draft for the Lakers even if they need a center. They got two arguable BPAs at #36 and UDFA.
This is an A+ draft for the Lakers even if they need a center. They got two arguable BPAs at #36 and UDFA.
June 27, 2025 at 2:50 AM
What a thrill.
This is an A+ draft for the Lakers even if they need a center. They got two arguable BPAs at #36 and UDFA.
This is an A+ draft for the Lakers even if they need a center. They got two arguable BPAs at #36 and UDFA.
Reposted by Mike Garcia
Lakers traded up from 55 to 45 to 36 and got Adou Theiro, who was discussed on the pod TODAY by Darius & Pete and was a noted favorite of our draft guy, @canyondriver.bsky.social.
June 27, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Lakers traded up from 55 to 45 to 36 and got Adou Theiro, who was discussed on the pod TODAY by Darius & Pete and was a noted favorite of our draft guy, @canyondriver.bsky.social.
I hope everyone enjoys!!
Draft reaction pod, featuring @canyondriver.bsky.social, will be out by tomorrow morning at the very latest. 💜
June 27, 2025 at 2:05 AM
I hope everyone enjoys!!
Reposted by Mike Garcia
“But whatever he becomes, this pick wasn’t made in a vacuum. It was made by a team—and a scout—who’ve already hit on more than a few bets… So I’m staying on the ‘In Mike Schmitz We Trust’ train.”
www.blazersedge.com/2025/6/26/24...
www.blazersedge.com/2025/6/26/24...
Portland Fans Have Reason to Trust Mike Schmitz
An unexpected draft should be no surprise in Rip City.
www.blazersedge.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
“But whatever he becomes, this pick wasn’t made in a vacuum. It was made by a team—and a scout—who’ve already hit on more than a few bets… So I’m staying on the ‘In Mike Schmitz We Trust’ train.”
www.blazersedge.com/2025/6/26/24...
www.blazersedge.com/2025/6/26/24...
Get a feel for the Top 3 bigs that Jake Fischer has been talking about!
In addition to moving up 10 spots in the draft, the guys dig a little more into prospects still on the board who might be intriguing to the team: Adou Thiero , Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Kalkbrenner & Maxime Raynaud,
New pod: Lakers Move Up to #45
The guys discuss the 1st round of the NBA draft, how moves by the Suns & Blazers could impact the Lakers, discuss several prospects still on the board & react live to the news that the Lakers traded for the 45th pick.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
The guys discuss the 1st round of the NBA draft, how moves by the Suns & Blazers could impact the Lakers, discuss several prospects still on the board & react live to the news that the Lakers traded for the 45th pick.
🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD
June 26, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Get a feel for the Top 3 bigs that Jake Fischer has been talking about!