Hornets Play-In STAKES | Trade Ideas: Jaren Jackson Jr. or Sabonis? | Charles Lee Gets Rave Reviews

Even with the Hornets on the outside looking in, this episode dives into why Charlotte fans have a huge stake in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Doug and Walker break down how a Miami Heat loss could drastically improve the value of a 2028 unprotected first-round pick—a crucial piece in the Hornets’ war chest. That leads into a fascinating “What if?” discussion around Memphis potentially blowing it up and whether Jaren Jackson Jr. should be Charlotte’s big swing.

Is it worth giving up 4-5 picks for a chance to pair LaMelo with an elite shot blocker and stretch big? Doug says yes. Walker weighs both sides. Meanwhile, the guys pump the brakes on Domantas Sabonis, citing his playoff struggles and defensive liabilities despite being an offensive machine.

Plus, they show major love to Charles Lee after veteran testimonials paint the head coach as a strong communicator and game strategist. And yes—there’s another mock draft on the books for Day 20.

This is a must-listen if you're looking to understand the Hornets’ asset strategy, draft-day moves, or just want to hear a passionate argument about why we’re all Hawks fans (for one night only).

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornets

Become an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornets

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Get Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com

Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM

Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

SKIMS

Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Hungryroot

With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.

WayFair

After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

OpenPhone

Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k

Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.

Upwork

Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level.

Prizepicks

Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)