Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN's Tim MacMahon has covered Luka Dončić since his rookie season in Dallas, and knows the Mavericks franchise and organization as well as any reporter in the industry. All of which makes his new book, Wonderboy: Luka Dončić and the Curse of Greatness, a must-read for Lakers fans to learn more about the man slated to become the next franchise face. In part II of our interview with MacMahon, we discuss Luka's insanely competitive streak, the questions about his conditioning, and the controversial trade to the Lakers. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Tim MacMahon. 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!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload 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.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following Monday's disappointing loss in Orlando, Dorian Finney-Smith made a very solid point about the Lakers, where they are now, and where they want to go. Ultimately, he says, adversity helps a team with championship aspirations. You have to go through it (to use JJ Redick's phrasing) in order to truly see the flaws and fix them. Coming through adversity is the hard thing. Great teams must be able to do hard things. So while professional athletes have a remarkable capacity to believe that whatever situation they're in is the one that they need at that moment, DFS is speaking truth, here. (And, side note, it reinforces why the guy is so universally popular with every teammate and coach he's ever had.) Obviously players need to be accountable, and on that front Luka Dončić took some responsibility for the second half drop in communication Monday, noting he has to do better. He and LeBron, Luka said, have to set the tone and the example for the group. That's a great start, but the list of things the Lakers need to get right extends past the players. Yes, they need to pull their weight, but the team is also being schemed against in different ways—fewer double teams against Luka, for example, which has caused the team to get stagnant as possessions get iso heavyand have to make the appropriate adjustments. That, to be sure, puts a burden on the coaching staff to counter the counters. So everyone from the stars to the role guys to the coaching staff has work to do in order to get this thing aligned. If they can't, the playoff run won't be nearly as fun or as long as fans have come to hope. But the good news? Lets say the Lakers can find a way to create better space and movement while everyone is being single covered. Let's say they start generating that same volume of high quality shots and assisted baskets as during the best runs of the season. Now they're even more dangerous, because it's one less tool in the opposing coach's tool box. The Lakers don't have a ton of time to figure it out, and no matter what happens, the summer will provide an opportunity to fill some holes the roster obviously has. But there's enough time, and the Lakers are led by a couple of basketball supercomputers in Dončić and James. So ultimately, there are still more reasons to be excited than despair. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka takes some blame. SEGMENT 2: Balance, balance, balance. SEGMENT 3: Reaves off the bench? 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!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Locked On NBA Squad Show brings together hosts from various NBA team podcasts to discuss the latest league happenings. In this episode, the panel debates the relevance of March basketball, analyzes playoff positioning, and evaluates recent team performances. They focus on the Denver Nuggets' struggles, the Houston Rockets' surprising success, and potential playoff matchups. The hosts also engage in playful banter about team rivalries and discuss which NBA franchises should be "relegated" for poor performance or tanking. Throughout the conversation, the panel offers insights on player impacts, team strategies, and the unpredictable nature of the upcoming playoffs. 0:00 Intro: March basketball and NBA discussions5:02 Lakers' defense and playoff potential10:37 Nuggets' playoff chances and matchups16:08 Houston Rockets' strengths and weaknesses21:53 Mavericks' playoff push and Anthony Davis26:26 Relegating NBA teams to G League Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’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! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon has covered Luka Dončić since his rookie season in Dallas, and knows the Mavericks franchise and organization as well as any reporter in the industry. All of which makes his new book, Wonderboy: Luka Dončić and the Curse of Greatness, a must-read for Lakers fans to learn more about the man slated to become the next franchise face. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Tim MacMahon. 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!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload 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.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After an extremely disappointing and disjointed 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls, JJ Redick confirmed his strong belief in the Lakers but said the team must immediately rediscover its connectivity from the last three months. How difficult will/won't be to hit the ground running after a hiccup? Plus, talk about Rui Hachimura's "70-80 percent" knee, Jordan Goodwin's two-way contract inevitably getting converted soon, and more. Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky and Brian Kamenetzky Segment 1: The upcoming roadie is huge, and so is the importance of quickly getting back on track. Segment 2: Rui's knee. Segment 3: More on reconnecting as a team, and Goodwin's impending full NBA contract. 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! 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 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Over an 82 game regular season, it's important not to become a prisoner of the moment, whether the short-term trends are positive or negative. This is particularly true for teams where the stakes,—and the expectations—are high. So big picture, the Lakers are still in a good position, even after dropping Monday's game in Orlando, 118-106. Small picture? There are definitely some red flags. The defensive numbers aren't great over the last two games, but perhaps more worrisome is the disappearance of any real offensive flow. Monday's game was a series of one-on-one possessions, starting with Luka Dončić, and then with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Sometimes one of those guys made a shot, quite often one of them was fouled. (Luka and LeBron combined for 18 trips to the line.) But overall, it wasn't efficient, and more importantly, it took all the pop out of LA's offense. There was very little ball movement (19 assists ain't a good number) and even less player movement. The Magic are a very good defensive team, but broadly it seems that the league has started to adjust to the Lakers with Luka, particularly when LeBron is available. Orlando played the Lakers pretty straight, picking the lesser of two evils—basically, it's better to let those guys go iso and live with the results than it is to open the floor to guys who see it at the level of LA's star trio. This strategy has the added benefit of making Jaxson Hayes less effective, cutting out a couple free buckets a game for the purple and gold. So is it now a situation where the Lakers have to adjust to the adjustment? If so, a trio of Luka, LeBron and JJ Redick seems like a solid braintrust responsible for figuring it out. But they need to figure it out, and relatively quickly. The supporting cast, which was (save Dorian Finney-Smith) non-existent Monday night (LA's bench was outscored by Orlando's Anthony Black 17-14) depends on the high shot quality the Lakers can create with great ball and player movement. A good offense keeps the defense in rhythm, keeps players energized and gives the Lakers more margin for error. It's not going to get easier, but there's still enough time to get it straightened out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Another clunker for the Lakers. SEGMENT 2: What happened to the offense? SEGMENT 3: The bench needs to be better. 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!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers reached full health on Saturday, with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura each returning to the lineup after missing weeks of action. With a sub-.500 Chicago Bulls team visiting the Crypt, things looked good for a win heading into the road trip, which kicks off Monday in Orlando. Apparently the Lakers thought it was in the bag, too, because they came out with one of their worst efforts in the post-Luka trade era, and paid for it. Final score, 146-115. Defensively, the Lakers were a disaster more or less from the jump, failing to defend the 3-point line (which allowed Chicago, and especially Coby White, to find a serious groove), but also making it too easy to get to the basket. They were careless on the glass and with the ball (21 turnovers) which allowed Chicago to get out in the open floor and use their athleticism. Meanwhile, offensively the Lakers were stagnant. There wasn't much motion or ball movement, and even though Luka Dončić (34 points, 10/18 shooting) and Austin Reaves (25 points, 9/13 from the floor) were highly efficient, as a team the Lakers lacked any real energy on that half. 21 assists at home—well below their season average—isn't much to write home about. Nor did the bench contribute all that much. There was, on balance, very little to like. And given how tightly packed the Western Conference currently is, these sorts of games could prove quite costly when it comes to seeding. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 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!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coby White, 36, Matas Buzelis added 31 points, and Josh Giddey had 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists, and 8 steals as the Chicago Bulls blew out the hometown Lakers, 146-115. Luka Doncic led the full-strength Lakers with 34 points in the loss. Los Angeles will look to get back on the winning side of things Monday night when they visit the Orlando Magic. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers vs Chicago Bulls Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!Advertiser: FanDuel March Madness is here, and FanDuel is giving you the chance to get in on the action like never before!Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! That’s TWO HUNDRED extra bucks to use on everything from buzzer-beaters to Cinderella stories—and even who’s cutting down the nets!Picking My Favorites: I’ve got my eye on a few underdogs this year, and FanDuel makes it easy to back them with spreads, totals, and game props.Staying in the Action: With tournament games happening almost every day, there’s always something exciting to bet on!Easy and Fast: The FanDuel app is simple to use, and when I win, I get paid instantly—no waiting around.So, visit FANDUEL DOT COM and get in on the College Hoops action all tournament long! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following Wednesday's win over Denver at the Crypt, Luka Dončić was wrapped up in ice like a mummy. Austin Reaves looked ready to pass out from exhaustion. So with a hard stretch run ahead and the Lakers already down LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers made the smart choice and sat both of those dudes. And for good measure, kept Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt in street clothes. So that's a lot of manpower out of the lineup to face a motivated, basically healthy Milwaukee team. The results weren't a shock—Bucks win, 118-89.The high point, and the only big talking point, was the play of Bronny James. Pressed into significant minutes against real, front-of-the-rotation NBA players, James had easily his best game as a pro. Low bar to clear, yes, but the level of progress since that late January disaster in Philadephia is clear. Bronny finished 7-10 from the floor, including a couple triples and an array of nice finishes at and around the basket. He had five assists, which could have been more had his teammates finished a few more shots. It'll be interesting to see how this performance is discussed among the national media, if it's even discussed at all. On the one hand, that would be a nice change of pace. It is not normally national news when a 55th pick has a solid game in a blowout loss. But obviously Bronny is no ordinary 55th pick. And if this game is, in fact, generally ignored, it could confirm some of the criticisms directed at the media, notably that Bronny is a proxy through which pundits can criticize LeBron, and that it's only his failures that are worth any proverbial ink. Were he anyone else, fans would look at this game and see nice progress. Nothing spectacular, nothing to get worked up over, but nice progress. It's easy to forget that Bronny is a 20-year old rookie who basically lost his only college season. There's no question he was drafted by the Lakers because LeBron wanted them to, nor that he has more security here than than he (or generic 55th pick) would typically have. But on the merits, level set against appropriate expectations (55th pick, developmental project) Bronny is having a good year. He is making progress. Obstacles remain—he still seems painfully undersized at times—but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. He has a chance to be an NBA player. He's four years away from being as old as Dalton Knecht. The point isn't that he'll end up as good as Dalton, just that there's a lot of youth there. No matter what, it's great to see him have some success, and quiet some of the critics who see him as a novelty act who can't compete. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers sit everyone, lose to Milwaukee. SEGMENT 2: Bronny has a career high 17. SEGMENT 3: Thinking big picture. 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!HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmo

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench as the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the shorthanded Lakers 118-89. The Lakers, playing without Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, were led by Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, who had 17 points apiece. The Lakers will look to get back on track Saturday night when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to town. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench as the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the shorthanded Lakers 118-89. The Lakers, playing without Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, were led by Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, who had 17 points apiece. The Lakers will look to get back on track Saturday night when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to town.Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!Robinhood GoldWith Robinhood Gold you now enjoy the VIP treatment, receiving 3% IRA match on retirement contributions. The privileges of the privileged are no longer exclusive. With Robinhood Gold your annual IRA contributions are boosted by 3%, plus you also get 4% APY on your account in non-retirement accounts. That’s over 8 times the national savings average. The perks of the high net worth are now available for any net worth.The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/goldInvesting involves risk. Rate subject to change. 3% match requires Robinhood Gold. At $5 a month for one year from first match, must keep funds in IRA for 5 years. Go to robinhood.com/boost. Over 8x the average national average savings account interest rate claim is based on data from the FDIC as of November 18, 2024. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC). Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC.GAMETIMELooking for tickets to your next big event? Whether it's a concert, a comedy show, or a sports game, finding the right ticket at the right price can be a headache. But with Gametime Picks, it’s never been easier. Let me tell you how it works.With Gametime Picks, the app does all the hard work for you. It curates the best deals, so you don’t have to waste time searching through endless ticket listings.I’ve been using Gametime Picks for a while now, and here’s why I love it:The curated deals make it super simple to find great tickets at a great price—no more sifting through thousands of options.The seat view feature is a game-changer. Before I even hit “buy,” I can see exactly what my seat will look like in the venue. It’s so reassuring.And the best part? You’re covered with Gametime’s lowest price guarantee—if you find a better deal somewhere else, they’ll refund 110% of the difference. Plus, your tickets are guaranteed to be delivered on time, with easy cancellation options if something comes up.Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Again, create an account and redeem code L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N-N-B-A for $20 off. Download Gametime today. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The juice was taken out of Wednesday's tilt against the visiting Denver Nuggets when it was announced that Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, both nursing injuries, wouldn't play. (The Lakers were without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, but had Luka Dončić in the lineup.) So while that meant that the results wouldn't have a whole lot of head-to-head meaning—continuing the trend of last week's game in Denver, where the Lakers were without... basically everyone in their rotation—it turned the game into a prime opportunity for the Lakers to pick up a game in the standings, put themselves in position to win the season tiebreaker against the Nuggets (no small thing) and take some pressure off Thursday's game against Milwaukee at the Crypt. Man alive, did they take advantage. Led by Dončić, the Lakers had arguably their best opening quarter of the season, hitting nine 3-pointers en route to 46 points. Luka had 21 on his own. In the second, the Lakers turned up the defensive pressure and built the lead as high as 28. The rest wasn't uniformly good. The Lakers went to sleep at the end of the first half, letting Denver get back to within 14. But by the end of the third, the Lakers were back up big, and were able to cruise with Luka in cruise control—and then back on the bench early. The Lakers have now won nine straight at home, and despite key injuries have kept themselves squarely in the race for a top four finish and a chance to host a first round playoff series. It's a fantastic turn since a four game losing streak had everyone on edge, not so much wondering if the team would be good enough to compete when healthy, but how much damage would be done while the Lakers waited for that health to come. With LeBron and Rui getting closer to a return, there's no question a 2-seed is still in play, something that seemed like a long shot when James got hurt. One thing that's helped turn things around? Getting some players back, obviously, but also the trend of hot starts. It can't be overstated how much easier it is to play from ahead. Basically any NBA opponent, assuming they don't just decide to quit, will make a run or two during a game. Denver made a few. But it's a lot easier to absorb a 10-0 run when it starts while you're up by 10- or 20-plus points.It's something to watch for down the stretch, but for a team that, for a time, seemed to struggle early in games, this is a welcome shift. If it continues? Just one more sign the Lakers are right and truly legitimate title contenders. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka and the Lakers use hot start to control the Nuggets. SEGMENT 2: LeBron and Rui day-to-day, but the team has adjusted well. SEGMENT 3: Finishing off the back-to-back? 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!HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime

Luka Doncic scored 31 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists, and Austin Reaves added 22 points and 8 assists as the Lakers downed the visiting Denver Nuggets 120-108. The Nuggets, who were playing without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, were led in the loss by Aaron Gordon’s 26. The Lakers will look to extend their three-game winning streak Thursday night when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to town. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!HUNGRYROOTWhen it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning, I’ve had this ongoing problem: I just don’t have the time! Between work, life, and trying to eat healthier, I was constantly feeling stressed out. I’d go to the grocery store, buy things I didn’t need, and then end up with no time to actually cook. And sticking to my health goals? That was a struggle too.But everything changed when I discovered Hungryroot. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. It’s the easiest way to eat healthy, without all the stress. With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. They take care of my grocery shopping, recommending meals and groceries based on my tastes and health goals, from anti-inflammatory to high-protein and gluten-free options. And the best part? Every meal is ready in 15 minutes or less! I’m talking quick, healthy meals that actually taste great, all delivered straight to my door. It’s been a huge time-saver and has made healthy eating so much simpler.You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. 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. That’s Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba, code LOCKEDONNBA to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba, code LOCKEDONNBA—don’t miss out!PRIZE PICKSBasketball season is heating up, and there’s no better way to get in on the action than with PrizePicks—the best place for daily fantasy sports!With PrizePicks, you just pick “more” or “less” on at least two player projections for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! It’s easy to use, available in over 30 states, and lets you mix and match projections across different sports.Building Lineups: This week, I’m selecting Luka Dončić for more than 25 points and Jayson Tatum for more than 8 rebounds.Quick and Easy: PrizePicks makes it simple—you can set your lineup in less than 60 seconds and stay engaged all game long.Fast Payouts: When you win, your money hits your account in as little as 15 minutes—no waiting around!Taco Tuesday Deals: Every Tuesday, PrizePicks discounts select player projections up to 25%, giving even more value to your lineup.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! That’s code LOCKEDONNBA for $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks. Run Your Game! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a lot of ways to break down a roster, trying to figure out if it's "championship worthy." Obviously, the stars are key. Winning without one elite player, and sometimes more than one, is a challenge. But the rest of the guys matter, too. And while the "three star" era can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people—starting with how "star" gets defined—there's no question that the quality of that third guy rightly gets a lot of attention. In related news, Austin Reaves has been on quite a heater of late, averaging over 30 points a game in his last four. It's reignited the conversation about where exactly Reaves fits in the leaguewide pantheon of "third options," and whether that's good enough for the Lakers as they get into the postseason. There are a lot of ways to look at it. Often, people ask if the third man is an All-Star. Well, Reaves isn't, and who knows when that might change. Making All-Star teams is incredibly difficult. But is he playing All-Star caliber ball? Yeah. Not just lately, but over the course of the season his numbers 19.6/4.5/6.0 are in the ballpark. His March stats (23.4/6.3/5.7, 39% 3-point shooting) even more so. So just on raw production, Reaves is pushing into higher levels among his peers. And on a post-Luka Dončić Lakers roster, Reaves gets even more of a boost. Now bumped down to the team's third ballhandler behind Luka and LeBron James, Reaves is free to attack more and play with greater defensive intensity. Meanwhile, he's smart enough to leverage the space those guys create to give himself better matchups and more opportunity. "How good is good enough?" becomes a different question when the third guy is playing with arguably two of the top 7 players in the league. (Luka is almost universally dropped in the top 5 when healthy, and LeBron almost always in the top 10. Still.) And Reaves has shown he's able to carry a team when he's needed, as well. It's in him. Can he do it like a top line star? No, but he likely won't be asked to in the playoffs more than maybe once a series. The rest of the time, it's about producing at the expected level. The bottom line is that Reaves just keeps getting better, and like all not-quite-star-stars, working in the orbit of truly elite players makes him more effective. Would Reaves be a leg on a "big three" for a different team? Maybe, maybe not. But that doesn't matter. He only needs to do it for the Lakers, and with all that in mind, there's little question he's good enough to be a third-best player on a championship team, if this is the team in question. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers are playing Denver tonight, and it feels different. SEGMENT 2: Why the matchup isn't what it was, in a good way for LA. SEGMENT 3: Is AR a true third star? 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!HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNB

On today’s show, the Locked On panel analyze the Dallas Mavericks' decision to bring back Anthony Davis, questioning the strategy behind this move. The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Clippers, exploring their current form and playoff prospects. The hosts debate the Phoenix Suns' struggles and their chances of making the playoffs. The discussion then turns to broader NBA topics, including the grueling March schedule and its impact on teams. The hosts also evaluate the effectiveness of the play-in tournament and propose potential changes to the NBA season structure. Throughout the podcast, the hosts offer insightful analysis and engaging banter on the state of the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: What are teams in the West doing?5:56 Analyzing the Mavericks' recent moves10:41 Clippers' current status and playoff prospects15:58 Suns struggling to take 10th seed from Mavs20:37 Are the Suns really dead in the water?24:31 Is the NBA season too long in March?29:46 Debating the merits of the play-in tournament Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’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! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No LeBron James? No Rui Hachimura? An ice cold 5-20 shooting night from Luka Donćić? A Laker fan presented only with that information might think the Lakers were in trouble Monday at the Crypt against the visiting Spurs, especially when considering they played barely more than 24 hours before. Instead, it was another strong night for the purple and gold, who generally controlled play throughout en route to a 125-109 win. Austin Reaves led the way with 30 points on a crisp 12-21 shooting line. And he got plenty of support. Luka, despite the inefficiency with his shot, did dish out 14 dimes. Four more Lakers (Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent) finished in double figures. The Lakers played with a lot of energy—save the end of the third quarter—with good ball movement and active defense. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the game was its cleanliness. The Lakers, particularly early, took excellent care of the ball, limiting the mistakes that could have fueled San Antonio's attack. Meanwhile, led by Luka's distribution, the Lakers piled up 34 assists. They played with a confidence that showed the four game losing streak was clearly a function of manpower. With (enough) players back in the lineup, the Lakers turned in excellent performances Sunday against the Suns and again on Monday to bury the Spurs. When the Lakers reach critical mass, so to speak, with enough bodies to field a credible roster and push their supporting players into appropriate spots the confidence with which each member of the rotation executes his role is palpable. It seems like everyone has a strong understanding of exactly what they're being asked to do, and (importantly) are not being asked to venture too far out of comfort zones. It's not going to work perfectly every night, and the West is again looking like a brutal death march down the stretch and into the postseason. The Lakers could play good basketball and still not venture as deep into the playoffs as everyone would like. But this town has seen enough successful seasons to know what a good team looks like, and this group clearly qualifies. The tests get tougher later this week with Milwaukee and Denver in town, but even without LeBron and Rui, the team that took the floor Monday feels like they can run with most teams night to night. And with James looking reasonably close to a return, another win or two would mean the Lakers get through his absence without losing significant ground in the standings. Given their recent schedule, that would be an extremely impressive result. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A big game from Austin Reaves, LA wins again. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get multiple contributions. SEGMENT 3: Playing with confidence. 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!HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your fi

Luka Doncic had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists, and Austin Reaves added 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting San Antonio Spurs 125-109. San Antonio was led in the loss by Stephon Castle’s 23 and Devin Vassell’s 17. The Lakers will look to run their winning streak to three on Wednesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers will look to run their winning streak to three on Wednesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.TRANSITION:It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:· Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.· Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.· Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!· Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! FAN DUEL Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.MONARCH MONEY Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.CTA OFFER: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com, code LOCKEDONNBA, for half off your first year! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Riding a four-game losing streak and still unsure when LeBron James and Rui Hachimura will return to the lineup, the Lakers badly needed a win Sunday against the visiting Phoenix Suns, who compensate for a tremendous level of star power with a total lack of cohesion and spirit. In moments like these, the best players need to perform, and that's what the Lakers got. Luke Dončić got the Lakers off to a great start, and while his shot cooled off as the game went on, Luka still had long stretches where he was controlling the action on the floor. Final line: 33 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists. Right there with him was Austin Reaves, who played downhill all day and hit a bunch of timely shots en route to 28 points, four rebounds and six assists. That's 61 points, eight triples and 14 assists from the team's best players. Good production for sure. There were other contributors—Jaxson Hayes returned to the lineup and made a big impact, scoring 19 points on 8-10 shooting. Jordan Goodwin, in the starting lineup again, made Devin Booker work all game, harassing him to an extremely inefficient 19 points. As a team, the Lakers did a nice job keeping the pressure on a Suns team that hasn't exactly reached "1-2-3 Cancun!" but is probably at "1-2-3 Canc--." After pushing out to a large early lead (LA was up 31-11 with 1:21 left in the first quarter), Phoenix kept making little runs, cutting their deficit to under 10 points. But each time, the Lakers quickly squashed the momentum. The consistency of the effort was noteworthy. With a back-to-back looming later this week Milwaukee and Denver, winning Sunday (and again Monday against a slumping San Antonio team) is critical for ensuring the Lakers don't slip out of the top six in the Western Conference, even while they wait for James and Hachimura to return. The Lakers are locked in a virtual four way tie for 2nd-5th, while Golden State and Minnesota in the 6th and 7th spots are both playing very well. In short, after a stretch where it looked like at least a few teams might be falling off, things are back to being incredibly brutal out west. So while the conditions weren't ideal for a "gotta have it" game, that doesn't change the context. The most important thing for the Lakers is avoiding the play-in, but if they want to get a little greedy, hosting a first round series is a worthy goal for a squad that is now 25-7, one of only two teams in the conference that is yet to lose 10 games on its home floor. It was one game against a team that, at least from the outside looking in, appears to be on the verge of collapse. But it was a very important one, and the Lakers came through with the kind of effort that should give fans a lot of confidence. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a critical win behind Luka and Reaves. SEGMENT 2: Welcome back, Jaxson Hayes! SEGMENT 3: LeBron works out before Sunday's game. 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!HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditio

Luka Doncic had 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Austin Reeves added 28 points and 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their 4-game losing streak by beating the visiting Phoenix Suns 107-96. Phoenix was led in the defeat by Kevin Durant’s 21 and Devin Booker’s 19. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways tomorrow night when they host the San Antonio Spurs. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Suns, Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.TRANSITION:It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:· Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.· Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.· Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!· Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! FAN DUEL Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.MONARCH MONEY Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.CTA OFFER: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com, code LOCKEDONNBA, for half off your first year! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers entered this game against the Nuggets in Denver under horrible circumstances. Second end of a back-to-back... in Denver, one of the hardest cities to play in with that altitude (to say nothing of their talented team led by potential MVP Nikola Jokic)... and without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III. Like... whoa! Those are the ingredients for not just an uphill climb, but also perhaps a collective attitude that could have easily resulted in the team deciding before the game even started that this wasn't worth the sweat. At the very least, packing it in at the first signs of adversity.Instead, the Lakers fought hard from start to finish, took the fight to Denver, and came within screaming distance of pulling off a massive upset. The 131-126 loss stings, in terms of the standings and practical ramifications. But it also provided a lot to be proud of, plus some positives to build on.Austin Reaves, with 37/8/13/4 steals and just four turnovers despite handling the ball non-stop, was nothing short of spectacular. It's also Reaves' second consectutive strong game after a slow start upon returning from a calf injury, and he finally looks like himself again. Rookie Dalton Knecht put up 32 points and is rounding back into the early season form that had Lakers fans excited. Shake Milton (one catastrophic inbound turnover notwithstanding) provided a great spark off the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt was within screaming distance of a triple-double. Jordan Goodwin was impactful on both ends of the flooThe result was disappointing, and there are no moral victories in professional sports, but if the Lakers continue this level of effort, determination and focus, they can beat the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, even if shorthanded. Along with their next two games against lesser opponents. Not saying it'll be easy, but tonight showed it's doable. That's a positive to build on.Hosts: Andy and Brian KamenetzkyYour 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use

Nikola Jokic scored 28 points and Jamal Murray added a clutch three-pointer to go along with his 26 points as the Denver Nuggets downed the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 131-126. The Lakers, who were playing without six of their top eight players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, were led by Austin Reeves' 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists. Rookie Dalton Knecht added 32 points in the loss, which was the Lakers' fourth straight. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Sunday afternoon when they host the Phoenix Suns. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.MONARCH MONEY Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers were without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes as they faced off against the Bucks in Milwaukee, meaning Luka Dončić was going to have to carry the LA for the squad to have any shot at winning. And for a while he did. Luka was red hot early, putting up 29 points at the half. He got to the line, drilled a bunch of impossible 3's, and would have had a few more dimes if any of his teammates could have hit a shot. But ultimately, the game went as you'd expect, given the size of Milwaukee's frontcourt with Giannis and Brook Lopez. LA, forced to protect the paint, gave up an abundance of wide open triples, while not actually managing to secure the interior, either. Donćić finished with 45, including some really entertaining buckets, along with 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves broke out of his slump, scoring 28 points on 10-17 shooting to go with eight boards and three dimes. Unfortunately, the rest of the roster only contributed 33 points with Dalton Knecht (10 points) finishing as the only other Laker in double figures. The result was frustrating, no question, but if we're all being honest, fairly unavoidable, assuming the Bucks showed up to play. (And judging by some reports, they were fired up for a Darvin Ham Revenge Game -- Ham serves as an assistant on Doc Rivers's staff -- so that was unlikely.) It's not just that the Lakers are missing too many good players, though they are, but that they're missing too many of the same kind of good players. The entire starting frontcourt was back in LA rehabbing. It leaves the Lakers too small and talent shy at PF and C to give themselves a reasonable chance to beat good teams. It's not about effort or execution. The Lakers did better in both categories on Thursday than they did Monday in Brooklyn. Not good enough, obviously, but it is what it is. So right now, it's a waiting game. James, Hachimura and Hayes are all described as day-to-day, so hopefully they'll be back soon. In the meantime, the Lakers have to navigate a brutal upcoming schedule—they play six times between Friday's game in Denver and a home date against the Bulls on March 22—try to keep themselves squarely in the top 6, and pick up momentum again once everyone is back. In the interim, there's not a ton to learn. 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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-WIT

The Lakers are still banged up. LeBron James is headed back to Los Angeles to keep rehabbing his injured groin (not a bad development, actually, big picture). Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura are out. Luka Dončić, who was laboring in a big way on Monday in Brooklyn thanks to a sore back, is questionable with a bum ankle. (The one he turned against the Nets.) So with the Lakers a game behind Denver (Friday's opponent) for the West's #2 seed, but only a game ahead of Houston for the five, this could certainly be a painful couple of days for the Lakers and Lakers fans. There is some good news, though. Dorian Finney-Smith, who missed Monday's game with his own ankle injury, is expected to play. And while the Lakers are missing so much firepower, they don't just need Finney-Smith back for his defensive prowess, though that's obviously important (though even with DFS in the lineup, LA still faces a tough challenge against the length of Milwaukee without LeBron, Rui and Hayes). The team also needs his shooting. Which gets to one of the low-key things that has hurt LA of late: DFS is in a big time slump. He's shooting 27% from 3-point range in March, after missing 11 of his final 14 attempts in February. Since February 22nd in Denver, DFS has twice finished with two points, twice with three points, but only once has cracked double digits. Nobody expects Finney-Smith to pump in 25 a night with LeBron on the sidelines. There is, without question, more onus on Donćić and Austin Reaves (who has been bad since missing two games with a calf injury) to pick up more of that slack. Same can be said for offensive-focused players like Dalton Knecht, who will get more playing time. But DFS is a guy who, for the last few years, has reliably averaged between eight and 11 points a night. There's a big difference between 10 and 3. The Lakers need him, and the other role players, to meet their baselines right now. Do better if possible, but at minimum, don't do worse. The thing about role players is that they tend not to excel when asked to step into something bigger. That's why they're role players. And it's a lot harder to play those roles when star players are out. But that's the spot the Lakers are in. If they're going to tread water with so much firepower out, everyone has to find ways to get to their averages. A nice end-of-week breakout for DFS would be a great place to start. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: LeBron back in LA, Luka questionable, DFS slumping. SEGMENT 2: Why it hurts when role guys hit the skids. SEGMENT 3: LeBron vs. Stephen A! 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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 a

Lakers fans knew when they acquired him that Luka Dončić has a rep for complaining to/at/around the officials. A simple YouTube search yields a treasure trove of clips of Luka laying into the refs, cursing at them in multiple languages, throwing his hands around and more. Now, Dončić is hardly the first superstar to make a habit of carping on the shortcomings of officials—it's hard to find an elite player who doesn't—but even with that caveat Luka is still considered a top-tier kvetcher, to the point that many (including his former employers in Dallas) believe it has a genuinely negative impact on his play. For the Lakers, there have been a few times where it's clearly had an effect, including during Monday's loss to the Nets in Brooklyn. The bigger question is what to do about it, if anything. There is no question, it could benefit Dončić not whine as much. Not only does it take him out of plays too frequently, it doesn't exactly endear him to referees, who eventually just tune him out (if he's lucky) or T him up (if he's not). And like many teams, the Lakers, who already have a tendency to complain too much as a group, take their cues from the guy at the top. Especially while LeBron James is on the shelf, that means Dončić. If he tightened things up, it's likely the rest of the team would, too. On the other hand, some of this is just how the guy is wired. He is insanely competitive. His game is arrogant, in the way you want it to be for your superstars. It would be great if Luka bitched less, but what would consciously trying to fix it on the court do to how he plays? Is there a chance trying to moderate that part of his personality while he plays could actually impact other things, negatively? Hard to say. Overall, it's likely something that he'll either start to change as he gets more mature (in the same way the Lakers hope he pays more attention to his fitness). Maybe he will, maybe he won't. But no star is perfect. Sometimes if you love 90% of what a guy does, you have to tolerate the 10% you don't. Because it's clearly worth the trade off. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka complains. A lot. SEGMENT 2: The value of Markieff Morris. SEGMENT 3: What would happen if Luka moderated it a little? 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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

In this episode of the NBA Squad Show West, hosts dive into the Western Conference landscape. They discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominance and their potential to win the NBA championship. The conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets' defensive struggles and their chances against the Los Angeles Lakers in a potential playoff matchup. The hosts also explore the Phoenix Suns' recent performances and the Minnesota Timberwolves' intriguing playoff potential. The episode concludes with a debate on the Golden State Warriors' playoff prospects and speculation about future trades and team dynamics in the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: Thunder-Nuggets crossover in Western Conference5:49 Thunder's path to NBA championship success12:14 Lakers vs Nuggets: Who wins playoff series?18:59 Suns' struggles and potential playoff push23:28 Timberwolves as threatening playoff matchup28:28 Warriors' playoff potential and Steph's renaissance32:37 Outro: Speculation on future NBA trades Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’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! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers were, of course, without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura Monday in Brooklyn, but they were also without Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes as well. That's a lot of rotation and size in street clothes, and even with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in uniform for the Lakers, it's easy to see how the Lakers could lose even to a lousy team like the Nets, which is exactly what they did, 111-108. There are times when a coach will look at the context—so many missing players, coming off a tough loss in Boston, generally playing well, important games coming up—and downplay the loss. Basically call it an aberration, give the team the ol' attaboy, and move on. JJ Redick didn't do that. Instead, he was as critical of his Lakers as he's been all year. He accused them all game of trying to take shortcuts, and not doing as a team what is required to win. He slammed the team's lack of communication, and generally gave them no space to wallow in their current state. (Which, it should be noted, includes a clearly-not-100-percent Luka.) Big picture, the game was lost because Reaves and Dončić were wildly inefficient from the field (11-40 combined from the floor). Halfway decent shooting from either/both is probably enough to win. And then the Lakers turned the ball 15 times, and allowed 16 offensive rebounds. Again, clean up one of those and it's probably enough to win the game. But Redick was really talking about much more than this game. He was reminding the Lakers that the bar has been raised. Winning as much as they have has elevated what's possible for this season, and with it, the acceptable standard of performance as a team, no matter who is available to play. He's reminding them that with players out, they need to control the stuff they can control. Sometimes shots fall, sometimes they don't. Sometimes players make the wrong read, or dribble the ball off their foot. But communication? That's easy to control, and isn't the provenance of any single player on the roster. Redick's reaction is a great sign for measuring how much he believes in the potential of the season, and how far things have come over the course of the year. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Reaves and Luka shoot poorly as the Lakers lose in Brooklyn. SEGMENT 2: Why Redick reacted the way he did. SEGMENT 3: Why no Koloko? 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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

Early reports from ESPN's Dave McMenamin following Saturday's loss in Boston indicated that LeBron James, who left in the fourth quarter with a groin injury, would miss time measured in weeks, not days. Sunday, we learned that was true... but the the news was still about as good as it could be. James is expected to miss 1-2 weeks, though there's an "at least" thrown in to keep everyone honest (and slightly concerned). But while there's still enough uncertainty in the timeline to keep everyone from getting comfortable, that estimates begin on the shorter end is unquestionably positive. Plenty of Lakers fans were concerned that "at least" might come before a three or four week estimate, or even longer. James missed nearly 20 games in his first season with the Lakers after hurting that same groin, and it basically undid LA's season. Something like that again would have basically erased the rest of the regular season. Instead, the Lakers appear, for now, to have dodged a bullet. That said, the injury news still isn't great. The Lakers are banged up, to say the least. Rui Hachimura is still out and won't play on the road trip. Dorian Finney-Smith is out for tonight's game against the Nets with an ankle injury. Jaxson Hayes is questionable, and — here's the headliner — so is Luka Dončić. LA's newest star is nursing a sore back, one that was clearly bugging him against the C's over the weekend. Needless to say, the Lakers have to play things safe with Luka and LeBron, in the short term (sit Luka, even if it means losing an otherwise winnable game against a bad Brooklyn team) and long term as well. The Lakers have made a remarkable run up the Western Conference standings. But as cool as it would be to finish 2nd (and the Lakers are again the two-seed after Denver lost to OKC Sunday), what really matters isn't the 2, or even the 3, 4, 5, and 6. It's avoiding the 7th seed, which puts the Lakers back in the play in. They have a large enough cushion to keep that from happening, so until their status in the top 6 is truly threatened, health has to be the priority. That's likely how the Lakers will play it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers could be without LeBron for a couple weeks. SEGMENT 2: What changes with James out of the lineup? SEGMENT 3: Health is what matters. 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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. OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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), 1-888-78

The Lakers finally hit the wall, losing to the Celtics Saturday in Boston, 111-101. The offense grew stagnant in the second and third quarters before LA started making shots and made a game of things. But the big news was LeBron James, who left with about six minutes remaining, and didn't return. While JJ Redick had no immediate update following the game, he looked like a very concerned head coach, and early reporting from ESPN's Dave McMenamin indicated LeBron's absence could be measured "for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days."Plus, Luka Doncic appeared to be bothered by a back issue throughout the game, Rui Hachimura is at least a week away from another reevaluation of his knee strain, and Jaxson Hayes also missed the game because of a knee contusion (which was downgraded on Saturday) suffered during the Knicks win.Not good.Hosts: Andy and Brian KamenetzkyYour 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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/LOCKEDONNBADoor DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jayson Tatum had a game-high 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Jaylen Brown added 31 points as the Boston Celtics snapped the Lakers' 8-game winning streak, beating the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. Luka Doncic had a team-high 34 points, and LeBron James added 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists before leaving for the locker room early in the 4th quarter with a groin injury.Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL• When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!• With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. PRIZE PICKS• 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For a few minutes, at least, it looked like Thursday's 113-109 OT win over the visiting New York Knicks would look like most of the team's wins of late—a strong early run helps the Lakers play from ahead. Not so fast. Instead, the Lakers were oustscored by 13 in the second quarter, and found themselves down by as much as 13 in the third. Nothing was coming easily for them, but the Lakers, to their credit, didn't stop grinding. In the fourth, LA cranked up the defense, holding the Knicks to 15 points while managing to conjure just enough offense to push the game into OT. In summary, it was a great comeback against a high quality team in a game that had a playoff-like intensity and atmosphere. It's a sense memory thing the Lakers can file away for the spring when they (inevitably, because every team does at one point or another) fall behind and need to summon a rally. Especially since the number of winning plays and players up and down the roster was significant. Luka Dončić (32/7/12) and LeBron James (31/12/8) did their thing, but two huge fourth quarter triples from Gabe Vincent were critical. Jaxson Hayes kicked in not only with his typical energy, but a great pass off the roll to set up Vincent for one of those 3's. Dalton Knecht hit a pair of big 3's, including one to end the third quarter and pull LA to within eight. But overall, it was not a game they necessarily deserved to win. Austin Reaves said as much after the game. But they never let the Knicks pull too far ahead, and didn't quit on it. And given how well they've played over the last month or two, if the Lakers are within six or seven points with a few minutes to play, they believe they can win, whether by getting the stops, a crucial bucket, or both. There have been a lot of confidence-building wins of late, but this one ranks highly precisely because the Lakers managed to win despite having an off night in a lot of important ways. That's something good teams do. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LA's stars help the Lakers grind out a comeback win. SEGMENT 2: Stealing a win? SEGMENT 3: Clutch shooting. 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luka Doncic had 32 points and 12 assists, and LeBron James added 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the New York Knicks in overtime 113-109. Jalen Brunson had 39 points and 10 assists in the loss but had to leave the game in overtime with a sprained ankle. The Lakers will look to extend their 8-game winning streak Saturday night in Boston when they take on the hated Celtics. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.Example: I love using FanDuel’s live betting feature because it keeps every moment of the game exciting. Whether I’m backing my team for a late-game rally or picking a player to hit a clutch three, I never feel like I missed my chance. Plus, the app is easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly!Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. BETTER HELPIf you're not sure what they look like, therapy can help you identify them, actively practice them, and even embody that green flag energy yourself. Whether you're dating, married, building a friendship, or just working on yourself, therapy can help you form relationships that love you back. Therapy helps you develop healthy boundaries and improves your communication skills.It empowers you to set clear expectations and express your needs in relationships.Therapy provides tools for managing conflict in ways that strengthen your connections rather than break them down.BetterHelp makes it easy by offering online therapy, with over 30,000 licensed therapists to choose from. And if you need to switch therapists, you can do so at no extra cost. Discover your relationship “green flags” with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. That’s BetterHelp—H-E-L-P—dot com slash lockedonnba. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If the Lakers do one thing well, it's play the PR game around their stars, whether current or former. So it was surprising to see Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, in an interview with NPR, seemingly take shots at Anthony Davis when asked about the trade that sent him to Dallas for Luka Dončić. "We gave up a lot to get Luka Dončić. We're happy we have him... Anthony Davis was complaining about where he was being played and he wasn't happy. So I think this was a positive for both teams. They got what they were looking for; we got what we were looking for. And I didn't realize it was going to be international news like it was, but that's the power of the Laker brand and its ability to draw big names who want to write their own chapter in Lakers history."On the one hand, the Lakers did AD right with a great tribute video when the Mavs came to town last month. And Jeanie's comments point to frustration the organization certainly had with the yearly reiteration from Davis that he preferred to play power forward, not center. They likely didn't appreciate him telling Shams and ESPN that the Lakers needed to get another center. They almost surely were nervous about having to pay him like an All-NBA player deep into his 30s, as all teams are now with players aging out of their primes, especially when those players have a history of injury. And its easy to wonder if Jeanie really intended to bad mouth Davis (as opposed to Nico Harrison, who made it VERY clear he intended to badmouth Luka). Still... her comments weren't great. Davis wasn't trying to push his way out of LA. He didn't create any ultimatums—find me a center or trade me. He played hard, and through injury. To imply otherwise by saying he wasn't happy and got what he wanted is disingenuous and unfair. To imply in as she did—that's the power of the Laker brand and its ability to draw big names who want to write their own chapter in Lakers history"—that Davis wasn't quite able to hack it here isn't fair either. Davis forced his way here, and by all accounts was expecting to be here along while longer. To imply Luka was drawn here because he wants to write his own chapter in Lakers history, as if he had any role in choosing LA as a destination (and is, therefore, True Lakers Material) is "Lakers Exceptionalism" at its worst. Again, there's a good chance Jeanie was just trying to put a positive spin on things, and avoid any discomfort by trying to frame this as a win/win that had everyone on board. But either way, her comments got some attention. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Did Jeanie dump on AD on purpose? SEGMENT 2: Whether she meant it or not, Jeanie didn't cover herself in glory, here. SEGMENT 3: In praise of Jaxson Hayes! 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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

Jerry West, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and now, Luka Dončić. In only his ninth game with the Lakers, LA's newest star joined a very exclusive list of players who have scored 30 points and added 15 assists in the same game. Four guys. That's it. Luka finished the night with 30 points, eight rebounds and 15 dimes as the Lakers made relatively easy work of the visiting New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday at the Crypt. Final score, 136-115. Seven straight wins, longest winning streak since 2021, 18-4 over the last 22, 39-21 overall... and all alone as the Western Conference's second seed. Luka was particularly strong early, going for 17/3/4 in the first quarter, and helping the Lakers push out to a 13-point lead after 12 minutes. That's been the trend of late, and it's a nice change of pace to the early fall-behinds that had more frequently been part of the script. It's just so much easier to play from ahead than it is to try and eat up a double digit deficit against an NBA team. LeBron James, who chipped in with 34 points, eight rebounds and six dimes and scored his 50,000th career point (regular season and playoffs inclusive), noted after the broadcast that Dončić looks both healthier (with the calf) and comfortable. In all facets, not just with his game. And you can see the joy in what he's doing, skipping on the sidelines after good plays, entertaining the crowd and more. Certainly he can feel the love from the Lakers faithful, who start buzzing every time Luka touches the ball. The energy around this Lakers squad right now is insanely good, and so is the balance. For all of the skill and playmaking brought by Luka, LeBron and (a currently injured) Austin Reaves, there's also a ton of grit. Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt—who packed an crazy amount of activity into 20 minutes Tuesday night—Trey Jemison III, Joran Goodwin (also hurt)... these are guys who play with a real edge, and are physical players. (And the stars aren't exactly wallflowers, either.) And they do it on a team where they'll be rewarded by two of the best passers in basketball. Perhaps one of the big mistakes some analysts made in the wake of the Luka deal was assuming it would be hard to integrate Dončić into their offense, forgetting the impact he could have on shot quality for every else. They're just getting tons of easy looks, thanks to the gravity Luka provides. It's not perfect every time down the floor, but LeBron has responded well to whatever transfer of power has taken place. The Lakers are rolling, but this doesn't feel like the ceiling. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka joins an exclusive club as the Lakers roll vs. New Orleans. SEGMENT 2: LeBron pushes past 50,000. SEGMENT 3: The best location for role players? 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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

LeBron James scored 34 points as he became the first player in NBA history to score more than 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason, and Luka Doncic added 30 points and 15 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers won their 7th game in a row, beating the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 136-115. New Orleans was led in the defeat by Zion Williamson’s game-high 37. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways when they host the New York Knicks Thursday night. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!OPEN PHONERunning a small business means you’re wearing a lot of hats. Your personal phone becomes your business phone, and before you know it, you’re juggling customer calls day and night. As your team grows, it becomes impossible to manage everything with just your personal number. That’s where OpenPhone comes in. It’s the #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.For just $15 a month—the cost of a few coffees—you get complete transparency and visibility into everything happening with your business phone number. OpenPhone works through an app on your phone or computer and integrates with tools like Hubspot and hundreds of others. It also uses AI-powered call transcripts and summaries, so you’ll have a rundown of your calls and action items the second you hang up. And if you miss a call? No problem. Automated messages are sent directly to your customer, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to engage.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.That’s O-P-E-N-P-H-O-N-E dot com slash LOCKEDONNBA for 20% off 6 months.OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA—and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge BETTER HELPIf you're not sure what they look like, therapy can help you identify them, actively practice them, and even embody that green flag energy yourself. Whether you're dating, married, building a friendship, or just working on yourself, therapy can help you form relationships that love you back. Therapy helps you develop healthy boundaries and improves your communication skills.It empowers you to set clear expectations and express your needs in relationships.Therapy provides tools for managing conflict in ways that strengthen your connections rather than break them down.BetterHelp makes it easy by offering online therapy, with over 30,000 licensed therapists to choose from. And if you need to switch therapists, you can do so at no extra cost. Discover your relationship “green flags” with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. That’s BetterHelp—H-E-L-P—dot com slash lockedonnba. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Squad Show West, hosts from various Western Conference teams discuss the best players and teams in the conference. They debate the merits of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic for best lead player, comparing their impacts and statistics. The conversation shifts to best supporting players, with names like Amen Thompson and Austin Reeves mentioned. The hosts also explore which teams might be overachieving or relying on "special effects," with Memphis and Denver receiving scrutiny. The podcast concludes with a discussion on struggling teams like the Suns and recent controversial trades, offering insights into the current state of the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: Best lead player in Western Conference5:42 Debating Jokic vs. SGA for best lead player11:00 Discussing best supporting players in the West16:19 Teams held up by "smoke and mirrors"22:21 Are the Nuggets overrated this season?28:50 Analyzing the Timberwolves' playoff potential33:21 Outro: Wrapping up the Western Conference discussion Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’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! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Lakers Exceptionalism." It's a term that'll start a lot of debates among Lakers fans and NBA heads. At its worst, "Lakers Exceptionalism" was an expression not just of the franchise's elevated place in our collective sports consciousness (which it has), or a reminder of the team's historic levels of success (which it has). Instead, it reflected an attitude that the aforementioned success and elevated status imparted almost magic powers on the organization. That its very Laker-ness was enough to get free agents to sign here. That of course stars and key role players would take less (whether in money or opportunity) to join the Lakers because why on earth wouldn't they? It's a chance to be a Laker!At its worst, this version of Lakers Exceptionalism stunted the team's progress. It made the Lakers lazy, and reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of what has made the franchise exceptional, historically. There are at least some signs that the team is recognizing some of these shortcomings and is adjusting. Or at the least, some reason to hope they get it more now than they did before. Time will tell. But it was interesting following Sunday's win over the Clippers to hear Luka Dončić speak about an aspect of Lakers Exceptionalism that is undoubtedly true. He noted how it really is true that the Lakers get every team's best effort, and noting that injured players always seem to return in time to play LA. (The healing powers of the Lakers on the schedule for opposing players has long been noted by Lakers fans.) This is a byproduct of something that sounds perhaps like fan service chest puffery, but is unquestionably true: It is a big effing deal to be a star player for the Lakers. Bigger than it is to be a star on any other team in the NBA. Bigger than the Knicks, the Warriors, the Celtics and certainly the Mavericks. The attention is greater, the judgment more unforgiving. The potential for glory is higher, but so is the penalty for failure. This is the role that Luka has been cast for the next decade or so, if the vision the Lakers have comes to fruition. It'll be interesting to see, certainly, how he reacts. Early indications are that he's built for it, and certainly having LeBron with him for a year or two will help. No matter how much the team "belongs" to Luka on the floor, as long as he's still playing LeBron will always suck up a considerable amount of oxygen around any team he's on. Even a Luka-led squad. But long term, Dončić will be judged in part at least on how much he adds positively to this notion of Lakers Exceptionalism. One good sign - if NBA fans around the league find Lakers fans even more insufferable in five years, Luka is probably off to a great start. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka gets an introduction to Lakers Exceptionalism. SEGMENT 2: Is Luka built for Los Angeles? SEGMENT 3: 50,000 points for LeBron, and other notable achievements. 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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

These are heady times for Lakers fans, following Sunday's Luka Dončić-fueled, 108-102 win over the Clippers at the Crypt. It's the second straight win over a good Clippers squad, and was enough to push the Lakers into second place in the Western Conference, percentage points ahead of the Denver Nuggets. This is not a place anyone would have expected the Lakers to be eight weeks ago. The pace of change has been incredible. First, the Lakers get LeBron James engaged defensively following that debacle of a loss in Miami. They trade D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith. Jarred Vanderbilt returned. They slowly add even more grit to the roster, adding Trey Jemison III and Jordan Goodwin to the roster. Oh, they also acquired Luka. The instant reaction to the big trade said the Lakers were setting themselves up for the future at the expense of today. That the loss on defense was going to be way too much for this group to overcome in the short term. Except the Lakers team has already started playing well defensively even before the trade, and continued playing good defense even without Davis in the lineup. They were supposed to struggle while Dončić got integrated into the lineup, a process that was going to be overly complex, given the ball dominance of Luka, LeBron and Austin Reaves. And so on and so on and so on. Except none of it has played out that way. Through all the changes, the Lakers have grown more cohesive, not less. They've played harder, and ramped up the buy in. They're doing things good teams do, starting with playing consistently and executing effectively even when guys are in and out of the lineup, as it was Sunday with Reaves and Rui Hachimura in street clothes. They're winning in bulk, with victories in 16 of their last 21 games. And now they're in a dead heat with the Nuggets for the 2-seed out West. With a 6.5 game lead on the trio of teams tied for the 6-seed, the conversation has moved past "avoid the play in," and the Lakers are now square in the "earn home court for a round or two." Again, a remarkable turnaround. There are plenty of challenges coming, and the schedule doesn't get any easier. But this is a Lakers team that believes in itself, and has backed that belief with results. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat the Clips again, behind a big game from Luka. SEGMENT 2: Things are really, really looking up. SEGMENT 3: Dalton Knecht has a big game. 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!OpenPhoneThe #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate.Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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 Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luka Doncic scored 29 points and dished out 9 assists, and Dalton Knecht added 19 points off the bench, including connecting on five three-pointers. The Los Angeles Lakers won their 6th straight game, beating the crosstown Clippers 108-102. The Clippers were led in the loss by Kawhi Leonard’s 33 points and 10 boards. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways Tuesday night when the New Orleans Pelicans come to town.Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors! FAN DUEL When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.DOOR DASHNBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.TRANSITION:It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:· Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.· Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!· Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rui Hachimura was in street clothes with a knee injury, Austin Reaves left the game with a sore calf after only nine minutes. So the Lakers needed their stars to play big on Friday night against the Clippers, and both stepped up. Luka Dončić finished with 31 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while LeBron James added 28 points with 13 rebounds. Behind them, the rest of the team made meaningful contributions and it was enough for another win, 106-102. The Lakers are now 37-21, a game back of Denver for the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. Luka's not fully clicking yet, the team is still figuring out a lot offensively... and they keep winning. But what's clear is the defensive identity they've built seems to work with basically anyone on the floor. Friday, they got meaningful minutes from Dalton Knecht, Jordan Goodwin and Trey Jemison III. Dorian Finney-Smith stepped into the starting lineup. That's a decent amount of change to absorb for one game on the second night of a back-to-back facing a quality team that had its second star (Kawhi Leonard) in uniform. There are reasons optimism is starting to grow, and they appear legit. Meanwhile, the injuries to Hachimura (evaluated again in a week) and Reaves (they're still checking, but didn't seem terribly concerned) aren't currently seen as that bad. And even if they're a little shorthanded in the near term, the Lakers have built up some cushion in the West. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All things considered, Luka Dončić hasn't played all that well in his six games since the Lakers acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks. There were highlights, for sure, but remember, he's Luka Dončić. The bar is pretty high. And yet... the Lakers won again. This time, 111-102 over the (admittedly shorthanded) Wolves. They're now 4-2 since the trade, and 36-21 overall, a game back of Denver for the 3-seed, and 1.5 behind Memphis for the 2. They've won four in a row heading into a pair of home games (Friday and Sunday) against the Clippers. The conventional wisdom (not accepted in this space, it should be noted) was that the Lakers in making the deal took a step backwards for this season in service of the future. What's happening instead is the Lakers continue rising up the standings, remaining one of the NBA's hottest teams while Luka, in his own words, is playing poorly. This has to frighten rivals around the conference, because at some point, whether tonight against the LAC, Sunday or two weeks from now, Dončić is going to morph back into himself. And then what happens? Because the Lakers have shown they can defend, logging a fifth straight game holding an opponent around 100 points. If the offense starts clicking—and in this context "clicking" kinda just means Luka starts hitting shots—it should allow the Lakers more space to breathe from game to game. Margin for error actually works for them, not against. So maybe it means the Lakers before it's all said and done can finish in the top four, and earn home court for the first round. What it does in the meantime is afford them some breathing room for games like tonight, when some combo of Rui Hachimura (knee), LeBron James (hamstring), Jaxson Hayes (hip), Jarred Vanderbilt and Luka (neither guy has been playing back-to-backs). There is no need to push guys through injuries, because they're not fighting just to stay in the play-in zone, as it was the last couple of seasons. If the Lakers, who have been pushing very hard defensively to get the results they have, need to dial it back a little to preserve legs for the playoffs, they've got the space to do it. This stuff matters. LA has shown it can defend. It's hard to believe they won't get better offensively with time. And because of that, everyone from fans, media and (most importantly) the Lakers themselves are looking at the rest of this season with a new sense of potential. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, despite struggles from Luka. SEGMENT 2: 33 from James! SEGMENT 3: Breathing room for LA while Luka gets his shot back. 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LeBron James scored 33 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, and Luka Doncic added 21 points and 13 boards as the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth game in a row with a 111-102 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves were led by Terrance Shannon Jr.’s 25 off the bench but were forced to play the majority of the second half without Anthony Edwards, who was ejected in the third quarter after receiving his second technical foul. The Lakers will look to extend their win streak Friday night when they host the crosstown rival Clippers. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Wolves, Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors! FAN DUEL When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!TRANSITION:With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.Example: I love using FanDuel’s live betting feature because it keeps every moment of the game exciting. Whether I’m backing my team for a late-game rally or picking a player to hit a clutch three, I never feel like I missed my chance. Plus, the app is easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly!Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.Robinhood GoldWith Robinhood Gold you now enjoy the VIP treatment, receiving 3% IRA match on retirement contributions. The privileges of the privileged are no longer exclusive. With Robinhood Gold your annual IRA contributions are boosted by 3%, plus you also get 4% APY on your account in non-retirement accounts. That’s over 8 times the national savings average. The perks of the high net worth are now available for any net worth.The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/goldInvesting involves risk. Rate subject to change. 3% match requires Robinhood Gold. At $5 a month for one year from first match, must keep funds in IRA for 5 years. Go to robinhood.com/boost. Over 8x the average national average savings account interest rate claim is based on data from the FDIC as of November 18, 2024. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC). Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At this point, everyone knows why the Dallas Mavericks, and specifically Nico Harrison, felt they needed to trade Luka Dončić. They didn't think he was a wise investment, given his questionable fitness and reportedly tenuous relationship with nutrition. Harrison said as much in his comments to the media following the deal. And now, Sam Amick at The Athletic reports that sources with the Mavs are again trashing Luka's rep, using the game on Tuesday night—Luka's first against the Mavs—as the entry point to again try and justify their position. Sources talked to Amick about beer drinking and hookah smoking. They talked about food choices and risk. Most people think Harrison is a fool for doing what he did. But there's no mystery at this point as to why he made the decision he did. And talking about it more can't possibly be good for the Mavericks. It's not winning the PR battle, because fans find Harrison's explanation no more compelling now than they did at the beginning of the month. It's not winning battles with players, because you'd better believe great players are watching how Dallas treated Luka, here, and what they're spilling about his time in Dallas. But these are Dallas problems. There is, actually, one party that benefits from this continued attack on Luka's commitment to winning (because that's ultimately what Dallas is questioning) and it's the Lakers. Because if Luka is as petty and competitive as others have made him out to be, he'll want to absolutely torch the league in response to what Dallas has done. He'll want not only to score a bunch of points, drop crazy dimes and post big rebounding numbers, Dončić will want to stay in shape and play a ton of games just out of spite. Which is fine with the Lakers. Whatever motivates him to keep his body right. Lakers fans broke out into a "Thank you, Nico" chat Tuesday at Staples. But if the Mavs insist on carrying on with this post-trade campaign to justify the move, Laker Nation might need to send along a fruit basket or something, because Dallas is only giving Luka more incentive to do what the they say he can't or won't. It's a great deal for the Lakers, who just need to give Dončić the space he needs to reclaim his 5x All-NBA form. If he only fulfills his talent in LA out of spite? Well, it's still Luka hitting his ceiling, which as we know is incredibly high. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why won't the Mavs stop trashing Luka? SEGMENT 2: What it does for the Lakers. SEGMENT 3: LeBron has cranked up the D. 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first half of Tuesday's 107-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Crypt, it looked like the Luka Dončić revenge game people expected to see (punishing the team that didn't just trade him, but badmouthed him on the way out of Texas) would be something that might end up on the Mt. Rushmore of revenge games. Luka was near a triple double before the halftime buzzer. The second half was a little slower. The emotional output this game generated—and clearly Luka was keyed up for this one a level or three above normal—cost him some legs down the stretch. So the final result was just a perfectly satisfying, run-of-the-mill revenge game. Dončić got his first trip-dub as a Laker, and more importantly, the Lakers got another win, their eighth in their last 10. After the game, Luka was asked if the game brought him any closure. His answer probably surprised people. No, he said, because it's going to take time. Closure for something like this doesn't happen overnight. It's a reminder not only that it's a process for Luka to figure out how to play with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, or to absorb JJ Redick's system offensively and learn the assignments on the other end. It's also an adjustment personally. He lives in a different city. Has a different routine. All the stuff that was totally normal in Dallas isn't in Los Angeles. Yes, Luka has all the resources a person could have to help him adjust. But he's still a person, and this was still a massive life upheaval. So for the Lakers to keep winning, to keep building confidence and putting some down some decent film (as they did on Tuesday in the first half and fourth quarters, especially) is extremely promising. To continue holding opponents right around 100 points, as they did for the fourth straight game Tuesday night, has to build confidence. This is the transition period, not the part where you'd expect the new-look Lakers to be reaching wherever their ceiling happens to be. The brutal stretch of games continues Thursday against Minnesota, followed by a pair of tough games against the Clippers. March's schedule is cartoonishly hard. And where it might have seemed like a threat a couple months ago, now it's likely Lakers fans are excited at what's to come. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka trip-dubs as LA beats Dallas. SEGMENT 2: LeBron blows up in the fourth quarter. SEGMENT 3: Contributions up and down the roster. 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LeBron James scored 27 points including 16 in the 4th quarter and Luka Doncic had a triple double against his former team totaling 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers downed the Dallas Mavericks 107-99. The Mavericks were led in the loss by Kyrie Irving’s 35 and Klay Thompson’s 22. The Lakers will look to extend their 3-game winning streak Thursday night against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.TRANSITION:It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:· Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.· Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.· Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!· Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! FAN DUEL When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!TRANSITION:With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.Example: I love using FanDuel’s live betting feature because it keeps every moment of the game exciting. Whether I’m backing my team for a late-game rally or picking a player to hit a clutch three, I never feel like I missed my chance. Plus, the app is easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly!Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s NBA West Squad Show focuses on the Lakers' recent success with Luka Doncic, the Nuggets' winning streak, and the Thunder's impressive performance. The hosts analyze how the Lakers' new lineup impacts their playoff prospects and debate the legitimacy of the Nuggets' recent wins. They also explore the Thunder's defensive prowess and potential matchups against top teams. The conversation shifts to the struggling Phoenix Suns, discussing their questionable trades and management decisions. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide insightful commentary on team dynamics, player performances, and the evolving landscape of the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: Mavericks face former player5:35 Lakers' transformation with Luka Doncic9:47 Thunder and Nuggets: Recent performances analyzed15:13 Role players' impact in playoff matchups20:35 Suns' decline and uncertain future26:05 Rebuilding strategies and asset management30:43 Thunder's organizational success and transparency Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’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! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No star is perfect. All are vulnerable to some form of criticism. For Luka Donċić, it's his conditioning and his defense, both of which have frequently been called into question over the course of his already stellar career. But while those two potential shortcomings are now a problem for the Lakers to deal with, they likely won't help the Mavericks Tuesday night at the Crypt. Because one thing everyone agrees on? Luka is a very, very competitive man, and ain't above holding a grudge. He will be ready to punish Dallas and GM Nico Harrison not only for the shocking trade that sent him to LA, but for badmouthing him on the way out of town, too. But this game is about more than just Luka's revenge—though make no mistake, everyone has their popcorn ready. Tuesday against the Mavs is a chance to validate the results of Saturday's huge win in Denver. If the Lakers come out and once again, Luka, LeBron James and Austin Reaves all look like they not only can co-exist, but thrive sharing a court? If the Lakers, facing a seriously depleted Mavs squad, can once again hold an opponent around 100 points? That'll do a tremendous amount to show what we saw over the weekend is the direction the team is going, as opposed to a blip. It will send the signal that the Lakers really should be considered in the top tier of Western Conference teams, a group currently led by Oklahoma City and then Memphis and Denver. It will help internally for a Lakers team that rightly feels good about itself, but also understands that time is not necessarily on their side. The amount of synergy they have to create in a few short weeks is a challenge, given how many more reps the opposition has been able to pile up all season. LA doesn't have a lot of time to reach its ceiling, so the confidence that comes with coming through in "prove it" games can't be discounted. This is a mental exercise for the Lakers as much as physical. It's not surprising to see James talk about execution this week. But where before it was framed more as a threat—the Lakers have to execute because they have no margin for error—now it's an opportunity. James was essentially saying that this team has the intellectual capacity to design and execute a game plan even without having a ton of time together. Their IQ is a strength that will help them jump the line. So that's a lot to think about on Tuesday night, and nobody will blink if you'd rather just pop some corn and see if Luka can drop a 50 spot on his former employers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka is ready for his revenge. SEGMENT 2: LeBron talks about execution. SEGMENT 3: NO MORE CITY CONNECT JERSEYS! 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers need to figure out how the offense is going to operate now that Luka Doncic is in purple and gold. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves, too, the Lakers definitely have multiple guys who can handle the ball and distribute. And obviously LeBron is... LeBron. But JJ Redick has basically eliminated any mystery, saying that the offense is going to run through Doncic. Obviously there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to this sort of thing, but importantly, any question about what the flow chart looks like has been addressed. This is important, because the Lakers don't have a ton of time to reach whatever their ceiling is for this season. And having quietly moved up to fourth in the West following this weekend's games—and only two games behind Memphis and Denver, who are basically tied for the second and third seeds—the league is certainly giving a lot more thought to what LA's ceiling might be. It's easy enough to be a prisoner of the moment, following Saturday's big win in Denver, and maybe forget how bad the Lakers looked against Utah going into the break, and Charlotte coming out. But it's also easy enough to just kinda run with the early season narrative (true at the time, no question) that the Lakers simply aren't good enough to contend, and not adjust that evaluation even with the introduction of new evidence. Because for those paying attention, a few things have become clear. Most importantly, the team has shown it can play high level defense. And critically, they showed it was possible before Anthony Davis was traded in games where Davis didn't play. Even including the Charlotte game and choppy execution against the Blazers, the Lakers have allowed about 300 points in their last three games. That is very, very good work in today's NBA. Overall, the defense over their last 25 has been near the top of the league. That's a big enough sample size to decide the Lakers are capable of being good enough on that end to contend. It's easy to forget that personnel has changed. Swapping D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith has made a big impact, as Jarred Vanderbilt's return from injury and Gabe Vincent's return to form. Or that LeBron has put out significantly more effort on that side of the ball. It was already a different team, and then they got Luka. There's still a lot to figure out, but it does seem like that win on Saturday changed the perception of the team around the league. Now it's time to solidify it win a few more good wins. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The offense belongs to Luka. SEGMENT 2: Any issues gonna pop up because of that? SEGMENT 3: LA's defense feels sustainable. 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There have been some good moments, but broadly speaking, Lakers fans—and the Lakers as an organization, if we're being honest—have been waiting to see what the team would look like once Luka Dončić felt comfortable and played like the All-NBA performer he is. Saturday in Denver, everyone found out the answer, and it was a lot of fun. Final score, 123-100, as Luka dropped 32 points, along with 10 rebounds and seven dimes. And it didn't come at the expense of the other guys, either. LeBron had a smooth 25/9/5, Austin Reaves kicked in with 23/4/7, and Rui Hachimura had 21 points, including four 3-pointers. The team defense was incredible, keeping the Nuggets under wraps and limiting Nikola Jokic about as much as Jokic can be limited. (He still had a triple double.) This was a huge win for the Lakers, coming off some rough performances out of the break. They basically parlayed the effort they showed in Portland with actual good execution, and this is the result. Lots to get excited about. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 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!RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In what can be described as arguably the biggest win of the season, the Lakers went on the road and snapped the Nuggets' 9-game winning streak, crushing Denver. 123-100 Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, while LeBron James added 25, Austin Reeves added 23, and Rui Hachimura chipped in with 21. The Lakers will look to extend their winning ways Tuesday night as they host the DallasMavericks.Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL• When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!• TRANSITION:• With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.• Example: I love using FanDuel’s live betting feature because it keeps every moment of the game exciting. Whether I’m backing my team for a late-game rally or picking a player to hit a clutch three, I never feel like I missed my chance. Plus, the app is easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly!• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.DOOR DASH• NBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.• It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.• Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:• · Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.• · Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.• · Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!• · Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.• Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nothing about Thursday's 110-102 win over the Blazers in Portland was easy. The Lakers were without Luka Dončić and Jarred Vanderbilt, both sitting out for injury maintenance on the second night of a back-to-back. So the Lakers had to reach deeper into the rotation, with guys like Trey Jemison III and Jordan Goodwin providing important minutes. Meanwhile, they arrived at the hotel well after 3 am, following Wednesday's loss. So sleep and rest weren't exactly easy to get. And then Portland, while well out of the playoff race in the West, has actually played quite well over the last month. As a team, they turned the ball over 24 times, and still shot the ball poorly from the perimeter. The Lakers needed this game badly, with a bruising stretch of games coming up. And yet... There are some wins where everything clicks and teams look great in the process. This was one the Lakers pulled out because ultimately, LeBron James (40 points) and Austin Reaves (32 points, seven assists) were in many ways excellent. They got important, timely contributions from players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent. But mostly, they won because they played incredibly hard. Had that effort level been 5-10% lower, it wouldn't necessarily have looked that different on TV, but the Lakers would have almost certainly lost. Call it a character win, led by their stars. It's a game that shows this group gives a damn, and while there's a lot you don't want them to carry from game to game as far as execution goes—like, seriously, please do not carry over most of those things—it's a game that has importance because of what they ultimately had to do to win. They need to play better long term, obviously, and there is a lot about a post-Luka identity they need to figure out. obviously, but they learned something about the reservoir of grit and effort available to them when it's required. Aesthetically pleasing it wasn't, but satisfying? Yeah, it was. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers grind out a win in Portland. SEGMENT 2: LeBron and Reaves do amazing stuff, and it was haaaaard. SEGMENT 3: LA still needs an identity. 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!Turbo TaxReady for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees. HungryrootWith 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 codeLOCKEDONNBA. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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! Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Playing without Luka Doncic, the short-handed Lakers were led by LeBron James’ 40 points and Austin Reeves’ 32 as the Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102. After losing their last two games to the Jazz and Hornets, the Lakers desperately needed this win before facing the always tough Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trailblazers Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL• When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!•• With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.• Example: I love using FanDuel’s live betting feature because it keeps every moment of the game exciting. Whether I’m backing my team for a late-game rally or picking a player to hit a clutch three, I never feel like I missed my chance. Plus, the app is easy to use, and when you win, you get paid instantly!• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.