Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

In the Western Conference, every little item can make a difference in where teams will land on the playoff seeding ladder. That includes strength of schedule. Per Tankathon, the Lakers have the eighth toughest remaining among NBA squads. The toughies include 2 vs. OKC (both in APR), Denver twice, Houston twice, Phoenix twice, Minnesota, Clips, Knicks, Cleveland, Detroit and Boston (where Tatum will inevitably return). Easy ones include Kings, Pels, Pacers (twice), Bulls, Nets, Wiz, Mavs, Jazz. (And the Warriors, if you're so inclined. Maybe they're in between?)No cakewalk, but fortunately for LA, the top 3 include Denver (55%), Houston (54%), and Minnesota (52%). The Lakers are also, from #8, MUCH closer to #16 than #1. After the top 4-5 teams, it levels off pretty notably. And timing will make a difference. The Lakers play the Nuggets twice in March. Denver might, but might not, have Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon back in the lineup at that point. That makes a huge difference. So these little things could be the difference in a tight conference between a 3 and a 7. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Big Three for the Lakers are undoubtedly a strong group. Luka is playing at an MVP level, Austin Reaves was a lock for an All-Star nod before he got hurt, and LeBron James made the team as a reserve. Unfortunately, they've played a grand total of 152 minutes together in the 2025-26 season. Which is two minutes more than Drew Timme, two-way player who hasn't been on the team for the entire season, has played for the Lakers. When games start again on Friday, the hope is that finally the Big Three can start gaining meaningful chemistry on the floor. The Lakers coaching staff can begin making meaningful gains in understanding the best ways to deploy them, and with whom. Because it's not just about the Lakers reaching their ceiling, but raising their floor. They really, really need to raise their floor, if they want to make a run in the West. Meanwhile, LeBron James gave few clues about his future during All-Star weekend. Does he want a farewell tour? Does he not? And more importantly, does the possibility of a farewell tour make it less likely for the Lakers to bring him back? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a continuity problem. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have enough time to make the Big Three as potent as possible? SEGMENT 3: Does LeBron want a farewell tour? Would the Lakers want to host it? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The good news is that Luka Dončić felt good enough to play in Sunday's All-Star Game, if only for a moment. Five minutes, scoring two points. Didn't seem any worse for wear, which isn't surprising because while the level of activity in this All-Star format was a little better than it had been in the last few, it was not a max-intensity workout. After, Luka said he felt fine... but didn't say he'd be ready to play when the Lakers take the floor again on Friday. It seems reasonable to to expect he'll play... but he didn't say yes, I'll be on the floor. If he's not, will he have an optics problem? Meanwhile, the League (again) messed with its All-Star format, and the results were pretty good in the US vs. the World setup. But not necessarily for the reasons they likely thought. We'll see if the NBA actually sticks with it. And finally, Adam Silver spoke at length over the weekend about tanking, and finally at least discussed the one thing that could truly end the practice: eliminating the draft. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka plays... not ready to say he'll be available Friday when games resume. SEGMENT 2: Did the new format work? SEGMENT 3: The NBA plans to address tanking... somewhow? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you look at their splits over the last six weeks, on a per minute basis there's no question that backup center Jaxson Hayes is playing better than starter Deandre Ayton. So should the Lakers made a change in the starting lineup? It's a trickier question than it might seem. First, Ayton has been banged up, with a bum knee keeping him ou tof the lineup for the last three games. It's possible the knee has been an issue for longer, which explains the downturn. Will the All Star break fix that? Also, Hayes does have the benefit of playing against (primarily) reserves. Would he perform as well against starters? Do the Lakers even need to make the change, or could JJ Redick get more from the position just by tweaking minutes? There's more than one way to do this sort of thing... HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 turned back the clock on Thursday, getting his first triple double of the season (28 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists) as the Lakers beat the Mavericks at the Crypt, 124-104. It was one of those games that reminded you of everything the Lakers are capable of, good and bad. At times, they were great defensively, clamping down on Dallas and holding them to 41 points in the second half. In the first half, however, they allowed 63. At times the offense was excellent, at others the droughts were noticeable. The Lakers built big leads (good) and lost them (bad). Ultimately, though, they used a strong third quarter to build a lead they wouldn't let get whittled down. Game balls to LeBron, Rui Hachimura (21 points), Jaxson Hayes (16/7/4/3/1) and Luke Kennard (9/7/3) among others. On the injury front, the Lakers were without Luka Dončić, who JJ Redick says ought to be fine coming out of the break. Same for Deandre Ayton, who didn't play Thursday but got a knee scan that came back clean. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron turns back the clock, leads Lakers to win. SEGMENT 2: Lots of good performances. SEGMENT 3: 33-21... not bad, but concerns remain. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 buyout market generally doesn't yield impactful players. Moreover, it can be tricky to find the right guy to fill the right role -- often buyout players need to rehab their value around the league, and will choose a destination with that in mind. Cam Thomas (one high profile FA), for example, was always unlikely to sign with the Lakers because they couldn't offer him the opportunity he needed. Milwaukee could. So over the weekend when the Lakers added Kobe Bufkin as the 15th guy, you could see it both ways - the Lakers locking up a guy that was ripping up the G-League because he was likely getting poached by another org. Likely to make an impact this year? No, but maybe could help down the road. Some countered that Pelinka should have waited longer, because a better opportunity might surface, and that's worth losing Bufkin. Well, the better option might have come along, with San Antonio releasing forward Jeremy Sochan. Like Bufkin, he's young, and will be a bit of a reclamation project. Unlike Bufkin, Sochan has had some success at the NBA level as a rebounder and defender until falling out of the rotation this year. He will reportedly sign with the Knicks, who won his services over the interest of another eight or nine teams. The Lakers could have been one of those. Would they have had a shot to sign Sochan? Would the opportunity have been worth the cost of losing Bufkin? Will there be other players the Lakers would want more, before the end of the buyout period? Did Pelinka jump the gun? Was this bad process? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 Dončić hoped he'd be available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks, because torturing the Mavericks is now and forever a priority for him. Alas, it is not to be. The Lakers announced Wednesday that Luka won't be in uniform. He does, though, hope to participate in the All-Star Game this weekend, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. So is that a good idea? Would Luka be better off sitting? On the one hand... it's the All-Star Game. You could make a very solid argument that whatever rehab Luka is doing will be more strenuous than the game itself. On the other hand, if there's even a 2% chance of making this worse or tweaking it or whatever because he's not... quite... healed? Hoo-boy, that ain't worth it. The World (meaning the World All-Star team) will get by without him. Even Luka's fans, for whom he wants to play in this game to no small degree, would rather he be healthy. Meanwhile, tanking has taken on a new feel this year! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: No Luka vs. Dallas. No Flagg, either. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers HAVE to win this game. SEGMENT 3: Why tanking impacts even non-tanking teams. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 most interesting thing that came of Tuesday's blowout loss to the Spurs, one where the entire Lakers (preferred) starting lineup was in street clothes, is that LeBron James officially became ineligible for postseason awards. He won't reach the required 65 games, thanks to early season time missed because of sciatica, and then the maintenance required to get a 41-year old through an NBA season. So that incredible streak of All-NBA teams ends at 21 years. Fair to say that one isn't likely to be broken anytime soon. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is also getting close to that threshold, now having missed 11 games with Thursday's game against the Mavs in question. What happens if he's close to that baseline and might need a night off? Would the Lakers ask him to sit? Would he pull himself out of contention for MVP and 1st Team All-NBA? These are the sorts of questions getting more common around the league, and why ti seems very likely the NBA will make changes in the eligibility for these awards. The TV rules designed to get guys playing in the most important games? Those seem to work ok. But this threshold is artificial and needs to go. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 missing basically everyone. With Luka Dončić already out nursing that hamstring, the Lakers also sat LeBron James and Austin Reaves, both still avoiding back-to-backs (for different reasons). Marcus Smart? Street clothes. Deandre Ayton was downgraded to out shortly before the game. So that left... not much as the Lakers welcomed San Antonio to the Crypt. And predictably, the Lakers got hammered. Final score, 136-108 in a game that was actually not as close as the score might indicate. The major form of entertainment was watching Victor Wembanyama, who absolutely throttled the Lakers, scoring 25 in the first quarter, and 40 overall. It would have been a lot more had the Spurs not pulled the plug early. So the big question now becomes who will be available for a need-to-have game Thursday against the Mavericks. Having dropped two in a row, the Lakers can't afford to drop games against struggling squads like the Mavs. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Down five starters, the Lakers get beat up. SEGMENT 2: Not many highlights. Jaxson getting sued? SEGMENT 3: Did Bron put the Lakers on blast? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 have long been a lean, mom and pop organization, despite the incredible weath represented by the franchise, and its ability to produce tremendous revenue. That's why Lakers fans were so excited when Dodgers owner Mark Walter bought the team. The feeling was that finally the Lakers would have the type of infrastructure their brand and wealth would seem to support. And over the weekend, head of basketball ops Rob Pelinka talked about changes that are coming reasonably soon -- making a point to note that he and Jeanie Buss will be leading that process. The Lakers will be using the Dodgers model to build up areas where they'd been lean to this point. "When Mark bought the team, Jeanie and I did a really deep dive with him on sort of the areas he wants to grow and move into and get aggressive," Pelinka told the assembled media. "Looking at the Dodgers and how they built it out has been a great sort of example and North Star. And so we're still going through that process of how we'll look in the offseason and what additions we'll make. But there will be some positive changes, and we will build things out."So what will this look like, and will Rob really be in charge? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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's no shame necessarily in losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, even when they're missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers, after all, were without Luka Dončić. Still, Monday's 119-110 loss at Crypto.com Arena was frustrating. The Lakers looked at different points like this game was going to get away from them. They kept turning the ball over, Oklahoma City was hitting 3's at a high rate. Points were hard to come by for LA, especially from the perimeter. But after the break, the Lakers came out and played better ball. LeBron James, who was part of the turnover problem in the first two quarters, not only cleaned things up, but also found ways to get the ball in far more advantageous spots. He punished OKC with some old school, old man basketball. Austin Reaves made some buckets, Jake LaRavia was huge in the third as well, turning hard work inside into points. In the fourth however, the lid went back on the basket. Only 19 points as a team, including some big moments where they simply needed to have a bucket and couldn't get one. Side note to this one, the officiating was very frustrating. JJ Redick used and won both of his challenges, the second coming on a call so obvoiusly wrong it was absurd the Lakers were even put in a position to have to challenge it. OKC is a very, very physical team, and while the Lakers tried to meet them where they live, it was clear they thought they should be getting calls that didn't come. Hard to argue, on a lot of them. Tuesday night the Lakers will be in San Antonio. No word yet on who will be available, whether Luka, LeBron or Reaves. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers fight but lose to OKC. SEGMENT 2: Rare late game execution where they aren't all that good. SEGMENT 3: Who plays heading into the break? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 will be without Luka Dončić on Monday against the Thunder. But the good news is, at least according ot JJ Redick, the Lakers may not be without him for that long. Luka appears to have dodged the worst outcomes, and is considered day-to-day. No question, the Lakers are going to be cautious with him, so it's certainly possible he'll sit out the final three games before the All-Star break. But between the week-plus from the injury to the break, then another week-plus during the break, there's currently no reason to believe Luka won't be available once games start up again. That, it goes without saying, is huge. Moreover, the Lakers will have Deandre Ayton in the lineup, after he missed Saturday's game against the Warriors. And the Lakers have Luke Kennard in the fold, who was excellent Saturday in his debut, and gives the Lakers a badly needed dimension of excellent shooting and secondary playmaking, which becomes even more valuable as the Lakers hunt for buckets without Luka. Maxi Kleber, who has been in and out of the lineup all year, is coming off of his two best games of the season, doing all sorts of little things that help teams win (and make coaches happy). Add to that the Lakers having a full roster, having signed Kobe Bufkin to that 15th and final roster spot. That last part- the Bufkin signing - was a little controversial among Lakers fans, many of whom hoped the Lakers would find more help in the buyout market, and bring in a more established name. That's not totally off the board, but it's off the board for a while at least. So all in all, are the Lakers better set to get by without Dončić for (potentially) three more games? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: No Luka -- how long will he be out? SEGMENT 2: Kennard's debut and what he brings. SEGMENT 3: Kobe Bufkin? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 knew they'd be without Luka Dončić ahead of Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State at the Crypt, thanks to a groin injury suffered the other night against Philadelphia. They learned shortly before it started that Deandre Ayton would join him in street clothes, thanks to knee soreness. It's hard to say the Lakers were sharp or looked particularly excellent on Saturday, but they won, and as it was against Philadelphia, they got contributions from basically everyone who played. LeBron James wasn't great, turning the ball over seven times against 10 assists, and making only six of 17 shots. But six Lakers finished in double figures, and guys like Maxi Kleber who didn't reach 10 points made a lot of important plays. New guy Luke Kennard was a very positive presence, making four of his seven shots, including 2-4 from downtown. But as James pointed out in his ESPN on-court interview after the game, it was the other stuff that went beyond shooting that made an impression. It's pretty clear Kennard will be a tool JJ Redick will enjoy deploying as the season goes on. The Lakers get a big win at home, keeping up with the Joneses in the Western Conference, where the gap between the third seed and the seventh seed is only a couple of games. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. 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 game the Lakers played Tuesday against the Nets in Brooklyn went exactly as it should have. LA rolled a genuinely ghastly Nets squad, went up by nearly 40 and threw it in cruise control en route to a 125-109 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate. Luka Dončić played well. LeBron James played well. Jake LaRavia finally got a few easy buckets to help lift his confidence. Jaxson Hayes was great. This game mattered because we saw the return of Austin Reaves, after 19 games on the sidelines. And his impact was clear, despite some rust -- particularly as it relates to the team's offensive attack, getting into the paint and finding ways to reach the free throw line. The Lakers are a bad shooting team. They aren't deep. They don't have a great defense. They need to control the game as much as possible through their offense, which is easier to do if they can draw a lot of fouls. Having Reaves back in the lineup will make the defense better, because it allows the offense to play into its strengths, which hopefully results in more time avoiding long rebounds and bad transition opportunities for Lakers opponents. Meanwhile, the trade deadline week got going big on Tuesday, with three major deals, two of which potentially impact the Lakers. First, Jaren Jackson Jr. goes to Utah, ostensibly to pair next year with Walker Kessler, which in theory at least takes Utah's young center off the market. James Harden to Cleveland is worth watching for LA, because it's part of a potentially larger set of moves the Cavs could make to save money, which reportedly includes trading center Jarrett Allen, who will enter the first year of a contract extension next fall. And there are conflicting reports about whether the Bucks will move Giannis at all... or if he's about to get traded to Minnesota. Reports indicate that the Lakers might just wait until there is clarity. Is this smart? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back. SEGMENT 2: Who does Redick start with the Big Three and Ayton? SEGMENT 3: Giannis! Allen! Bears, oh my! Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 are certain wins over the course of an 82-game season that seem to defy any explanation. The Lakers had one of those on Thursday, overcoming an incredibly sloppy first half and a second quarter injury to Luka Dončić to beat Philadelphia 119-115. This one was truly a team contribution. It starts with Austin Reaves, who had 35 points in only 25 minutes, using strong change of pace to get himself into the paint in combination with some absurd shot-making from the perimeter. The bench was incredibly valuable. Obviously having Reaves as a bench player on Thursday gooses the numbers, but Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt particularly provided the energy and countless little things, whether keeping plays alive with hustle, setting good screens, sealing players inside to open up a driving lane, etc. You had Jake LaRavia doing Jake LaRavia stuff, and Marcus Smart goading opponents into fouls and then hitting two critical fourth quarter triples. Luka didn't return, and there wasn't a big update immediately following the game, but the Lakers will obviously be incredibly careful with Donćić as the All-Star Game approaches. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka injured, Lakers win. SEGMENT 2: Austin Reaves dominates play. SEGMENT 3: Contributions from everyone who played real minutes. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 made a small-but-positive move ahead of Thursday afternoon's NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second round pick. It's a move that will help them on the margins this year, which is about as good as anyone could have expected since the team made it pretty clear it was prioritizing cap space and flexibility this offseason, when the Lakers believe it'll be easier to build around Luka Dončić. And, of course, one of the big pieces that might now be available? Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star went untraded at the deadline, as Milwaukee seems determined to exhaust every possible avenue towards putting a contending team around him, and Giannis himself continues to fence sit. Of course, now every team in the league is preparing to put its best foot forward on a potential summer offer, obviously including the Lakers who (if you believe reports) would be a major contender to make a deal. So how should the Lakers approach this? Landmines abound! The first installment of what surely will be a constant topic of conversation through the rest of this season and into the offseason. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Thursday morning brought good news for Lakers fans who wanted to see the team make a move, even around the margins. The team has acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from Atlanta in exchange for Gabe Vincent and their remaining tradable second round pick. This is a good, low cost move for LA. While he has shortcomings as a defender -- like, many shortcomings -- Kennard is a spectacularly good shooter. He's currently leading the league in percentage (49.7%), has five straight seasons over 43%, and is a career 44.2% shooter from deep. He is the real deal in this space. He'll rebound when possible, and is a solid passer who understands how to keep an offense rolling. So why is he available for a second round pick? Again, defense, which limits his big-minute playability. (Plus, Atlanta has acquired Corey Kispert in the Trae Young deal, who is a younger version of Kennard, and Wednesday picked up Buddy Hield, too.) Kennard is an expiring contract, so the Lakers don't owe him anything beyond this season. In the process, they also get a little bit more wiggle room below the apron, which could help during the buyout period. Ultimately, Kennard won't fix all of their problems - no one player can - but he shores up a major weakness that should have knock on effects around the roster. All in all, a good deal. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday, and it's looking more and more like the Lakers won't be willing and/or able to make a move. It's looking like the two major forces influencing the team's approach — first a lack of appealing assets to offer another team, and a reported willingness and/or preference for keeping flexibility and opening cap space this summer — are winning out. Both of these strategies are related, obviously. So where does this leave the Lakers, even as rumors continue to swirl? Likely, holding their assets until the summer, and hoping they can be major players to add talent through free agency and trades. The good news? As some teams (Utah, Memphis, the Clippers) make big deals, they're taking themselves out of the cap space derby. The bad? The list of free agents you'd want to outright sign is very short, and the Lakers potentially could have a long list of roster spots that need filling. And while they could trade for players to fill those spots (absorbing salary into their cap space)... they still won't have a lot of assets to work with. So the summer giveth, but not necessarily with a generous spirit. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes received a one game suspension for shoving the mascot of the Washington Wizards during the game last week. Yes, this is real. He won't play against Philadelphia Thursday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are still silent on the market. SEGMENT 2: Are they better off waiting? Really? SEGMENT 3: What were you thinking, Jaxson Hayes? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Amidst the trade deadline madness, the league made a (very strange) announcement that Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes had been suspended for one game (Thursday vs. the Sixers) for shoving the Washington Wizards' mascot G-Wiz during the pregame warmups of Friday's win in D.C.Seriously. Jaxson Hayes got suspended for an altercation with a mascot. This happened.A quick reaction to the news, and how it could affect the Lakers against a suddenly much-better Sixers squad.HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back.SEGMENT 2: Who does Redick start with the Big Three and Ayton?SEGMENT 3: Giannis! Allen! Beard, oh my! Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 game the Lakers played Tuesday against the Nets in Brooklyn went exactly as it should have. LA rolled a genuinely ghastly Nets squad, went up by nearly 40 and threw it in cruise control en route to a 125-109 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score might indicate.Luka Dončić played well. LeBron James played well. Jake LaRavia finally got a few easy buckets to help lift his confidence. Jaxson Hayes was great.This game mattered because we saw the return of Austin Reaves, after 19 games on the sidelines. And his impact was clear, despite some rust -- particularly as it relates to the team's offensive attack, getting into the paint and finding ways to reach the free throw line. The Lakers are a bad shooting team. They aren't deep. They don't have a great defense. They need to control the game as much as possible through their offense, which is easier to do if they can draw a lot of fouls.Having Reaves back in the lineup will make the defense better, because it allows the offense to play into its strengths, which hopefully results in more time avoiding long rebounds and bad transition opportunities for Lakers opponents.Meanwhile, the trade deadline week got going big on Tuesday, with three major deals, two of which potentially impact the Lakers. First, Jaren Jackson Jr. goes to Utah, ostensibly to pair next year with Walker Kessler, which in theory at least takes Utah's young center off the market. James Harden to Cleveland is worth watching for LA, because it's part of a potentially larger set of moves the Cavs could make to save money, which reportedly includes trading center Jarrett Allen, who will enter the first year of a contract extension next fall.And there are conflicting reports about whether the Bucks will move Giannis at all... or if he's about to get traded to Minnesota. Reports indicate that the Lakers might just wait until there is clarity. Is this smart? HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get Reaves back.SEGMENT 2: Who does Redick start with the Big Three and Ayton?SEGMENT 3: Giannis! Allen! Beard, oh my! Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Thursday's NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Lakers are in a tough spot as they look to build around Luka Dončić.The pressure for them to act is significant, but their assets are limited. The League might be active... but teams might collectively wait for the Giannis Sweepstakes to end before making their next moves. There aren't that many appealing players out there, anyway, and the best ones probably can't be had by the Lakers, anyway. So maybe it's better to wait until this summer, right? Well, that has its own set of problems for Rob Pelinka. First, while the Lakers might have a pretty good amount of cap space, the bigger that number rises, the more players they'll likely need to replace as they use it. They have a lot of expiring contracts. LeBron James might go. All of that opens up room, but that's a lot of players to get, and money goes fast. They could also swing trades and bring people into their cap space that way, but in that will face stiff competition from about 10 teams around the NBA that could have a good amount of space to work with themselves, many of whom are equipped with more stuff to put on the table. So what should Pelinka do? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The deadline is coming fast! SEGMENT 2: Why the summer is tricky, too. SEGMENT 3: What the Lakers need is coherence, not flash. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

For a half, at least Sunday's game in New York had the chance to be a candidate for "best win of the season." It was a ragged, disjointed game from both sides, but one the Lakers were winning at the break. In the third, however, the Knicks started straightening things out, but the Lakers couldn't get untracked offensively, and as a result couldn't keep up. 112-100 the final, in what could have been LeBron James's final game in Madison Square Garden. Certainly he was questioned after the game as if that was a possibility. And it appears that the league might be worried, too, because James was named as a Western Conference reserve, despite a long absence before playing, then a slow start once he did. But back to the game... New York cranked things up from 3-point range, shooting 43 percent for the game. The Lakers were much worse at 29 percent, but peering under the hood, the results were even more problematic. Luka and LeBron were 7-20 (not great, but tolerable) but Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt were a combined 3-18. Just no secondary floor spacing all night. Oof. Ultimately, that discrepancy was at the core of the loss. The Lakers needed offense, and couldn't find it. And finally... still no Austin Reaves. What gives? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Offense fades as Lakers lose. SEGMENT 2: LeBron's All Star nod deserved? SEGMENT 3: No Reaves, still. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAQuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 needed a bounceback game Friday in Washington after laying an egg in Cleveland on Wednesday, and Luka Dončić made sure they got it. Luka registered his second career FIRST HALF triple-double en route to 37/11/13, as the Lakers cruised past the Wiz 142-111. Needless to say, he was dominant from the jump, scoring with efficiency and moving the ball well. The Lakers as a group were making sure a lot of hands got touches possession to possession, built up a big lead after one, a huge lead after two, and were never threatened from there. Luka was obviously the story, but he wasn't the only one. Deandre Ayton, who badly needed a great game, got one. 12-14 from the floor, 28 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Engaged and active from the start, aided by a Lakers group that got him involved early. LeBron had 20, including some highlight dunks for the Washington crowd. All in all, a great night. The only downer was Austin Reaves, who had been upgraded to questionable heading into the game, but was downgraded before it started. No setbacks, said JJ Redick, just caution. He's still on track to play before the end of the trip. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkyEverydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

First things first: Giannis Antetokounmpo is NOT going to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, even after he has officially been put on the block, and the Bucks are open for business. But that doesn't mean the Lakers aren't impacted by a potential Giannis deal. There are three major points where this (potential) trade can have an effect on how the deadline plays out in El Segundo... First, the market is much more likely to be active with Giannis available. There are a lot of teams that see themselves as potential players in the Giannis Sweepstakes, and they don't want to use up anything that could be part of a trade that big in something smaller. That can tamp down the trade market a ton. Second, the Lakers may not get Giannis, but that doesn't mean they can't be part of a trade that involves him. One scenario, for example: The Heat might be willing to move off Andrew Wiggins if they could get a first rounder, and in this scenario the Lakers could potentially keep Rui Hachimura. There could be a lot of moving parts, and the Lakers could be one of them. Third, and most importantly, if Giannis is traded, the Lakers can officially stop being tempted by the possibility of acquiring him themselves. That means they can get to the business of building for Luka, without preserving assets in service of the possibility Giannis could be had. So what else is going on? Well, there's Dalton Knecht, who may or may not have asked for a trade. Not that it really matters, because the Lakers have already been looking to move him. But is he a player anyone wants, and would actually give something of value to get? Between him and whiffing on Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers have done themselves real damage, both on the floor and in the trade market. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Health updates! Plus, Giannis updates! SEGMENT 2: Why a Giannis deal impacts the purple and gold. SEGMENT 3: Does anyone want Dalton? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

This one got away from the Lakers in a hurry. After a decent first quarter against the Cavs in Cleveland, the Lakers lost control of the game near the end of the first half, and were completely blown out in the third quarter. LeBron James, who got a little teary watching a tribute video played for him before the game, finished with more turnovers (six) than assists (five). Luka Dončić (29 points, 12-20 shooting) did his level best to keep the Lakers in it, but turned his ankle falling off the court (there's a stepdown in Cleveland between the end of the court and the first row of seats) and was clearly impacted by the pain for the rest of the game. Fortunately, he was able to sit early, given how big the Lakers were down. After Luka, nobody scored more than 11 points. Oof. And it wouldn't have mattered anyway, because any hold the Lakers had on the game defensively disappeared in a hurry. Particularly in the third, the Lakers couldn't keep Cleveland off the three point line, or away from the rim. Bad combo. Probably the biggest story was a very nostalgic, reflective LeBron speaking with the media after the game. You can tell he knows time is short... he just hasn't figured out HOW short. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get thumped in Cleveland. SEGMENT 2: Luka banged up, Austin still out. SEGMENT 3: LeBron gets reflective. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 leaned hard into small ball lineups last year, and with some success... until the playoffs rolled around and things got ugly. This year, circumstances have made it hard to do much of anything consistently, but with Austin Reaves coming back soon, and Rui Hachimura rounding into form, could they be back in a similar situation? Per Trevor Lane on X, "Small sample size warning, BUT...Lakers are +28.8 per 100 in 255 poss with Rui Hachimura on the court without a center (Ayton/Hayes/Maxi). An ultra-switchy foundation featuring some combo of LeBron/Rui/Vando (call whoever you want the 5) with Luka/Smart/LaRavia has noticeably ramped up their defensive pressure and floor spacing."There are a lot of reasons to think the Lakers could thrive, especially in short spurts, with lineups like these. Especially when Austin gets back. But should Lakers fans break out in hives thinking about it, given how everything ended last year? Well, context matters. And this year's team is, at least right now, better suited to play like this. First, they can go big if they want. Deandre Ayton is wearing on fans, for sure, but he's still a competent NBA center. Jaxson Hayes is significantly better now than he was last year. Even Drew Timme has shown the ability to be useful. Meanwhile, JJ Redick hasn't shied away from using size where he can. Plus, Vanderbilt is playing better, and has more of Redick's trust. Jake LaRavia is establishing himself as a disruptor/energy type. Smart bings some defensive chops the Lakers lacked in the backcourt last year, especially with Dorian Finney-Smith hobbled. So it can work, but the key is having a roster where it's not the only choice Redick thinks he has. Finally, trade talk. Things have been pretty quiet in the rumor mill, but there are still scattered reports about the Lakers. So what exactly are they doing? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Small ball is back, baby! SEGMENT 2: Why this year is different, regarding small ball. SEGMENT 3: Rumor time. What do the leaks mean about LA's approach? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

It's nice to have one of those guys. By that, we're talking about a truly elite player, one who can do just stupid good stuff like drop 46 points on a hyper-efficient 15-25 shooting, while adding 11 assists and seven rebounds. That was Luka Dončić Monday in Chicago, as the Lakers picked up another solid win on this extended road trip, beating the Bulls 129-118. The Lakers fell behind early, but used strong work from Luka and LeBron James (20 first half points) to pull up by 20 before a late Chicago run cut the gap to 13 at the half. In the third, the Lakers seemed like they were going to repeat the formula used in Dallas on Saturday, as they allowed the lead to fall all the way down to a single point. But rather than give it up (and then fall behind) the Lakers built it back up, and weren't truly threatened from there. Gold stars for Rui Hachimura, as well, who was an incredibly good 9-11 from the floor, including 4-5 from three-point range, en route to 23 points. It was easily his best game since returning from injury, and probably his best game of the year to this point. Kudos to the Lakers as well for controlling the game by controlling the ball. Only six turnovers, which definitely limited Chicago's ability to put up easy points. (Not that they need much help - the Bulls have a very good attack.) On to Cleveland, Wednesday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka Dončić, excellent at basketball. SEGMENT 2: Rui! SEGMENT 3: Time to worry about Ayton? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Going back to training camp, may people, including the hosts of this show, have been clamoring for Rui Hachimura to come off the bench, where his skill set -- offensive punch, shooting ability, and so on -- would be better featured. Moreover, putting Rui on the bench also makes it easier for JJ Redick to pair him with the kinds of defenders that can help raise his level and cover his shortcomings. And lo and behold, over the last three games, with Rui's minutes restriction seeming to end, the Lakers have had some very positive results in his minutes. So is this something they can capitalize on going forward? Now that Rui is capable of playing regular minutes, is Redick going to resist any temptation to put him back in the starting lineup? And what happens when Austin Reaves comes back, which should be before the end of this roadie? The Lakers need Austin's scoring, up and down the lineup, and just as important, for him to move other players into slots that suit them better. LeBron shouldn't be asked to put up 25-30 a night. The bench units get better because one more member of the Big Three is available there to play with them. Your last guy in the rotation may not play at all. These types of incremental improvements can make a significant difference for a team like the Lakers whose shortcomings are obvious and hard to address. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Rui as a sixth man... is it working? SEGMENT 2: Why it makes sense for Rui to come off the bench. SEGMENT 3: What happens when Reaves is back? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 against the Mavericks in Dallas the Lakers played solid, efficient basketball, led (not surprisingly) by Luka Dončić, who always wants to stick it to his old team. Led by 13 at the half! In the third, however, it's like the lights flipped off. They turned the ball over seven times, missed a ton of layups, and were outscored 35-14. It was one of the worst 12-minute stretches of the season. Down 15 with 7:40 to go, the Lakers had a win probability of 1.7%. But then they managed to get the lid off the rim, get a few buckets and turn things up defensively. The Lakers chipped away at the deficit, and used two big Rui Hachimura triples (including one four-point play) to pull even and then ahead. LeBron, who was VERY quiet in the first half, came alive later in the game, including on defense. And of course Luka Dončić, who was two rebounds shy of a triple double. 33 points on 8-15 from the floor and 14-15 from the free throw line, plus eight rebounds and 11 assists. It wasn't a flashy game, but it was incredibly effective. Luka runs his record to 4-0 against his former team. A solid bounce back from a disappointing performance Thursday against the Clippers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Down 26 in the third quarter to the Clippers, it looked like a night where the Lakers, who have a long stretch of (actual) road games coming up, might just want to wave the white flag and let important players get some rest. Or... they could put a big comeback together and to close the third, then made a big push into the fourth. The Lakers got to within two, but couldn't close it out. You can be happy the team didn't quit and the fact that they were able to find a way to create momentum certainly makes the loss a little more palatable, but as JJ Redick noted after the game, the Lakers need to do a better job avoiding the type of big drought offensively that got them behind the eight ball in the second quarter, and the variance on the defensive side of things needs to narrow. But overall, what looked like it was going to be a disaster turned more into your garden variety bummer of a loss against a big crosstown rival. For their part, the Clippers have clearly turned things around, and while they lost too much ground early in the year to contend for a top four spot, it seems pretty likely they'll land in the top 10 and become arguably the scariest play-in team ever. Now the Lakers head out into the meat of the Grammy trip, with games coming in Dallas, Chicago, Cleveland, Washington, New York and Brooklyn. Not quite a murderer's row, but six straight NBA road games presents a challenge, no matter the opponents. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The comeback falls short, Lakers lose to Clippers 112-104.SEGMENT 2: JJ Redick hints at selfishness, self-interest becoming a thing as the deadline approaches.SEGMENT 3: LeBron James on the ESPN Report. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Well, the good vibes around Tuesday's win over the Nuggets was overshadowed pretty fast. Baxter Holmes of ESPN dropped a long, well-reported story on the family drama that drove, and then surrounded, the sale of the Lakers from the Buss family to Mark Walter. It was, as so many things have been since Dr. Jerry Buss died and left control of the team to Jeanie and Jim in 2013, full of incredible tension between the Buss siblings. It was a story with conflict, alliances and more, and all of it exceedingly sad, because ultimately it was control of the team, whether in the most literal sense or in the challenges of trying to put a stamp on it, that ripped the family apart. There is a lot of stuff packed into the article, some of it known, some of it not, and a lot of dots that were connected in ways that likely make sense to people. There were interesting and revealing details about how Joey and Jesse Buss were let go from the team a few weeks ago, about bonuses paid out to team executives like Linda and Kurt Rambis, and contentions that management resented the credit LeBron James got for turning the team around after some awful seasons. And, of course, it lends itself to important questions going forward. How long does Walter look at Jeanie and Rob Pelinka as a trustworthy asset? How long until he assets more control? Ultimately, if you're someone who has followed the team closely for a while, the story reinforced a lot of what you might have already felt about the major players in this long running family drama, and how their conflict influenced how the Lakers were managed.It's a family of very, very wealthy people, especially now that the sale has gone through. But at a major cost to the family bond. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A big story about the Buss family. SEGMENT 2: The LeBron factor. SEGMENT 3: What's next? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

One of the good things about Sunday's win over Toronto was that the Lakers did it without a big game from Luka Dončić. Tuesday in Denver, they picked up a huge win against the Nuggets, and this time Luka was in the middle of it all. He controlled most of the minutes he played, finishing with a very efficient 38 points (12-21 shooting) to go with 13 rebounds and ten assists. LeBron James was big, especially in the third quarter, with 19/9/8, and while the Lakers didn't get any double-figure scorers off the bench, they did have three players (Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Drew Timme) with nine. As a team, the Lakers not only took enough, but made enough 3's to keep the offense flowing. Frankly, had the Lakers managed to hit free throws (22-31), they could have won by a lot more. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the victory, other than Dončić, was the way they stepped up defensively on Jamal Murray in the second half. Murray absolutely destroyed them in the first 24 minutes, but out of the break the Lakers made a concerted effort to get the ball out of his hands, aggressively doubling to force passes. And making someone else beat them was a very strong strategy. Denver went through long scoring droughts, and overall the Lakers held them to 36 points in the second half. Factor in a little shot luck if you'd like, those are still outstanding numbers. Best win of the year? Hard to say. But it's gotta be on the list. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka masterful as the Lakers pick up a win in Denver. SEGMENT 2: Has the defense turned a corner? SEGMENT 3: It's Timme Time! Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

First things first, the Lakers have an All-Star starter. That's not unusual, it happens every year it seems! And this year, it's Luka Dončić, who will represent the purple and gold for the World team. Meanwhile, though, LeBron James had his two-decade streak of All-Star nods snapped, and it's an open question as to whether he'll eventually make the team... or even if he wants to, in his heart of hearts. The numbers put him on the bubble, or pretty close to it at least. And there's time to burnish the resume, if that's what it takes. Meanwhile, the trade deadline is creeping up, and on ESPN.com Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst have described the Lakers as being on the (now dreaded) "two timelines." That's one where you're trying to send LeBron out a winner, and another where you're building around Luka. But are these really separate timelines? How does that work practically, where you could pick up a player that helps significantly this year, but wouldn't be the type of player you'd want to use next season. The Lakers have lots of potential cap space this summer. A trade that bleeds into it, if it's someone they like, basically just signing a guy now, as opposed to later. One timeline, Lakers. One. You're not sophisticated enough for two. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka is an All-Star, LeBron isn't... not yet at least. SEGMENT 2: Two timelines? SEGMENT 3: The Lakers need to pick a lane, and only one is really viable... and they know that. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

This was a game the Lakers really needed. Not just that they beat the Toronto Raptors Sunday at Crypto.com, 110-93, but the way they got it done. This was as balanced a team effort as the Lakers have had in a long while. Luka Dončić (25 points, seven assists) wasn't bad, but he wasn't dominant. LeBron James (24 points, seven dimes) continued a solid stretch of play, but wasn't turn-back-the-clock dominant. What the Lakers got was a spectacular performance from Deandre Ayton (25 points, 10-10 from the floor to go with 13 rebounds), and really solid contributions from guys like Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura, who hit a couple big shots over the course of his 21 minutes, particularly in the third quarter. But mostly, they won playing cohesive defense. 93 points is a season low, and it didn't feel like the Raptors (who are good) missing a bunch of bunnies, or throwing the ball all over the gym. They've got most of their important players on the floor. But after a shaky start, the Lakers found their stride and sustained a solid defensive effort the rest of the way. If Lakers fans could bottle this, they would. So would the Lakers, themselves. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A balanced effort for a big win.SEGMENT 2: Finally, defensive connectivity! SEGMENT 3: New contributors for the second half of the season? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Some games are borderline unwinnable, assuming the opponent shows up to play. Portland did, and without Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes and (of course) Austin Reaves, the Lakers were simply down too much talent. The end result was predictable-- the available players put out a good effort, and ultimately it didn't matter. Final score, 132-116. The Lakers are now sliding dangerously close to play-in territory, and with a game Sunday against the Raptors could be in that section of the standings before the weekend is over. There were some individual performances worth praising, including Drew Timme (21 points), Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura (11 points in 19 minutes) and Marcus Smart (a team-leading 25), but the assignment was too tough. The Lakers will try to regroup ahead of Sunday's game, and there's at least a possibility the guys missing Saturday could (save Reaves) play Sunday, as they're all listed as day-to-day. On the other hand, LeBron could very well sit out after having just played both sides of the back to back. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 Dončić was 15-26 en route to 39 points. LeBron James was efficient, scoring 29 points on 10-19 from the floor. So 68 points on good percentages from the two stars, a very low turnover number (nine)... and yet the Lakers still lost to the visiting Charlotte Hornets by 18. Final score, 135-117. LaMelo Ball, who had only three points at the half, finished with 30. Brandon Miller, 26. Miles Bridges, 25. It was a total collapse after a strong start. They won the first quarter, and at one point were up by 13 before the wheels came off in a second quarter where they didn't get a bucket for the first two minutes, and then six more minutes without a field goal. Punchless offense played a big role in their defense being put on its heels over and over again. Charlotte won the second quarter 34-16. They put up a 40 spot in the third quarter. And once again, a team got it done against the purple and gold by getting up and down the floor and forcing the Lakers to try and move with them. And has been the trend, the Lakers simply couldn't do it. Once again, the Lakers bench offered virtually nothing, with nine points between Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Kobe Bufkin. These just aren't sustainable numbers. So after a strong game Tuesday against Atlanta, the Lakers finish Thursday with a very bad feeling in their mouths, and have continued to slowly slide down the Western Conference playoff ladder, much closer now to that seven spot nobody wants than they are a top four slot. The Lakers now will play the Blazers on Saturday, at a time where Portland is starting to get very healthy. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers collapse defensively, again. SEGMENT 2: The offense continues to have (the wrong kind of) impact. SEGMENT 3: It doesn't get easier, looking at the calendar. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

Generally speaking, players don't want their agents to be making headlines. That apparently applies these days even to LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul, who have long been seen as a symbiotic pair - when Paul speaks, it's on behalf of LeBron. So when Paul used time on his new podcast with Max Kellerman to discuss trade scenarios, including a hypothetical that would send Austin Reaves to Memphis for Jaren Jackson Jr... LeBron was pretty quick to distance himself from the comments. He told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that, to paraphrase, Rich Paul is a grown **s man who is responsible for what comes out of his mouth. That idea had nothing to do with him, and James reiterated how much he loves Austin as a player and a teammate. Whether people will buy that explanation is a different matter, but what matters most for the Lakers—who are reportedly annoyed by Paul's repeated attempts to play GM—is whether Austin believes LeBron. If he does, this story is an annoyance, nothing more. If he doesn't, or there's reason to believe LeBron isn't being honest? Different kettle of fish. Then there's the question of whether Paul is hitting on something that, while not a constructive thing to have in the news cycle, might be good for the Lakers. There is some overlap in skill sets between Reaves and Luka Dončić. There are challenges building a team that can defend with those two at the core. So would Reaves for JJJ make the team better? Is there a different deal out there the Lakers ought to consider? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are dealing with a distraction from... LeBron's agent? SEGMENT 2: LeBron says Paul's words aren't his. SEGMENT 3: Is Reaves for JJJ a good idea? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 lid finally came off the hoop. The Lakers, who couldn't have been colder Monday night in Sacramento, hada completely different experience against the Hawks on Tuesday. They were red hot from the floor, scoring 81 points in the first half, and despite a horrible third quarter in which they allowed what had been a 32-point half was more than halved, they found their footing again in the final quarter and won going away, 141-116. The Lakers were led by LeBron James—playing both ends of a back-to-back for the first time this season—who was one rebound away from a triple-double (31/9/10) and Luka Dončić (27/5/12), but all five starters finished in double figures, including Deandre Ayton, who also grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds. Rui Hachimura returned to the lineup, scoring seven points in 18 minutes. Overall, the team shot 58% from the floor, including 56% from 3-point range, and hit 26-30 free throws (86%). They piled up 36 assists, and when they weren't playing a prevent offense (going so slowly to try and bleed clock) in the third, moved ball and man well. Buckets came off activity, which is always nice to see. As a team they have to hope that the opportunity to exhale, break the losing streak, and see the ball go through the hoop a few times lets everyone relax. The Lakers will have a chance to build on the good vibes on Thursday at home against Charlotte. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron near trip-dub leads Lakers to win. SEGMENT 2: Better movement, better results. SEGMENT 3: Still more to clean up. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

When the Lakers lose, they lose loud. Monday in Sacramento, though, was a screamer. Playing a team tied for the worst in the Western Conference, the Lakers feel behind early, and couldn't really threaten to complete the comeback. Final score, 124-112. Statistically, the Kings benefitted from a shockingly good shooting night from the perimeter, making 17-26 (65%). DeMar DeRozan, who didn't take a three, was 14-19 from the floor. Meanwhile, the Lakers were a 1.5 man band. Luka Dončić kept them afloat for a while, and finished with 42 points on a very efficient 16-25. LeBron James chipped in 22. But fellow starters Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia combined for three points. Jarred Vanderbilt, in 26 minutes off the bench, had a goose egg. Bronny James, who checked in with 1:53 remaining, had more points than all three of them combined. But you can't win NBA games shooting the way that the Lakers shoot. 22% from three, which was actually boosted by Bronny's 2-2 at the end of the game. They are a bad, bad, bad shooting team, and it's getting harder for them to paper over the problems. Gold stars for the centers Monday. Both Jaxson Hayes (12 points, four offensive rebounds) and Deandre Ayton (13 rebounds, two blocks) showed up and contributed. But after that? Maybe you give Gabe Vincent a nod for a couple second half triples? But with a Hawks team that has been playing a little better of late (three straight wins) coming to town Tuesday, the Lakers really couldn't afford to give this one away, and they most certainly did. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A terrible, terrible loss in Sacramento. SEGMENT 2: No supporting cast. SEGMENT 3: The bad offense creates bad defense. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 get a big lift Monday night. Rui Hachimura is off the injury report entirely and, barring some sort of late setback, will be back in the lineup Monday night in Sacramento. No surprise, given the time he was out, but JJ Redick said Sunday he'd be on a minutes restriction, and come off the bench. The big question for Lakers fans is whether this is just temporary, or if the minutes restriction is the entry point Redick will use to do the thing he should have been doing, anyway: Bring Hachimura off the bench. We've been calling for it in this space since the summer. The numbers, small sample size notwithstanding, indicate that the Lakers would be better off with Hachimura as a reserve. Redick, though, has resisted. But if the Lakers can find some rhythm over the next few games and Rui performs well, maybe things just stay as they are? With Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup, with Marcus Smart. Then when Austin Reaves comes back, another adjustment is made. The Lakers really need Rui back, not just as a floor spacer and an offensive weapon -- both of which are very important for this group -- but also to slot guys like Jarred Vanderbilt into a workload that makes more sense and helps maximize positive impact while minimizing the negative. Finally, former Laker Denis Schroder won't be playing Monday. Why? Because he was suspended by the league for three games for trying to fight Luka Dončić following the last time the two teams met, responding to smack talk Luka delivered, specifically about how Schroder dropped the enormous bag the Lakers tried real hard to get him to take. Crazy! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Rui is back! SEGMENT 2: Rui will come off the bench Monday... will he stay there? SEGMENT 3: The delightful story of Denis and Luka. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

For most of the night, the Lakers looked like they weren't going to have a chance to win... then all of a sudden they not only had a chance, but found themselves up four with three minutes to play. From there, though, they couldn't extend the comeback. Giannis poked the ball away from LeBron James on the final trip, and the Lakers lose 105-101. It's the first clutch time loss of the year for the purple and gold, and it came largely because Luka Dončić had likely his worst game as a Laker, finishing 8-25 from the floor, and fouled out of the game for only the third time in his career. It was Luka's foul that put Porter Jr. on the line with a chance to win the game, and it became his sixth only because he picked up his fifth with two seconds left in the third quarter, on one of the worst fouls you'll ever see a player earn. The whole night was a struggle for 77. LeBron (26/9/10, plus three steals) did what he could to keep the team afloat, and the Lakers used good performances from guys like Jake LaRavia (13 points, two steals) and Jarred Vanderbilt (nine points, nine rebounds) and a whole lot of hustle from every player that took the floor. Ultimately, though, they dug too deep a hole to climb out of. It was bound to happen sometime, but it's nonetheless disapppointing to see the Lakers drop a game they were in position to win. Against the Spurs, a shorthanded Lakers team could lean into some of the positives that came from the game, even without winning. Friday, though, definitely counts as a big missed opportunity. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

It's only early January, but we've already seen the first big deal of the year, as Trae Young was sent to Washington. Giannis says he's not asking out in Milwaukee, and the Bucks are reportedly trying to find ways to improve. Yep, we're in the thick of it. For the Lakers, it's a tricky proposition. With 23 wins, they're among the league leaders. But their 12 losses have all been by (famously at this point) double digits. So their flaws are pretty clear. So what's available to help address them? ESPN on Thursday put out a few hypothetical deals for teams around the NBA. One included Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III, a player the Lakers would love to have. Would LA have a shot? What about defense-first guard Keon Ellis, who is expected to move from Sacramento? Could the Lakers put deals together for either? And what kind of trade would the Lakers make? Would they be willing to take on salary? Would they be too tempted by the very potential of getting someone like Giannis in a summer or two? Would the Lakers prioritize flexibility? Would they take a risk on a player they'd have to commit to financially, even if it's not at a huge salary, even after getting burned by contracts for Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt? Keep in mind, the Lakers don't exactly have a treasure trove of assets. Only one tradable first rounder, only one second round pick, and a few swaps. The only remotely appealing expiring contract (meaning a player that other teams would deem useful) is Rui Hachimura. No slam dunk young assets to offer. So it's a tough assignment for Rob Pelinka. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: It's tradin' time! SEGMENT 2: What can the Lakers do? Is Keon Ellis an option? SEGMENT 3: What would they be willing to do? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

It's hard to fault the effort, but the Lakers—who added LeBron James to the list of guys in street clothes, to go along with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura—ultimately were out-talented Wednesday night in San Antonio. Final score, 107-71. It was a sloppy game, for sure, but the Lakers did what they could to stay in it. What they needed, though, was a night where the whole team shoots well from downtown, offense came from surprising sources, or maybe both. Those things didn't happen, so the Lakers were essentially left with a very, very good Luka Dončić, who was involved in basically every bucket the Lakers managed to score. He finished with 38/10/10. Jake LaRavia finished with 16 points, but the rest of the starting lineup (Deandre Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt, Marcus Smart) combined for TK points. The bench wasn't of much help, either, with only Jaxson Hayes cracking double digits (10 points). San Antonio, on the other hand, also had a rough night shooting as a team, but even without Devin Vassell available, just had significantly more firepower on hand to get the job done. It shows why it was so important for the Lakers to win on Tuesday in New Orleans. Even if LeBron played, the end result (if not the path to get there) could have looked much different. So now the Lakers come home to kick off a stretch of winnable games, specifically five games in a row against teams currently under .500. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers are shorthanded, and the game goes as expected. SEGMENT 2: Lakers don't have much offense in the supporting cast. SEGMENT 3: Five critical games coming. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/NBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttps://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

It wasn't a work of art, but it was enough to get the job done. After being outplayed in the third quarter, the Lakers entered the fourth down seven in their visit to New Orleans against the Pelicans. At that point, LeBron James took over, looking extremely spry as he put on an offensive show (including one steal and finish at the other end). Luka Dončić hit a pair of improbable 3's late, and the defense held down the Pels en route to a 111-103 win. Overall, it was probably LeBron's strongest game of the year, finishing with 30/8/8. He was able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, which should help him get a little more space on his jumper. (James was 3-5 from 3-point range on the night.) Dončić didn't hit a three in the first half, but had two big ones late - including one circus shot to bail the Lakers out on a bad trip - and along the way, threw two of the most incredible lob passes you'll ever see. FInal line, 30 points (11-22 shooting) along with 10 dimes. The Lakers also saw very strong contributions from Deandre Ayton (18/11) and Jarred Vanderbilt (7/8/4, with tons of energy). And the defense really tightened up. New Orleans was held to 17 points in the final frame, and while some of that can be attributed to it being the Pelicans, but overall the Lakers did a good job with specific strategic actions, like putting heavy ball pressure on Zion Williamson. And importantly, the Lakers had (with the exception of the opening minutes of the third quarter) played hard, even when they weren't playing well. Which matters a lot. Had they sleepwalked through bigger stretches, they could have dropped a very important game. Wednesday, the Lakers are in San Antonio, and will still be shorthanded. Really big to pick up the win on Tuesday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka and LeBron come up big, Lakers win. SEGMENT 2: It helps to try all the time. SEGMENT 3: Who plays against the Spurs on Wednesday? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/NBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttps://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

It's not exactly a rumor, more a suggestion. On the "Run It Back" podcast, former Laker DeMarcus Cousins suggested the purple and gold swap Austin Reaves for Dillon Brooks. No doubt, the Suns wing, who is having a fantastic year, has been linked to the Lakers in rumors before, but the suggestion from Cousins got a lot of attention. Could it happen? Suns owner Mat Ishbia shot it down on Monday, for whatever that's worth. Brooks, he said, isn't going anywhere. Nor does it seem likely the Lakers would make that offer, anyway. But the whole conversation says a lot about the trade market the Lakers are facing. It's a very competitive one, and they won't enter it with a lot to offer. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton, like the rest of the squad, has seen his production drop off a little over the last couple weeks, and noted that as a big, he doesn't get to give himself the ball. JJ Redick has said it's not unusual -- human nature, actually -- to lose a little intensity defensively and on the glass when you don't feel the ball on offense. Especially for a big. So what can the Lakers do about it? How much is on Ayton? And how much does this conversation reflect the vibes shift around the team? Finally, the Lakers botched a lot of ATOs on Friday, and got their act together on Sunday. But why so many mistakes? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The "rumor" of Reaves for Brooks. SEGMENT 2: Why Ayton needs touches! SEGMENT 3: Are the Lakers slipping in a lot of fundamental ways? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/NBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttps://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

At halftime, Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies looked like it might be one of the more frustrating losses of the year, as LA allowed 65 points to an undermanned Memphis squad, and couldn't get any real rhythm to their offense. By the end, all was well in the word. Final score, 120-114. A strong push in the fourth quarter from LeBron James (26 points, 10 assists, one turnover) combined with a strong game from Luka Dončić (36/9/8) and another good one from Jake LaRavia (26 points) was enough to give the Lakers the margin they needed. More than anything, though, the Lakers found more energy on defense, perhaps because the ball began to swing more on the other end. The Lakers just moved with more purpose on both ends in the second half. Helps, too, that they hit some shots, after an ice cold first half. Deandre Ayton was particularly spry defending the rim down the stretch, finishing with three blocks to go along with 15 points and eight rebounds. So like Friday's game, there were many things to like and some other things that less fantastic. But in a time with guys in street clothes (in addition to Austin Reaves, we learned Sunday that Rui Hachimura won't travel this week for the New Orleans/San Antonio back-to-back, so the Lakers have at least two more games without him, and many more without Reaves. Plenty of work left to do, but the Lakers got it done in a doubleheader against a weaker team. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The lakers beat Memphis 120-114. SEGMENT 2: A new, if temporary, Big Three. SEGMENT 3: Improvements, but still a lot of work left to do. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelpBetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/NBA. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttps://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 Tuesday's loss to Detroit, JJ Redick noted that the Lakers have an identity problem. In the sense that they don't really have an identity. For Thursday's show, we talked about part of that equation, namely leadership. The team is in a transition from a LeBron-voiced squad to one where Luka Dončić is both the face and the leader, and unquestionably the team's best player. But the styles are very different, and both elevating Luka and having LeBron step back are muddling things. But another part of the lack of identity? Roster. The Lakers just aren't built to effectively maximize Luka on either side of the ball, which inherently makes it harder to build a culture, or identity, or discernable style of play. So is that something that can be fixed? How did we get here? To say the least, Rob Pelinka has work to do. And so does JJ Redick, broadly, and Friday against Memphis because the team is again shorthanded. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are down more guys against the Grizz. SEGMENT 2: How much does roster construction hinder building an identity? SEGMENT 3: What can be done? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 the loss Tuesday to Detroit, Lakers coach JJ Redick was asked about the team's identity, and whether they've been able to forge one.His answer... not really, but they're trying.There are plenty of reasons. Injuries, first and foremost. The Lakers simply haven't been able to keep not just individual players on the floor, bujt run with a reasonably consistent rotation since the beginning of the year. All three stars have missed time. Every supporting player, basically the same. The number of starting lineups at this point is pretty crazy.Still, it seemed earlier in the year like they had one... so what changed? Was identity -- at team that played hard, took care of small things, had a collective spirit, etc. -- really just a group held together by elite Luka play, and high All-Star work from Austin Reaves?What about leadership? Things do look different since LeBron came back. In terms of forging identity, how does the transition from a LeBron team to a Luka team factor in?We break down some of the big issues of leadership. For Friday's show, we break down the roster. Do they have the personnel to create a consistent identity? One they would want, at least?Happy New Year to all!HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Do the Lakers have an identity?SEGMENT 2: How LeBron complicates things.SEGMENT 3: The change in leadership style from LeBron to Luka. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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 Kings on Sunday provided a brief respite from their troubles, but the Lakers were neck deep in them again on Tuesday, with the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons in town. The Lakers seemed to be outplayed in the first half, with the Pistons shooting 68%, Cade Cunningham shooting 9-13, and the Lakers turning the ball over 12 times, yet the purple and gold entered the break down by five. They managed to keep it close in the third, even managing to pull even, despite many, many moments where it felt like Detroit would pull away. But in the fourth quarter, the dam finally broke. An eight point deficit became 17 by the six minute mark, and eventually cracked 20. The Lakers got incredibly loose with the ball, a combination of carelessness and an attempt to force the action to find offense, and Detroit capitalized on all of it. Offense was just incredibly hard to come by. Luka Dončić and LeBron James were both under 50% for the night. LeBron had more turnovers than dimes, and Luka had eight of his own. Deandre Ayton was the only other starter in double figures, but he also only had two rebounds and was broadly a non-factor in the game. Jarred Vanderbilt had eight points in the first half, none in the second. Nick Smith couldn't follow his strong Sunday with a decent Tuesday, missing all but one of his field goal attempts. The Lakers have some winnable games on the slate, at least in theory, but the W's aren't going to come unless they can clean up the offense. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers lose to Pistons thanks to self-inflicted wounds. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers have some issues scoring. SEGMENT 3: What happens going forward? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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.