Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Thursday was a busy one on the NBA coaching carousel, which is obviously a matter of import for the Lakers. First, Charlotte hired Charles Lee, a top assistant on Boston's staff and long seen as a name to watch in coaching circles. He was on LA's list, but not seen as a priority candidate by most reports. Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Mike Budenholzer is set to become the Suns' next head coach, again, taking a name of interest off LA's list. And why is Budenholzer heading there? Because former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was canned. So in a thin coaching market, could Vogel be a real candidate for the gig? Would the Lakers actually consider bringing him back? Should they? What about the other guys? Would Vogel make more sense than a first time head coach (Adelman, Nori) or a first time any kind of coach (JJ Redick)? Is there a philosophical through line that can be identified that runs through any of these guys? And what about internal support? The Lakers, of late, haven't done a great job of supporting their coaches through challenging times. They actively undercut Vogel, and don't seem to have worked to try and smooth out the issues internally when Darvin Ham hit some real bumps this season. Are you confident in the process?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Frank Vogel is back on the market. Should the Lakers inquire?  SEGMENT 2: How Vogel is an inkblot test that helps contextualize every other option. SEGMENT 3: Do the Lakers have the right processes in place to support *any* hire?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

How unpopular is Darvin Ham among Lakers fans? Well, for starters, at least according to a poll on the show's YouTube page, fans would rather see Phil Jackson return—nearly 79 year old projector of intense "these teenagers need to get off my lawn" energy and once insulter of LeBron James Phil Jackson—than give the keys to Mike Budenholzer, who isn't any of those things and has won an NBA title and 50 games in a season multiple times. Why? Ham comes from the Budenholzer tree. It would mean firing the student to hire the teacher. And by about 2-1, Lakers fans favor Jackson in this scenario. Of course, in theory none of this matters. Who cares what fans think, right? Well, the Lakers for starters. And not without cause. After this much churn on the bench, perception is important. Honeymoon periods are going to be very short, and the energy fans project around the new coach will shape coverage and narratives. It's obviously not the only thing, or even the most important thing, for the Lakers to consider, but optics are surely some kind of a factor in their minds. So if Bud is out, what about Mark Jackson, a still-popular option among many Lakers fans? Not a great idea. We explain why.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Phil beats Bud! SEGMENT 2: Why fan sentiment around the new coach is at least a consideration in El Segundo. SEGMENT 3: Why Mark Jackson is a bad idea.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

As the Lakers were losing (again) to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it felt like they were far enough away from the defending champs that the deficit couldn't be placed entirely at the feet of Darvin Ham. Somewhere near his feet? Sure. A good chunk of that blame? Ok. But to the point where you'd say the Lakers would win if not for coaching? It was tough sell. That sales job, however, is looking a little easier now that Denver is down two games to none against Minnesota, including a 26-point pasting on Monday night. Even factoring in an injury to Jamal Murray (playing through a calf problem), the Nuggets are certainly looking a lot more vulnerable, and given that the series was tight (Denver won by a total of 22 points over four victories, and two games came down to the buzzer) maybe the question isn't so crazy. So would the Lakers have pushed the series to six games? Seven? Would they have won? The question encompasses not only the work Ham did in the postseason and individual moves within the games, but also how good his team was relative to its ceiling. And the answer matters. The Lakers need to have a good understanding of how far away they are, and in what areas, from the top teams in the conference. The more an upgrade at can address those shortcomings, the less they have to rely on potentially risky roster moves, or leaning harder into stars that are older and more pose a higher injury risk than those on the competition. So it's not just about piling on to Darvin Ham. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, in a near-tie for third (Bam Adebayo) and with a huge advantage over fifth place Herb Jones. Does that soften the blow a little, in terms of charges that Davis doesn't get nearly enough respect on that end of the floor? And finally, Christian Wood is reportedly picking up his $3 million option for next season. It's fair to say this season didn't quite work out as hoped, but is it a good thing he'll be back next year?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Would the Lakers still be playing if they had a better coach this season? SEGMENT 2: Why the answer matters (beyond just piling on Darvin Ham)SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis finishes fourth, Christian Wood will return.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers have to find a new head coach, meaning there are a lot of decisions in front of them, some small, some large. But even before it comes time to actually start the interviews and begin negotiations with a preferred candidate, the Lakers need to decide a couple things, themselves. First, what do they really want in a coach? What qualities do they value? And then from there, what kind of basketball do they want to play? Different coaches have different strengths and styles. For the Lakers to know if they're getting the right guy, they need to  have an idea of what type of team they're trying to assemble, anyway. If the ethos of the organization doesn't match the ethos of the coach, there will be problems. Are those conversations happening? How good are the Lakers at making choices like this when there isn't an obvious choice? Because if there isn't an obvious choice, chances are you'll need to do a nice bit of work to match your team's strengths to your coach's. Finally, the Lakers have basically three categories of coach to choose from. The Budenholzer, Stotts, Atkinson type (i.e. former head coaches), a category of well-respected assistants most people think will make good head coaches (Adelman, Nori, Lee) ... which is basically like hiring from the same category as Darvin. Shouldn't be the reason they don't hire if the Lakers find themselves enamored with a rookie head coach. But what about the Never Coaches Anywhere crowd? That's a leap of faith to say the least.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Defenders of Darvin Ham—and while Lakers Nation isn't exactly full of them, there are some whether among fans or in the (generally national) media—have pointed out since the Lakers canned Ham (ha!) Friday afternoon that it's not fair to blame him for everything that went wrong this year. Darvin wasn't "the" problem.  The "real" problem was something else. The problem there, of course, is that the framing is too reductive. In any season like this one, responsibility for success and failure is spread around. So yeah, Darvin wasn't "the" problem, but he was "a" problem, and the easiest one to fix at the moment. The time will come for players to be held accountable, as the franchise chooses who they'll try to keep, who they let walk, and who they might use to try and upgrade the roster. But the final question is who holds the decision-makers accountable? Is Rob Pelinka going through a process of introspection similar to the one that led to his evaluation of Ham, and the need for his dismissal? How does that process work in the basketball ops department? And what about Jeanie Buss? Is she holding Pelinka responsible? Who does she talk with to get a feel for whether Pelinka is doing the job as well as he should? What happens if the answers to the questions that aren't about Ham's accountability aren't very good? Or aren't really being addressed at all? What does that mean for the capacity for success for the next guy?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Darvin got fired because he wasn't successful enough in his responsibilities this season...that doesn't mean he was the only issue. SEGMENT 2: Multiple things can be true at once. SEGMENT 3: Is Pelinka holding himself accountable? Is Jeanine holding Pelinka accountable?   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)  

The inevitable just became reality. On Friday, the Lakers announced that Darvin Ham has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Lakers. It's no surprise that Ham is out because all signs pointed in this direction, but it's actually pretty shocking that Ham, after doing such a good job building buy-in as a rookie coach with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, saw it all go to pot during his second year. Increasingly, Ham found his decisions being questioned by players, to say nothing of fans and, reportedly, the front office, and kept refusing to take public accountability for whatever struggles. You can't do that in a season that didn't live up to expectations, which explains in part why Ham is out.Still, nobody can honestly say ALL of the problems were the coach. The roster isn't perfect, even if the oodles of supporting players who were injured stayed healthy. LeBron requires season-long maintenance. And there aren't many obvious choices to replace Ham. Lot of pressure on Rob Pelinka to get this right. We shall see what comes next. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers haven't canned Ham yet. Why? SEGMENT 2: What should the Lakers be doing with this time? SEGMENT 3: Is Pelinka escaping criticism?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG? While not exactly the sentiment of every Lakers fan... it's the sentiment of many when it comes to the expected dismissal of Darvin Ham from his gig with the Lakers. After all, reports following LA's Game 5 loss to the Nuggets earlier in the week suggested Ham's job was all but gone. Subsequent reports say the Lakers are still moving down that path, potentially as early as the end of the week. Which, to be clear, is basically today. So if they know they want to do it, and are continuing to leak that they're going to do it... why haven't they done it? Well, one  reason might be the fallout from the last time they fired a coach. You may remember the Lakers received some flak, and lost out on opportunities to interview desired candidates, after they leaked that Frank Vogel was out and it was reported basically at the buzzer of their final game, before Frank Vogel even reached the podium. So, hey, don't do that again! But is this way any better, whether to be respectful to Ham or to burnish the team's reputation? What could they be doing, beyond PR and news cycle management? Certainly the Lakers ought to be doing due diligence, making sure they like potential candidates out there more than they like the idea of trying to make it work with Ham. After all, the guy did have a reasonably promising first season before things went south this year, and isn't far off from being one of the more sought after head coaching candidates out there. Maybe they're double checking with all the critical stakeholders not only about whether they're ok with Darvin going, but also what type of coach would make sense to replace him, and whether that hypothetical coach would be available. So maybe all of these things are happening, but if the Lakers have their minds made up, they ought to get it done sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, is all of this attention on Ham fair? Some hoops minds think he's getting too much criticism for how the team's season turned out. And does all of this distract from criticism Rob Pelinka should be getting?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers haven't canned Ham yet. Why? SEGMENT 2: What should the Lakers be doing with this time? SEGMENT 3: Is Pelinka escaping criticism?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The immediate business ahead of the Lakers is deciding, or perhaps just finding the right time to announce, the future of Darvin Ham. But while everyone waits on that—and the Lakers did in fact conduct exit interviews internally (and away from probing questions from media types)—one could certainly assume that major stakeholders were asked not just about Darvin, but more importantly what worked and what didn't this year, and what kind of coach they'd like to see next season. That would include, at least in theory, LeBron James, whose own future in Los Angeles isn't exactly an open question, but isn't solidified, either. He is expected to opt out of his deal, and while a return to LA is what most expect and is unquestionably the most likely outcome, the contours of that future are very much unknown. Will LeBron demand three years at the max? A full no-trade clause? Is there anything, really, he could ask for that the Lakers wouldn't give? After all, both parties are pretty much tied to each other, assuming LeBron wants to play on a competitive team in a city he likes and get paid what he feels he's worth. The Lakers, meanwhile, can't replace James with comparable talent, so it's either sign him to a deal he likes or blow up the roster and start over. They're not going to do that. Still, the parameters of the relationship might look a little different than anyone expected, because it's worth wondering if anyone thought it would last this long. We've all been having the Father Time conversation for a while now, and LeBron is still chugging along at an elite level. Is he the best player in the game? No, but is he still in that highest echelon? Yeah, probably. It's fair to ask, and LeBron seems to be doing just that, whether his body will be the thing that forces him to quit, as it is with most athletes. Instead, his will to play could be the first thing that goes. Plus, the whole Bronny conversation has radically shifted, following the younger James' challenging year at USC.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: What does the future hold for LeBron?SEGMENT 2: Did anyone expect to be here? SEGMENT 3: How the evolving Bronny situation impacts LBJ's decision.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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) 

The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make this offseason, but without question the highest profile choice is about Darvin Ham. Does LA fire him, as is the broad expectation based on multiple reports? If so, why? For starters, you can look to a few recent quotes, some from after Monday's loss and more in a story published by ESPN following the game. In both, Ham defended himself against accusations of mismanagement in areas like lineups and rotations, focusing on injuries that ruined his ability to be consistent. He defended himself against high profile benchings over the course of the season by asking what you're supposed to do if a player is "sh***ing the bed" for 10 games in a row? Given that the only three guys this really applies to are Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell, three of the team's five best players, you can forgive any of them for thinking the coach was publicly, well, pooping on their performance. And while there some truth to what he's arguing, none of these statements were accompanied by any sense of accountability. The poor performance is the responsibility of fate, or players who aren't up to par, or a media that doesn't get it. Never about him and the staff, even if just to deal with the relationship management aspect of the job (which, it should be said, is probably the most important aspect of being an NBA head coach). Still, the Lakers are reportedly engaging in a "post-mortem" to figure out what they want to do. On the surface, the results would seem self-evident: Ham has to go. But if he's fired, he needs to be replaced, which means the Lakers need to know who they want, and more importantly, why. What kind of coach are they looking for. Would yet another first-time head coach be a viable option? Is there a scenario where it makes more sense to try and repair a dynamic with a coach that a year ago seemed much more promising? One good year, one bad for a guy who was extremely well-regarded when the Lakers made the hire? What would "repair" over "replace" entail?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham sounds like a man with many excuses. SEGMENT 2: What do the Lakers want in a head coach? SEGMENT 3: Is there a scenario where it makes more sense to keep Darvin?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

When those who defend the Lakers talk about how the distance between them and the best teams in the league isn't necessarily that big, Monday's Game 5 loss to the Nuggets, eliminating the Lakers from the postseason, is what they're talking about. Jamal Murray, once again, was the catalyst. He scores Denver's final five points, and they beat LA 108-106. This was a fantastic game, with huge punches thrown by both teams, and massive emotional swings. Both teams were banged up. There were significant injuries during the game, to Anthony Davis first and foremost (a shoulder that functionally removed him from LA's offense for the last 18 minutes or so), but also Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and for a moment, at least, LeBron. The Lakers lost this game on the margins in many ways - untimely offensive rebounds given up, open shots that needed to go down - and spots that aren't exactly marginal, like nine missed free throws. The Lakers went down swinging, but they went down. Really, the issue wasn't that they lost this game, but that they lost Game 2. Or the opportunity to win Game 1, or Game 3. So now the Lakers have a ton of questions to ask. About Darvin Ham, most importantly. But about the roster, as well. What happens if/when LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell opt out? Do the Lakers package guys in a trade for another star? Which one? Can the Lakers make significant improvements to the supporting cast? Do they run it back and try to continue developing the continuity that has served a team like Denver so well? Is Rob Pelinka the right guy to be orchestrating all of this? It's going to be a VERY interesting offseason...  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a heartbreaker. SEGMENT 2: Who gets blamed for Game 5? A lot of fingers are pointing to Ham, as usual. SEGMENT 3: What to make of the series.   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Playoff series often hinge on the fairly random prospect of who is available and who is not when the games need to be played. You can be the second best team in the East, but if Giannis and Dame are injured, you might just lose in the first round to Indiana. The Lakers, while they've enjoyed a good run of health from Anthony Davis and LeBron James (and this is the most important thing, obviously) they've been unable to really play big in ways that would benefit them against the Nuggets because of injuries. Now Christian Wood is back, having returned for Game 3. And Jarred Vanderbilt has been upgraded from out to questionable for tonight's Game 5 in Denver. Wood didn't play in Game 4. He might not play in Game 5. But if Vanderbilt is available, even acknowledging that he likely won't be fully healthy and certainly won't have his full level of fitness, would Darvin Ham put him in the game? Probably, and with good cause. We explain. Meanwhile, Nuggets star Jamal Murray is going the other way for Denver, having been downgraded to questionable for the game with a calf injury. This situation provides a legitimately tricky set of options for Denver. Play him, and there's a better chance of eliminating the Lakers tonight and getting Murray (and everyone else) rest. (The Nuggets would start the second round next weekend.) Sit him, and while Denver could still undoubtedly win (and would likely still be favored, with the game in Denver) it would significantly increase LA's chances of forcing a Game 6. That would be dangerous, but it would also give Murray until Thursday to feel better. Finally, while the Lakers did get a little bit of weight off their shoulders by winning Game 4 and putting the losing streak against Denver to bed, they still have a looooooooong road ahead of them before they'd be in position to actually win the series. How do you play the mental games required to not get overwhelmed by the long odds at hand?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: What would losing Jamal Murray mean for Denver? What would be the smart play? SEGMENT 2: The Lakers might welcome back Vanderbilt. Should Darvin play him? SEGMENT 3: The mental gymnastics the Lakers have to execute in order to give themselves the best chance at pulling off the miracle.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers had lost 11 in a row to the Denver Nuggets, including seven straight in the playoffs. 12 would send them home for the summer. And, finally, mercifully, the Lakers got a win. Like it was in the first three games, the Lakers built up a lead. For the third time in the series, they built that lead to double digits. But for the first time in the series, this time the Lakers actually held on. Final score, 119-108. The Lakers send the series back to Denver for Game 5. Lots of positives in this one, from another monster game from Anthony Davis (25 points, 23 rebounds, six assists) and a big finish from LeBron James (30 points, 14-23 shooting) to rebound games from D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. The Lakers finished the game getting some buckets, pushing back late whenever the Nuggets looked like they might go deja vu all over again. Does this put the Lakers back in the series? Not quite yet, but at the least the Lakers showed some pride and proved they could finish a game against Denver. It might not matter this year, but there absolutely could be some benefit going into next year that the streak is no longer a talking point. It sucks the Lakers couldn't break through earlier in the series (specifically Game 2) but it is what it is. Game 4 came with a win, not a time machine. But hey, win Game 5 Monday in Denver—against a Nuggets team that will be far more focused, likely—and things start to get interesting, at the least.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Let's face it, the Lakers put themselves in a position where winning their series against the Denver Nuggets would be very, very, VERY challenging after they blew a 20-point lead in Denver to fall down 0-2. But to even have a shred of hope, Game 3 had to be a win. It wasn't. The Lakers dropped yet another game to the Nuggets, this time by a 112-105 final score. Once again the Lakers got off to a solid start, going up by as much as 12, and once again Denver came back. In relatively short order, the Nuggets ate up the deficit and built themselves a lead. And given how much trouble the Lakers have had scoring points this series, the idea they could make up a 10-plus point gap felt... unlikely. For LA, Anthony Davis, like he did in Game 1, did his part and then some, finishing with 33 points and 15 rebounds. LeBron James was solid (26/6/9), but three turnovers—including two in a critical stretch in the third quarter—hurt. But after them? Austin Reaves had the most misleading 22 points in NBA history (hitting four shots and scoring 10 points in the final two minutes, after the game was out of reach). Rui Hachimura was, again, invisible. Five points, two rebounds. D'Angelo Russell was awful, managing to miss all of his shots (including 0-6 from 3). Zero points on the night. Zero!So now the Lakers are down 3-0, and will need to do something that's never been done. Non't know yet if the Lakers have even a shred of belief that they could be the team to pull it off, especially against a team as good as the Nuggets. Probably doesn't matter, but could very well influence whether the Lakers go home for good on Saturday in Game 4.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose Game 3.  SEGMENT 2: The offense, again, failed the Lakers.  SEGMENT 3: The issues with the supporting cast this series are stark.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Click HERE to Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The biggest headline to emerge from the total collapse of Game 2, where the Lakers allowed a 20-point second half lead to disappear, was after, when Anthony Davis said the Lakers have stretches on both sides of the ball where they don't know what they're doing. This was a very pointed criticism, to say the least. Wednesday, Darvin Ham was asked about AD's comments and ... made it worse. ""I just think sometimes the plays don't turn out the way you think they should. The frustration sets in a little bit. But I don't think it's, for us, not being organized. I think I have incredibly talented coaches all along my staff and we pride ourselves on, whether it's a practice or shootaround, games, whatever, we pride ourselves on being highly efficient and organization. So I would just chalk that up to being frustrated, you know it's an emotional game the way it ended and all of that. But I'll agree to disagree on that one."It hit all the high notes of terrible responses. It was dismissive of AD's premise. It showed no accountability, while by extension turning that accountability back to the players. And third, with that last sentence he basically said his star player was wrong. In public. That he didn't know what he was talking about. It's often very easy to overreact to what coaches say, because what they say to us isn't the same as what they say to the players. This isn't one of those times. Meanwhile, the Lakers need to make some adjustments in Game 3. One of them is finding a way to get Rui Hachimura going, because his performance through two games isn't close to good enough. One potential problem? He's just not getting the ball enough. Rui's touches are way down, relative to the regular season. How much of that is scheme? How much is Denver's defense? And finally, reinforcements aren't coming. Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt? Didn't do contact work at practice Wednesday and while that doesn't mean they absolutely can't play... it makes it highly, highly unlikely.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham stepped in it. And it matters.  SEGMENT 2: Why Ham's comments reflect a problem he's had all year.  SEGMENT 3: Rui Hachimura isn't touching the ball enough in this series. Why?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Monday was a brutal night all around for the Lakers. They blew a 20-point lead in Denver against the Nuggets in Game 2, and while it doesn't end their chances of winning the series it certainly does some very serious damage to their hopes. Psychologically, too, blowing a 20-point second half lead is not an easy thing to recover from. But that's what the Lakers have to do, and if they're going to be successful they have to figure out how to keep the offense from experiencing the long stretches of stagnation that have plagued them through the first two games. Monday, as Denver started to chip away at the lead, the Lakers became excruciatingly slow. Maybe it was because they were trying to bleed the clock? Maybe they were just looking to slow things down as Denver was building momentum? Maybe LeBron was tired, and needed to conserve energy? How about a lack of confidence in what they were trying to do, after a regular season where the time spent building good habits was lacking. Maybe a little of all of it. But the end result is a team that got stuck in the mud, especially relative to a first half where they were fast up the floor and into their sets/choices. Even when the Lakers did manage to run an organized offense in the final 24 minutes, it often took them too long to get into it, and the results were the same. (Meaning bad.) No wonder Anthony Davis was so upset after the game, when he said rather pointedly that the Lakers go through long stretches where they simply don't know what they're doing, on both sides of the ball. That was, by most, seen as a shot at Darvin Ham and the coaching staff. And likely it was. But was AD talking about his teammates, too? Finally, the Lakers have some reinforcements coming, as early as Thursday. Christian Wood (likely) and Jarred Vanderbilt (possibly) could very well return to the lineup after extended absences. The Lakers badly need their size and rebounding, but can either of them really contribute after so much time on the sidelines?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: What went wrong in Game 2? Start with the slow pace of play in the 2nd half. What did it reveal about their confidence?  SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis unloads.  SEGMENT 3: Could reinforcements actually help the Lakers?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

For most of Monday's Game 2 in Denver, the Lakers were in position to send the series back to Los Angeles tied at 1 game each. At points, it looked like they were guaranteed to do it, pushing their lead up to 20 in the second half. But little by little, Denver chipped away. LA's offense went into a near full hibernation in the second half (38 points) and while they did manage to get a few big buckets down the stretch — a pair of triples from LeBron, a drive and finish from D'Angelo Russell, a baseline jumper from Austin Reaves — it wasn't nearly enough to make up for the loooooooooong stretches of totally stagnant, ineffective offense. Tied on the last possession, the Nuggets put the ball in Jamal Murray's hands and let him do what Murray does. Stepback jumper over Davis. Game. 101-99, Denver up 2-0, Lakers on life support. The Lakers got a superhuman effort from Anthony Davis in the first half, especially. Russell bounced back from a horrible Game 1 to hit seven triples. LeBron was huge in the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball, despite fighting fatigue. But there were enough mistakes and poor performances; Rui Hachimura again was a non-factor, Spencer Dinwiddie and Gabe Vincent combined for zero points in 25 minutes. Darvin Ham missed a chance to challenge what appeared to be a ticky-tack foul on LeBron against Murray down the stretch. Reaves had a critical turnover down the stretch, and Davis faded late. This was, in every practical sense, a must-win game. LeBron certainly played like he knew it. Any loss in this game would have been hard to recover from, emotionally. This one, however, was brutal. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers blow a huge lead in the second half, and the season is on life support. SEGMENT 2: Too many little mistakes, too many performances that weren't up to standard.SEGMENT 3: The Lakers might get some reinforcements, but are they coming too late?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Saturday's Game 1 in Denver was undoubtedly disappointing, and once again put in stark relief the challenge facing the Lakers against the team most experts expect to represent the West in the NBA Finals this year. It also makes tonight's Game 2 a must-win, because the odds of this Lakers team showing enough high-end consistency to beat the Nuggets four times in five tries feels... unrealistic. So it's about breaking through tonight, and proving to themselves as much as everyone else that it's possible for the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the Denver Nuggets. So what has to get better? For starters, the offense has to function much more efficiently throughout the game. No minutes-long stretches where the shot selection is bad or turnovers throw the offense off kilter, or playcalling and structure go the way of the dodo. Because the Lakers lost that game offensively, not on D. Next, the best players on the team simply have to be better. Save Anthony Davis, more or less, everyone else has stuff that needs to improve. Obviously D'Angelo Russell's efficiency has to go way up. But Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have to be better. LeBron James needs to be a bigger presence in the fourth quarter. Bench players need to shoot. The Lakers have played Denver tight for long stretches over this losing streak. But time has run out on finding a way to win. It's gotta happen tonight. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is not a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Lakers fans are ticked, and ought to be. But it's reflective of the ways in which the bar moves for Davis. At this point, it's fair to say that whatever he does for whatever he might be given credit for, it's not going to be enough.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: What the Lakers need to fix in Game 2.  SEGMENT 2: Darvin steps in it, again. Plus, pick it up, Russell!!! SEGMENT 3: Why wasn't Anthony Davis a finalist for DPOY?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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) 

The Lakers, as LeBron James noted before the series against Denver kicked off Saturday with Game 1, will need to play near-flawless basketball to move past the Nuggets into the second round. Fair to say on Saturday they didn't clear the bar in their 114-103 loss.It wasn't all terrible. The Lakers actually led by double digits in the second quarter before Denver came roaring back. Still, LA led by three at the half. But in the second half, the Lakers fell apart offensively. Completely and totally. 43 points just isn't going to get it done. And overall, the offensive effort had too many massive holes. Start with a 6-20, 1-9 night from D'Angelo Russell. But Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were total non-factors. The Lakers had one bench player (Taurean Prince) score. Even worse, the Lakers only had one bench player shoot. LeBron, while productive overall, was a non-factor in the fourth quarter and turned the ball over seven times. The Lakers were under 28% from 3. Anthony Davis answered the bell with 32/14/5, plus four blocks, and Prince off the bench was a nice boost. Not everything was bad for the Lakers, but Denver is elite, and won't do you any favors to help win games. You have to beat them. If the Lakers are going to have a chance, they have to win Game 2 on Monday. It's hard to see them, or anyone, beating Denver four times in five tries.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Reasons for Lakers fans to be optimistic about their chances against the Nuggets. SEGMENT 2: MORE reasons to be optimistic about their chances. SEGMENT 3: This, of course, if Anthony Davis can close the gap a little between him and Jokic. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Everyone has the Nuggets beating the Lakers. Everyone. And why not? Denver are the defending NBA champions. They're elite. And they've won seven straight games over the Lakers. The same Los Angeles Lakers that were a bit of a basket case all year long, never caught any consistency, and built no faith with anyone. So it's a foregone conclusion, right? Maybe not! Because there are real reasons to believe that the Lakers have a chance to surprise some people. Not made up stuff that doesn't mean anything, or not super unrealistic stuff that can't possibly happen. The Lakers have a real opportunity to do a lot better than many are expecting. There are legitimate reasons to feel optimistic about LA's chances to make things happen in this series. First, the whole "seven straight wins" thing between the Nuggets and Lakers isn't meaningless, but it's also misleading. All of the games have been competitive, and five of the seven have been inside five points with four or so minutes to play. Some even closer than that. So if the Lakers can figure out how to solve those last few minutes, they're in it. Meanwhile, the Lakers are healthier than they were (in non-Jarred Vanderbilt ways) last season. They get more days off in between games. Basically, they're more likely to win playing Denver now than they do in five weeks, in a hypothetical conference final. It's ok to be optimistic, Lakers fans! This, of course, is dependent on Anthony Davis picking things up a little to match the production of Nikola Jokic. It's not that AD has been bad, it's just that he hasn't been quite as good as his averages, this season. So while nobody is picking the Lakers, they shouldn't be writing them off, either.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Reasons for Lakers fans to be optimistic about their chances against the Nuggets. SEGMENT 2: MORE reasons to be optimistic about their chances. SEGMENT 3: This, of course, if Anthony Davis can close the gap a little between him and Jokic.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

This win didn't quite look like the others, but in the end the Lakers got what they came for, and once again defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, winning Tuesday in the 7/8 Play-In Game.  It's the fourth time in five this season LA has topped the Pelicans, and the second time in three days - both on the road - and this one is undoubtedly the most significant. It pushes the Lakers into the first round of the main draw, where they'll kick off a series against the Nuggets beginning Saturday in Denver. It's been a very long time since the Lakers beat Denver, and there will be plenty to say about that series between now and Saturday, but for today it's worth noting how the Lakers got it done on Tuesday, and how that might influence things going forward. Because while Anthony Davis and LeBron James played hard (Davis through back spasms) and gave it what they had, neither was efficient offensively (12-36 combined from the floor). The Lakers as a team didn't crack 42% from the floor. But they didn't turn the ball over (eight total TOs), they were solid from 3-point range (over 40%), and they made their FTs (26-29, including 9-9 in the fourth quarter). And most importantly, other guys stepped up, whether D'Angelo Russell with big early production combined with a critical steal and a clutch corner triple, or Gabe Vincent playing high end defense and scoring nine points (which doesn't soundn like much until you remember he had seven over his last six games combined.) The Lakers had to grind this one out. They had to play defense. They had to hit their free throws down the stretch. They had to win without the best performances from their stars. It was, in short, a fantastic dress rehearsal for what's coming. But for now, rest. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat New Orleans, advance to face Denver. SEGMENT 2: The supporting cast picked up the stars in a big team win. SEGMENT 3: Gabe Vincent steps up, D'Angelo Russell has a challenge in front of him.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers spanked the Pelicans on Sunday to earn their way to the 8-seed and... a repeat of Sunday's game in New Orleans. This time, however, the winner of the game advances straight into the rest of the postseason, finishing as the West's 7-seed and winning a chance to travel to Denver this weekend. The loser plays the winner of Wednesday's game between Sacramento and Golden State. On paper, at least, the Lakers would seem to be the favorites. Three wins in four games over New Orleans, with an average mergin of victory exceeding 26 points. That's some real dominance and indicates the Lakers have structural advantages in the matchup. LeBron James, in addition to being excellent, is also a bad matchup for Zion Williamson, who can't use his strength to bully James around  offensively and can't outthink the supercomputer that is LeBron, either. The Pellies don't have a great matchup guarding James, either. And meanwhile, as Sunday showed, they're not rich in guys who match up well with Anthony Davis. On the other hand, the Pelicans have been, at least until a bit of an injury-induced lull at the end of the year, among the best teams in the conference for much of the second half. There is plenty of talent there, and no shortage of shooting. So what's going to happen? We break it down in a fantastic crossover episode with Jake Madison, host of Locked On Pelicans. What are the matchups to watch? How might the Pelicans turn things around against LA? What are the big strategic plays available for both teams? Plus, should either group be looking to tank the game in order to change their odds for a longer playoff run?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Jake MadisonSEGMENT 1: The Lakers get another crack at the Pels, after throttling them good three out of four games this year.  SEGMENT 2: LeBron vs. Zion.  SEGMENT 3: How the Pelicans can turn the tables on LA.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers played about as poorly as a team can Friday in Memphis without actually losing. Sunday, they made up for it in a huge way. Win, and the Lakers would solidify an 8-seed, and a chance to get into the postseason bracket with only one win (while earning the luxury of a do-over, if needed). Lose, and they're the 10. Win twice, or go home, both on the road. It was pretty clear which option the Lakers preferred. The came out hot early, with a determined and focused effort to take control. They increased their lead big into the half (17 points) and won the third quarter by five to refuse the Pelicans even an inch of opportunity. Anthony Davis (30 points) and LeBron James (28 points, 17 assists) were both dominant, and had more than enough help from Austin Reaves (20 points ) and D'Angelo Russell (18 points, 5-10 from downtown). The defensive effort was stellar as well. Now the Lakers, as the 8-seed, take on New Orleans on Tuesday with a chance to move through into the first round. The opportunity is there- LA's margin of victory in the three they've won over the Pellies is massive. And the game they lost was on the second night of a back-to-back, with multiple players missing. Advantage Lakers. That would earn them four full days of rest before visiting Denver (sigh) in the first round. Speaking of that, some of the more artful on Lakers social media are suggesting the Lakers might want to lose on purpose Tuesday, then go ahead and win on Friday in the second game of the play-in, thus earning the 8-seed and a date with top-seeded Oklahoma City, a much, much better matchup for LA. Is this an idea worth entertaning?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers throttle New Orleans, in one of their best games of the year. SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis and LeBron James dominate. The supporting cast is there. And it's pretty clear the Pelicans just don't match up well with the Lakers.  SEGMENT 3: Should the Lakers try to avoid Denver in the first round?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play. Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

They didn't deserve it, but the Lakers got the win anyway. Against a Memphis Grizzlies team that had 13 players on the injured list, eight players in uniform, and zero players who started the season playing meaningful minutes for an NBA team, the Lakers still needed all 48 minutes to come away with a 123-120 win. How much good it does them depends on what else happens around the conference, but at least the Lakers kept the dream of moving up alive. Even if they shouldn't have been allowed to. This was, very likely, the most annoying win of the year. But it was a win, which beats the alternative. We'll see if the time LeBron (41 minutes) and Anthony Davis (43 minutes) spent on the floor that they absolutely shouldn't have needed to hurts on Sunday. But for now, at least, the Lakers got the thing that mattered most. Even if how they did it was kind of appalling.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Given the disappointment of Wednesday's results and the box it puts the Lakers in from a standings perspective - they're far more likely now to be a 10 seed than anything else - there was at least some speculation that the Lakers might just leave a recovering Anthony Davis and LeBron James at home, at least for Friday's game in Memphis. Let them fully recover before playing again, and see if Sunday in New Orleans matters.There were certainly arguments to be made against that plan, and apparently those are the ones the Lakers went with. Davis and James both were on the plane, and are in position to play tonight. Davis is probable, and LeBron, who has been questionable (unless he's out) for basically every game this season, and will be questionable (or out) for every game he plays until he retires is, well, questionable.But there's no indication he won't play.The Lakers are going to play this thing out, try to win a couple games and hope they get a little help from other teams around the conference. Is that the right call? Meanwhile, Thursday's show asked if Anthony Davis was being treated unfairly by Lakers fans after missing Wednesday's game, and it's fair to say that if the show's YouTube page is any indication, said fans are split pretty evenly on the issue between "leave him alone" and "dude should have tried/played/sucked it up." Reflective, for sure, of the unique position he occupies in the minds of LA's faithful. Finally, this week there was some chatter on The Hoop Collective podcast over at ESPN about the future of LeBron in LA. Everything from the length of the deal to whether he'd get a no-trade clause. How will the Lakers approach all of this?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: AD and LeBron are traveling, but fans are still annoyed at Davis. Some of them, at least. SEGMENT 2: Should the Lakers shorten the rotation?SEGMENT 3: The Lakers and LeBron are wedded to each other for the duration.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Locked On Lakers podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA.

Anthony Davis has been outstanding for the Lakers this season. He's put up numbers. He's been available, piling up minutes despite a variety of ailments. He's anchored a Lakers defense that often becomes catastrophically bad without him available. But the timing of his latest injury/illness couldn't have been worse. Davis has missed the team's last seven quarters, and they happened to be seven of the most important quarters the Lakers have played all season. And while his symptoms (headache, nausea) sound like they're concussion related, the Lakers have said he's not in the protocols. Which means he was sick, and in a Kobe Bryant town, the idea that illness would keep a star out of a game as important as Tuesday's? Doesn't sit well. And plenty of fans have hammered AD over it. But is it fair? And beyond that, why are fans so quick to turn on Davis in a moment like this? Then there are the practical questions of what the Lakers should do next. They're likely, though not guaranteed, to finish in the 10 spot in the West. With that in mind, would it be best to leave Davis and maybe even James at home for the final two games and make sure they're 100% fit and ready for the Play In? Finally, reports on Wednesday indicate that the New Orleans Pelicans, who can take possession of LA's pick either this year or next, will let the Lakers have it this summer. Why? Well, there are probably a few reasons, and none of them really work in the favor of the Lakers.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky  SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is catching a lot of flak from Lakers fans. SEGMENT 2: Why does Davis find himself on the wrong end of this sort of criticism, even after having such a strong year? SEGMENT 3: Why would the Pelicans let the Lakers keep their pick this offseason?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers have been the beneficiaries of good health from LeBron James and Anthony Davis... until right about now. Sunday, LeBron missed a key game against Minnesota with an illness, and Anthony Davis was knocked out at the end of the first quarter after being whacked in the head. Tuesday, in a game that would add tremendous clarity -- good or bad -- to where the Lakers might finish in the West, Davis was still on the sidelines with a headache and nausea (we'll leave it to the armchair physicians to decide what that sounds like) and LeBron was still feeling awful, arriving at the arena just before game time. And, not surprisingly, the Lakers struggled big time against a Golden State team playing excellent basketball. It didn't help that the Warriors were white hot from 3-point range (LA's defensive shortcomings notwithstanding), hitting 26 triples en route to a 134-120 win over the purple and gold. That's the most 3-pointers the Lakers have ever surrendered. Golden State was so torrid from outside, they hit a higher percentage from beyond the arc (63%) than they did overall (59%). That ain't easy!Meanwhile, the Lakers got a great showing from a limited LeBron, who was described as about 70% on the TV broadcast. 14-22 from the floor, 33 points, 11 assists. But they needed similarly excellent games from the supporting cast, and while Austin Reaves (22 points, 8-15 shooting) did his part, D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura fell well short. And, not surprisingly, the Wheel of Controversy continued spinning in regards to Darvin Ham and some of his lineup decisions. That thing never really stops. Especially now that the Lakers are very likely going to finish 10th in the West, and have to win two games just to give themselves a chance to play the top seed in the conference.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers lose to Golden State.  SEGMENT 2: It looks like the Lakers are 10th?  SEGMENT 3: How much concern for Anthony Davis?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Things are getting really tight in the Western Conference, and number of combinations and permutations when it comes to potential end-of-the-year standings could make your eyes bleed. The Lakers could still finish anywhere from 6th (with a lot of help) to 10th (if they don't help themselves). And suffice to say, if they have any prayer of rising higher than their current lot (9th) they need to win out, starting tonight at home against the Warriors. It's the last home game of the regular season, and the Lakers can either solidify the opportunity to host at least one of their (potentially) two play-in games, or leave themselves vulnerable to having to win two games on the road just to make the main draw. Win, on the other hand, and everything from eight to six is still live, at least for another day. It won't be easy. The Warriors are playing very good basketball after a season of wild swings. In that sense, they're a lot like the Lakers. That's true both looking at their paths this season, and the overarching questions about each team's future. But for now, it's about winning whatever advantages are left on the table to take. LeBron James should be back from the illness that kept him out of Sunday's loss to Minnesota, but there's still no word on the availability of Anthony Davis (eye.) Meanwhile, there was interesting talk on this week's edition of The Hoop Collective on ESPN, with Brian Windhorst. The conversation turned to D'Angelo Russell, and his player option for next year. Windhorst believes Russell will opt out of that year, having a) outplayed it over the course of this year, and b) not wanting to enter next season as an expiring contract leaving him once again on the trade block basically from moment one. So if he does opt out, would that mean an end to his Lakers career? Would the team be interested in giving him a new deal? If they aren't... what's next?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Lakers vs. Warriors. Do any of the other games in the season series provide clues about tonight's result? SEGMENT 2: LA and Golden State have more in common than they'd probably like. SEGMENT 3: What does the future hold for D'Lo in LA?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

LeBron James (flu-like symptons) was already out of the lineup Sunday for LA's matchup against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves at the Crypt. The Lakers had the lead early and kept it through the first quarter... until Anthony Davis was whacked across the face, re-injuring the same eye he hurt against Golden State last month. He did not return, and at that point the Wolves went on a massive run and the Lakers really couldn't do much to stop it. By halftime, Minnesota was up 15. LA played hard in the third and managed to get the deficit down to four, but couldn't keep up the momentum. To their credit, the Lakers fought hard all game, but the talent/size disparity facing one of the West's best was just too much to deal with. Minnesota has a lot to play for and was surely conscious of letting off the accelerator despite the lead. Once the Lakers got close, the Lakers pushed the lead back out but couldn't sustain it and they fell, 127-117.The loss hurt, as both New Orleans and Sacramento (the teams closest to LA in the standings) won, exending their leads over LA wit the postseason only a week away. Where the Lakers finish the regular seeding is at this point secondary to concern over Davis's health and/or comfort on the floor. The next game is a big one, Tuesday against Golden State. Early reports say the Lakers are optimistic he'll be available... but we won't know until we know.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers lose without LeBron and (most of the night) Anthony Davis.  SEGMENT 2: Eye watch begins...  SEGMENT 3: Regrouping before Tuesday against Golden State...  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Thanks to an excellent road trip and a well-timed skid from the Sacramento Kings, the Lakers showed up at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday with a chance to move, however temporarily, into the 8th spot in the Western Conference. That would, however, require a strong effort against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who entered as the 3-seed in the Eastern Conference. So no pushover there. Winner winner, chicken dinner. LA beats the Cavs, 116-97. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Lakers took control of the game, and after letting Cleveland take the lead in the third following a huge run, the Lakers took it right back and never let the Cavs back into the game. Ultimately, it was one of their better games inside this hot streak, especially on the defensive end. The Lakers were particularly effective against Cleveland's guard combo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, holding them to 36 points on 15-38 shooting. The Lakers, meanwhile, got big performances from Anthony Davis (including six blocks), LeBron James (24/5/12) and a game high 28 from D'Angelo Russell. Taurean Prince, meanwhile, kicked in with 18 off the bench, and Gabe Vincent was +15 in 14 minutes, despite not scoring and only notching a pair of assists. That's because of his defensive work. The Lakers move on now to play Minnesota tomorrow at home. This game will go a long way to determining whether the Lakers can hold onto that 8 spot, or even move up with a huge season-finale upcoming against the Pelicans.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDONNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The path this season for Rui Hachimura hasn't exactly been super duper smooth. There have been injuries, inconsistent performance, and extremely inconsistent stretches of playing time. His path to the starting lineup at the beginning of last month was somewhat accidental. But since he got there? Man alive, has he played well, and the Lakers have thrived. To the point that in March, he was the most efficient player in the NBA. His attention to detail defensively, Darvin Ham says, has increased. He's rebounding the ball with increased vigor, something the Lakers really, really, REALLY needed him to do. Darvin Ham says he's finally gightened up on the details enough to merit this type of role. OThers might argue he could have been doing it a lot longer if given a chance. It's an interesting part of the broader saga for the Lakers this season, one where moves that could be at least somewhat justifiable in the moment (benching Austin Reaves, benching D'Angelo Russell) become less comprehensible when taken as a whole, in part because it seems like the team didn't really understand the how and why. Now, though, people feel like they're on the same page. Whether it comes too late to save the season, or give it the space to breathe it might have otherwise had, remains to be seen. And the Lakers got a little help on Thursday, as Sacramento lost in New York and are now only a game ahead of LA in the loss column. Meanwhile, James Worthy and Magic Johnson both put out on social media Thursday that Michael Cooper is headed to the Hall of Fame. For Lakers fans, it's a big "Finally!" But it's fair to say not everyone will agree that Coop is HOF worthy. We discuss.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Rui Hachimura is thriving. Why didn't this come earlier in the year?  SEGMENT 2: Darvin has an explanation as to why it took a minute. You buying?  SEGMENT 3: Coop to the Hall of Fame!  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

When you get to the last game of a six game road trip, there are all sorts of ways to view the game. Some might land on "just win, style points don't count," especially given the Lakers were playing on the second night of a back-to-back and didn't get to Washington until 3 in the morning. Others might look at the opponent—the absolutely awful Washington Wizards—and believe the "how" matters. Your POV on this sort of thing will definitely color your reaction to LA's 125-120 win, one that looked like it might be a carbon copy of Tuesday's win over Toronto... until it wasn't. Where the Lakers used a huge third quarter to pull away from the Raptors and never gave them a chance to get back into it, the Lakers on Wednesday built a big lead, then allowed a 15-0 run that got Washington right back in. After another big push, Darvin Ham emptied the bench, only to have to re-insert his starters for the final 17 seconds because Washington pulled back to within five. That ain't good. Bottom line, though, the Lakers finish the trip 5-1, they've won 9 of 10. They are a top five team in the league since the All Star break and are now 11 games over .500. The standings don't show it, but that's where the Lakers are. The next tests are tougher, for sure. Cleveland and Minnesota this weekend in the final back to back of the season. The Lakers will need to run the table (or very close) to have a chance to move up to 8th in the West where they'd only have to win one game to make it into the main draw of the playoffs. They've finally got some continuity and predicability in terms of who is coming into the game and when. Where the minutes are coming from, and all that good stuff. LeBron talked a lot about that after the game. Will it be enough?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win in Washington, finish the trip 5-1.SEGMENT 2: One of the best in the West since the ASB?SEGMENT 3: Vanderbilt to get evaluated, again, next week.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers this season have generally played to the level of their competition. That's a nice thing in games against, say, Milwaukee or Oklahoma City. But it's been an issue against the lousy teams in the league as well. Tuesday in Toronto, the Lakers faced off against a Toronto Raptors team that had lost 13 straight games, and simply could not afford a letdown. This was a game they needed to win... And it was one of their better games of the season against a team like this one. After a slow start, the Lakers took control about halfway through the first quarter. They hit a minor lull near the half, but then came out in the third and completely blew the game open with a 36-21 quarter and in the end, the players you want to see playing in the fourth (Maxwell Lewis, Colin Castleton, etc.) were on the floor, and Anthony Davis and LeBron James were both under 30 minutes. Only one starter (D'Angelo Russell) cracked that 30 minute barrier. That'll help tonight when the Lakers face off against the Wizards in Washington, in another must-win game and a chance to move 11 games over .500 and finish the road trip at 5-1. Is the rest of the conference cooperating? Not really! But the Lakers are, at the least, taking care of what they can, and are giving themselves a chance to improve their postseason lot. That's about all they can do at this point.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win in Toronto SEGMENT 2: 10 games over .500... and still stuck in 9th...  SEGMENT 3: Are they peaking at the right time?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Even as the Lakers are winning more games (7-3 over their last 10, 18-8 over their last 26), it's still a little tricky to figure out exactly what they are. How good are they? Are they more contender than pretender? What do you make of some of the big wins, like Milwaukee I and II, Minnesota, OKC, etc? They're clearly much too good to be the genuinely mediocre/middish team they looked like they might be after the post-IST slump. Likely the Lakers finish 10-12 games over .500, which last year would have been enough for around a 4-seed in the West. Now? Likely ninth. But they're clearly not among the elite, either. Unless you're just thinking of results against the high end teams, in which case... they kind of are? So much to sort out. One big Q: Do the Lakers themselves- players and coaching staff- feel like they know? And more importantly, do they agree on the answer? Meanwhile, the Lakers are getting nothing from their bench. Two points on Sunday, and not much more than that on most nights. How important is that, especially as we get closer to the playoffs, and a theoretical return for Jarred Vanderbilt, as well? Finally, LeBron's greatness creates hard questions for Rob Pelinka now, and down the road.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Aaron Larsuel!  SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are winning, but do we really know what they are?  SEGMENT 2: Is the bench really a problem? SEGMENT 3: LeBron now, LeBron down the road...  

Even as the Lakers are winning more games (7-3 over their last 10, 18-8 over their last 26), it's still a little tricky to figure out exactly what they are. How good are they? Are they more contender than pretender? What do you make of some of the big wins, like Milwaukee I and II, Minnesota, OKC, etc? They're clearly much too good to be the genuinely mediocre/middish team they looked like they might be after the post-IST slump. Likely the Lakers finish 10-12 games over .500, which last year would have been enough for around a 4-seed in the West. Now? Likely ninth. But they're clearly not among the elite, either. Unless you're just thinking of results against the high end teams, in which case... they kind of are? So much to sort out. One big Q: Do the Lakers themselves- players and coaching staff- feel like they know? And more importantly, do they agree on the answer? Meanwhile, the Lakers are getting nothing from their bench. Two points on Sunday, and not much more than that on most nights. How important is that, especially as we get closer to the playoffs, and a theoretical return for Jarred Vanderbilt, as well? Finally, LeBron's greatness creates hard questions for Rob Pelinka now, and down the road.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Aaron Larsuel!  SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are winning, but do we really know what they are?  SEGMENT 2: Is the bench really a problem? SEGMENT 3: LeBron now, LeBron down the road...  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

After dropping Friday's game to the Pacers in Indiana, the Lakers restarted their roadtrip in Brooklyn with a clear mandate - sweep the final three games, all coming against weak teams. And on the one hand, the Lakers did some serious work early, running out to a 17-0 lead, while ballooned to 31-11 by the end of the first quarter. That gave them some wiggle room over the final three quarters, and unfortunately the Lakers decided to use it. Particularly in the third quarter, where the Lakers committed a parade of turnovers that let the Nets cut a lead that had grown as high as 26 back down to single digits. Chalk up some of them to to decent play from Brooklyn, but most of them were simply a result of sloppiness from LA. It was the difference between an easy win where the starters need to play deep into the fourth and one where LeBron, Anthony Davis and Co. could have sat down much faster. There were plenty of good stat lines. LeBron James had 40 points, tying a career high with nine 3-pointers (on only 10 tries). Anthony Davis finished with 24/14. Rui Hachimura finished with 20 points on a very efficient 8-12 shooting. As a team the Lakers were over 54% from the floor, and held Brooklyn to 42%. Literally the only reason the Nets had a chance was because the Lakers let them. The Lakers only had two points off the bench, a bucket from Gabe Vincent, who played 14 minutes in his first game in months, and only his sixth overall. The Lakers tried a few different lineup combinations, and have some choices to make going forward. Do you trust Darvin Ham to manage this? In the end, it was a game much like others they've played this year -- plenty to like, but just enough to shake your head at to keep it from being fully satisfying. But they got the win they needed, and now can head to Toronto with a chance to keep a 5-1 trip alive.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian  Kamenetzky (with guest Daman Rangoola)SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get up big early, close strong.  SEGMENT 2: How should the Lakers integrate Gabe Vincent?  SEGMENT 3: Do the Lakers still have strong postseason prospects?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it's easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

In Memphis, the Lakers couldn't miss. Friday in Indiana? How does 16.7% from three point range sound. They held a Pacers team that hung 145 on them at the Crypt a week or so ago to 109 points, but because they only scored 90 themselves, the game was a runaway. Or ended up that way, at least, because LA had a chance to get things very. very close in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get themselves over the hump. Every the opportunity was there, they'd either turn the ball over or miss a shot, and eventually they ran out of time. Maybe it was tired legs, with the team playing a third game in four nights. Maybe it was just the law of averages getting them because sometimes games like this happen. It's a statistical outlier, but outliers happen. What it really turns out to be is a missed opportunity to gain ground in the West, as both Phoenix and Sacramento lost. Contextually, losing this game is understandable, and overall the Lakers are playing better ball... but at this point in the season the hole they've put themselves in demands near perfection to have a chance to overcome even in small ways (like moving from nine to eight). They had a chance to win Friday, even while playing ugly basketball, offensively. And they didn't.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Some interesting news of late for the Lakers ahead of the third game of a thus-far undefeated road trip. First, D'Angelo Russell told Hoopshype that he'd like to remain a Laker if possible, but also implied that he'll be weighing his options this offseason, including his contract player option. The season began with everyone assuming D'Lo would be traded before the deadline. Instead, he's having arguably the best season of his career. He's always been a polarizing player, but has the performance shifted perceptions? Where could he potentially go?Also, Shams Charania reported that Gabe Vincent could be available for action soon, maybe even Sunday in Brooklyn. Obviously, there have been reports of Vincent's imminent return, only to prove premature. But Vincent has actually been ramping up of late. Assuming he's able to play, how difficult will integrating a player who's only got five games with his teammates under his belt? Is the effort actually worth it as the Lakers try to hit their stride and climb the standings?HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky... featuring special guest Allen Sliwa, 710 ESPN SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo wants to remain a Laker... and also has leverage over the team. SEGMENT 2:  What options around the league would D'Lo have this summer?  SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers integrate Vincent into the rotation with just a handful of games to do it?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Was it a perfect game? Not as much as a 136-124 score might indicate. At one point in the third quarter, the Lakers pushed their lead to 27, creating a potential opportunity for the starters to rest for basically the entire fourth quarter. Instead, Rui Hachimura had to continue his scintillating outside shooting, canning seven(!) threes on the way to 32 points and ten rebounds. LeBron James, in his return after sitting out the Milwaukee win while nursing his problematic ankle, played more minutes than preferable for his triple-double. D'Angelo Russell hit five threes of his own. Jaxson Hayes had 14 points and seven rebounds filling in for Anthony Davis, who got the night off after logging 52 minutes in the double OT win over the Bucks.Again, would have been nice to maintain a 20-plus point cushion. But that's not the same thing as the game ever really being in jeopardy, which it wasn't. All in all, pretty uneventful when it comes to true suspense... in a good way.Brian is still out of town, but Andy was joined by C.J. Toledano, Lakers fanatic and co-host of the new podcast, Point Game, co-hosted with former NBA star John Wall. They discussed the Lakers' winning ways of late, Hachimura's significance as a baller and an Asian athlete, the future of athlete-created content, and much more. Fun show! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky... featuring special guest CJ Toledano (Point Game Podcast, Follow Through) SEGMENT 1: The game was uneventful... and that's a good thing. SEGMENT 2:  The importance of Rui Hachimura, on and off the court. SEGMENT 3: C.J. discusses his divided house during the IST, and the future of athlete-created content. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

Game of the season for the Lakers?That's up for debate and personal taste, but there's no question Tuesday's 128-124 double overtime road win over the Milwaukee Bucks, short LeBron James no less, is on the short list of signature victories this season. What seemingly began as a blowout loss in the making gradually, steadily, and impressively shifted into an absolutely spectacular display of guts and will from, among others, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.AD, who played much of the game on a leg clearly bugging him, wrapped up the night with a monster 34/23/4 block line, including the erasure of a Damian Lillard floater to push the game into 2OT. Austin Reaves began the night shaky, but finished with a 29/14/10 triple-double, highlighted by a few jaw-droppingly deep threes in big moments. D'Lo had a rough night shooting overall, but hit a flurry of threes (five in all) during the second half to provide a big spark of belief, plus 12 dimes against just four turnovers. And Rui had a solid 16 points to go with a career-high fourteen rebounds, critical on a night when someone had to pick up LeBron's slack on the glass.Throw in some big moments from Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince, plus Darvin's decision to push for a win when sitting the starters ahead of tonight's game in Memphis would have been perfectly sensible, and you had all the makings of a victory that reminds fans that, when this team really wants it, they can be a very tough out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky... featuring special guest Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88), Silver Screen and Roll, Swish Appeal SEGMENT 1: What a win!!!! SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis was the man. SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves, you crazy genius! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTV NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)

The Lakers kick off a six game road trip tonight in Milwaukee. Normally this sort of thing would be looked on with some bit of dread, especially given that the Lakers have been a horrible road team all season. And certainly Monday's game against the Bucks will be a major challenge, especially in light of LeBron James being downgraded to doubtful ahead of the contest thanks to the same ankle that's kept him on the injury report all year. Hopefully he/the Lakers are just picking one day for LBJ to rest in the space of a back to back... but there's really know way to know until Wednesday when the Lakers arrive in Memphis. But as for this one, yes, the Lakers beat the Bucks recently, but Milwaukee has played better of late, and is unquestionably a contender in the East. This would be a losable game with or without James. But hey, maybe the Lakers surprise shorthanded. Wouldn't be the first time, this season. And moreover, once THIS game is done, the Lakers  get some real opportunities. Wednesday vs. a terrible Memphis squad. Then an Indiana team they just beat, and the Nets, Raptors and Wizards. 4-2 is the bare minimum that is acceptable for a trip like this one. And it's important, because the Phoenix Suns have a very difficult path ahead of them (made even more difficult when they lost to the freakin' Spurs on Monday, after this show was recorded). A solid late run to end the year from LA (think 9-2, 8-3) could be enough to move them to the 7 spot, because Phoenix plays 10 straight games against Western Conference playoff teams. But the Lakers have to do their part, and even then it still won't be easy. Plus... more on Spencer Dinwiddie, and how his recent surge could impact the team going forward, including different lineup combinations. Why has Cam Reddish been finishing games over Rui Hachimura? And what, exactly, did scurvy do to the human body?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers will face Milwaukee (almost surely) without LeBron.  SEGMENT 2: Things are tightening a little around the Suns. Plus, a small defensive bright spot?SEGMENT 3: Cam over Rui, more Reddish, more schedule.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTVNissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV's with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelNew customers, join today and you'll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to 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)