Podcast appearances and mentions of Malik Beasley

It took a few minutes, but Darvin Ham had finally seemed to build up a little bit of goodwill with Lakers fans through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Well, a big chunk of that has been eaten away by the results of the first three games of the team's Western Conference Finals series against Denver. Facing an 0-3 hole and the chances of getting swept tonight at the Crypt in Game 4, scrutiny has again returned in a big way. Is Darvin making the right moves? Is he pushing the right buttons? Is he pulling the right levers? The answers to questions like these really depend on your view of the roster as a whole, and how the Lakers match up against a very, very good Denver team. At the core of these discussions is D'Angelo Russell, who has been horrible through the first three games of this series. Most fans want him benched, if not yanked from the rotation. Ham shortened his minutes considerably in Game 3, but Russell still got 20 minutes of burn. Is that too much? Is it malpractice? Our answer might not be that popular. Meanwhile, many fans are calling for Ham to start bringing in guys like Troy Brown, Max Christie, and even dusting off Malik Beasley to see if shots will fall. But are those aren't really adjustments so much as dart throws. Is it time to throw darts, though? And really, is the overarching problem Ham, or too many guys in a shortening rotation who aren't playing well enough? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is Darvin mucking up this series? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers bench Russell? Should they? SEGMENT 3: What else is Darvin doing/not doing? Is he the issue, or are players just not performing? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they'll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers hit a wall on Wednesday, missing shots and falling short against a highly motivated Memphis Grizzlies squad in Game 5. LeBron James looked tired, but vowed to be better in Game 6. And surely the Crypto.com Arena crowd will be jacked up for the first closeout game the fans have seen in a very, very long time. One key will be keeping that energy flowing throughout, and not allowing the Grizzlies the ability to put fear into nearly 20,000 folks. It'll help for the Lakers to hit some shots, because these sub-30% 3-point nights aren't gonna get it done. It'll help to force some turnovers, and create easy buckets. It'll help for LeBron to do good stuff early, after a really bad night on Wednesday. And would it also help if Darvin Ham tweaked the rotation? There have been many, many calls for Ham to quit running with the small lineups while Anthony Davis is off the floor, where LeBron or Rui Hachimura is playing center, and the Lakers are undersized. Those small bench lineups were hammered in Game 5. But what's the right solution? Is it to play Wenyen Gabriel more? Mo Bamba? What about those minutes going to Malik Beasley? Should they instead go to Lonnie Walker IV, or should both guys sit and the rotation get a little shorter? Plenty of choices, and in a tight series, they matter. But whatever the decisions, the Lakers have every reason to come out focused and get 'er done. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham is looking at the rotation. Is it time to make changes? SEGMENT 2: Is it Bamba? Walker? What are the ripple effects effects when changes like this are made? SEGMENT 3: What goes into making these kinds of choices? What about some of the crazier ideas fans have? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by taking Darvin Ham to task for inexplicable coaching decisions in the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. LA could have closed the series out were it not for Ham's insistence on benching Anthony Davis in favor of guys like Troy Brown Jr and Malik Beasley at the worst possible moments. Ham should honestly be thanking his lucky stars that Mike Budenholzer exists this morning. Coach Bud, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks got bounced in the first round by Jimmy Butler and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. You can't have a meltdown like that and not expected to see major changes in the near future. Later, Super Bowl-winning executive and VSiN host Michael Lombardi swings by to discuss why he believes Bryce Young and Jalen Carter are the only blue chip prospects available in the upcoming NFL Draft, the biggest difference between pass rushers Tyree Wilson and Will Anderson, why Bijan Robinson should be viewed as an offensive weapon and not just a running back, the reality that comes with drafting a guy like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson and much more! Click here to subscribe, rate and review all of the latest Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre podcasts! #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by taking Darvin Ham to task for inexplicable coaching decisions in the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. LA could have closed the series out were it not for Ham's insistence on benching Anthony Davis in favor of guys like Troy Brown Jr and Malik Beasley at the worst possible moments. Ham should honestly be thanking his lucky stars that Mike Budenholzer exists this morning. Coach Bud, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks got bounced in the first round by Jimmy Butler and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. You can't have a meltdown like that and not expected to see major changes in the near future. Later, Super Bowl-winning executive and VSiN host Michael Lombardi swings by to discuss why he believes Bryce Young and Jalen Carter are the only blue chip prospects available in the upcoming NFL Draft, the biggest difference between pass rushers Tyree Wilson and Will Anderson, why Bijan Robinson should be viewed as an offensive weapon and not just a running back, the reality that comes with drafting a guy like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson and much more! Click here to subscribe, rate and review all of the latest Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre podcasts! #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lakers go into Monday's game at the Crypt with a 2-1 lead in their first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. A win doesn't guarantee a trip to the second round, but it sure puts a hammer lock on things for L.A.. Dillon Brooks will not be suspended for tonight's game, after being chucked from Saturday's game for hitting LeBron James in the King's jewels. So is that good or bad for the Lakers? Given how poorly he's played in the series, are the Lakers better off with him in the lineup? What about adjustments? Ja Morant went for 45 in Game 3. Should the Lakers change the way they defend him? Broadly, are there bigger adjustments the Lakers need to make, whether defensively or on the other end? The Lakers have, to this point, limited Memphis to the lowest field goal percentage of any team in the postseason. So maybe it's a matter of keep on doing what's working? On the other end, the offense isn't exactly clicking. Is that a matter of missing shots that are available? Or ought the Lakers consider some personnel changes in the rotation? Maybe sit Malik Beasley in favor of Lonnie Walker IV? Does Wenyen Gabriel deserve a little run? The Lakers have some choices to make. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Dillon Brooks will play in Game 4, and that could be a very good thing for LA. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers need to change their coverages on Ja Morant? SEGMENT 3: Is it time to pull Malik Beasley from the playoff rotation? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are in a real, live playoff series for the first time in a couple of seasons, and it should be a barnburner! It's the Memphis Grizzlies, who have played quite well all season, save a mid-season lull. It's an intriguing matchup, to say the least. LeBron James and Anthony Davis as established stars, meeting Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who are ready to emerge in the next generation of the NBA elite. But what else is going on, here? How are the Grizzlies going to match up against LeBron and A.D.? Is Dillon Brooks the key to the series? What about the Lakers role players? How much will L.A.'s perimeter shooting impact what we're going to see. Can Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley and the rest hit enough shots to force Memphis to play things straight defensively? The ability of either team to do damage in transition could be a huge factor, as neither team is exactly elegant in the half court. Both teams thrive on the move, so forcing turnovers will be a big factor, and from the Lakers end, shooting a credible percentage from the perimeter, and getting to the free throw line (which is a transition killer for the opposition) will be huge. Finally, how will the Lakers defend Ja? Because while the Grizzlies seem to have a natural player to throw at LeBron (Brooks), the Lakers don't necessarily have a corresponding player for Morant. Lots of chess to be played, and it's worth asking if Lakers fans have more confidence in Darvin Ham than Grizzlies fans do in Taylor Jenkins. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Joe Mullinax and DaMichael Cole! SEGMENT 1: The energy around the series, with two teams that have never met in the postseason. SEGMENT 2: What's the deal with Dillon Brooks? How are the Grizzlies going to guard LeBron and A.D.? Is their defense tailor made for defending LA? SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers hit enough shots from the perimeter to keep the Grizzlies honest? Which team can get out in transition enough to gain an advantage? Where are the mismatches? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HelloFresh Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that's why it's America's #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/nba60 and use code nba60 for 60% off plus free shipping!   eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers completed their fairly remarkable run post-trade deadline on Sunday with a 128-117 win over the Utah Jazz, clinching the seven-seed in the Western Conference and the opportunity to host the play-in game Tuesday night vs. Minnesota. It's the culmination of a huge push that was absolutely not at all guaranteed, even with an improved roster, especially given all the injuries to significant players the team suffered. So now, it's one win to get into the main draw, then what could be a wildly entertaining matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. LeBron James, who hasn't been good over the last week, was fantastic on Sunday (especially from the perimeter, where he was 8-14 from downtown), which was quite comforting to see. The Lakers also received timely shooting D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, with a little Malik Beasley sprinkled in. Jarred Vanderbilt took advantage of total apathy from the Jazz, who spent a lot more time focused on other weapons. But they weren't exactly sharp, so is that a concern heading into Tuesday's game? What accounts for what we're seeing? And what should people expect from the Wolves? That's a group that had, to say the least, an interesting Easter Sunday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers clinch the 7-seed on Sunday, behind a great game from LeBron James. They'll face Minnesota in the play-in on Tuesday. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers weren't exactly sharp, and haven't been for the last few games. Why? SEGMENT 3: Looking ahead at the Minnesota game. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HelloFresh Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that's why it's America's #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/nba60 and use code nba60 for 60% off plus free shipping! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't inspiring, but the Lakers beat a Phoenix team sitting basically everyone important on Friday night 121-107 and in the process did some important things. For example... Clinched no worse than an 8-seed in the West, meaning they'll have a chance to win one game to get in the main draw. Ensured that they'll finish with no worse than the 7-seed with a win vs. Utah at home on Sunday. Kept alive the ability to move up, with a win and either two Clippers losses on Saturday and Sunday, or a Warriors loss in Portland Sunday. Became the first team in two decades to start 2-10 and finish with a winning record. This is all important stuff. Also important: Malik Beasley had a great game, badly needed both for the Lakers tonight and for his own mental well-being. A hot-shooting Beasley could be a big difference maker in the postseason for a Lakers team that still doesn't scare people from the perimeter. Austin Reaves was great. Rui Hachimura pitched in. On a night where LeBron and Anthony Davis were quiet offensively (30 points combined) that output was good to see. But LeBron, who is clearly tired (he said as much after the game) wasn't good on Friday, following a terrible first half on Wednesday. No panic yet, but if he looks bad again on Sunday, the butterflies will be flapping in many a Lakers fan's stomach. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ebay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.  BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are in Minnesota Friday for a critical matchup against the Timberwolves, with the seven-seed on the line for L.A. It's a great opportunity to climb further up the standings, but to also show that Wednesday's thrashing of Chicago, fueled by a killer starting lineup of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt was no fluke. (Russell may also be entering this game with a little extra on his mind, this being the first game against the team that just traded him, much less in that city.) But despite the first five crushing it, the second unit struggled in ways that cause concern, in part because there were too many minutes with just Dennis Schröder on the court as a ball-handling play-maker. While staggering Reaves, D'Lo and LeBron feels like a simple way of keeping two facilitators on the court at all times, it also raises the question of whether it would just be simpler to play Reaves off the bench again to lead a second unit that was recently a real strength. What are the pluses and minutes? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Will D'Angelo Russell be looking for a revenge game in his first outing against the Timberwolves? SEGMENT 2: Would it be simpler/cleaner to play Austin Reaves starter's minutes, but off the bench? SEGMENT 3: More discussion about the rotation, and Malik Beasley's role in it. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers started a five game road trip on Wednesday in Chicago, the very team that beat the snot out of them on Sunday, in a very disappointing afternoon for the purple and gold. With only seven games left, the Lakers needed to start the trip strong, and get some revenge. And that's exactly what they did, winning 121-110 in a game they started strong and (save a couple minor lulls) controlled throughout. Particularly when the starting lineup - LeBron, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell (he's back!), Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt was on the floor. That group was dominant in the minutes they played together. It looked great, but would Darvin Ham still benefit from tweaking things a little? In reality, when Davis plays with the type of energy and force he did on Wednesday, it might not matter how Ham deploys his role guys. Davis was excellent from the jump, getting off to a strong start in the game and finishing with 38 points on 13-20 from the floor. LeBron, still under a minutes restriction (that is clearly somewhere around 30) was an efficient 10-19 for 25 points. Russell and Reaves combined for 36. Without being Pollyannish, that starting five, if healthy, is not one any team in the West would be all that excited to face in a playoff series. Not to say the Lakers are primed to make a run to the Finals, and are capable of winning four rounds (an odd thing to say about a team with no guarantee of even making the playoffs), but one round against any team in the West? Yeah, no question. Meanwhile, the Lakers (and definitely Lakers fans) could take some joy in a terrible game from Patrick Beverley, and Reaves managed to make himself even more popular among Lakers fans by giving Bev the "too small" after hitting a jumper over him in the fourth. Well played! Finally, the Lakers have a Malik Beasley problem. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis leads the Lakers to a big win. SEGMENT 2: That starting lineup is one that could be scary if it stays healthy. SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves throws trash talk back at Pat Bev, and the Lakers have a Beasley problem. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vic the Brick haiku. David Vassegh hops on as the Dodgers head to Anaheim for their final 2 spring training games. Malik Beasley was trashed on IG after he posted a birthday message to his 4 year old son following the Lakers' loss to Chicago.

The good news? LeBron James, upgraded to doubtful on Saturday was quickly moved to questionable on Sunday ahead of the Lakers' game against Chicago, and declared himself good to go following pregame warmups. Rather than start, the Lakers brought James off the bench, where he ended up playing 30 minutes, scoring 19 points on 6-11 from the floor, with eight rebounds and three assists. Five turnovers indicated some rust and timing issues with teammates, but all-in-all, James looked pretty comfortable in his first game action in weeks. Nor did he report any discomfort after the game. He now gets two days to rest and continue treatment before the Lakers play the Bulls in Chicago. The bad news? Everything else that happened Sunday, in a 118-108 loss. The Lakers were pretty flat out of the gate, got put way behind after the Bulls used a hot shooting spree to build out a lead in the first half. And playing uphill the entire way, the Lakers just couldn't hit enough shots or play enough defense to get it done. They were bad at the line, bad beyond the arc, and turned the ball over without getting Chicago to return the favor. Not exactly a recipe for success. Anthony Davis was mired in foul trouble, Malik Beasley continued missing shots, Austin Reaves was forcing things... It was not good. And the Lakers paid for it. With only seven games remaining, it's starting to look a little more like the Lakers will make the top 10 (Dallas is dropping like a rock, and the Jazz are banged up and fading), but their hopes of rising to sixth are still alive... but don't have much space to breathe at this point. The hope is with James available down the stretch (and hopefully with D'Angelo Russell, too, who missed his second straight game on Sunday) the Lakers can string together wins. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron returns. How'd he look? Did Darvin Ham make it too complicated by bringing him off the bench? SEGMENT 2: More on James... and more stuff the Lakers did poorly on Sunday. SEGMENT 3: What about AD? What do the Lakers fix heading into Wednesday? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For Wednesday's show, we asked whether Darvin Ham needed to make a move to take a slumping Malik Beasley out of the starting lineup. Apparently, he listens. Wednesday vs. the Suns, Ham lifted Beasley and replaced him with a red-hot Austin Reaves, and the results were outstanding. The Lakers won 122-111 (in a game where they generally exerted control) and on a personal level Reaves was fantastic. 25 points on only 10 field goal attempts, bolstered by 13 trips to the line, 11 assists and a steal, while only turning the ball over once. He played nearly 39 minutes, and was a +18. So yeah, it worked pretty well! D'Angelo Russell had a very efficient 26 points, making half of his six threes. And then Anthony Davis came alive in the second half to finish with 27/9/5. With the win, the Lakers regain a place in the Western Conference's top 10, though a very precarious one, no question. They're in a group of seven teams with either 36 or 37 losses. With only nine games remaining on the schedule, each one is going to be massively important, starting with Friday's against a hot Oklahoma City team that has won eight of ten heading into their game Thursday against the Clippers. So does Darvin keep rolling with Reaves the starter? Do defenses start to adjust to his style, getting more aware of his ability to draw fouls and get to the line? And what is keeping Davis from doing what he did in the third and fourth quarters on Wednesday earlier in games? Is it Davis? Is it scheme? Is it teammates missing opportunities to get him the ball when they should? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a huge win as Darvin Ham makes a change in the starting lineup. SEGMENT 2: Reaves shines. Could teams start to adjust to him? SEGMENT 3: What triggered Davis's big second half? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers catch a break tonight against Phoenix, as the Suns will be missing both Kevin Durant (expected) and center DeAndre Ayton, who (when KD isn't playing) is Phoenix's second-best player after Devin Booker. (Due respect to Chris Paul.) So a must-win game for the Lakers (aren't they all, now?) is much more winnable. It's also an opportunity for Anthony Davis to do more damage, because at the least he will not have the same level of defensive responsibility guarding Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo. So we'll see how that goes. Meanwhile, how Davis performs isn't the only issue facing the Lakers right now, particularly in the starting lineup. Malik Beasley has essentially been in a slump since joining the team (a couple good games notwithstanding) and the low shooting percentage is putting a strain on the productivity of the starting five, which already carries Jarred Vanderbilt, an inconsistent producer of points, to be charitable. Both guys have been negatively impacted by the absence of LeBron James (Vanderbilt more as a defender, Beasley as a scorer), and will likely benefit from his return. Except that's not going to happen for a little while longer, if it happens at all, and the Lakers need to be as productive as possible in the interim. So is switching Beasley out of the starting five the best option? For Lonnie Walker? Rui Hachimura? Austin Reaves? What's the ripple effect of making a change like this one? And speaking of ripple effects, the Lakers have some decisions to make this offseason, including on Beasley. How should his current performance impact those choices? Does it make a lot of sense to let him go, but keep guys like D'Angelo Russell, Hachimura and Vanderbilt, then re-sign Austin Reaves? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Housekeeping! AD may not play in the last back-to-back after all! The Lakers catch a break against the Suns. SEGMENT 2: Is it time to remove Beasley from the starting lineup? SEGMENT 3: What happens if the Lakers decide to let Beasley (or other potential FA's) go this summer? The front office faces a bit of a binary choice... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got the win they had to have thanks to a career-high 35 points from Austin Reaves against the Orlando Magic. Was it enough to bring optimism back to Lakers fans? Not quite, as concerns linger about the play of Anthony Davis, Malik Beasley, and more. What does LA need to see from Anthony Davis? Is it finally time to move Beasley out of the starting lineup? Plus the latest on LeBron's injury and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played with fire all night, missing free throws and 3-pointers. That was a problem. Anthony Davis, who was pretty good most of the night, had about as bad a final minute as a player can, fouling Maxi Kleber on a closeout, sending him to the line for three free throws. He missed a free throw of his own in the final 15 seconds, and then he lost Kleber on the last possession, leaving enough space for Kyrie Irving to find him with a crosscourt pass. Kleber hit the shot, and the Mavericks won. That, obviously, was a BIG problem. Overall, the Lakers did just enough stuff wrong throughout the game to make sure they weren't in a comfortable spot, late. They were too slow out of the gate. They didn't get enough from D'Angelo Russell or Malik Beasley on the perimeter. They couldn't chase Dallas off the 3-point line in critical moments. And in the end, they missed another opportunity, because while this loss doesn't knock them out of the top 10, it pushes them to the very end of the play-in race, just in front of a Jazz team with two games in hand. Now the Lakers need to win a couple games back to keep the pace they need, following consecutive losses to Houston and Dallas. A modest winning streak could still have the Lakers moving up quickly, especially because they play Minnesota, Utah (twice) and Oklahoma City before it's over... but they're not making it easy, that's for sure. Ugh. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app.  Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto and The Athletic's Jovan Buha discuss LeBron James' potential return, why the Lakers are unlikely to sign Kyrie Irving, free agency for D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley, Rui Hachimura, and more.  

Weeks ago, the Lakers built a plan that mapped out exactly how Anthony Davis would be used once he came back from injury. It prescribed no back-to-backs, something the Lakers have stuck with even as the stakes have gone up with time running out in the season. And that's what they should do. Can't risk a guy's health, if that's what the doctors believe is at stake, here. But even without Davis, even without LeBron, even on the second night of a back-to-back, the Lakers needed to win Wednesday's game against a terrible Houston Rockets squad. They needed a better game plan. They needed a little more foresight. They needed better performances from guys like D'Angelo Russell (5-17) and Malik Beasley (6-17). The Lakers didn't get any of that stuff, and they lost. And this one stings, not just because it cost the Lakers a chance to move into a tie for 7th in the West. There just isn't enough season left to set games like this aside. So why, in a game where margins could be tight, did Darvin Ham choose to start Rui Hachimura instead of Wenyen Gabrial, the closest thing to a true center (undersized though he may be) available on roster? It certainly didn't pay off, as the Rockets got off to a red hot start in part because the Lakers offered zero resistance defensively. And why was Gabriel the only C on a night the Lakers KNEW they'd be without Davis, because they came up with the plan weeks ago? Would a big body on a 10-day have made a big difference? We'll never know, will we? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a painful game to the Rockets in Houston. SEGMENT 2: Why did Darvin choose to start Hachimura over Gabriel? SEGMENT 3: What the loss means in the standings, and why didn't the Lakers sign someone on a 10-day deal, just.to have the option of size? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app.  Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Pod! We discuss the Lakers playing against the Rockets without Anthony Davis (and why haven't they signed another center yet!?), their impressive performance against the Pelicans, Malik Beasley's bounce-back game, the roster construction and more with Trevor Lane... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were not pleased with the results of Sunday's loss to the Knicks at the Crypt, particularly Anthony Davis who put the blame squarely on his shoulders. He pledged to do better next time, and that he did. Davis was central to LA's big early run in New Orleans on Tuesday. They put up two touchdowns before the Pelicans were even on the board. At one point, the Lakers were up by 40. It was almost too big a lead, because the Lakers clearly got complacent and had to scramble a little more to hold on than they should have. Davis finished with 35 points on 11-18 shooting, with 17 rebounds. Malik Beasley broke out of his slump in a big way, hitting 7-10 from 3-point range in the first half. D'Angelo Russell was solid (if inefficient), as were Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. It was one of those nights, growing more common, where the Lakers look like they have real depth that can match up with a lot of teams. There's also a much, much more positive energy around the group. Some of that is a byproduct of winning. Some of it is personnel and context. But it's palpable. The big question was if the Lakers could steal enough time back from this game to allow Davis to play tonight against Houston. Then there was the concern that needing to put Davis back in the game might prevent him from playing. Turns out, he was never going to. Darvin Ham reiterated that Davis still isn't cleared for back-to-backs, and while he's pain free, it's an "active" injury and the Lakers aren't going to break from the plan they devised when Davis returned from injury. Nor should they. And the Lakers should still win tonight. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are playing with a much better energy, and took it to the Pelicans on Tuesday. SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis kept his promise... and the Lakers are sticking to the medical plan. SEGMENT 3: The bench is legitimate. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app.  Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers continued fight for a playoff spot continued in New Orleans on Tuesday with Anthony Davis vowing to make amends for a disappointing effort against the Knicks. And buoyed by a record fifteen first-half three-pointers (including Malik Beasley with seven) and Davis redeeming himself with 35 points and 17 rebounds, the Lakers ran away and hid from the Pelicans leading by as much as 40 points and cruised to a 123-108 victory. Tune in as LakerTom from lakerholics.com, "MagicMan in the Morning" host Sean Grice, Joe Soro of lakersball.com and SynBlades.com, and Gerald Glassford of the Lakers Fast Break savor in the great performance, let you know why this win is so important for the 2023 NBA Draft, fill you in on how the team's standing is right now in the Western Conference, and inform you who won't be playing in the back-to-back tomorrow in Houston. It's the easiest win of the year for the Lakers and we celebrate it right here on the Lakers Fast Break podcast! Join our ESPN March Madness Challenge Lakers Fast Break Group today by going to https://tinyurl.com/2aus9zmc Catch our LIVE Lakers Fast Break Watch Parties every game when you sign up to Playback.tv and head to our channel https://www.playback.tv/lakersfastbreak For the latest updates on the NBA Draft, head over to Stone Hanen's show, The Upside Swings NBA Draft Podcast today at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Please Like, Share, and Subscribe to our channel and our social media @lakersfastbreak on Twitter. If you have questions for us give us a shout-out on Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook, or send us your thoughts to lakersfastbreak@yahoo.com or become a supporter of the Lakers Fast Break today at https://anchor.fm/lakers-fast-break/support Presented by our friends at the Hoop Heads Podcast Network, NBA Draft Junkies, lakerholics.com, lakersball.com, Pop Culture Cosmos, Inside Sports Fantasy Football, Vampires and Vitae, SynBlades.com, YouTube's John Mikaelian, the novel Congratulations, You Suck (available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble), The Happy Hoarder, and Retro City Games! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lakers-fast-break/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lakers-fast-break/support

The Lakers, according to the fine folks at Tankathon (and by other measurements as well) have the league's easiest schedule down the stretch. That includes tonight's game against a hobbled New Orleans squad, and Wednesday against the Rockets, who are awful. They see the Bulls twice, get a beat up Dallas team, the Suns (at least once) without Kevin Durant and the Magic. By the time the schedule grants two games against Utah, the Jazz may or may not still be playing for a playoff berth. (Of course, they're saying the same thing about the Lakers on Locked On Jazz.) So the idea they could be playing significant games down the stretch, even understanding that LeBron is going to miss a huge chunk of time, isn't at all far-fetched. Not given how the Lakers have played since the NBA's trade deadline, Sunday's loss notwithstanding. To get there, they need top shelf performances from Anthony Davis, and on days where he's anything less, elevated performances from the supporting cast. They didn't get the latter on Sunday, particularly from Malik Beasley, who has struggled mightily since joining the purple and gold. Like, from everywhere around the floor. Is he in danger of losing playing time to someone like Lonnie Walker IV? What would it take for that to happen? Would the Lakers be better off? And how about Darvin Ham? His coaching choices have been a point of scrutiny for Lakers fans all season. On Sunday, he was criticized for sitting D'Angelo Russell and Davis at the same time, on a night where the other dudes weren't up to the task. So is he, in his rookie season as a head coach, capable of navigating a situation in which pretty much every string he pulls needs to be the right one? It's a tough spot to be in. How confident should Lakers fans be? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron James is trying mightily to find a way back to the floor this season. Will the Lakers still be playing meaningful games if/when he does? SEGMENT 2: Malik Beasley needs to pick it up. SEGMENT 3: Is Ham up to the task? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app.  Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had a chance to get back to .500 by beating the Knicks, but fumbled their opportunities all game long. They just couldn't get the job done in this one as Malik Beasley's shooting slump continued, Troy Brown had a terrible shooting night, and Anthony Davis wasn't dominant enough to win despite a great scoring performance from D'Angelo Russell. We break down what happened and where it leaves the Lakers in the playoff mix.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Under normal circumstances, Sunday's 112-108 loss to the Knicks wouldn't be a major source of concern. The Lakers played hard, they didn't underestimate their opponent. They just weren't sharp. It happens. Except right now, the Lakers simply can't afford to have games where they're not sharp, and can't execute well enough to win games there for the taking. With the loss, the Lakers drop into a statistical tie with the Thunder for the 10th spot in the West. Still only a game out of 7th, and two out of 6th, but obviously a much shakier spot than they were 24 hours ago. It was a few things - Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Troy Brown provided absolutely nothing for the Lakers in support of Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell (who was again excellent on Sunday, with 33 points on 13-19 shooting. As a team, the Lakers didn't get to the line enough, and when they did, they - and Davis more specifically - didn't hit enough of them. Darvin Ham erred it seemed in not keeping either Russell or Davis on the floor on a night where the supporting cast wasn't elevating the team (Davis was a +9, Russell +14 on a night the Lakers lost by four). But the person who put the blame on himself first and foremost was Davis. He took responsibility for the loss, which while not totally accurate - AD wasn't dominant, but he wasn't awful, and it certainly wasn't one of those games where Davis sort of floats through 48 minutes - was still a good sign of leadership, of understanding what the Lakers need from him night to night, and a reason to be encouraged about Tuesday's game in New Orleans. Davis has, for the most part, responded well to games in which he felt he underperformed. We'll see. And we'll see as well if Davis plays in both ends of this week's back-to-back, Tuesday against the Pelicans, Wednesday in Houston. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers don't execute, and they lose. SEGMENT 2: Anthony Davis puts the loss on his shoulders. Is he being fair to himself? SEGMENT 3: The standings are tight, and the Lakers need to keep Davis on the floor for every game now, right? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app.  Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a look at the current standings, the Lakers finally feeling like the Lakers again, the current standings, D'Angelo Russell's play, Malik Beasley's shooting struggles and more with Trevor Lane... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are expected to get some serious lineup relief tonight vs. Toronto, with D'Angelo Russell returning to the floor after a six game absence. And none too soon, because while the team has performed admirably with Dennis Schröder and Austin Reaves functioning as primary ball-handlers and team organizers, it's not a role that either is perfectly suited to play. Having Russell back in the lineup returns both guys to a more natural role - Schröder as an attacking guard off the bench, and Reaves as a natural facilitator and connecter, but not necessarily a point guard. Darvin Ham gets more options, which is something every coach appreciates. Plus, Russell's ability as a shooter should open the floor not just for interior players like Anthony Davis or Jarred Vanderbilt, but should also take some of the heat off a guy like Malik Beasley, who struggled in D'Lo's absence. Mo Bamba, unfortunately, will be out for about a month with an ankle sprain, robbing the Lakers not just of their only source of rim protection not named Anthony Davis, but also the opportunity to see how Bamba fits with this Lakers roster. They have choices to make this offseason, and Bamba (who has a team option for about $10 mil next year) is one of them. Even if the Lakers make the playoffs and Bamba is able to return by then, they're simply not going to get the kind of sample size of games/minutes they'd have liked. But while the Bamba injury hurts, the opportunity to have Russell back and playing well in a Western Conference that seems even more wide open following injuries to Luka Doncic on an already slumping Mavs squad, Brandon Ingram on a Pelicans team that is barely keeping its head above water, and then Kevin Durant on the Suns, who will miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. Phoenix isn't a team the Lakers are likely to catch, but it means when they play the Suns later this month, Durant is likely going to be in street clothes. From a scheduling standpoint, things just continue to open up for LA. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell returns to the lineup. What's the impact on LA's rotation? SEGMENT 2: Mo Bamba will miss a month, a blow not just for this year, but for thinking of next season, too. SEGMENT 3: An interesting YouTube page comment pointing to a low key benefit of bringing this deeper group back next year, plus a look at more ways things are breaking in favor of the Lakers. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers spoiled Steph's comeback as Anthony Davis absolutely torched the Warriors. Anthony praises him, Malik Beasley and Troy Brown, then wonders what's going on with D'Angelo Russell. He finishes by looking ahead to a stretch of a few winnable games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA teams were 0-138 heading into Sunday's action when falling down by 27 points or more. They are now 1-138. Why? Because the Lakers executed an epic, and monumentally critical, comeback against the Mavericks in Dallas, clawing back from a 27-point deficit to win 111-108. It was a game that featured huge performances from damn near everyone on the roster. Anthony Davis morphed back into MVP Anthony Davis in the second half, finishing with 30 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt was everything everywhere all at once, with 15 points, 17 rebounds and four steals. LeBron James muscled through another foot injury to score some massive hoops down the stretch. Austin Reaves got scrappy, Malik Beasley hit a critical three -- it was the type of game that builds not only momentum in the standings, but serious belief in the locker room. Can the Lakers turn this into something bigger in a Western Conference in which 10 -- TEN!!! -- teams have between 29 and 32 losses? The Big Mo might take a hit on Tuesday if LeBron and D'Angelo Russell are sidelined (and they might be) but overall, this team is clearly a much, much different beast than the one that took the floor for the first 50-something games of the year. Vanderbilt showed how context can be critical, not just for the player himself and how he's used, but on how that usage/presence impacts the rest of the roster. In Utah, there were some complaints he wasn't utilized as effectively as he was in Minnesota. That the activity and energy didn't always translate to better results. But with the Lakers, what Vanderbilt replaces, and how he slots different players into better, more comfortable usage (particularly on defense) makes a world of difference EVEN IF Vanderbilt himself isn't perfect. Context is everything! And the Lakers couldn't have asked for a better time to get the return of that AD. Some of that energy he displayed can be attributed to Vanderbilt, too. We'll see where this goes, but the Lakers clearly are on the move. If guys aren't out for too long, it's not crazy to start thinking more ambitiously about where they might finish in the West. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers score a massive comeback, critical psychologically and in the standings. SEGMENT 2: Jarred. Vanderbilt. JARRED VANDERBILT!!! SEGMENT 3: Davis comes up big when the Lakers needed him most. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers generally controlled the proceedings against a shorthanded Golden State squad, missing Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins. They won (124-111) on a night where Anthony Davis and LeBron James scored 25 points combined. Combined! They won with three-point shooting from a guy who is supposed to be a three-point shooter (Malik Beasley, 7-11 from downtown en route to 25 points), and solid performances up and down from a supporting cast whose floor is significantly higher now than it was a month ago. The group, even while they try and figure each other out, just makes more sense, and can operate with far more coherence. The Lakers have put the football down at different times this season, and encouraged Lakers fans to go ahead and kick it. And generally speaking, they've pulled that football away, turning all those faithful fans to swing at empty air and end up on their backs, like Lucy does to Charlie Brown. Every. Time. Thursday, maybe things started to turn. The only downside? D'Angelo Russell left after turning his right ankle in a genuinely fluky play during the first half. He's listed as day-to-day, and Darvin Ham said the Lakers don't currently believe he'll need an MRI or any additional testing after x-rays were negative (as they usually are for ankle sprains). That Russell spoke to the media was itself significant, because generally speaking injured players, or badly injured ones at least, don't. Hopefully Russell won't be out long, because Thursday was the first time all season the Lakers fielded a full roster. No injuries to speak of. Heading into Dallas on Sunday, they have a chance to keep Ham's Six Seed Quest alive, and more importantly build some significant confidence. The type that, in addition to better play, can fuel a run of five or six in a row, or eight of 11, 10 of 13, and so on. That sort of move could bump the Lakers up significantly, and quickly, in the West. And while that might seem pie in the sky, it's important to remember that the team is, legitimately, brand new. It's not the same bunch that was incapable of sustained excellence earlier this year. Long winning streaks are probably not coming, but Thursday at least the Lakers showed that talking about them as a playoff team isn't a ridiculous use of time. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, behind the supporting cast and the shooting of Malik Beasley. SEGMENT 2: Russell is hurt, and hopefully not too bad, because he's bringing something valuable to the team in his second run in purple and gold. SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves, Mo Bamba and more! Dallas looks like a big opportunity, not just in the standings, but psychologically to really kick the Lakers into gear. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOn and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers relied on their depth to beat the Warriors on Thursday night, getting big scoring nights from Malik Beasley and Austin Reaves while LeBron and Anthony Davis did more of the little things to fill in the gaps. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, how a shooter of Beasley's caliber helps the team's half-court and transition offense, and how the new depth of the team is adding their respective strengths to what the Lakers already did well. Then later, the guys discuss Sunday's matchup with the Mavericks and how the new revamped rosters from both sides might impact the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Say what you will about Darvin Ham, the man is an ambitious thinker. Wednesday in El Segundo, Ham said the Lakers aren't simply focused on getting into the top 10 in the West, which would give them at least a seat at the postseason table (or the chance to get one, depending on whether you're a person who considers the play-in to be part of the playoffs). No, he's looking at a top 6 seed, that would get them into the big tournament outright, without having to win the qualifying games. With 3.5 games to make up on the Mavericks (currently occupying that spot) and six (6) teams in between, that is a big ask, and would require a tremendous amount of winning. No harm in setting the bar high, though. Because the Lakers will need to win a lot just to reach the 10 spot. How many games? 15 seems like a safe number, meaning they can afford to lose eight times between now and the end of the season. If 15-8 doesn't get them in, what are you gonna do? A prime opportunity to get things off on the right foot comes Thursday, at home against the Warriors who will be without Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins. That's their best guy in Steph, and one of their most critical, especially on the defensive side, with Wiggins. LA can't afford to let this one get away. And by the way, these games aren't just important for this season. It's also a test run for next year. Rob Pelinka has the option of bringing this group back more or less as they are - picking up options on Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley, re-signing D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, inking Austin Reaves to a new deal, and so on - or pushing everyone out the door to either bring in a new supporting cast, or go big game hunting in the free agent market (which, basically, means trying to sign Kyrie Irving). So how many wins shows reasonable proof of concept to the front office? Is it 14? 15? 16? Finally, Andy speaks with Sam Pollard, director of Bill Russell: Legend currently on Netflix. If you're a fan of hoops (and you likely are, since you're here) or just a person interested in American history, it's a documentary worth your time. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How many wins do the Lakers need to make the playoffs? SEGMENT 2: How many wins would give the front office an incentive to run this crew back next season? SEGMENT 3: Sam Pollard, director of Bill Russell: Legend, now on Netflix. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOn and get on your way to being your best self. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The return of D'Angelo Russell to Los Angeles might not move the needle on a national level like, say, Kevin Durant being traded to Phoenix. But that doesn't mean it's not a super-intriguing hoops story. In his first go with the Lakers, an immature Russell was sent out to make room for a different point guard the franchise hoped would be the player to lead them back to glory in Lonzo Ball. It didn't happen. After leaving L.A., Russell thrived, making an All-Star team with the Nets and settling into that fringe All-Star space that can be extremely valuable for teams. But he's an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Could Russell, still only 26 years old, be someone the Lakers want to keep for a few years? Would they let him go again? So much depends on that fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and how Russell performs over the next 23 games. What kind of player did the Lakers re-acquire? Ben Beecken, Host of Locked On Wolves, has had a bird's eye view since Russell arrived in Minneapolis in 2019. He joins the show to break down what went well for Russell in Minnesota, what didn't, and why. Has D'Angelo matured as a player and a person? What kind of skill set does he bring, and how well should it fit with LeBron and A.D.? Has he ironed out any of the inconsistency that was a big feature of his seasons in purple and gold? And as a bonus, we get more scouting on Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, who Beecken covered while they played for the Wolves ahead of the offseason deal that shipped Rudy Gobert out of Utah. How can those two be deployed in ways that maximize strengths while hiding weaknesses? More insight into players that could be critical for the Lakers not just this season, but for a few down the road. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Ben Beecken! SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell is back in LA. What worked for him in Minnesota? What went wrong? SEGMENT 2: How does Russell fit with LeBron and Davis? What are the best ways to use Beasley and Vanderbilt? SEGMENT 3: Reaction. What does the addition of these three do for the Lakers' floor, game to game, and why is that so important? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got LeBron back, unveiled a new starting lineup, and promptly dispatched of the Pelicans with a double-digit victory in a game that neither LeBron nor Anthony Davis had to play more than 30 minutes. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the instant chemistry of the starting group, Jarred Vanderbilt's defense, and Malik Beasley's lasers. Then later, the guys discuss Mo Bamba's debut and how a rough shooting night shouldn't overcome his defensive potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers needed a win in basically every way on Wednesday at home vs. New Orleans. They needed it in the standings, where a loss would push them even further behind one of the teams they're trying to track down. They needed it mentally, because heading into the All Star break on consecutive losses would be a tough thing to sit on. And with all that on the line, they got it, and in rather impressive fashion, too. 120-102, in a game they started hot and finished strong. And speaking of starting, Darvin Ham shook up the starting lineup in a major way, re-uniting D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, all former teammates in Minnesota, in the opening five next to LeBron James (back in the lineup) and Anthony Davis. That crew got off to a very hot start, helping open up a 13-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The offense slowed down in the second quarter, but overall the team looked like a team with a single style of play and some continuity throughout, no matter who was on the floor. That's a major change from the Russell Westbrook Era, where Russ Minutes demanded the Lakers either shift their style to what Russ did best, or try to work around him (particularly in the half court). Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but it made it hard for the Lakers to develop something consistent through a game, and too often hampered late-game execution. D'Angelo Russell, on the other hand, is a much more conventional third scorer, and that's a good thing. The full repertoire was on display Wednesday, with 21 points in 27 minutes. He was one of many Lakers who had good moments on the floor. LeBron had a nice game, but basically was allowed to stay in cruise control and didn't crack the 30 minute mark. And Davis? He looked like the ANTHONY DAVIS the Lakers were getting pre-injury. 28 points in only 30 minutes, on 11-14 from the floor. 10 boards, five assists, two blocks, and a +18. This is the type of game that builds momentum for the player and the team heading into the break. It can help them believe, and belief is something they must have if the Lakers are going to crack the playoff ranks. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham changes up the starting lineup, and is rewarded for it. SEGMENT 2: What works with the new-look Lakers, particularly swapping Russell for Westbrook as a designated third scorer. SEGMENT 3: Welcome back, Anthony Davis! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much of Monday's show was dedicated to the question of whether Dennis Schröder ought to be in the starting lineup for the Lakers and Darvin Ham. Apparently, it wasn't enough to quell any controversy, particularly after the Lakers were wiped out in Portland and Schröder was a non-factor. When LeBron James returns, perhaps as early as tonight against the Pelicans at home, should Schröder remain? Because D'Angelo Russell is going to start, along with James and Anthony Davis and, presumably for the moment at least, Rui Hachimura? And if it's not Schröder, who should it be? Malik Beasley? Troy Brown, Jr.? Jarred Vanderbilt? Austin Reaves? As much as fans are unhappy with Ham's choices, there may not be a clear cut, obvious answer, here. Each has its appeal, each brings some problems. Especially when considering the rotation more holistically. From there, it's a deep dive into the newest Lakers. David Locke, host of Locked on Jazz (and our boss!) joins the show to deliver a scouting report on the former Jazz men. What does Beasley bring? What, to use the terminology of Jazz coach Will Hardy, is his superpower, and how can the Lakers take advantage of it? Is he best suited to be a starter? Can he hold up enough defensively to become a key contributor for the Lakers down the stretch? Because the defense? It wasn't great in Utah. What about Vanderbilt? On the one hand, his energy was infectious in Utah, and often helped elevate the Jazz. But then, as Locke notes, you'd look at the advanced numbers and see the team was often worse with him out there. What gives? What are his strengths and weaknesses as a defender? What space does he have to grow? Great insight on players who will be critical for the Lakers as they try to make a playoff push. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: If Dennis Schröder doesn't start, who should? SEGMENT 2: David Locke joins to scout Malik Beasley. Can he bring enough offense to balance some questions on the other end? SEGMENT 3: Locke on Vanderbilt. The eye test says one thing. Do the analytics say another? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers entered Portland on a small winning streak, but more importantly, fresh off a strong road win against the Warriors, despite LeBron James being shelved with a persistent foot/ankle issue. This game against the Trail Blazers also featured no King, but their opponents were missing Jerami Grant and Jusef Nurkic, and the Lakers' collective confidence seemed high enough to make a night of it in a tough environment. Until Damian Lillard went absolutely bonkers from behind the arc, and pretty much all of his teammates followed suit. The Blazers hit 17 threes in the first half, with everyone from Dame (EIGHT, including a few from practically outside the building) to Matisse freaking Thybulle getting in on the action. Conversely, the Lakers hit just three in the opening 24 minutes, creating a 42 point swing on shots from distance. That is a massive discrepancy to battle from the outset, and despite actually turning it on themselves in the second half, the Lakers were in no position to make a serious comeback. Anthony Davis had 19 points and 20 rebounds, Malik Beasley rediscovered the three-point shot absent in his Lakers debut Saturday, and D'Angelo Russell had another solid night, but it was all too little, and given how few games are left, too late. Only 24 remaining to make a serious push. Seriously, when will LeBron come back. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Portland buries the Lakers from behind the arc. SEGMENT 2: More thoughts on the loss and what went wrong. SEGMENT 3: This is definitely a better roster than before the deadline, but getting everyone on the same page is still no easy task, especially without LeBron to organize matters. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That's PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices