Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have had long stretches this year where news on Jarred Vanderbilt has essentially been non-existent. And for the most part, it has been a matter of no news not equaling good news. There's no update because he's not making progress.Well, sometimes getting news isn't good, either. Such was the case Wednesday, when the Lakers delivered a health update on Jarred Vanderbilt. And ... it's not great! His feet aren't healing as fast as the Lakers had hoped. Is it a "setback?" They say no, likely framing "setback" as something involving a recurrence of the injury. This isn't that, but he's just not recovering as fast as the Lakers clearly had hoped when training camp began. So they'll slow things down, and reassess in a couple weeks. (At least publicly.) Needless to say, if Vando's rehab is ramping down more than up, it means it's unlikely he's on the floor for at least a month. Possibly more. And the length of his absence, combined with the recovery from injury, makes it fair to wonder how effective he'd be upon his return. How long would he need to round into form? Remember, last year Vanderbilt played poorly after he returned from injury the first time, and then he got hurt again. (A sequence of events surely on the team's mind as they try to navigate this year's problems.) It wasn't until he came back the second time that Vando actually made positive contributions. So given how slowly this has gone, should the Lakers, even 14 games in (with 15 tonight at home against Orlando) approach the  rest of the year as if Vanderbilt won't make a meaningful contribution? Would that be the wisest course of action? To prepare for the worst, and be surprised if happier events intervene? Plus... a trip down memory lane in LA's efforts to find a shooter.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Vando out. Still. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a messaging problem, in addition to a potential roster issue? SEGMENT 3: Great shooters in Lakers history!  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

In a town that has seen its share of "manias" around young, exciting players (Fernandomania, Nomomania, and so on) it's fair to think we're probably one more big game from full blown Knectomania in Los Angeles. Dalton Knecht, who entered Tuesday's game against Utah at the Crypt riding a big hot streak, got even hotter. He finished with 37, on a cartoonish 9-11 from 3-point range. He was so hot, and energizing the crowd to such an extent, that the Lakers seemed to lose their flow in the second half, because they were trying so hard to get him the ball. With the win, the Lakers remain unbeaten at home, unbeaten in the history of the In-Season Tournament/NBA Cup, and push their record to 10-4. That's all good. Anthony Davis played well, so did LeBron James. But let's be honest - nobody cares. The night was about Knecht, and all the (legitimately) fun questions fans can start asking themselves, and the ways in which they can let the collective imagination run wild. Because the Lakers have one of "those guys." Meaning a true shooting threat that will either alter how teams defend the Lakers (and make things easier for guys like Davis, LeBron, Austin Reaves, and anyone else sharing a court with him) or punish them for not making those adjustments. Likely, the league will very quickly tighten up on Knecht, and that's fine. The Lakers will still benefit. If Knecht keeps up high end shooting (somewhere in the 40s, as opposed to the 82% he shot on Tuesday) it will open up tons of stuff for JJ Redick and his offense, and add an important energy to every building he enters. The Lakers have now worked through a soft part of the calendar, and will face a few tougher tests in the games ahead. But at 10-4, they've got some wiggle room that will undoubtedly come in handy over the course of the season. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers win their sixth straight game. SEGMENT 2: Dalton. Knecht. SEGMENT 3: The Knecht Effect Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers are riding a five-game winning streak, with a very good chance to make it six tonight at home against the 3-10 Utah Jazz. So while the hot start—the Lakers wake up Tuesday morning as the 3rd seed in the West—has fans rightly excited, it's not all they're talking about. First-rounder Dalton Knecht has, after a shaky start, grown red hot as a shooter. This, of course, is what he was drafted to do, but adjusting to the NBA, even for the most talented rookies, is a challenge. For most players, it takes a little time. And it's too early to say that a weekend's worth of good games from Knecht, inserted into the starting lineup thanks to an injury to Rui Hachimura, has fully adjusted and "arrived," so to speak. But with Knecht shooting over 50% from three in his last four games, and his overall percentages improving, it's not too early to recognize the impact he's capable of having on the team. Would the Lakers be better off getting him into the starting lineup? Generally speaking, an argument can be made that the purpose of an NBA rotation is to get the best players on the floor as much as possible. Obviously, context plays a role, here. Teams might not have the roster balance to find "starters minutes" for every player if the talent is clustered around one position. "Best" might not mean the totality of a player's skill set, but one really, really big piece of it - say high volume 3-point shooting. Like Knecht. Or maybe it's a situation where strengths and weaknesses don't align properly, so one person needs to be split from the "best players" group. That's what's happened with D'Angelo Russell, who was sent to the bench in part because the Lakers were suffering too much defensively when he and Austin Reaves shared the court. Monday at practice, JJ Redick pushed back against the idea Russell is playing a different role on the team. His role is more being reallocated. Whether you buy that logic or not - I suspect Russell doesn't at least not fully - it's worked. The Lakers haven't lost since making the move, and Redick praised Russell's adjustment both to Redick's offense and the rotation change at length on Monday. However you want to define these things, roles could be changing in significant ways vs. what was expected going into camp. In other news, Hachimura is questionable for tonight's game, Reddish practiced (making him far more likely to play) and Pat Riley is getting a statue! HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers might have some reinforcements back tonight.  SEGMENT 2: Should Dalton Knecht be a starter?  SEGMENT 3: What's a role, anyway? Redick tries to define it, and Russell tries to live it.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Lakers haven't always looked great in the process, but they are on a five game winning streak heading into Tuesday's game at home against the Jazz. That's a very, very, very good opportunity to make it six straight. It's easy to get wrapped up in aesthetics and style points, but there is no such thing as a bad five-game winning streak in the NBA. And there's definitely no such thing as a bad six-game streak. And it's worth noting that the Lakers, while catching a break here and there, have also played these games (and run their record to 9-4) while facing some adversity of their own. LA's frontcourt, already thinned out by injuries to Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt, has had to absorb absences from Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. The backup center (Christian Koloko) missed about a year and a half before finally being cleared by the NBA to play again. So it's not all sunshine and roses. And all you can do is play the games on the schedule, anyway. Meanwhile, the Lakers are getting increasingly bigger contributions from Dalton Knecht, who is now shooting 48% from the floor and over 40% from 3-point range, including 14-21 over his last four games. The performances have been so impactful, there's already chatter among Lakers fans to put Knecht into the starting lineup, even when Reddish is healthy again. So can the Lakers turn current success into even bigger future gains? What do these wins now mean for the team going forward?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are winning games. Even if they're not getting much attention for it.  SEGMENT 2: What's going right? What feels sustainable?  SEGMENT 3: Knecht explodes, Christie resurfaces.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)

It wasn't at all pretty, but it ultimately got the job done. Playing on the second night of a back to back, the Lakers spent the first half running in mud against an extremely shorthanded but very hard working New Orleans Pelicans squad, and found themselves down by 10 at the break. They were being out worked, first and foremost -- as JJ Redick reportedly said at halftime, the adjustment was to "get the ****ing ball," meaning loose balls, rebounds and the like. In the second half, the Lakers didn't exactly run away with it, but they did execute at a far higher level, and just as importantly started hitting shots. The deficit was eaten up pretty quickly, and the Lakers even took a 10 point lead (that would disappear). In the end, they were simply too talented for the Pellies down the stretch. They're now 9-4, with a chance to get to 10 against Utah at home this week. All in all, a great start. The win was fueled by Anthony Davis (31 points) and Dalton Knecht (27 points), who hit five 3-pointers to help push LA to a win. On a night where Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish were unavailable, Knecht showed again what he could do in the starting lineup.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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) 

To this point, the Lakers have been a very good team at home (6-0) and a very, very meh group on the road. That made Friday's game against a solid-at-home, up-and-coming San Antonio team a big one (whether you're thinking regular season stuff, or the first game in NBA Cup pool play). LA took a punch in the mouth to start the game, but quickly got back on track defensively, finished the first quarter ahead, and stayed out front for (almost) the rest of the game. Final score, 120-115. The Lakers run their record to 8-4, with a game against an injury-riddled New Orleans squad coming tomorrow. This was a great game on a lot of levels. It starts with the stars. Anthony Davis finished with 40 points and 12 rebounds. LeBron James, pushing 40, had his FOURTH STRAIGHT triple-double (15/16/12). Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell and Dalton Knecht all finished in double figures, as did Max Christie, pressed into service with Rui Hachimura sidelined thanks to a bum ankle. Low bar to clear, but this was easily Christie's best game of the season. 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block, and a level of aggression that has not been present to this point in the season. Between him and Russell, the Lakers got real, live bench production. It can't be overstated how important that is for them. Will Christie have a chance to build on this? With Hachimura potentially out Saturday, he could have a chance.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)

Last season, the Lakers became the first team to win the NBA's in-season tournament. That means this year, they're the first team to try and defend that title. Of course, while the in-season tournament (now the NBA Cup) was a much bigger success than most anticipated, fans certainly remember how much the Lakers struggled following the tournament. It was miserable, in part because LA clearly used a lot of energy to try and win the thing and it took a while to recover. So with their portion of the NBA Cup opening tonight in San Antonio against a quickly improving Spurs team featuring a red hot Victor Wembenyama. But while Friday's game will get the most attention, a very solid argument can be made that Saturday's game in New Orleans is more critical. The Lakers, currently sitting at 7-4 in an extraordinarily crowded Western Conference, can't afford to give any games away. The best teams in the conference will almost certainly dominate against sub-.500 teams. Teams that fall to the bottom of the playoff ladder wil almost certainly have given away some games they shouldn't have. A 2-0 weekend, where the Lakers play better, establish themselves as a competent road team, and add tons of optimism would be idea. 1-1, though, is the minimum.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: It's Cup time! SEGMENT 2: The Lakers need a strong weekend.  SEGMENT 3: Let's say the Lakers were ready and willing to make a deal, likely for a big. Is there anything out there?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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) 

Definitionally, everything LeBron James does at this point in his career is historic, because nobody in NBA history has ever, at age 39, done what James is doing. But that doesn't mean all the history is created equal. James came through on Wednesday with another triple-double (his third straight) on a night the Lakers really needed him. Following a hot shooting start to the game (where they built up a 15 point lead) the Lakers went cold in the second and third quarters, losing defensive cohesion and then the lead. They had to dig deep to find a way to win, and they did. At the core of the comeback was James (35 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists), playing in a way that was physically and mentally dominant without being reliant on high flying athleticism. You can see the craft of basketball in action when James puts on displays like this one. On a night where Anthony Davis struggled with foul trouble, which took him and his teammates out of their flow, the Lakers needed others to fill the void. Dalton Knecht stepped up with his most consequential game as pro, playing 31 minutes and hitting all five of his 3-pointers. Knecht, Redick said, provided not just production, but also real energy coming off the bench. How Knecht might break through going forward, especially as Gabe Vincent continues to be a disaster, is going to be a topic going forward. The Lakers need that production in a big, bad way.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers build a big lead, then lose it, then get it again. SEGMENT 2: AD in foul trouble? No worries. LeBron steps WAY up. SEGMENT 3: Is it time to play Knecht more (and sit Vincent)? Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Lakers got some good injury news on Tuesday. Anthony Davis, poked in the eye during Sunday's win over Toronto, is fine (or fine enough) and will play. Without goggles, because he just hates them, apparently.  But he'll play. Meanwhile, the news wasn't so good for Christian Wood. The team's most offensively talented reserve big man has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation following (another) knee surgery, and will essentially be shut down for a month. Realistically, this means the earliest he might return to play would be mid- to late-December. It's very possible if Wood returns it's after the first of the year. Needless to say, combined with news that Jarred Vanderbilt seemingly isn't any closer to returning than he has been over the last few weeks, the Lakers aren't getting any help anytime soon. And it raises all of the same questions about the team's training and medical staff. Did they do anything wrong in regards to Wood? Nothing indicates that at this point. The body is complex, and recovery can be difficult, especially when the bar to clear is "can play NBA basketball." But at the same time, it's easy to believe the Lakers have a recurring problem with their medical staff and keeping people on the court, if for no other reason than their own actions seem to confirm it with consistent turnover in those departments. At the least, they have a communication problem. While most teams now don't like to give much information about injuries—and there are a lot of good reasons for that—the Lakers seem particularly challenged when it comes to communicating in ways that craft expectations, and then help keep them in check. Frankly, a little more "we don't know" would be good. Guys are hurt, recovery is slow. "We don't know when a player will be back. He's doing everything he can, but we have a to be careful." Something like that. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura's performance has been all over the map. And D'Angelo Russell? Don't assume he's being traded just because he's on the bench, now.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get AD back for Wednesday, but lose Christian Wood for a while more. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a problem with their training and medical staff? SEGMENT 3: What's up with Rui?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Lakers have played 10 games. At 6-4, the overall record is solid enough. They're keeping up in a brutal Western Conference where 11 teams are .500 or better, and a 12th (San Antonio) is just one game under. (By comparison, the 3rd seed in the East is Indiana, at 5-5.) So what do we know about the team at this point? On the one hand, some of the preseason goals haven't quite panned out the way JJ Redick and Co. have hoped. The rebounding thing? They haven't made a ton of progress, there. Shooting more 3's? Well, they are, but not by much, and the percentages are lower this year than last. It's a top five offense overall, and a bottom five defense. Anthony Davis? Played great last year, playing even better this year. LeBron after a slow couple of games looks like LeBron, and Austin Reaves looks like he's elevating. But Max Christie? Oof. Rui Hachimura? Hit and miss. D'Angelo Russell? Coming off the bench... though not exactly in the same way and for the same reasons as last year. Christian Wood? Jarred Vanderbilt? Still hurt. So there's a lot of the same, but some things that do feel different. So about 1/8th of the way in, have we learned anything that might forecast what's coming?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are 6-4 after 10 games. Thoughts?  SEGMENT 2: What looks the same? What looks different?  SEGMENT 3: Where do the Lakers go from here?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Lakers were coming off an encouraging Friday night win over the Philadelphia 76ers, responding with a lot of energy to JJ Redick's first big move as a coach, swapping D'Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish in the starting lineup.  So there was a lot to look forward to Sunday as the slumping Toronto Raptors visited the Crypt. For a half, though, the Lakers looked as if they were playing in mud. No pop, no energy, no attempt to stop the Raptors as they hammered them on the glass. The Lakers stuck close because Toronto isn't very good, but it was hardly inspiring. And for a few minutes in the third, it seemed like the trend would continue. But thankfully, over the course of the quarter the Lakers found their footing, made some shots and cranked up the energy, building out a more significant lead that would rise into double digits throughout much of the fourth. Again, the Lakers got a boost from the reconfigured bench, with Russell leading the way and the group providing a little scoring punch. Austin Reaves finished with 27 points, on 10-17 shooting. So the Lakers get the win... but it's not what people are talking about. Instead, it's yet another facial injury for Anthony Davis, who was popped in the eye by Jakob Poeltl while executing a spectacular block. He was down the court for a while, and didn't return. Davis has had a run recently of injuries like this one, and we'll see if this forces him to miss any games (players need to be able to see what they're doing). To his credit, with Davis out, LeBron James went HAM, piling up big numbers including 16 assists, en route to a second straight triple double. His determination clearly went up a notch once Davis had to leave the floor, and it never really relented. So a good win, no question. But one that will raise the anxiety of fans until more information is known.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers beat Toronto, after a slow start.  SEGMENT 2: It's time for AD to wear goggles.  SEGMENT 3: Is the new lineup here to stay?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details.RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

The Lakers came home from a long, largely unsuccessful road trip, and ahead of Friday's game with a very banged up Philadelphia 76ers squad, JJ Redick made a significant change. He sent D'Angelo Russell to the bench, and stuck Cam Reddish into the starting lineup. Causation/correlation cautions notwithstanding, the early returns were good. First and foremost, the Lakers won the game, 116-103. But the script seemed to reinforce what the Lakers wanted with the switch. They got off to a good start in both the first and third quarters, with a little more size and athleticism helping bolster the defense. Redick called out Reddish's work on Paul George as a major factor in the win.Then Russell had his most efficient offensive performance of the season, aggressive with his shot with the ball in his hands more than it had been with the starters. His 18 points doesn't actually equal the total output from the bench this season, but it sure feels that way. So it seems pretty clear that Redick will stick with this lineup as the Lakers welcome Toronto to the Crypt on Sunday. The lineup change is obviously the big story, but wasn't the only one. LeBron James had a triple double (21/12/13), Anthony Davis had 31 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, Austin Reaves was red hot early, and finished 6-10 from 3-point range. All in all, it was a needed palate cleanser for the purple and gold. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

The Lakers are home from a disappointing road trip, and will have a golden opportunity to get a better taste in their mouths tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers, who have only won a single game this season, and will be playing... without Joel Embiid (suspension). without Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) with Paul George, but still playing limited minutes. No disrepect to the other guys on the roster, but the star power is listed above, and it's limited to say the least. The Lakers, on the other hand, will be a lot closer to whole. Anthony Davis, who missed Wednesday's game in Memphis, is listed as probable for tonight. Rui Hachimura, who was sick on Wednesday and didn't play, is expected to suit up. So the Lakers will have as full a group as they can have. They need to win this game. Davis, for what it's worth, reportedly has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, according to Shams Charania. That explains the heel pain, to say the least. And it's unfortunately something likely to nag him throughout the season. Sigh. One guy who needs a major bounceback game? D'Angelo Russell, who sat the last 17 minutes of Wednesday's loss because in the words of JJ Redick, he didn't have the level of investment in the game he needed, and wasn't paying close enough attention to things the staff has been harping on with him. So he sat. Redick said they've been talking about this stuff for a couple of weeks, which is interesting because it shows these issues aren't isolated to a single game. And its' teh first time he's lit into a player in pretty pointed ways, period. And to this point, Redick has been been nothing but complimentary towards Russell all year. We'll see what happens. The Lakers need more from Russell, and this is, perhaps, one way to help get him there. Finally, the G-League Lakers opened up camp this week, and Bronny James will be joining them for home games, at least for the time being.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Philly is in town, and Anthony Davis is (probably) going to be in uniform.  SEGMENT 2: D'Angelo Russell was called out by Redick. How does he respond?  SEGMENT 3: Getting to know the South Bay Lakers.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

The Lakers arrived in Memphis struggling to find some kind of rhythm, having lost three of the first four games on this five game road trip. Then they lost Rui Hachimura (illness) and Anthony Davis (foot), for one night, at least. Then they lost again, this time to the Grizzlies. That the result wasn't surprising (that last game of a roadie is brutal, even under the best of circumstances, and these weren't that) doesn't make it any less frustrating. The Lakers, who left LA with so much excitement following a 3-0 start, return home with a .500 start and the team's best player in street clothes. Davis did warm up, so it seems possible he could be there Friday for a Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia team, but it's nonetheless a worriesome moment for the Lakers. There were a couple things to like about Wednesday's loss: LeBron James played very well, carrying the Lakers as far as they could realistically go, finishing with 39/7/6. It's good to see him potentially rounding into form. Christian Koloko made his Lakers debut, which is nice on a human level (Koloko coming back from blood clots after well over a year off an NBA court). Cam Reddish was again active, moving enough on the floor to make himself available for a couple easy finishes from James, and generally raising the team's intensity level. But it wasn't enough. And as a result, the Lakers limp back to Los Angeles facing far more questions than they have answers. Or really even close to it. And Dalton Knecht got hit in the face, and Jaxson Hayes spent some time on the floor with what looked like a calf strain (from a couple thousand miles away... but on a nice TV!). So there's that.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers, shorthanded, lose in Memphis. SEGMENT 2: The road trip finishes 1-4. What now? SEGMENT 3: Koloko! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

The Lakers, after a very encouraging start, have hit a very discouraging stretch. They've lost three of the first four games of the first big road trip of the year, including a decisive loss to Detroit. Now, LA need to find a way to beat Memphis on Wednesday, or they'll come back to town with a sub-.500 record on the year. Not great!And on Monday, after the loss, it was reported that Anthony Davis, who was clearly hobbled against the Pistons, has been dealing with a foot injury not just since the start of this year, but going back to last year, as well. Now, how sore was he in the Olympics? Was it just something that needed to be monitored, like most bumps and bruises players who have been in the league as long as he has have to deal with?  Certainly his performance in the tournament and through the first seven games of the season was outstanding. But as the injuries seem to be piling up -- he's listed as questionable tonight in Memphis with what is being called a heel contusion -- one thing is clear: The Lakers are leaning too much on Davis early. The supporting cast isn't pulling its weight, and when AD doesn't play, performance suffers mightily for the squad. That isn't sustainable through the season. Some of that is LeBron, who has started slow this year (by his lofty standards). Some if inconsistency from Austin Reaves and poor shooting from D'Angelo Russell. And a ton of it is a complete lack of production from the bench. The reserves, even when they're providing a little defense (Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish on Monday) are such a black hole offensively that the Lakers are increasingly finding it hard to compensate. So what can they do? Are there strings available for JJ Redick to pull? Especially if Davis is out tonight?  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is playing like an MVP, but he's banged up already. And apparently has been for a while? SEGMENT 2: What can the Lakers do to fill the void when Davis doesn't play? SEGMENT 3: How can they squeeze more production from the bench? Are there moves there for JJ Redick to make?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

When they visited the Cavaliers in Cleveland last week, the Lakers were thoroughly outclassed. The Cavs were faster to the ball, played with more "want," and generally speaking made the Lakers look bad. But, to be fair, the Cavs are undefeated this season. They've made a lot of teams look bad. Detroit? Not so much. But Monday, the Pistons used the same formula to drop the Lakers to 4-3, beating LA 115-103 in Detroit. The home team was quicker to every ball, much more explosive in the open court, and punished the Lakers on the glass and in transition. The difference in that explosiveness was particularly obvious when looking at backcourt players. Meanwhile, the Lakers bench was again wildly unproductive and uncharacteristically unenergetic (is that a word?) to the point that JJ Redick essentially pulled the plug on Max Christie (five minutes) and later, Dalton Knecht as well (only nine) in favor of Cam Reddish, who didn't score any points but. provided energy and at least some defensive resistance. What happens next is anyone's guess, but the way Christie has played, he likely hasn't built up a ton of leeway. But even if Reddish plays, and provides a boost to the defense, he's not going to address the bench's total lack of punch. The Lakers are relying on Knecht, maybe Christie, and hope that eventually someone like Christian Wood can bring a little offense. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is clearly beat up. He's carrying the team, putting up MVP numbers, but the Lakers aren't taking full advantage. Much to think about as the NBA goes dark for election day. Go vote! HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose in Detroit. SEGMENT 2: This loss exposed weaknesses in the team that could be hard to address. SEGMENT 3: AD is banged up, and the bench may not have answers.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

When the Lakers signed Jaxson Hayes in 2023, it was in the wake of domestic violence charges that had been adjudicated by both the NBA and the legal system. The former took no action, and the latter handed down a punishment including probation that is still in effect.  But there were no secrets or surprises, at least in theory, from the perspective of the Lakers. Whether the Lakers should sign any player with Hayes's history is a valid question—one this show discussed at length when he was brought in—but they made their choice, and in the words of Rob Pelinka did so after doing due diligence and talking to Hayes about it. Well on Sunday, the incident, which had seemed to fade from discussions about Hayes, was again making headlines as video it was published (including Ring cam footage from both inside and outside Hayes's house). In response, the NBA re-opened its investigation of Hayes. Why? It's hard to say. Very possibly, the league is checking to see if perhaps Hayes wasn't truthful in his dealings with them. If that's the case, the NBA will almost certainly hand down some sort of punishment. Or perhaps it's a matter of CYA, now that people can see the disturbing footage.  In the short term, this likely won't impact the Lakers, who will almost surely allow Hayes to keep playing through the investigation, and (not that he was a super in-demand target anyway) keep him away from the media. But the news resurfaces the questions that rightly follow a team when they choose to add a domestic abuser to the payroll. Meanwhile, the Lakers are trying to figure out how to break Max Christie and Gabe Vincent out of their respective slumps. Could some of it involve changing when each is playing? Finally, Anthony Davis is getting more vocal as a leader. It's something the Lakers need.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Jaxson Hayes is again under investigation. SEGMENT 2: What should the Lakers do? Plus, Christie and Vincent. SEGMENT 3: AD the leader.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SKIMS.comBilt RewardsEarn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnbaPrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBAHIMSHims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  

For a half, at least, it looked like the Lakers were going to run away with Friday's game in Toronto. After a 43-19 first quarter, the Lakers entered the half with a 25 point lead, and given how shorthanded the Raptors currently are, an easy win seemed inevitable. Clearly that's what the Lakers thought. Toronto came out hard in the third quarter and brought themselves back, making it a much more competitive game than it should have been. Still, the Lakers got the win. That's the good part, but after Anthony Davis made it clear the Lakers need to be much, much better if they expect to be among the best teams in the West. On the defensive side, particularly, which is where they were particularly lax as the game went on. (A sloppy start offensively to the second half didn't help, either.) On an individual level, there were many positives. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were both great. Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell had nice games. Max Christie, in short minutes, had probably his best game of the year (low bar acknowledged). But broadly the game was a wasted opportunity to sit the stars down early and get some rest for the final two games of the trip. One interesting wrinkle - JJ Redick went back to a rotation more like last season's, pairing Russell and Davis together more with bench players, and putting James and Reaves together. It's a shift from the first five games, and something likely to continue going forward.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONEHUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FANDUEL.COM 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) 

Generally speaking, the sixth game of the season isn't a "must win," under any circumstances. This sixth game, however? Could be the exception to the rule. The Lakers are in Toronto tonight, playing a shorthanded, likely lottery-bound Raptors squad missing its best player (Scottie Barnes), probably it's third best player (Emmanuel Quickley) and a valuable role player (Kelly Olynyk). So yeah, if you're a Lakers squad that is coming off its worst performance of a young season, looking to legitimize the first three games of the season after two straight losses? Gotta win this one. All hands will be on deck. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves aren't on the injury report, and D'Angelo Russell is listed as probable. In other news, the Lakers reportedly won't pick up the third year option on last season's #1 draft pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino. This is, unquestionably, an unusual move. Teams will sometimes choose not to pick up fourth-year options, but a third year? It doesn't happen often. So why are the Lakers going in this direction? First and foremost, it seems to be about roster flexibility. Perhaps over the summer, where not having $4 mil or so guaranteed for JHS makes it significantly easier for the Lakers to shed enough salary to use their full mid-level exception. Likely, the Lakers are thinking about this season, and the ability to move JHS as part of a trade. Clearly they're calculating that dangling him on an expiring contract will have more value than the opportunity for a team to take a chance on his talent. That, to say the least, is not a ringing endorsement of JHS's development, but is it also a commentary on the state of the roster more broadly? If the Lakers thought they had appealing pieces to package, would they do this? If Gabe Vincent had appeal? Or Max Christie? Certainly they're familiar with the (lack of) market for D'Angelo Russell. Jarred Vanderbilt hasn't played in a while. And so on. And what does this mean about the team's recent track record in drafting? Or the grand plans around player development? It's an interesting move for the Lakers to say the least, but one that raises some red flags.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers need to win tonight in Toronto. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers won't pick up the option on Jalen Hood-Schifino. SEGMENT 3: What does this say about future moves?  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONEHUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

Monday in Phoenix, the Lakers lost their first game of the season.Wednesday, they played their first horrible game of the season, losing to the Cavaliers in Cleveland 134-110. Everything about this game, from the flow of the offense to the work of the defense to the hustle and focus of the team overall was well below par. The Cavs were, from the jump, more aggressive, more focused and sharper. They buried the Lakers early under a barrage of 3-point shooting. They were more physical than the Lakers, who spent far too much time (particularly Anthony Davis) looking for, and then complaining when they didn't get a call. Teams can play well and lose. This wasn't that. So now what happens? The Lakers seemed to be a different team leaving the floor Wednesday, with Davis and Austin Reaves limping. The shots still aren't going down, and now the team is sitting on a two-game losing streak heading into the very winnable portion of the trip (Toronto and Detroit). JJ Redick was visibly ticked after the game, and he can hardly be blamed. Whatever decent individual performances the team got (statistically, at least, LeBron James bounced back from Monday's clunker, just to name one) were completely undone by a completely lackluster effort defensively. So the Lakers now have... Health questions, as AD was limping around a lot before exiting the game. Austin Reaves, also banged up. So is D'Angelo Russell.Vibes questions.Bench problems. Dalton Knecht finished with 18, but most of that came late.How do the Lakers respond? We could learn a lot about this team over the next two games.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get rocked, and look awful in the process. SEGMENT 2: Is the shine off the apple? Two critical games coming up... SEGMENT 3: Bronny gets his first points and it's a cool moment.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONEHUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)