Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The big question from fans, beyond "How long will he be out?", was "Why was Luka Dončić even on the floor?" 

Because Luka was clearly fighting some discomfort even in the first half, and the Lakers clearly were not coming back to win the game. JJ Redick said Luka was cleared by the med staff at halftime, and wanted to play. The plan was to give him half a quarter or so to make a dent in the score. And, if we're being frank, I think more to find some positive things to take into Tuesday's rematch and a potential second round matchup as well. 

But we all know what ended up happening. 

So now everyone waits, and wonders, and perhaps second-guesses. 

Meanwhile, it's now on Austin Reaves and LeBron James to carry the group. Are they up for it? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

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You know it's a bad night when the final score of a 45-point loss isn't the worst part. Or even close to it. 

The Lakers lost Luka Dončić to a hamstring injury early in the third quarter. He went straight to the locker room, clearly in pain, and the Lakers said he would undergo an MRI Friday before the game was even over. That's very, very quick and a worrisome sign. 

The Lakers have about a week before the end of the regular season, and about two before the first round of the playoffs begins. Any type of hamstring injury is concerning, and one this close to the postseason is scary, scary, scary. And not for nothing, Luka needs to play one more game to qualify for postseason awards. There is a very good chance now it doesn't happen. 

Needless to say, the Lakers and Lakers fans will be on edge until some clarity is found on Luka's injury. Oh, and Austin Reaves was clearly battling some sort of injury to his lower back/side. 

As for the game itself, the Lakers got their butts kicked in every conceivable way. That's the long and short of it. 139-96.

But aside from all that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Luka injured as the Lakers are destroyed in Oklahoma City. 

Quo
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Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

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FanDuel

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There's a ton to look forward to in Thursday's game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City. 

Thursday morning, we asked a lot of the big questions that could impact the results... but for a game this significant there wasn't enough time to get to all of them! 

The Lakers without Marcus Smart have a challenge in front of them defensively, especially when it comes to guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. How will JJ Redick approach it? And what are the x-factors for LA? It could start with the centers. Can Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes eat into the advantage that OKC's bigs would seem to have on paper, led by Chet Holmgren? What about the Lakers bench? OKC's depth is well-documented, while the Lakers... have less. But there have been signs of life beyond the Big Three throughout this push up the standings, but to say the least the Lakers supporting players will be tested tonight. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

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FanDuel

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)

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This one has something for everyone. 

MVP candidates going head to head? SGA and Luka mean "check." 

Top level teams playing at the top of their games? Check. You can count the losses for these two teams over the last month on one had, with fingers left over. 

All Stars? Luka! Shai! LeBron! Chet! Williams! Reaves (giving him credit for "woulda qualified" if not for health. 

One key decision the head coaches have to make is about how to defend the other team's superstar.  Luka and SGA are two players that are very, very difficult to knock off their games. So with that in mind, are teams better off trying to aggressively trap Luka? Throw multiple bodies at him? Let him go off and stop everyone else? 

This is why the coaches get paid the big bucks! 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are in OKC on Thursday. What to watch! 

SEGMENT 2: An MVP referendum, mixed with a postseason preview, with significant challenges for both teams. 

SEGMENT 3: What to do with the superstars? 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

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Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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The NBA announced this week that guard Marcus Smart is a finalist for the NBA's Twyman-Stokes Award that honors the league's best teammate. 

It's really hard to parse who "deserves" an award like this one, but Smart's status as a finalist is richly deserved and reflects the lofty position he has with the Lakers as a voice and former of culture. He's been massivly important for this team, and it raises the question of what comes next. Smart has a player option for about $5 mil next season. Does he pick it up? Would there be a market for him were he to decline? Could Smart and the Lakers find a way for him to stay in LA for a few seasons at a number that makes everyone happy? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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During three straight games against the bottom feeders of the NBA, the Lakers fluctuated between sloppy, professional and dominant, making Tuesday's game at home against Cleveland—the East's 4-seed—a much more intriguing matchup. 

This is one where the Lakers would be playing a legitimate team with legitimate All-Stars. So how would they respond? 

Pretty darn well, thank you! Final score, 127-113.

Luka Dončić dropped an efficient 42 on 13-26 shooting, adding 12 assists and a pair of steals, and even threw in a dunk for good measure! Five more Lakers scored in double figures, as the Lakers built a big lead in the second quarter and maintained it the rest of the way. 

As a group, the Lakers took care of the ball. They also shared it. And critically, they moved on the proverbial string defensively, holding the Cavs to 19 points in that decisive second quarter. The lead dropped down a little in the fourth (as tight as 14) prompting JJ Redick to bring Luka back into the game when clearly the hope was that he'd sit for the rest of the way. But broadly speaking, these are small potato problems in a game against a high quality team. 

The train just keeps rolling. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers send a message against the Cavs. 

SEGMENT 2: Luka makes history. 

SEGMENT 3: Confidence is sky high. 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

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FanDuel

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)

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Monday, we talked about the MVP race, and whether Luka Dončić is getting a fair shake compared to the rest of the top candidates, or if the goalposts move more for the Lakers star (as they often do for those tied to the Lakers). 

One interesting wrinkle to the conversation was provided by Iztok Franko, who notes that among all the MVP candidates, Luka has played more minutes with more guys who haven't spent much time together, yet he's putting up huge numbers and more importantly, the Lakers are piling up wins. But the continuity question has relevance that goes well past just the MVP voting. It'll have a big impact in the playoffs, as well. When teams like Denver (Jokic, Murray, Gordon, Braun, etc.) and Thunder (SGA, Williams, Dort, Wallace, Chet, etc.) can lean into reps and history in ways the Lakers can't. 

On the other hand, the Lakers have guys like Luka and LeBron, who are arguably so advanced that they're continuity proof, so to speak. And then the Lakers have to think about how to build real continuity going forward this offseason. 

Continuity! It's the word of the day, the month and the year to come. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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The Lakers came into Monday's game against the visiting Wizards short both Luka Donćić (suspended) and Marcus Smart (ankle). In theory, it shouldn't have mattered, because Washington is awful and are doing their best to avoid winning. 

And while it wasn't a perfect effort, the Lakers more than accomplished what was needed, shaking off a sluggish first quarter to pull ahead and stay ahead, ultimately winning 120-101. LA's two remaining stars put in tidy efforts. LeBron James led the way with 21 points on 8-16 shooting, plus 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Austin Reaves was cold early, but finished 4-11 en route to 19 points. In the first half particularly, Reaves piled up the assists, while taking good care of the ball. (That flipped a little in the second half.) Lakers centers didn't miss a field goal, combining for 31 points and 14 rebounds. Luke Kennard had 19. 

And both LeBron and Reaves finished the game on the bench. Reaves only played 27 minutes, which is a gift given how many minutes he's piled up of late. With the Cavs coming to town Tuesday, light work for the stars is a welcome sight. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: No Luka, no problem. 

SEGMENT 2: Another trip-dub for LeBron. 

SEGMENT 3: Staying fresh for the Cavaliers. 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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It's always good news for Lakers fans when there's controversy over a member of the purple and gold perhaps not getting the love they deserve for major postseason awards. It means the Lakers are winning, and a star is thriving. 

Such is the case right now with Luka Dončić, who is performing at a level fairly unprecedented even by his lofty standards, while the Lakers are getting very close to locking up a three or four seed in the West. So it makes sense that attention is starting to focus on Luka as front-running MVP candidate, even if in the minds of Lakers fans it is coming later than it should. So beyond the conversation about whether he deserves to be in the mix - he obviously does - there's a larger one about how this all happens, anyway. 

Is Luka being treated fairly in the debate? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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There will be no give backs when it comes to this version of Luka's 16th tech. He is suspended and will miss Monday's game against the Wizards. 

This shouldn't be a problem, because Washington is terrible. And they're also not trying to win. Like, nobody goes home happy if the Wizards pull the upset at the Crypt... including the Wizards. So taking care of business for the Lakers even without Luka is not something that should at all be a worry. More troublesome? Marcus Smart will miss his fourth straight game with an ankle injury that hasn't really been explained all that much by the Lakers. And while we're still three weeks away from the postseason, the sheer indespensableness of Smart makes this injury a concern. 

The Lakers are going to struggle mightily to win the first round, and then pull an upset in the second, without him. 

Finally, Golden State is emerging as a possible landing spot for LeBron James should he leave the Lakers... but why? Does it make sense? What is really happening when people have these conversations? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers won't have Luka on Monday. 

SEGMENT 2: Why Smart's health is critical. 

SEGMENT 3: LeBron to GSW? 

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

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