Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

That game was bananas, but in the end, the Lakers win. 

116-114 was the final, as the Suns and Lakers went back and forth with some wild runs, an individual rivalry that got super heated betwen LeBron James and Dillon Brooks, tons of foul calls and almost incomprehensible rebounding figures throughout (at one point deep into the second half, the Lakers had more offensive rebounds than defensive). But while Luka Dončić got his 29 and LeBron James 26, on a night the Lakers were without Austin Reaves, it was the supporting cast that provided the energy and fuel to get the win. 

Deandre Ayton was 10-11 from the floor, and grabbed 13 rebounds. Jarred Vanderbilt got off the bench and was fantastic, with seven rebounds, seven points, two steals and a block. Jaxson Hayes finished with 12/9, and Jake LaRavia had two steals and two blocks. It was the bench (along with Ayton) that got the win on Sunday. 

The Lakers showed more defense than they did against San Antonio on Wednesday, at least in the second half as they built up a 20-point lead in the second half... but then completely stopped moving offensively as they tried to nurse that lead to the finish line and in turn found themselves behind with seconds to play. 

But then Dillon Brooks came to the rescue! 

Ugly win, but it counts like the rest of them. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get the win. 

SEGMENT 2: The bench comes through! 

SEGMENT 3: Permanent change to the rotation? 

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The Lakers got thumped by San Antonio on Wednesday, and in what is becoming a trend for this Lakers squad, when they lose, they lose. 

But this loss, more than others, seems to have created significant attention around the team, how it's constructed, and whether or not its flaws are correctable. Because the Spurs were faster than the Lakers, they put pressure on the defense the Lakers couldn't handle, and (more or less) kept them - and especially Austin Reaves - off the free throw line. 

The Lakers are going to struggle to get faster. They're going to have to be a defensive team that becomes greater than the sum of its parts. That's often a tall task, especially in the postseason. 

It also means JJ Redick needs to maximize what he has... and is he? 

A lot of this conversation can be boiled down to two role players - Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. 

Should the Lakers finally pull the trigger on swapping Rui for Marcus Smart in the starting lineup? It would balance that group defensively in ways obvious even to podcast hosts. So why hasn't Redick pulled the trigger? And what about Vando, who is flawed but could at least in theory address some of the team's shortcomings, whether in defensive energy, offensive rebounding and general disruptiveness? 

Clearly Redick doesn't believe in Vanderbilt, or that the tradeoffs he presents are worth it. But are there ways to get him into the lineup while mitigating those? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Why the loss to the Spurs seemed different. 

SEGMENT 2: Looking at Rui. Is a lineup change needed? 

SEGMENT 3: What about Vando? 

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The Lakers have been eliminated from NBA Cup play, losing to San Antonio in the quarterfinals Wednesday night at Crypto. 

There wasn't much to love in this one. The Lakers got off to a decent enough start, but once San Antonio found their legs, the Lakers just couldn't keep up. Final score, 132-119. 

The big issues were defensive, where the Lakers simply couldn't string together enough stops to hang with San Antonio, and then claw their way back into the game after falling behind. The Spurs were able to get out into transition, outscoring the Lakers badly on the break. They used their bench to help build a lead, outscoring the Lakers bench. They got to the free throw line more than the Lakers, which always represents a problem for a team that doesn't tend to win at the 3-point line. 

Marcus Smart, back in the lineup, had a great shooting night (26 points, 8-14 from 3-point range), and whatever defensive spine the Lakers had came from him. LeBron James went for 19/15/8, and Luka Dončić finished with 35 points and eight assists. But Austin Reaves didn't have the bounceback game the Lakers needed after a clunker in Philly. Rui Hachimura didn't have the ball enough to make an impact. 

But overall, it was a night where the team's deficiencies were on display. Too slow. Struggle to get points if they can't get to the line. Difficulty generating good looks. And major defensive problems. 

Back to the drawing board.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Lakers get thumped, out of NBA Cup. 

SEGMENT 2: Transition hurts. 

SEGMENT 3: Was Rich Paul telling the truth? 

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Twenty-three games into the season, by and large, the Lakers have been a fairly unimpressive defensive team. It's not necessarily a shock, given a roster that doesn't feature many plus-defenders, particularly among the players slated to log the most minutes. For the opening three quarters of contests, the Lakers often get by despite their defense, rather than through the strength of it.

However, once the fourth quarter begins, and especially in the last five minutes of games (otherwise known as "clutch time"), something pretty crazy has regularly taken place. The Lakers morph into a good defense. During clutch time, they become downright elite. The clutch time sample size (eight games) isn't massive, but it's hardly insignificant. Either way, it's very consistent and belies the opening 36 minutes of games. So what the hell is going on? How and why is this happening?

During Tuesday's Lakers practice, Locked On Lakers co-host Andy Kamenetzky asked JJ Redick and Deandre Ayton to share some thoughts, then offered some of his own.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

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Wednesday night's game against the Spurs at Crypto.com isn't just big because it's a Cup quarterfinal, and a victory means more $ for players and coaches with a chance for even bigger checks. It's also because San Antonio represents a major challenge for the Lakers, and an opportunity to send a message against a high level Western Conference team. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama won't be in uniform, as he's not quite ready to return to action following a calf strain. But two other exciting young players, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, have returned from injury. 

So this game matters in the standings, and in the perceived pecking order out West. 

Meanwhile, Rich Paul and Max Kellerman introduced their new podcast with an interview featuring... Rich Paul. And it was an interesting one, for sure. Paul spoke candidly about the Lakers and how they're run, what he thinks of their title chances, and what changes they might make in the long and short term. 

Did he also do some major messaging at the Lakers on behalf of his most famous client? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Spurs are in town... but Wemby isn't active. 

SEGMENT 2: Rich Paul speaks! Was he messaging? To whom? 

SEGMENT 3: An interesting moment for the NBA. 

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LeBron James bounced back with a huge game Sunday in Philadelphia. Does that mean he's back? What exactly does "back" mean for LeBron this year? Will it look different than last year? Than years before? It seems the Lakers are going to handle him with a little more care than the last two seasons, and with postseason awards likely out of reach (he won't hit the minimum game threshold) does that give the Lakers even more flexibility?

Plus... the Lakers are 8-0 in what the NBA defines as "clutch" games. Why exactly have they been so successful? The answer might surprise, given their broader profile. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron Is back, right? Right? 

SEGMENT 2: What exactly does "back" mean, anyway? 

SEGMENT 3: Why have the Lakers been so clutch? 

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The Lakers have had to scramble over the weekend to keep lineups on the floor, but Sunday the gang was (save Marcus Smart) back together. 

Luka Dončić was back from Slovenia, where he was celebrating the birth of his daughter, and LeBron James was back in the lineup after missing Friday's game in Boston. 

They certainly needed both. LeBron had, without question, his most impactful game since returning to the lineup, scoring early and late, hitting 12-17 from the floor, including 4-6 from 3-point range en route to 29 points. He added seven rebounds and six assists. Luka wasn't as efficient as he's been (international flights with a birth of a baby sandwiched in between will do that), but was hardly a bystander, finishing with 31/15/11, and hit the free throws to ice the game at the end. 

Add in a tidy double double (14/12) from Deandre Ayton and three blocks from Jaxson Hayes, and it was enough to cover a brutal shooting effort from Austin Reaves and give the Lakers a 112-108 win against the Sixers to cap the road trip. 

It was a big win, not just because it allows the Lakers to keep pace in the top half of the Western Conference, but also for the effort LeBron put out, and the lift it gave the team both tonight (they needed him badly) and more broadly. Because LeBron's play to this point has certainly been a major concern for Lakers fans. And while one game probably isn't enough to say James is back, it's enough to give people faith that this is what he's building back towards, and that once he's got his legs and timing fully back will look like something similar to the LeBron James we saw last year. 

Great finish to the trip, and now it's back to Cup play as San Antonio (likely still without Victor Wembanyama) Wednesday night. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get big games from LeBron and Luka to win in Philly. 

SEGMENT 2: A bounceback night for James. 

SEGMENT 3: A huge week coming. 

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You can't fault the effort, whether from Austin Reaves (9-18, 36 points, eight assists) or the team in general. The Lakers were missing Luka Dončić, still away from the team, as well as LeBron James and Marcus Smart, and the Celtics came into Friday's game red hot. 

In theory, nothing had to give, and it didn't. 

The Lakers lose, 126-105. 

There aren't that many takeaways in this one, to be honest. The Lakers ran into the same challenges they've faced in other games without Luka and LeBron, namely a lack of firepower and especially a lack of ballhandling and passing. Reaves had over half of the team's 15 assists. The only other player with more than one was... Drew Timme, who entered in garbage time. 

Gabe Vincent got going a little offensively (18 points) which is good to see, and Nick Smith found a little offense as well. But mostly, the Lakers had to hope they caught Boston on an off night, then caught a little lightening in a bottle, given how effectively Boston defends. Didn't happen. 

On to Philly, where Luka might be back, and LeBron should be in the lineup. Smart, TBD. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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Wow. 

The Lakers, playing shorthanded in Toronto—no Luka Dončić (personal) and Marcus Smart (back)—against a 15--win Raptors squad, had to dig deep and stay resilient, and then ride some excellent performances to secure a big win, 123-120 on a game-winning triple from Rui Hachimura. 

The star of the game was clearly Austin Reaves, who dropped 44 points and added 10 assists. He once again was enormous in a game where Luka wasn't available, and not just offensively. Reaves drew two critical fourth quarter charges, as well. Jake LaRavia played his best game in a while, with 14 points and seven rebounds, and had a massive block at the rim on what looked like a sure Raptors bucket. In a game this tight, those are game-changers. Deandre Ayton (17/8), Hachimura (12 points) and Nick Smith Jr. (12 points) also finished in double figures. 

One guy who didn't? For the first time since 2007? LeBron James. 

The shooting continues to be problematic. James was 4-17 from the floor, and missed all five of his free throws. But sitting on eight points on the game's last possession, James found Hachimura in the corner for the game winner. A poetic way for the streak to end, with James making the right basketball play, as he said after the game he's done since he picked up a ball. 

With Boston looming Friday, and a lot of Lakers potentially on the sidelines—Luka is probably not going to be back yet, LeBron isn't yet cleared for back-to-backs, and it's hard to see Smart getting back—getting this win was huge. 

Big picture, the Lakers are still waiting for James to get more LeBron-like. At some point, some of the shots he's missing seem likely to go in, even if the days of James getting anywhere he wants on the floor might be over. (And the passing skills aren't eroding in the slightest.) But on this night, at least, there was a little poetry for James on the game's final play. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win on a buzzer beater from Rui. Reaves dominates. 
SEGMENT 2: An incredible finish for LeBron's streak. 
SEGMENT 3: Tough weekend coming. 

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here:https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.
 

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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First things first -- the Lakers will be shorthanded in Toronto Thursday evening, as Luka Dončić is away from the team for personal reasons, and Marcus Smart is still unable to suit up with back spasms. (There is a strong possibility both will miss Friday's game in Boston as well, but it's too early to say.) 

So facing two quality teams in a back-to-back situation, the Lakers will need to dig deep. LeBron James presumably won't play in both games (the Lakers have made it clear he's not yet built up enough to play on consecutive days), but in the game he does play, the Lakers need a better version of James than the one they saw Monday against the Suns. 

Austin Reaves has been big in these situations so far this season, but he'll need some help. Will Jake LaRavia step up? Deandre Ayton? Who will have the next Nick Smith Jr. Game? 

Meanwhile, Giannis officially wants out of Milwaukee. The Lakers aren't exactly the most logical destination, given how non-competitive any offer they can make to the Bucks would be... but that won't stop the speculation! Is there any shot for the purple and gold? What does Giannis (presumably) coming off the market now mean for the Lakers' future plans? And what about Chris Paul, who is on the outs with the Clippers, unceremoniously cut in the middle of the night earlier this week. 

Might CP3 FINALLY make an appearance in purple and gold? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: No Luka, no Smart, and a tough back-to-back coming.

SEGMENT 2: Giannis wants out. Where do the Lakers fit in? 

SEGMENT 3: What about CP3? 

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here:https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
 

Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.
 

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.