Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

No LeBron James? No Rui Hachimura? 

An ice cold 5-20 shooting night from Luka Donćić?  

A Laker fan presented only with that information might think the Lakers were in trouble Monday at the Crypt against the visiting Spurs, especially when considering they played barely more than 24 hours before. Instead, it was another strong night for the purple and gold, who generally controlled play throughout en route to a 125-109 win. Austin Reaves led the way with 30 points on a crisp 12-21 shooting line. And he got plenty of support. Luka, despite the inefficiency with his shot, did dish out 14 dimes. Four more Lakers (Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent) finished in double figures. 

The Lakers played with a lot of energy—save the end of the third quarter—with good ball movement and active defense. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the game was its cleanliness. The Lakers, particularly early, took excellent care of the ball, limiting the mistakes that could have fueled San Antonio's attack. Meanwhile, led by Luka's distribution, the Lakers piled up 34 assists. They played with a confidence that showed the four game losing streak was clearly a function of manpower. With (enough) players back in the lineup, the Lakers turned in excellent performances Sunday against the Suns and again on Monday to bury the Spurs. 

When the Lakers reach critical mass, so to speak, with enough bodies to field a credible roster and push their supporting players into appropriate spots the confidence with which each member of the rotation executes his role is palpable. It seems like everyone has a strong understanding of exactly what they're being asked to do, and (importantly) are not being asked to venture too far out of comfort zones. It's not going to work perfectly every night, and the West is again looking like a brutal death march down the stretch and into the postseason. The Lakers could play good basketball and still not venture as deep into the playoffs as everyone would like. 

But this town has seen enough successful seasons to know what a good team looks like, and this group clearly qualifies. The tests get tougher later this week with Milwaukee and Denver in town, but even without LeBron and Rui, the team that took the floor Monday feels like they can run with most teams night to night. And with James looking reasonably close to a return, another win or two would mean the Lakers get through his absence without losing significant ground in the standings. Given their recent schedule, that would be an extremely impressive result. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A big game from Austin Reaves, LA wins again. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get multiple contributions. 

SEGMENT 3: Playing with confidence. 

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• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

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Luka Doncic had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists, and Austin Reaves added 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting San Antonio Spurs 125-109. San Antonio was led in the loss by Stephon Castle’s 23 and Devin Vassell’s 17.

The Lakers will look to run their winning streak to three on Wednesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers will look to run their winning streak to three on Wednesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.

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• NBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.
• TRANSITION:
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• Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:
• · Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.
• · Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.
• · Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!
• · Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.
• Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more!

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• Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.
• Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.
• All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.
• Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.
• CTA OFFER: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com, code LOCKEDONNBA, for half off your first year!

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Riding a four-game losing streak and still unsure when LeBron James and Rui Hachimura will return to the lineup, the Lakers badly needed a win Sunday against the visiting Phoenix Suns, who compensate for a tremendous level of star power with a total lack of cohesion and spirit. 

In moments like these, the best players need to perform, and that's what the Lakers got. 

Luke Dončić got the Lakers off to a great start, and while his shot cooled off as the game went on, Luka still had long stretches where he was controlling the action on the floor. Final line: 33 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists. Right there with him was Austin Reaves, who played downhill all day and hit a bunch of timely shots en route to 28 points, four rebounds and six assists.  

That's 61 points, eight triples and 14 assists from the team's best players. Good production for sure. 

There were other contributors—Jaxson Hayes returned to the lineup and made a big impact, scoring 19 points on 8-10 shooting. Jordan Goodwin, in the starting lineup again, made Devin Booker work all game, harassing him to an extremely inefficient 19 points. As a team, the Lakers did a nice job keeping the pressure on a Suns team that hasn't exactly reached "1-2-3 Cancun!" but is probably at "1-2-3 Canc--." After pushing out to a large early lead (LA was up 31-11 with 1:21 left in the first quarter), Phoenix kept making little runs, cutting their deficit to under 10 points. But each time, the Lakers quickly squashed the momentum. 

The consistency of the effort was noteworthy. 

With a back-to-back looming later this week Milwaukee and Denver, winning Sunday (and again Monday against a slumping San Antonio team) is critical for ensuring the Lakers don't slip out of the top six in the Western Conference, even while they wait for James and Hachimura to return. The Lakers are locked in a virtual four way tie for 2nd-5th, while Golden State and Minnesota in the 6th and 7th spots are both playing very well. In short, after a stretch where it looked like at least a few teams might be falling off, things are back to being incredibly brutal out west. So while the conditions weren't ideal for a "gotta have it" game, that doesn't change the context. 

The most important thing for the Lakers is avoiding the play-in, but if they want to get a little greedy, hosting a first round series is a worthy goal for a squad that is now 25-7, one of only two teams in the conference that is yet to lose 10 games on its home floor. 

It was one game against a team that, at least from the outside looking in, appears to be on the verge of collapse. But it was a very important one, and the Lakers came through with the kind of effort that should give fans a lot of confidence. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a critical win behind Luka and Reaves. 

SEGMENT 2: Welcome back, Jaxson Hayes!

SEGMENT 3: LeBron works out before Sunday's game. 

Hungryroot
With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. 
 

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Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!
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5-Hour ENERGY
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Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
 

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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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Luka Doncic had 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Austin Reeves added 28 points and 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their 4-game losing streak by beating the visiting Phoenix Suns 107-96. Phoenix was led in the defeat by Kevin Durant’s 21 and Devin Booker’s 19. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways tomorrow night when they host the San Antonio Spurs.

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Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!

DOOR DASH

• NBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.
• TRANSITION:
• It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.
• Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:
• · Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.
• · Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.
• · Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!
• · Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.
• Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more!

FAN DUEL 

• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.
• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.

MONARCH MONEY 

• Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.
• Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.
• Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.
• All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.
• Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.
• CTA OFFER: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com, code LOCKEDONNBA, for half off your first year!

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The Lakers entered this game against the Nuggets in Denver under horrible circumstances. Second end of a back-to-back... in Denver, one of the hardest cities to play in with that altitude (to say nothing of their talented team led by potential MVP Nikola Jokic)... and without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III. Like... whoa! Those are the ingredients for not just an uphill climb, but also perhaps a collective attitude that could have easily resulted in the team deciding before the game even started that this wasn't worth the sweat. At the very least, packing it in at the first signs of adversity.

Instead, the Lakers fought hard from start to finish, took the fight to Denver, and came within screaming distance of pulling off a massive upset. The 131-126 loss stings, in terms of the standings and practical ramifications. But it also provided a lot to be proud of, plus some positives to build on.

Austin Reaves, with 37/8/13/4 steals and just four turnovers despite handling the ball non-stop, was nothing short of spectacular. It's also Reaves' second consectutive strong game after a slow start upon returning from a calf injury, and he finally looks like himself again. Rookie Dalton Knecht put up 32 points and is rounding back into the early season form that had Lakers fans excited. Shake Milton (one catastrophic inbound turnover notwithstanding) provided a great spark off the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt was within screaming distance of a triple-double. Jordan Goodwin was impactful on both ends of the floo

The result was disappointing, and there are no moral victories in professional sports, but if the Lakers continue this level of effort, determination and focus, they can beat the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, even if shorthanded. Along with their next two games against lesser opponents. Not saying it'll be easy, but tonight showed it's doable. That's a positive to build on.

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
 

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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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Nikola Jokic scored 28 points and Jamal Murray added a clutch three-pointer to go along with his 26 points as the Denver Nuggets downed the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 131-126. The Lakers, who were playing without six of their top eight players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, were led by Austin Reeves' 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists. Rookie Dalton Knecht added 32 points in the loss, which was the Lakers' fourth straight. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Sunday afternoon when they host the Phoenix Suns.

Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets 

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FAN DUEL 

• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.
• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.

MONARCH MONEY 

• Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.
• Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.
• Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.
• All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.
• Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.

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

The Lakers were without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes as they faced off against the Bucks in Milwaukee, meaning Luka Dončić was going to have to carry the LA for the squad to have any shot at winning. 

And for a while he did. Luka was red hot early, putting up 29 points at the half. He got to the line, drilled a bunch of impossible 3's, and would have had a few more dimes if any of his teammates could have hit a shot. But ultimately, the game went as you'd expect, given the size of Milwaukee's frontcourt with Giannis and Brook Lopez. LA, forced to protect the paint, gave up an abundance of wide open triples, while not actually managing to secure the interior, either. 

Donćić finished with 45, including some really entertaining buckets, along with 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves broke out of his slump, scoring 28 points on 10-17 shooting to go with eight boards and three dimes. Unfortunately, the rest of the roster only contributed 33 points with Dalton Knecht (10 points) finishing as the only other Laker in double figures. 

The result was frustrating, no question, but if we're all being honest, fairly unavoidable, assuming the Bucks showed up to play. (And judging by some reports, they were fired up for a Darvin Ham Revenge Game -- Ham serves as an assistant on Doc Rivers's staff -- so that was unlikely.) It's not just that the Lakers are missing too many good players, though they are, but that they're missing too many of the same kind of good players. The entire starting frontcourt was back in LA rehabbing. It leaves the Lakers too small and talent shy at PF and C to give themselves a reasonable chance to beat good teams. 

It's not about effort or execution. The Lakers did better in both categories on Thursday than they did Monday in Brooklyn. Not good enough, obviously, but it is what it is. 

So right now, it's a waiting game. James, Hachimura and Hayes are all described as day-to-day, so hopefully they'll be back soon. In the meantime, the Lakers have to navigate a brutal upcoming schedule—they play six times between Friday's game in Denver and a home date against the Bulls on March 22—try to keep themselves squarely in the top 6, and pick up momentum again once everyone is back. 

In the interim, there's not a ton to learn. 

Turbo Tax
Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.

WayFair
After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. 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.

OpenPhone
The #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!

Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

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The Lakers are still banged up. LeBron James is headed back to Los Angeles to keep rehabbing his injured groin (not a bad development, actually, big picture). Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura are out. 

Luka Dončić, who was laboring in a big way on Monday in Brooklyn thanks to a sore back, is questionable with a bum ankle. (The one he turned against the Nets.) 

So with the Lakers a game behind Denver (Friday's opponent) for the West's #2 seed, but only a game ahead of Houston for the five, this could certainly be a painful couple of days for the Lakers and Lakers fans. There is some good news, though. Dorian Finney-Smith, who missed Monday's game with his own ankle injury, is expected to play. And while the Lakers are missing so much firepower, they don't just need Finney-Smith back for his defensive prowess, though that's obviously important (though even with DFS in the lineup, LA still faces a tough challenge against the length of Milwaukee without LeBron, Rui and Hayes). The team also needs his shooting. Which gets to one of the low-key things that has hurt LA of late: DFS is in a big time slump. 

He's shooting 27% from 3-point range in March, after missing 11 of his final 14 attempts in February. Since February 22nd in Denver, DFS has twice finished with two points, twice with three points, but only once has cracked double digits. 

Nobody expects Finney-Smith to pump in 25 a night with LeBron on the sidelines. There is, without question, more onus on Donćić and Austin Reaves (who has been bad since missing two games with a calf injury) to pick up more of that slack. Same can be said for offensive-focused players like Dalton Knecht, who will get more playing time. But DFS is a guy who, for the last few years, has reliably averaged between eight and 11 points a night. There's a big difference between 10 and 3. The Lakers need him, and the other role players, to meet their baselines right now. Do better if possible, but at minimum, don't do worse. 

The thing about role players is that they tend not to excel when asked to step into something bigger. That's why they're role players. And it's a lot harder to play those roles when star players are out. 

But that's the spot the Lakers are in. If they're going to tread water with so much firepower out, everyone has to find ways to get to their averages. A nice end-of-week breakout for DFS would be a great place to start. 
 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron back in LA, Luka questionable, DFS slumping. 

SEGMENT 2: Why it hurts when role guys hit the skids. 

SEGMENT 3: LeBron vs. Stephen A! 

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Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

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Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
 

FanDuel
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Introducing Anthony Edwards Hinting at Move to Heat? | Haliburton STUNS Bucks | Celtics NEED Win Against Thunder from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

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Tyrese Haliburton may have just secured the shot of the year with an unreal, fading three-pointer over Giannis Antetokounmpo, but was it also the game of the year? The Pacers took down the Bucks in a thrilling finish, adding more intrigue to a potential first-round playoff clash. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue their dominance, rattling off their second 15-game winning streak of the season—are they officially title contenders?

Zion Williamson is finally healthy, and his latest triple-double proves he’s still a force to be reckoned with. But can we trust his availability for a full season? And in Miami, Heat fans are daydreaming about a potential Anthony Edwards move—after working out at their facility, is there any real traction there, or is it just wild speculation?

Plus, we break down the massive Celtics vs. Thunder matchup, a possible NBA Finals preview, and debate whether Kevin Durant could really be on the trade block. Are the Suns looking at three picks and a young player as too low of a return? Locked On local experts join us to give their insights on the biggest stories around the NBA.

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Door Dash

They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

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Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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Lakers fans knew when they acquired him that Luka Dončić has a rep for complaining to/at/around the officials. A simple YouTube search yields a treasure trove of clips of Luka laying into the refs, cursing at them in multiple languages, throwing his hands around and more. 

Now, Dončić is hardly the first superstar to make a habit of carping on the shortcomings of officials—it's hard to find an elite player who doesn't—but even with that caveat Luka is still considered a top-tier kvetcher, to the point that many (including his former employers in Dallas) believe it has a genuinely negative impact on his play. For the Lakers, there have been a few times where it's clearly had an effect, including during Monday's loss to the Nets in Brooklyn. 

The bigger question is what to do about it, if anything. 

There is no question, it could benefit Dončić not whine as much. Not only does it take him out of plays too frequently, it doesn't exactly endear him to referees, who eventually just tune him out (if he's lucky) or T him up (if he's not). And like many teams, the Lakers, who already have a tendency to complain too much as a group, take their cues from the guy at the top. Especially while LeBron James is on the shelf, that means Dončić. If he tightened things up, it's likely the rest of the team would, too. 

On the other hand, some of this is just how the guy is wired. He is insanely competitive. His game is arrogant, in the way you want it to be for your superstars. It would be great if Luka bitched less, but what would consciously trying to fix it on the court do to how he plays? Is there a chance trying to moderate that part of his personality while he plays could actually impact other things, negatively? Hard to say. Overall, it's likely something that he'll either start to change as he gets more mature (in the same way the Lakers hope he pays more attention to his fitness). Maybe he will, maybe he won't. 

But no star is perfect. Sometimes if you love 90% of what a guy does, you have to tolerate the 10% you don't. Because it's clearly worth the trade off. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: Luka complains. A lot. 

SEGMENT 2: The value of Markieff Morris. 

SEGMENT 3: What would happen if Luka moderated it a little? 

Turbo Tax
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WayFair
After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. 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.

OpenPhone
The #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!

Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)

• Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
 

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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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