Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers need to figure out how the offense is going to operate now that Luka Doncic is in purple and gold. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves, too, the Lakers definitely have multiple guys who can handle the ball and distribute. And obviously LeBron is... LeBron. But JJ Redick has basically eliminated any mystery, saying that the offense is going to run through Doncic. 

Obviously there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to this sort of thing, but importantly, any question about what the flow chart looks like has been addressed. 

This is important, because the Lakers don't have a ton of time to reach whatever their ceiling is for this season. And having quietly moved up to fourth in the West following this weekend's games—and only two games behind Memphis and Denver, who are basically tied for the second and third seeds—the league is certainly giving a lot more thought to what LA's ceiling might be. 

It's easy enough to be a prisoner of the moment, following Saturday's big win in Denver, and maybe forget how bad the Lakers looked against Utah going into the break, and Charlotte coming out. But it's also easy enough to just kinda run with the early season narrative (true at the time, no question) that the Lakers simply aren't good enough to contend, and not adjust that evaluation even with the introduction of new evidence. 

Because for those paying attention, a few things have become clear. Most importantly, the team has shown it can play high level defense. And critically, they showed it was possible before Anthony Davis was traded in games where Davis didn't play. Even including the Charlotte game and choppy execution against the Blazers, the Lakers have allowed about 300 points in their last three games. That is very, very good work in today's NBA. Overall, the defense over their last 25 has been near the top of the league. That's a big enough sample size to decide the Lakers are capable of being good enough on that end to contend. 

It's easy to forget that personnel has changed. Swapping D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith has made a big impact, as Jarred Vanderbilt's return from injury and Gabe Vincent's return to form. Or that LeBron has put out significantly more effort on that side of the ball. It was already a different team, and then they got Luka. 

There's still a lot to figure out, but it does seem like that win on Saturday changed the perception of the team around the league. Now it's time to solidify it win a few more good wins. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The offense belongs to Luka. 

SEGMENT 2: Any issues gonna pop up because of that? 

SEGMENT 3: LA's defense feels sustainable. 

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Introducing Game Night: Luka Lakers Top Nuggets, 76ers Stumble Again, Suns BACK from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

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Can the LA Lakers' defensive prowess against the Denver Nuggets redefine their playoff potential? With a strategic focus on double-teaming Nikola Jokic, the Lakers executed a game plan that disrupted Denver's offensive rhythm, showcasing a potential blueprint for future matchups. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers face a crossroads, with discussions around Joel Embiid's health and the team's playoff aspirations taking center stage. The episode also highlights the Utah Jazz's unexpected triumph over the Houston Rockets, featuring standout performances from Keonte George and Walker Kessler, and the Phoenix Suns' efforts to break their losing streak. Join hosts Rylan Stiles and Swipa, along with insights from Andy Kamininski and David Lock, as they dissect these pivotal games and explore the implications for each team's season trajectory. Tune in for expert analysis and insider perspectives that could reshape your understanding of the current NBA landscape. 
 

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There have been some good moments, but broadly speaking, Lakers fans—and the Lakers as an organization, if we're being honest—have been waiting to see what the team would look like once Luka Dončić felt comfortable and played like the All-NBA performer he is. 

Saturday in Denver, everyone found out the answer, and it was a lot of fun. Final score, 123-100, as Luka dropped 32 points, along with 10 rebounds and seven dimes. And it didn't come at the expense of the other guys, either. LeBron had a smooth 25/9/5, Austin Reaves kicked in with 23/4/7, and Rui Hachimura had 21 points, including four 3-pointers. 

The team defense was incredible, keeping the Nuggets under wraps and limiting Nikola Jokic about as much as Jokic can be limited. (He still had a triple double.) 

This was a huge win for the Lakers, coming off some rough performances out of the break. They basically parlayed the effort they showed in Portland with actual good execution, and this is the result. 

Lots to get excited about. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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In what can be described as arguably the biggest win of the season, the Lakers went on the road and snapped the Nuggets' 9-game winning streak, crushing Denver. 123-100 Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, while LeBron James added 25, Austin Reeves added 23, and Rui Hachimura chipped in with 21. The Lakers will look to extend their winning ways Tuesday night as they host the Dallas

Mavericks.

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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Nothing about Thursday's 110-102 win over the Blazers in Portland was easy. 

The Lakers were without Luka Dončić and Jarred Vanderbilt, both sitting out for injury maintenance on the second night of a back-to-back. So the Lakers had to reach deeper into the rotation, with guys like Trey Jemison III and Jordan Goodwin providing important minutes. Meanwhile, they arrived at the hotel well after 3 am, following Wednesday's loss. So sleep and rest weren't exactly easy to get. And then Portland, while well out of the playoff race in the West, has actually played quite well over the last month. As a team, they turned the ball over 24 times, and still shot the ball poorly from the perimeter. 

The Lakers needed this game badly, with a bruising stretch of games coming up. 

And yet... 

There are some wins where everything clicks and teams look great in the process. This was one the Lakers pulled out because ultimately, LeBron James (40 points) and Austin Reaves (32 points, seven assists) were in many ways excellent. They got important, timely contributions from players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent. But mostly, they won because they played incredibly hard. Had that effort level been 5-10% lower, it wouldn't necessarily have looked that different on TV, but the Lakers would have almost certainly lost. 

Call it a character win, led by their stars. It's a game that shows this group gives a damn, and while there's a lot you don't want them to carry from game to game as far as execution goes—like, seriously, please do not carry over most of those things—it's a game that has importance because of what they ultimately had to do to win. They need to play better long term, obviously, and there is a lot about a post-Luka identity they need to figure out. obviously, but they learned something about the reservoir of grit and effort available to them when it's required. 

Aesthetically pleasing it wasn't, but satisfying? Yeah, it was. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers grind out a win in Portland. 

SEGMENT 2: LeBron and Reaves do amazing stuff, and it was haaaaard. 

SEGMENT 3: LA still needs an identity. 

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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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Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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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Introducing Game Night: Kevin Durant and Phoenix Suns suffer BAD loss | LeBron James scores 40 points! from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

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Can the Phoenix Suns recover from their shocking defeat to the San Antonio Spurs? LeBron James continues to defy age with a stellar performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving fans in awe.

Join Jake Madison ( @LockedOnPelicans ) and John Karalis ( @LockedOnCeltics ) as  they break down the Phoenix Suns' unexpected loss, highlighting Kevin Durant's struggles and the Spurs' surprising victory. The episode also covers LeBron James' impressive 40-point game, showcasing his enduring talent. Dive into the Boston Celtics' dominant win over the Philadelphia 76ers, with Jayson Tatum's triple-double taking center stage. The Indiana Pacers' explosive offense against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers' strategic moves against the Brooklyn Nets are also on the agenda.

Don't miss this episode for expert analysis and insights into the latest NBA action.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Playing without Luka Doncic, the short-handed Lakers were led by LeBron James’ 40 points and Austin Reeves’ 32 as the Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102. After losing their last two games to the Jazz and Hornets, the Lakers desperately needed this win before facing the always tough Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

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 Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trailblazers

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Fans might have been willing to forgive last week's loss to Utah heading into the All-Star break, with all the upheaval around the trade deadline, including the arrival of Luka Dončić and the non-arrival of Mark Williams. Bad games happen, even if they shouldn't. 

But losing Wednesday at home against Charlotte? That one is gonna annoy people. Final score, 100-97. 

There was plenty not to like. Austin Reaves, already having a rough game to that point, lost his cool after a non-call late in the third and quickly picked up a pair of T's. Luka, while playing more minutes (33) and piling up rebounds (11) and assists (eight), also turned the ball over six times and was 5-18 from the floor. The Lakers turned the ball over 18 times. they took 51 3's as a team, and only made 15. 41 percent from the floor, overall. Only 12 FTAs, on their home floor. 

This was ugly. 

It also exposed some of the things that are going to be a challenge going forward for the Lakers while they figure out the Luka/LeBron combination, and even potentially after things get smoother in that regard. The Lakers have struggled against zones all year, and Wednesday was no different. But particularly after Reaves was tossed, the inability of the Lakers to get into the paint off the dribble was pretty stark. Before, they always had Davis as a presence to get the ball inside. Now, they have to find other ways to push the ball towards the basket. And then for long stretches, it felt like Luka and LeBron were wearing the same uniform, but not necessarily playing in the same game. Over time, the Lakers are going to have to find ways to get the two of them more active together from possession to possession. Yes, ther will always bee some "your turn, my turn" going on, and that's not necessarily bad, even. But it can't be all of what's happening, either. 

And, no question, center is a problem. Jaxson Hayes was fine on Wednesday. Alex Len was... fine-ish. But LA just isn't going to be in a position to make that position a plus. So it's a matter of minimizing the downside and capitalizing on the good matchups. 

Logic said this would always be a process. The hope was the Lakers could work through it while winning games, especially against bad teams. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, and with another challenging game tonight in Portland, the Lakers are going to need to turn things around over time against better competition. That's just a function of the schedule and the reality of making such a massive in-season trade. 

But there's still plenty of reason to believe that better games are ahead. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose to Charlotte, 100-97.

SEGMENT 2: A bad night for Reaves, a struggle for Luka. 

SEGMENT 3: Wednesday showed where some of the team's issues are. 

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Hungryroot
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Prizepicks
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!
 

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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Miles Bridges scored 29 points and LeMelo Ball added 27 as the Charlotte Hornets upset the hometown Lakers 100-97. LeBron James led the Lakers in the loss with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists, while Luka Doncic struggled, making just five of sixteen shots and one of nine from behind the arc. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Thursday night, when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

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 Hormets, Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets

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The Lakers kick off the post All-Star portion of the schedule tonight, in a make up game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Crypt. At 32-20, they're well-positioned to finish inside the top six seeds in the Western Conference, and avoid the play-in game for the first time in a while.

Moreover, guys are getting healthy. While LeBron James is listed as questionable for tonight's game, he was able to participate in most of Tuesday's practice and at the least seems likely to play either tonight or tomorrow in Portland. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes are all healthy. Luka Dončić will see his minutes restriction get less restrictive against the Hornets, and assuming all goes well JJ Redick believes it should disappear entirely very soon. 

So things are looking good! 

But the biggest reasons to stay bullish on the team going forward aren't related to the health of LA's stars—that's table stakes for a successful stretch run. It's in the potential for the Lakers to produce defensively, even after trading away Anthony Davis and Max Christie in Luka deal. Last week's attention-related debacle against Utah notwithstanding, the Lakers not only entered the break on a hot streak on that side of the ball, some of it came with Davis sidelined, even before he was traded. There is a little bit of proof of concept, and the key comes in how the roster has shifted with the addition of Finney-Smith and the return of Jarred Vanderbilt. This, plus the resurrection of Gabe Vincent as a viable rotation player, has shifted the dynamic of the team's D in significant ways. First, they're all good defenders. But more than that, they allow other players—think Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura especially—to slot into responsibility levels more appropriate for their defensive profile. (Meaning, they don't have to carry as much weight, which is good because both are a weaker defenders.) Both work hard and try to follow the game plan, which works well if they're not expected to play featured roles as stoppers. 

There's still a lot of ground to cover. The Lakers have to figure out how Luka works best in their defensive schemes. But the notion the Lakers are destined to fall off significantly following the trade shouldn't be taken as gospel. It could happen, but it's not a given. And there's a good chance they could be just fine, too. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka is getting closer to no restrictions. 

SEGMENT 2: Reasons to be bullish on the Lakers defense. 

SEGMENT 3: The DFS and Vando effect. 

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Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if 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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