Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Introducing Russ vs. Gordon: Nuggets' Big Decision | Cavs' Defense Falters | Heat Bench Butler? from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

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On today’s episode of Locked On NBA, we take a deep dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sudden struggles after losing three straight games. Are they coming back to reality, or were they fool’s gold to begin with? We then shift to Los Angeles, where the Lakers’ recent success raises questions about whether they should stay the course or make a significant move before the trade deadline. In Denver, the Nuggets face a fascinating dilemma: should Russell Westbrook or Aaron Gordon start alongside Nikola Jokic? We also address the Miami Heat's ongoing turmoil with Jimmy Butler, the Orlando Magic’s offensive issues, and the Clippers' potential long-term plans as they eye future free agency. From trade rumors to playoff aspirations, this episode has all the updates and analysis you need. Tune in for expert takes from Locked On’s local hosts and national experts.

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Anthony Davis had a season high 42 points and grabbed a season high 23 rebounds, while LeBron James added 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists as the Lakers, who once led by as many as 23, held on to beat the Hornets on the road 112-107. Charlotte had to play short-handed tonight, losing the league’s fourth leading scorer LaMelo Ball in the 2nd quarter with a sprained ankle. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

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The Lakers welcomed Jarred Vanderbilt back to the lineup Saturday, and he was one of the highlights of LA's 118-108 win over Golden State. 

It was barely more than 12 minutes of playing time, but it was enough to: 

a) show a blueprint of what these Lakers look like with Vanderbilt available, and... 

b) give a healthy chunk of the fanbase enough evidence that Rui Hachimura—who missed the game with a sore calf—is expendable. 

It seems unlikely that anything anyone inside the organization saw in 12 minutes on Saturday changes how the Lakers view Rui. They knew what he was going in, they know what he is coming out. His strengths and weaknesses are well-understood, and if they Lakers were looking to upgrade from the minutes Hachimura gets before, they're still planning to do it. The grist he provides for the rumor mill is also a function of math. With D'Angelo Russell out the door, Hachimura has the highest salary among non-star players on the team. He's the next logical candidate (financially, at least) to go. 

Fans like having a guy to blame things on, and for many, Hachimura is that guy. 

But are fans being too cavalier about trading him? How reliable is Vando from this point through to the end of the year? And what does all of this have to do with LA's reported pursuit of another center? 

It's an uncomfortable spot to be in, but it's where Rui will stay until the trade deadline brings some resolution. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: More reaction to Vando's return. 

SEGMENT 2: Does Rui become expendable now? 

SEGMENT 3: Remembering Kobe, 5 years after his passing. 

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The Lakers apparently know how to inject some fun into a Saturday night. 

Behind Anthony Davis (38 points, 13 rebounds) and LeBron James (25 points, 12 assists), the Lakers controlled the second half—including holding Steph Curry scoreless—to win 118-108. 

There was a lot to like for the Lakers in this game. It started with defense and balance, with Max Christie and Dalton Knecht providing legitimate support to the offense. And of course, the return of Jarred Vanderbilt to the lineup provided a nice boost, and a glimpse into what Vando might do with this team. The numbers over 12+ minutes (two points, four rebounds) seem modest, but he also had three steals and injected some athleticism and versatility. It's easy to see, especially with the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Christie in the starting lineup, how JJ Redick will have more options at his disposal. 

It was a very good, and very needed, start to the road trip. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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Anthony Davis scored a game-high 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and LeBron James added 25 points and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the hometown Golden State Warriors 118-108. With the win, the Lakers have now won five of their last six games and look to continue their winning ways Monday night when they travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets.

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Sorry Lakers, we owe you an apology. We were not familiar with your game. 

Set aside what they're surely noting (at least to some degree) in Celtics spaces after Thursday's TKTKTKTK Lakers win over Boston at the Crypt. Yes, the Celtics played a very draining game Wednesday against the Clippers. Sure, the Celtics were uncharacteristically cold in the first half, and the Lakers uncharacteristically hot, especially from 3-point range. 

Whatever. 

What made this game significant for the Lakers wasn't just final score (though it was pretty sweet)—the Lakers showed what they're capable of when the intensity, urgency and attention is on point for all 48 minutes. The Lakers moved with tremendous purpose, particularly on the offensive end in a first half where they they shot 50% from the floor. They got into their offense quickly. They cut hard. They pushed when the opportunity presented itself. And in the second half, when the offense went dry and it looked like the Celtics might make a run, they leaned into their defense to hold the Celtics scoreless for minutes at a time. 

The individual performances were excellent. LeBron James finished with 20/14/6. Anthony Davis, 24/8/3, with three blocks. Austin Reaves chipped in with 23 points and six assists. Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent were critical in the first half from beyond the arc. Jaxson Hayes provided two critical baskets on consecutive possessions in the third quarter. 

The win pushed them six games over .500, and into the five seed in the West. And as they head out on the road, where the Lakers have been pretty poor all year, the game showed the template. Not necessarily from an X's and O's standpoint (though some of the strategic choices, like encouraging Boston's offense to run through Kristaps Porzingis in the paint, rather than what the C's normally do beyond the arc), but in all the other stuff. It showed what happens when they do it right, with consistency, for entire games. 

Now the Lakers need to figure out how to sustain it for more than a game or two, or three. Or a week or two, or three. The Lakers need a couple months of it. But for the time being, things sure feel a lot better than they did after LA squeaked past the Nets. 

Best win of the year? If you've got other candidates, let us know. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt Peralta 

SEGMENT 1: A rare signature win for the Lakers, and just in time. 

SEGMENT 2: Was this the template? 
 

SEGMENT 3: AD wants another center. 

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Anthony Davis scored a team-high 24 points, Austin Reeves added 23, and LeBron James scored 20 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the defending World Champion Boston Celtics 117-96. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways Saturday night when they visit the Golden State Warriors.

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It was a busy Wednesday for the Lakers, no question. 

Jarred Vanderbilt has been cleared to play, and will be in uniform Saturday in San Francisco. How much he'll actually play is up in the air, but barring any late setbacks Vanderbilt will be active. Meanwhile, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Anthony Davis and LeBron James are getting a little antsy as the trade deadline approaches, writing: 

"But with the Feb. 6 trade deadline a little more than two weeks away, league sources told ESPN that James and Davis are growing concerned about the Lakers' ability to make significant roster upgrades with their two tradeable first-rounders. James, a four-time champion, and Davis, a one-time champ, have expressed that they want the franchise to make moves to contend for a championship, with the co-stars believing the Lakers are potentially a piece or two away, sources said."

Of  course, the Lakers have already shown themselves as willing dealers, sending D'Angelo Russell to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith. But that, to a large degree, was a low consequence transaction. The type of thing LeBron and AD are talking about? That has much more risk. And reports indicate the Lakers will go "all in" should they find players that fit a LeBron/AD core now, and also make sense down the road to pair with Davis once James is gone. A young potential cornerstone piece, or pieces. And it has to work financially. And we're not including Austin Reaves. 

Hit those benchmarks, and the Lakers are ready to go big. 

Fine, but what exactly are we talking about, here? Are there any realistic scenario at the deadline that matches what Pelinka is talking about? Maybe Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton in Utah, if the Jazz really are willing to trade Kessler... which feels totally illogical, given Kessler's age (23) and obvious defensive talent? 

So is Pelinka really just setting folks up for the Lakers to do nothing truly significant at the deadline? Is he willing to make something less than the obviously ideal trade? Something with more risk? That doesn't tick every box, but still would provide the kind of immediate boost his stars (and the team's fans) seem to want? 

We're not even at the part where we talk about what's smart and what's not. Just the language of what's being reported sends signals that if in fact James and Davis are unhappy... they might stay that way.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Vando is coming back on Saturday. 

SEGMENT 2: Is there a deal out there the Lakers would actually make? 

SEGMENT 3: Why this deadline is set up for inaction. 

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SEGMENT 1: 

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Introducing Jimmy Butler to Suns Imminent? | LeBron & AD vs. Lakers Front Office | Jokic's Offensive Perfection from Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association.

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The Phoenix Suns shook up the trade market with a bold pick swap, sparking speculation about Jimmy Butler joining their squad. Are the Lakers’ stars and front office heading for a collision course over trade deadline decisions? 

Will the Miami Heat capitalize on the Suns’ potential Butler trade, or does Pat Riley have another ace up his sleeve? Is this the year the Lakers finally stop mortgaging their future, or will LeBron James and Anthony Davis force their hand? Plus, Matt Moore shares insights on the saddest NBA team he’s seen this season, and Locked On Nuggets and Mavericks weigh in on the trade deadline frenzy. 

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From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.

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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].

The Washington Wizards are a catastrophically bad basketball team. So LA's TKTKTTKT win over the Wiz Tuesday at the Crypt won't exactly change the vibe around the team. 

The Lakers, at 23-18 and sitting in sixth in the Western Conference, are viewed much more as a team with the second lowest point differential of any playoff/play-in team across the league than they are a legitimate threat to do anything significant in the playoffs. And it's easy to understand why. The win over Washington ran LA's record to 12-1 against teams under .500. A great mark for sure, but it's undercut by an 11-17 mark against teams above .500. 

That's the worst percentage among the top 10 teams in the Conference. 

And now it gets harder. It starts with the Celtics on Thursday. While Boston is slumping (by their standards), the Celtics are defending champions, and easily one of the league's most talented teams. And whatever focus issues they've had over the course of the year won't be a problem on Thursday. From there, the Lakers play five games on the road (dragging an 8-12 record with them) and then a sixth at Intuit against a Clippers team that thoroughly outplayed them last Sunday. Can they, at the very least, take care of the bad teams they'll see on the trip, like Charlotte and Washington? A struggling Philly team that can't keep a lineup on the floor? What about a mid Golden State team that's basically been .500 at home? 

A good team would, at minimum, go 3-3 over the  next six. Maybe the Lakers can. Thursday's game could reveal a lot about what's to come. If the Lakers can dial up their focus and execution, that's a sign (win or lose) that the five games following it could be worth watching. 

But if they get blown out? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers do what's needed against the Wizards. 

SEGMENT 2: More PT for Dorian Finney-Smith? 
 

SEGMENT 3: Boston next. Then the road trip. 

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!
 

TALKSPACE
Therapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.

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

FanDuel
From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.
 

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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