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? 

 

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