Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Following Wednesday's win over Denver at the Crypt, Luka Dončić was wrapped up in ice like a mummy. Austin Reaves looked ready to pass out from exhaustion. So with a hard stretch run ahead and the Lakers already down LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers made the smart choice and sat both of those dudes. And for good measure, kept Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt in street clothes. So that's a lot of manpower out of the lineup to face a motivated, basically healthy Milwaukee team. The results weren't a shock—Bucks win, 118-89.The high point, and the only big talking point, was the play of Bronny James. Pressed into significant minutes against real, front-of-the-rotation NBA players, James had easily his best game as a pro. Low bar to clear, yes, but the level of progress since that late January disaster in Philadephia is clear. Bronny finished 7-10 from the floor, including a couple triples and an array of nice finishes at and around the basket. He had five assists, which could have been more had his teammates finished a few more shots. It'll be interesting to see how this performance is discussed among the national media, if it's even discussed at all. On the one hand, that would be a nice change of pace. It is not normally national news when a 55th pick has a solid game in a blowout loss. But obviously Bronny is no ordinary 55th pick. And if this game is, in fact, generally ignored, it could confirm some of the criticisms directed at the media, notably that Bronny is a proxy through which pundits can criticize LeBron, and that it's only his failures that are worth any proverbial ink. Were he anyone else, fans would look at this game and see nice progress. Nothing spectacular, nothing to get worked up over, but nice progress. It's easy to forget that Bronny is a 20-year old rookie who basically lost his only college season. There's no question he was drafted by the Lakers because LeBron wanted them to, nor that he has more security here than than he (or generic 55th pick) would typically have. But on the merits, level set against appropriate expectations (55th pick, developmental project) Bronny is having a good year. He is making progress. Obstacles remain—he still seems painfully undersized at times—but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. He has a chance to be an NBA player. He's four years away from being as old as Dalton Knecht. The point isn't that he'll end up as good as Dalton, just that there's a lot of youth there. No matter what, it's great to see him have some success, and quiet some of the critics who see him as a novelty act who can't compete. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers sit everyone, lose to Milwaukee. SEGMENT 2: Bronny has a career high 17. SEGMENT 3: Thinking big picture.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! 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Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench as the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the shorthanded Lakers 118-89. The Lakers, playing without Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, were led by Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, who had 17 points apiece. The Lakers will look to get back on track Saturday night when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to town. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench as the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the shorthanded Lakers 118-89. The Lakers, playing without Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, were led by Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, who had 17 points apiece. The Lakers will look to get back on track Saturday night when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to town.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 Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!Robinhood GoldWith Robinhood Gold you now enjoy the VIP treatment, receiving 3% IRA match on retirement contributions. The privileges of the privileged are no longer exclusive. With Robinhood Gold your annual IRA contributions are boosted by 3%, plus you also get 4% APY on your account in non-retirement accounts. That’s over 8 times the national savings average. The perks of the high net worth are now available for any net worth.The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/goldInvesting involves risk. Rate subject to change. 3% match requires Robinhood Gold. At $5 a month for one year from first match, must keep funds in IRA for 5 years. Go to robinhood.com/boost. Over 8x the average national average savings account interest rate claim is based on data from the FDIC as of November 18, 2024. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC). Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC.GAMETIMELooking for tickets to your next big event? Whether it's a concert, a comedy show, or a sports game, finding the right ticket at the right price can be a headache. But with Gametime Picks, it’s never been easier. Let me tell you how it works.With Gametime Picks, the app does all the hard work for you. It curates the best deals, so you don’t have to waste time searching through endless ticket listings.I’ve been using Gametime Picks for a while now, and here’s why I love it:The curated deals make it super simple to find great tickets at a great price—no more sifting through thousands of options.The seat view feature is a game-changer. Before I even hit “buy,” I can see exactly what my seat will look like in the venue. It’s so reassuring.And the best part? You’re covered with Gametime’s lowest price guarantee—if you find a better deal somewhere else, they’ll refund 110% of the difference. Plus, your tickets are guaranteed to be delivered on time, with easy cancellation options if something comes up.Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Again, create an account and redeem code L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N-N-B-A for $20 off. Download Gametime today. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.

The juice was taken out of Wednesday's tilt against the visiting Denver Nuggets when it was announced that Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, both nursing injuries, wouldn't play. (The Lakers were without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, but had Luka Dončić in the lineup.) So while that meant that the results wouldn't have a whole lot of head-to-head meaning—continuing the trend of last week's game in Denver, where the Lakers were without... basically everyone in their rotation—it turned the game into a prime opportunity for the Lakers to pick up a game in the standings, put themselves in position to win the season tiebreaker against the Nuggets (no small thing) and take some pressure off Thursday's game against Milwaukee at the Crypt. Man alive, did they take advantage. Led by Dončić, the Lakers had arguably their best opening quarter of the season, hitting nine 3-pointers en route to 46 points. Luka had 21 on his own. In the second, the Lakers turned up the defensive pressure and built the lead as high as 28. The rest wasn't uniformly good. The Lakers went to sleep at the end of the first half, letting Denver get back to within 14. But by the end of the third, the Lakers were back up big, and were able to cruise with Luka in cruise control—and then back on the bench early. The Lakers have now won nine straight at home, and despite key injuries have kept themselves squarely in the race for a top four finish and a chance to host a first round playoff series. It's a fantastic turn since a four game losing streak had everyone on edge, not so much wondering if the team would be good enough to compete when healthy, but how much damage would be done while the Lakers waited for that health to come. With LeBron and Rui getting closer to a return, there's no question a 2-seed is still in play, something that seemed like a long shot when James got hurt. One thing that's helped turn things around? Getting some players back, obviously, but also the trend of hot starts. It can't be overstated how much easier it is to play from ahead. Basically any NBA opponent, assuming they don't just decide to quit, will make a run or two during a game. Denver made a few. But it's a lot easier to absorb a 10-0 run when it starts while you're up by 10- or 20-plus points.It's something to watch for down the stretch, but for a team that, for a time, seemed to struggle early in games, this is a welcome shift. If it continues? Just one more sign the Lakers are right and truly legitimate title contenders.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka and the Lakers use hot start to control the Nuggets. SEGMENT 2: LeBron and Rui day-to-day, but the team has adjusted well. SEGMENT 3: Finishing off the back-to-back?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. 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Luka Doncic scored 31 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists, and Austin Reaves added 22 points and 8 assists as the Lakers downed the visiting Denver Nuggets 120-108. The Nuggets, who were playing without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, were led in the loss by Aaron Gordon’s 26. The Lakers will look to extend their three-game winning streak Thursday night when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to town. 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 Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!HUNGRYROOTWhen it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning, I’ve had this ongoing problem: I just don’t have the time! Between work, life, and trying to eat healthier, I was constantly feeling stressed out. I’d go to the grocery store, buy things I didn’t need, and then end up with no time to actually cook. And sticking to my health goals? That was a struggle too.But everything changed when I discovered Hungryroot. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. It’s the easiest way to eat healthy, without all the stress. With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. They take care of my grocery shopping, recommending meals and groceries based on my tastes and health goals, from anti-inflammatory to high-protein and gluten-free options. And the best part? Every meal is ready in 15 minutes or less! I’m talking quick, healthy meals that actually taste great, all delivered straight to my door. It’s been a huge time-saver and has made healthy eating so much simpler.You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. 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 code LOCKEDONNBA. That’s Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba, code LOCKEDONNBA to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba, code LOCKEDONNBA—don’t miss out!PRIZE PICKSBasketball season is heating up, and there’s no better way to get in on the action than with PrizePicks—the best place for daily fantasy sports!With PrizePicks, you just pick “more” or “less” on at least two player projections for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! It’s easy to use, available in over 30 states, and lets you mix and match projections across different sports.Building Lineups: This week, I’m selecting Luka Dončić for more than 25 points and Jayson Tatum for more than 8 rebounds.Quick and Easy: PrizePicks makes it simple—you can set your lineup in less than 60 seconds and stay engaged all game long.Fast Payouts: When you win, your money hits your account in as little as 15 minutes—no waiting around!Taco Tuesday Deals: Every Tuesday, PrizePicks discounts select player projections up to 25%, giving even more value to your lineup.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! That’s code LOCKEDONNBA for $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks. Run Your Game!

There are a lot of ways to break down a roster, trying to figure out if it's "championship worthy." Obviously, the stars are key. Winning without one elite player, and sometimes more than one, is a challenge. But the rest of the guys matter, too. And while the "three star" era can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people—starting with how "star" gets defined—there's no question that the quality of that third guy rightly gets a lot of attention. In related news, Austin Reaves has been on quite a heater of late, averaging over 30 points a game in his last four. It's reignited the conversation about where exactly Reaves fits in the leaguewide pantheon of "third options," and whether that's good enough for the Lakers as they get into the postseason. There are a lot of ways to look at it. Often, people ask if the third man is an All-Star. Well, Reaves isn't, and who knows when that might change. Making All-Star teams is incredibly difficult. But is he playing All-Star caliber ball? Yeah. Not just lately, but over the course of the season his numbers 19.6/4.5/6.0 are in the ballpark. His March stats (23.4/6.3/5.7, 39% 3-point shooting) even more so. So just on raw production, Reaves is pushing into higher levels among his peers. And on a post-Luka Dončić Lakers roster, Reaves gets even more of a boost. Now bumped down to the team's third ballhandler behind Luka and LeBron James, Reaves is free to attack more and play with greater defensive intensity. Meanwhile, he's smart enough to leverage the space those guys create to give himself better matchups and more opportunity. "How good is good enough?" becomes a different question when the third guy is playing with arguably two of the top 7 players in the league. (Luka is almost universally dropped in the top 5 when healthy, and LeBron almost always in the top 10. Still.) And Reaves has shown he's able to carry a team when he's needed, as well. It's in him. Can he do it like a top line star? No, but he likely won't be asked to in the playoffs more than maybe once a series. The rest of the time, it's about producing at the expected level. The bottom line is that Reaves just keeps getting better, and like all not-quite-star-stars, working in the orbit of truly elite players makes him more effective. Would Reaves be a leg on a "big three" for a different team? Maybe, maybe not. But that doesn't matter. He only needs to do it for the Lakers, and with all that in mind, there's little question he's good enough to be a third-best player on a championship team, if this is the team in question.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers are playing Denver tonight, and it feels different.  SEGMENT 2: Why the matchup isn't what it was, in a good way for LA.  SEGMENT 3: Is AR a true third star?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. 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Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey 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. 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On today’s show, the Locked On panel analyze the Dallas Mavericks' decision to bring back Anthony Davis, questioning the strategy behind this move. The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Clippers, exploring their current form and playoff prospects. The hosts debate the Phoenix Suns' struggles and their chances of making the playoffs. The discussion then turns to broader NBA topics, including the grueling March schedule and its impact on teams. The hosts also evaluate the effectiveness of the play-in tournament and propose potential changes to the NBA season structure. Throughout the podcast, the hosts offer insightful analysis and engaging banter on the state of the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: What are teams in the West doing?5:56 Analyzing the Mavericks' recent moves10:41 Clippers' current status and playoff prospects15:58 Suns struggling to take 10th seed from Mavs20:37 Are the Suns really dead in the water?24:31 Is the NBA season too long in March?29:46 Debating the merits of the play-in tournament  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA 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! TALKSPACETherapy 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.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom 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)

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.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!HungryrootWith 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.  RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. 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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.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 Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA 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!

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 KamenetzkySEGMENT 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.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!HungryrootWith 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.  RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’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!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? 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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. 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 Suns, Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA 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!

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 flooThe 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 KamenetzkyYour favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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 MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight 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)

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  Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!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.

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.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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 MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight 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)

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 KamenetzkySEGMENT 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! Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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. 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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?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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. 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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 DashThey 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. 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In this episode of the NBA Squad Show West, hosts dive into the Western Conference landscape. They discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominance and their potential to win the NBA championship. The conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets' defensive struggles and their chances against the Los Angeles Lakers in a potential playoff matchup. The hosts also explore the Phoenix Suns' recent performances and the Minnesota Timberwolves' intriguing playoff potential. The episode concludes with a debate on the Golden State Warriors' playoff prospects and speculation about future trades and team dynamics in the Western Conference. 0:00 Intro: Thunder-Nuggets crossover in Western Conference5:49 Thunder's path to NBA championship success12:14 Lakers vs Nuggets: Who wins playoff series?18:59 Suns' struggles and potential playoff push23:28 Timberwolves as threatening playoff matchup28:28 Warriors' playoff potential and Steph's renaissance32:37 Outro: Speculation on future NBA trades Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA 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! TALKSPACETherapy 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.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelFrom 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)

The Lakers were, of course, without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura Monday in Brooklyn, but they were also without Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes as well. That's a lot of rotation and size in street clothes, and even with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in uniform for the Lakers, it's easy to see how the Lakers could lose even to a lousy team like the Nets, which is exactly what they did, 111-108. There are times when a coach will look at the context—so many missing players, coming off a tough loss in Boston, generally playing well, important games coming up—and downplay the loss. Basically call it an aberration, give the team the ol' attaboy, and move on. JJ Redick didn't do that. Instead, he was as critical of his Lakers as he's been all year. He accused them all game of trying to take shortcuts, and not doing as a team what is required to win. He slammed the team's lack of communication, and generally gave them no space to wallow in their current state. (Which, it should be noted, includes a clearly-not-100-percent Luka.) Big picture, the game was lost because Reaves and Dončić were wildly inefficient from the field (11-40 combined from the floor). Halfway decent shooting from either/both is probably enough to win. And then the Lakers turned the ball 15 times, and allowed 16 offensive rebounds. Again, clean up one of those and it's probably enough to win the game. But Redick was really talking about much more than this game. He was reminding the Lakers that the bar has been raised. Winning as much as they have has elevated what's possible for this season, and with it, the acceptable standard of performance as a team, no matter who is available to play. He's reminding them that with players out, they need to control the stuff they can control. Sometimes shots fall, sometimes they don't. Sometimes players make the wrong read, or dribble the ball off their foot. But communication? That's easy to control, and isn't the provenance of any single player on the roster. Redick's reaction is a great sign for measuring how much he believes in the potential of the season, and how far things have come over the course of the year.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Reaves and Luka shoot poorly as the Lakers lose in Brooklyn. SEGMENT 2: Why Redick reacted the way he did. SEGMENT 3: Why no Koloko?  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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. 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Early reports from ESPN's Dave McMenamin following Saturday's loss in Boston indicated that LeBron James, who left in the fourth quarter with a groin injury, would miss time measured in weeks, not days. Sunday, we learned that was true... but the the news was still about as good as it could be. James is expected to miss 1-2 weeks, though there's an "at least" thrown in to keep everyone honest (and slightly concerned). But while there's still enough uncertainty in the timeline to keep everyone from getting comfortable, that estimates begin on the shorter end is unquestionably positive. Plenty of Lakers fans were concerned that "at least" might come before a three or four week estimate, or even longer. James missed nearly 20 games in his first season with the Lakers after hurting that same groin, and it basically undid LA's season. Something like that again would have basically erased the rest of the regular season. Instead, the Lakers appear, for now, to have dodged a bullet. That said, the injury news still isn't great. The Lakers are banged up, to say the least. Rui Hachimura is still out and won't play on the road trip. Dorian Finney-Smith is out for tonight's game against the Nets with an ankle injury. Jaxson Hayes is questionable, and — here's the headliner — so is Luka Dončić. LA's newest star is nursing a sore back, one that was clearly bugging him against the C's over the weekend. Needless to say, the Lakers have to play things safe with Luka and LeBron, in the short term (sit Luka, even if it means losing an otherwise winnable game against a bad Brooklyn team) and long term as well. The Lakers have made a remarkable run up the Western Conference standings. But as cool as it would be to finish 2nd (and the Lakers are again the two-seed after Denver lost to OKC Sunday), what really matters isn't the 2, or even the 3, 4, 5, and 6. It's avoiding the 7th seed, which puts the Lakers back in the play in. They have a large enough cushion to keep that from happening, so until their status in the top 6 is truly threatened, health has to be the priority. That's likely how the Lakers will play it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers could be without LeBron for a couple weeks. SEGMENT 2: What changes with James out of the lineup? SEGMENT 3: Health is what matters.  Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxReady 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.WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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. 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The Lakers finally hit the wall, losing to the Celtics Saturday in Boston, 111-101. The offense grew stagnant in the second and third quarters before LA started making shots and made a game of things. But the big news was LeBron James, who left with about six minutes remaining, and didn't return. While JJ Redick had no immediate update following the game, he looked like a very concerned head coach, and early reporting from ESPN's Dave McMenamin indicated LeBron's absence could be measured "for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days."Plus, Luka Doncic appeared to be bothered by a back issue throughout the game, Rui Hachimura is at least a week away from another reevaluation of his knee strain, and Jaxson Hayes also missed the game because of a knee contusion (which was downgraded on Saturday) suffered during the Knicks win.Not good.Hosts: Andy and Brian KamenetzkyYour favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneThe #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!PrizepicksNow’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!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBADoor DashThey 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/.

Jayson Tatum had a game-high 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Jaylen Brown added 31 points as the Boston Celtics snapped the Lakers' 8-game winning streak, beating the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. Luka Doncic had a team-high 34 points, and LeBron James added 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists before leaving for the locker room early in the 4th quarter with a groin injury.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 Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!FAN DUEL• When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!• With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE 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 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. PRIZE PICKS• Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA 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!