Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

While a lot of the attention (understandably) around LeBron James following the season ending Game 4 loss to the Nuggets earlier this week was centered on the whole "I might retire" thing, James also had other interesting stuff to say. Notably, he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that should he decide to come back and play next year (which is where most would put their money, even if some aren't taking the possibility of retirement seriously enough), he believes a full summer of rest and rehab of his injured foot would get him back to the player he's been. Why? "Because I'm still better than 90% of the NBA," he said. "Maybe 95." So is he right? (Spoiler alert: Yes.) But the bigger question for the Lakers is whether that's enough. And even more specifically, how do they construct a team that allows him to be that hyper-elite, top 10+ player in the moments of the season that matter most? This is where questions of roster construction become particularly important. No question, depth means something different in the playoffs, and the Lakers, if they're going to go far, need players who can work in a variety of matchups (whether that's the same players adapting to different circumstances, or different players playing bigger or smaller roles depending on the opponent). But they also need real depth to win games in the regular season, and set themselves up for the easiest path possible, one that includes a rested (or as rested as can be) LeBron. Anthony Davis could use a little protection, too. So how does the larger context around James's statement shape the way the Lakers should approach this summer? We break it down. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron says he's better than 95% of the league. Is he right? SEGMENT 2: What does it say about the Lakers and how they're constructed that 95% might not be enough? How do the Lakers compensate? SEGMENT 3: Looking at the offseason. What's the best approach to maximize the likelihood that James is at full strength in the postseason? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's hard to argue the following: No Lakers player took more blame for the sweep at the ends of Denver than D'Angelo Russell. Of all the key players the Lakers need to make decisions about this summer, most fans look at D'Angelo Russell as the player they have the least interest in keeping. The reasons are pretty simple. Love him or hate him as a player, nobody would argue Russell showed out against the Nuggets. He was bad, and the Lakers suffered for it. Was he bad throughout the playoffs? No, and over 17 regular season games he performed pretty well, too. But when the Lakers needed him most, Russell wasn't anywhere close to good enough. And he'll cost a good amount of money. Not $30 mil, but not $5, either. So is he worth what could be somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 mil a year? How fans reacted to hearing him answer questions during exit interviews could shade their opinion. Certainly Russell didn't exactly beg for forgiveness, or even get that deep into his own failures in the Conference Finals. He acknowledged bad shooting, but expressed real confidence in his game at this point in his career. Nothing he said was necessarily wrong, but certainly he wasn't interested in reading the room, so to speak. But what if the Lakers let him go? What are they giving up? Can they afford to let Russell's skill set leave without finding adequate replacements? Even with the understanding that his postseason struggles could repeat themselves, depending on the matchup? It's a complex question, and one that will frame the offseason in a big way for the Lakers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell is polarizing... but should he be a Laker next year? SEGMENT 2: Diving into his exit interviews. Would contrition have helped? Is his confidence earned? SEGMENT 3: What do the Lakers lose if they let Russell walk? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The big news setting the table for this Lakers' offseason came Monday night, after the team lost to the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and LeBron James indicated he's considering retirement. Like for real. Now maybe it's a leverage play, maybe it's just the fatigue (and the likely need for foot surgery) talking. But maybe he really is mulling it over (a possibility that too many are underselling). One thing, though, was clear at Tuesday's exit interviews - Rob Pelinka, Darvin Ham and everyone else on the roster were taken by surprise when LeBron said what he said. Nobody had an inkling this was on his mind. And the Lakers, as you'd expect, plan to give him every ounce of time he needs to make a decision. (Whether that means simply deciding he has the juice to keep going, or exerting the influence he wants to exert, or a little of both.) Pelinka also made it clear that the Lakers, heading into the offseason, are inclined to keep the core of this team together. Obviously that doesn't mean everyone returns (it never happens that way), but something similar to what we saw after the deadline, as opposed to the "clear the decks" approach to bring in someone like Kyrie Irving or Trae Young (who is also floating around in rumors). Does that mean the front office is learning its lesson, when it comes to the value of real roster construction vs. top heavy star-bleepery? We'll see, but the signs point to yes. Is that the right call? We explain. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers react to LeBron's surprising retirement talk. SEGMENT 2: Pelinka says the Lakers are inclined to run it back. SEGMENT 3: Why "run it back" is the right call setting the table for the offseason. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the Lakers were eliminated Monday in Game 4 against the Nuggets, LeBron James finished his press conference with a somewhat cryptic message. "We'll see. We'll see what happens going forward. I don't know. I don't know. I've got a lot to think about to be honest," James said. "Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball. I've got a lot to think about." Obviously that sounds like a guy who is considering retirement, and Monday he certainly played like a guy who might walk away. 48 minutes, 40 points, 15-25 shooting. He left everything on the floor, no question. In our big show, we tried not to speculate until a little there was a little more reporting. Well... Both Dave McMenamin and Chris Haynes report that LeBron really does seem to be considering retirement. First, from McMenamin, this exchange: "LeBron James to ESPN on his thought process going into the offseason: Q: When you say you got to think about stuff, what thread should we be pulling on that? A: "If I want to continue to play." Q: As in next year? A: "Yeah." Q: You would walk away? A: "I got to think about it." Then Haynes reports that "Lakers star LeBron James is uncertain if he'll be with the team when the 2023-24 NBA season starts in the fall, and retirement is under consideration, league sources tell Bleacher Report, TNT. LeBron has a lot to weigh, sources say." So... is this a real game changer? What happens if LeBron calls it quits? Is it just a shot across the bow? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was actually a decent amount to like in Monday's 113-111 loss in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the Crypt against the Nuggets. The Lakers, led by LeBron James (40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, 48 minutes), played through the tape. They did not quit, even while understanding that a win on Monday likely wouldn't have a happy ending overall. Unfortunately, there were too many things not to like. Anthony Davis did not provide nearly enough as LeBron was leaving everything he had on the floor. The Lakers, once again, couldn't shoot the ball well enough. Rui Hachimura (3-12) picked a bad night to be inefficient. Too many ill-timed fouls, not enough timely buckets. And that third quarter. Oooof. 36-16 Denver, erasing a 15-point halftime lead, and giving the Nuggets more than enough incentive to try and finish things off without having to play Game 5. Ultimately, though, whether it was Monday night in Game 4 or sometime in the (likely) near future, the Lakers were destined to lose this series because the Nuggets are a better team. By a pretty good margin, really. But while the ending was definitely disappointing - even most people who picked the Nuggets to win this series (and yes, Nuggets, there were many people who did) - had it in five, six or seven instead of a sweep, this should be remembered as one of the more improbably successful Lakers seasons in a long time. From dead-in-the-water leading into the trade deadline to the Western Conference Finals? That's an incredible turnaround. They were a little short, in terms of overall pieces, continuity, and timely performances. They had too many guys who hit bad stretches at the wrong time, and without question were physically exhausted for playing what amounts to three months of playoff basketball. What could have been a total disaster of a season turned into something pretty special, with many, many reasons to be optimistic heading into the offseason. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose, and are eliminated from the playoffs after a 113-111 loss in Game 4. SEGMENT 2: More on LeBron, plus a cryptic end to his postgame press conference. SEGMENT 3: Reflecting on an incredible turnaround, and a tough game for Anthony Davis. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It took a few minutes, but Darvin Ham had finally seemed to build up a little bit of goodwill with Lakers fans through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Well, a big chunk of that has been eaten away by the results of the first three games of the team's Western Conference Finals series against Denver. Facing an 0-3 hole and the chances of getting swept tonight at the Crypt in Game 4, scrutiny has again returned in a big way. Is Darvin making the right moves? Is he pushing the right buttons? Is he pulling the right levers? The answers to questions like these really depend on your view of the roster as a whole, and how the Lakers match up against a very, very good Denver team. At the core of these discussions is D'Angelo Russell, who has been horrible through the first three games of this series. Most fans want him benched, if not yanked from the rotation. Ham shortened his minutes considerably in Game 3, but Russell still got 20 minutes of burn. Is that too much? Is it malpractice? Our answer might not be that popular. Meanwhile, many fans are calling for Ham to start bringing in guys like Troy Brown, Max Christie, and even dusting off Malik Beasley to see if shots will fall. But are those aren't really adjustments so much as dart throws. Is it time to throw darts, though? And really, is the overarching problem Ham, or too many guys in a shortening rotation who aren't playing well enough? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is Darvin mucking up this series? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers bench Russell? Should they? SEGMENT 3: What else is Darvin doing/not doing? Is he the issue, or are players just not performing? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had to win Game 3 at Crypto.com to keep any reasonable hopes for the season alive. The Nuggets clearly had no interest in giving the Lakers any hope. Jamal Murray picked up right where he left off after Thursday's absurd fourth quarter pushed the Nuggets to victory in Game 2, lighting the Lakers up in the first quarter Saturday to give Denver a big early lead. The Lakers did what they could to fight back, but were playing uphill for the entire game, and simply didn't have the juice to pull it out. Denver was simply too good down the stretch. Murray finished with 37, Nikola Jokic 24, despite fighting foul trouble all game. Meanwhile, the Lakers got 28 from Anthony Davis and 23 each from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly so, on a night where D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for 10 points, and the team was once again under 33% from 3-point range. Down 0-3, it would seem the season is functionally over. There's still Game 4 on Monday, and at the least the Lakers would like to send things back to Denver. But no question, history suggests LA's season ended on Saturday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As it was in Game 1, the Lakers gave themselves a great chance to win Game 2 in Denver and tilt the series in their favor heading back to LA for Saturday's Game 3. And as it was in Game 1, the Lakers fell short, this time losing 108-103. But while the results were the same, how they got there was very different. The Lakers built and early lead, but couldn't maintain it. Anthony Davis, who was great in Game 1, was definitely not in Game 2. 4-15 from the floor, and while he did block four shots and get to the line 11 times, overall wasn't even close to the performance the Lakers needed from him. LeBron James, meanwhile, did a lot of things well. It was one of the best defensive games James has played in LA, but offensively, he missed all six of his 3-pointers, bobbled away an easy dunk trying to get fancy with it, and then smoked two layups, including one at the end (after a tremendous steal) that would have cut the deficit to two with about 26 seconds left. That was LA's last, best chance to stay in the game. In Game 1, the Lakers were white hot from downtown. In Game 2, 8-30. Take away Austin Reaves (5-9) and that drops to 3-21. Not gonna get it done. Meanwhile, LeBron tweaked his ankle late in the game, and while he's expected to play on Saturday, it's one more blow to a guy who looks like he might have hit the limits of output at 38, with so many miles on the odometer. It's back to LA on Saturday, where the Lakers have to win. And then win again on Monday. But first things first. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Jamal Murray went nuclear in the fourth, and no Laker could match him. Anthony Davis just wasn't good enough. SEGMENT 2: LeBron James did a lot of good stuff... but the bad stuff? Oof. SEGMENT 3: Have the Lakers hit a wall? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As it was in Game 1, the Lakers gave themselves a great chance to win Game 2 in Denver and tilt the series in their favor heading back to LA for Saturday's Game 3. And as it was in Game 1, the Lakers fell short, this time losing 108-103. But while the results were the same, how they got there was very different. The Lakers built and early lead, but couldn't maintain it. Anthony Davis, who was great in Game 1, was definitely not in Game 2. 4-15 from the floor, and while he did block four shots and get to the line 11 times, overall wasn't even close to the performance the Lakers needed from him. LeBron James, meanwhile, did a lot of things well. It was one of the best defensive games James has played in LA, but offensively, he missed all six of his 3-pointers, bobbled away an easy dunk trying to get fancy with it, and then smoked two layups, including one at the end (after a tremendous steal) that would have cut the deficit to two with about 26 seconds left. That was LA's last, best chance to stay in the game. In Game 1, the Lakers were white hot from downtown. In Game 2, 8-30. Take away Austin Reaves (5-9) and that drops to 3-21. Not gonna get it done. Meanwhile, LeBron tweaked his ankle late in the game, and while he's expected to play on Saturday, it's one more blow to a guy who looks like he might have hit the limits of output at 38, with so many miles on the odometer. It's back to LA on Saturday, where the Lakers have to win. And then win again on Monday. But first things first. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Jamal Murray went nuclear in the fourth, and no Laker could match him. Anthony Davis just wasn't good enough. SEGMENT 2: LeBron James did a lot of good stuff... but the bad stuff? Oof. SEGMENT 3: Have the Lakers hit a wall? 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played essentially two different games on Wednesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals - a small lineup game that put them in a big hole, and a large lineup game that helped them climb out. And while it wasn't enough to actually win, many wonder if the Lakers found a formula they can use in tonight's Game 2 in Denver. Will Rui Hachimura spend a lot of time guarding Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, helping Anthony Davis roam the paint more actively as a help defender? It worked on Wednesday, but will the Nuggets counter more effectively if/when the Lakers go back to it? And how will the Lakers counter the counter? And really, when it's all said and done, how much mental and emotional energy should the Lakers spend trying to "stop" Jokic? What does that even mean, really? Instead, could they look to try and put a lid on the rest of the squad, as much as possible? And assuming Hachimura enters the starting lineup (or, in theory, Jarred Vanderbilt returns to it), who sits? Would it be Dennis Schroder, who has plenty of experience coming off the bench, or D'Angelo Russell, who has started 431 of the 495 games played over his NBA career? What about reports the Lakers are concerned they could "lose" Russell if they bring him off the bench? Who is concerned, and why are they saying it out loud? It's a weird line of discussion to allow for a group that has been drama free since the deadline. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers seem like they'll start Hachimura in Game 2. Is that the right move? SEGMENT 2: If Hachimura starts, who sits? SEGMENT 3: Should the Lakers be concerned they'll "lose" Russell if he comes off the bench? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were thoroughly outplayed early in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets in Denver, falling behind by 12 after the first quarter, and 18 at the half. It was a matter of execution—the Nuggets were razor sharp, and playing with tremendous energy—and it was a matter of lineups—the Lakers went small with three guards, and had trouble matching up with a large Denver squad—and all told, it looked like a game that the Nuggets would run away with. Not so fast! The Lakers made some changes in the second half, and suddenly a game that looked like a blowout was one the Lakers could tie with under a minute remaining. All the game's stars were sharp. Nikola Jokic was insane (31/24/14), and Anthony Davis went for 40. LeBron James posted a very efficient 26/12/9, marred only by a poorly conceived 3-point attempt as the Lakers went for that aforementioned tie. Austin Reaves? Looked good! Jamal Murray? 31! Everyone on the marquee did his part, but importantly, the Lakers punctured through Denver's first half superiority in ways that should be confidence-building going forward. One big adjustment - more Rui Hachimura, who didn't just play big minutes in the second half, he spent that time guarding Jokic, which allowed Davis to roam free. Is that a strategy the Lakers can use going forward? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers looked like they were going to get blown out of the building on Tuesday... but didn't. SEGMENT 2: Darvin Ham made a poor tactical choice with his starting lineup. SEGMENT 3: Can Hachimura stick Jokic through the rest of the series? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Denver Nuggets have been the best team in the Western Conference all season long. The Lakers were a dumpster fire-turned-contender at the deadline and have been among the NBA's best since reshaping their roster. Both teams have made it through the first two rounds in (by NBA standards) relatively easy fashion. So in this rematch of the 2020 Bubble Western Conference Finals, who has the advantage as the series opens tonight in Denver? The Nuggets are more rested, enjoying the benefits of having wrapped up the conference pretty early. The Lakers are tested, having essentially played playoff games for the last two months. That has allowed them, perhaps to improve faster than a team assembled on the fly normally would, but also leaves them open to fatigue, especially given the guys leading them. And what does LeBron James have left for this series? How much will a series guarding Nikola Jokic wear down Anthony Davis? Can the Lakers find ways to move Davis off the two-time MVP? Can the Lakers find ways to attack Jamal Murray, and wear him down over the course of a series? If it comes down to supporting characters, which team is more likely to thrive? These questions and more in a Conference Finals Preview Crossover with Adam Mares, host of Locked on Nuggets. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How did these teams get here? Has either really been tested? SEGMENT 2: Davis vs. Jokic. Can the Lakers find ways to slow down Jokic without having to keep Davis on him? Can the Lakers try to exploit Jokic by making him work as a help defender? SEGMENT 3: X-factors. What about the supporting casts? The role of fatigue? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All things considered, we really haven't had a lot of time to learn about these Lakers. Yes, some of the team has been there all year, but the crew we've seen in the playoffs is a creation of the trade deadline, and even then the number of games played with the core together has been limited by injuries to LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. So while we likely won't see a true top end for this team that would come with a training camp and a season of seasoning, there is definitely room still for improvement. The Lakers have already beaten the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors, both as the road team and both in (by NBA playoff standards) relatively easy fashion. Add in the fact that James and Davis are now 6-0 in playoff series as teammates when both have been healthy and available throughout, and there is plenty of reason to believe the Lakers can, and even will, beat the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals, even while acknowledging that the Nuggets have easily been the West's best team all year, have tremendous depth and perhaps the best player in the game in Nikola Jokic. So while Vegas says Denver, and it's easy to agree with them, nobody should have to squint too hard here to find a path for the purple and gold. Are there similarities between this group and the 2020 champs? What's different? And speaking of different, how might Darvin Ham shake up the starting lineup, compared to what he rolled with against the Warriors (whether in Games 1-5, or Game 6)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have overcome a ton already this year, and nobody is sure what the upside is. SEGMENT 2: It's the same final four in 2023 as in the bubble playoffs of 2020. Kind of interesting! Plus, more on potential upside for LA. SEGMENT 3: Any lineup changes you'd anticipate? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers took a lot of the drama out of Friday's closeout game at the Crypt against Golden State, getting out on a big run in the first quarter and never letting the lead get away. A 10 point lead at the half was stretched out in the third, and the Warriors never really threatened after. Final score, 122-101. Lakers win the series 4-2, and will advance to face the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals starting Tuesday in Denver. This was a great game for the Lakers. LeBron James got off to a great start, and played his best game of the series (30 points on 10-14 from the floor). Anthony Davis was a monster defensively and on the boards (20 rebounds). Austin Reaves had 23 points, including 4-5 from downtown. 13 from Lonnie Walker IV, 19 from D'Angelo Russell. Just a total, complete team effort, putting a cap on a series the Lakers won, by NBA playoff standards, relatively easily. Can they keep it up in the next round against the top seeded Nuggets? Yes, though the level of play required to get through to the Finals will need to be a tick above what they've shown to this point, impressive as it's been. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Anthony Davis left the floor, and then the arena, following that big fourth quarter forearm to the head from Golden State center Kevon Looney, it was reasonable to think that he might not play in Game 6 Friday night. Or even Game 7, if the series went back to San Francisco on Sunday. It was incredibly deflating in the moment, for the Lakers as a team, and definitely for Lakers fans. Good news! He's gonna play. Davis didn't even have to enter the league's concussion protocol. So whatever that blow did to him, it apparently wasn't enough to give him a concussion. Good for Davis, good for the Lakers. Of course, in the interim, Davis absorbed an enormous amount of mockery from high profile members of the basketball media, who all but called him soft. They laughed and mocked in ways they likely wouldn't have for just about any other player in the league. And they did it following a shot to the head. It was all pretty repulsive, and reflective of attitudes about injury and toughness that sports culture has, at times, seemed to move away from. But clearly not all the way. So assuming Davis plays, what does that mean for the game? Are there any big adjustments left to make in this series? Or is it a matter of one team going out and simply executing better the game plan we all know is coming? Maybe the Lakers have a little twist up their sleeves? Would swapping Jarred Vanderbilt out of the starting lineup make sense? It's not technically a must win for the Lakers.... but it's about as close as you get. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is going to play! Anthony Davis is going to play! SEGMENT 2: Are there any adjustments left to make? SEGMENT 3: There are high profile members of the NBA media that owe Davis an apology. AD has a chance to throw the double bird at folks with a big Game 6. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Anthony Davis left the floor, and then the arena, following that big fourth quarter forearm to the head from Golden State center Kevon Looney, it was reasonable to think that he might not play in Game 6 Friday night. Or even Game 7, if the series went back to San Francisco on Sunday. It was incredibly deflating in the moment, for the Lakers as a team, and definitely for Lakers fans. Good news! He's gonna play. Davis didn't even have to enter the league's concussion protocol. So whatever that blow did to him, it apparently wasn't enough to give him a concussion. Good for Davis, good for the Lakers. Of course, in the interim, Davis absorbed an enormous amount of mockery from high profile members of the basketball media, who all but called him soft. They laughed and mocked in ways they likely wouldn't have for just about any other player in the league. And they did it following a shot to the head. It was all pretty repulsive, and reflective of attitudes about injury and toughness that sports culture has, at times, seemed to move away from. But clearly not all the way. So assuming Davis plays, what does that mean for the game? Are there any big adjustments left to make in this series? Or is it a matter of one team going out and simply executing better the game plan we all know is coming? Maybe the Lakers have a little twist up their sleeves? Would swapping Jarred Vanderbilt out of the starting lineup make sense? It's not technically a must win for the Lakers.... but it's about as close as you get. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was always a good chance the Lakers could lose Game 5. Golden State wasn't just facing elimination, down 3-1 in the series, but perhaps the end of their championship era, with talk of summer time changes in the air should they be eliminated. The Lakers could always lean in on Game 6 Friday at Crypto.com. So the final score (121-106) isn't necessarily a big deal. How they lost? Oh yeah, that's a problem. Anthony Davis absorbed a careless forearm from Warriors center Kevon Looney about halfway through the final quarter. Davis, clearly shaken, went straight to the bench, and then was taken to the tunnel where he was wheeled out. Hopefully as a precaution, but it's not good. Davis could be facing entry into the league's concussion protocol, which (even if Davis wakes up tomorrow and feels like a new man) could put his availability for Friday in question. An by the looks of it immediately following the injury, a quick recovery is hardly guaranteed. (Though Darvin Ham said postgame that he thought Davis was already looking much better. Keep in mind, Dr. Ham also said D'Angelo Russell was totes ok when he hurt his ankle, and he missed a ton of time.) Meanwhile, LeBron appeared to tweak an ankle. So did Dennis Schröder. Austin Reaves took a tremendous amount of punishment. All in all, this game went about as poorly as the Lakers could have scripted it. Now, it's about Game 6, and who is going to be able to play in it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis take a forearm to the head, and leaves the game early. What happens going forward? SEGMENT 2: What else went wrong for the Lakers, who were struggling to stay connected to the Warriors throughout? SEGMENT 3: What if AD can't play Game 6? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a 3-1 lead over Golden State in this Western Conference Semi-Final. They won the regular season series 3-1. So at this point, it's fair to say they understand how to play against the Warriors, and are a really bad matchup for them in the same way the Clippers are a bad matchup for the Lakers. That said, the Warriors will be playing for their season tonight in San Francisco, and depending on who you listen to, potentially even the opportunity to extend this group's window into next year. Golden State has a lot of decisions to make, after all. And they'll be playing in front of their home fans, in a building where they played extremely well all year long, despite major injury problems. So how hard should the Lakers push to try and win on Wednesday, especially if it means they could compromise the amount of energy guys like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves (showing real signs of fatigue) would have for Game 6? A few folks have floated the idea of promoting rest... are they being too clever by half? Or at least half? Matchups are a critical part of every playoff series, and the Lakers seem to have the advantage in too many of them, and while Steve Kerr has tried to press a lot of buttons already, there may not be any more good ones to hit (assuming "make more 3's" is a button). Meanwhile, Anthony Davis didn't make either of the NBA's All-Defense teams, and barely registered in the "Also Receiving Votes" category. This after he was completely shut out of DPOY voting. Has this turned out to be a good thing for the Lakers? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: There's a line of thinking that says the Lakers might not want to do everything possible to win Game 5, and prioritize rest for Game 6. Is this a smart line of thinking? SEGMENT 2: Matchups matter, and the evidence suggests the Lakers are a really, really bad one for Golden State. Are there any big adjustments left for Steve Kerr? SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis keeps getting snubbed, or believes he is, anyway, and it's great for LA. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers went into Tuesday's game with a chance to take a real stranglehold on their series against the Warriors, but they knew it wouldn't be easy. And it wasn't! But the Lakers found a way to win a game they may not have deserved to (not that the Warriors covered themselves in glory, either), 104-101 to take a 3-1 lead. Anthony Davis was huge in the first half, LeBron James was big in the second. But the hero of the game? Lonnie Walker IV, who had 15 points in the game, ALL of them coming in the fourth quarter. He was a huge factor in the Lakers taking the game. If not the factor. Walker, combined with very timely defensive execution and buckets-when-they-had to happen, was enough to get it done. So can the Lakers close things out on Wednesday? What will it take to go to San Francisco and win again? These Warriors don't feel quite as threatening as the team that won last year, or has been generally dynastic. Dangerous? Sure. But not the same. Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to pile up wins with LeBron and AD on the floor in the playoffs. They did it in the Bubble, they did it against Memphis, they're doing it now. At some point, this is what they are, right? One of the league's best teams since the trade deadline? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers won a game they didn't seem like they should have. SEGMENT 2: Lonnie Walker IV was massive in the fourth quarter, and it's a great story! SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers close out on Thursday in San Francisco? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had success in Game 1 by playing certain matchups that seemed to catch the Warriors off guard - starting Jarred Vanderbilt on Steph Curry, for example. And in Game 3, the Lakers came back with a host of changes. Vanderbilt was switched off of Curry and onto Draymond Green, letting Anthony Davis check (and essentially ignore) JaMychal Green and have more freedom to roam defensively. And, of course, Lonnie Walker IV got the minutes that had been going to Troy Brown Jr., a significant change in the rotation that paid real dividends. So with the Lakers up 2-1 going into tonight's Game 4, how much credit does Ham get for LA's good showing thus far? It's been a fairly controversial season for the first year head coach, and he's certainly under the microscope. Should people expect more changes for Game 4? Is there anything Ham can do to preempt any changes Steve Kerr might throw at him? Or is it a matter of having a plan ready based on what might be coming? Certainly the Lakers won't be approaching tonight's game like they did Game 2 in San Francisco. Not exactly a scheduled loss, but the Lakers didn't keep the pedal down throughout. Monday, they'll be pushing for a win, because they don't want to have to win two of three with two games up north. Meanwhile, does Darvin need to think about how Reaves is being used (how much, as well), or is Walker the adjustment that can help the second year player make it through, when fatigue looks like a real issue? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers made a ton of adjustments on Saturday. SEGMENT 2: How much credit does Ham get for LA's 2-1 lead? Is Lonnie Walker sticking in the rotation? SEGMENT 3: What to expect in Game 4. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices