Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers had all sorts of momentum heading into last year's playoffs, seemingly at least, and plenty of pundits who thought they'd beat Minnesota in the first round -- your hosts here included -- and potentially make a legit deep run. 

Well, we know how that turned out. 

In the end, some of their shortcomings -- no viable centers, a lack of point of attack defense, spotty outside shooting -- were bigger issues than anticipated. This year, the Lakers have played dominant ball over the last few weeks, and once again look poised to enter the postseason on a high note. So are they actually better than last year, or could once again fans be peering at a mirage? 

Well, on paper at least it seems like the former. The center position is improved, with Deandre Ayton playing well and Jaxson Hayes a significantly better player now than he was last year (and he'll be up against backups, which helps). Luke Kennard provides serious shooting chops, and meaningful gravity. Marcus Smart has done wonders for the D. LeBron James has a role that should suit sustained playoff success, and Luka Dončić is playing better now than he was at this point last year... a season where he started the year hurt and played catchup the rest of the way. 

That's a lot of reason for optimism. Doesn't mean they're not flawed, but last year's problems at least shouldn't be this year's. Not to the same degree, at least. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are poised to be better in the postseason. 

 

SEGMENT 2: Centers! Smart! Kennard! 

 

SEGMENT 3: Why improvement at the top is critical, too. 

 

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TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Lakers are in a very good position, with a decent lead over Denver and Minnesota for the third and fourth seeds in the West (critical, given they deliver home court in the first round), and a schedule including four games against tanking teams plus one against a Warriors squad that is trying to win but has major injury issues. 

So with that in mind, they should have the opportunity to handle the rest question for players in whatever way they see best. 

And with that in mind, JJ Redick says they're going to keep pushing through to the end... while also being smart about it. 

If guys are hurt, they'll sit. But at least for now, don't look for wholesale absences due just to rest. Redick wants to keep the rhythm and chemistry going, and surely is informed by last season's Game 1 failure against Minnesota, where Redick blamed himself for not pushing the team harder during the week between the team's last game and the start of their series. 

So is he coming at it the right way? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers understood the assignment and while they may not have scored an A+++ in completing it, the work was plenty good. 

They raced out to a big first quarter lead, and spent most of the game up between 15 and 20 before a late push from Indiana, but the Lakers were never truly threatened and beat the Pacers 137-130 and finish the road trip 5-1. 

The Lakers were playing without Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, who was downgraded Wednesday with lower back soreness. Still, four of the five starters finished in double figures, paced by Luka Donćić's 43 points. Austin Reaves had a strong second half, LeBron was an assist and a rebound away from a triple double, and Jaxson Hayes had 21 filling in for Ayton. Even Bronny James gave them good minutes off the bench. 

So all in all, this was a very, very good night. The last game in a long road trip is often a big challenge, and the Lakers never let Indiana think they were going to win. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win in Indiana, finish the trip strong. 

 

SEGMENT 2: The Big Three keep cooking. 

 

SEGMENT 3: JJ says they'll play through the tape. 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A few of the NBA's chronic headaches have been on fuller display this season than is typical. Starting with the problems associated with tanking, and now with the 65-game rule instituted in the last CBA to encourage players and teams to manage load management. Too many players were missing important games, went the logic, so tie games played to eligibility for postseason honors. 

It was a bad policy targeting the wrong source of the problem, and this year, with seemingly half the league's best players ineligible, things have finally come to a head. The last straw seemed to be the injury to Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who likely will fall just short of the threshold after suffering a collapsed lung. 

The NBAPA has called for the rule's removal. The league seems open to it. 

And meanwhile, there's an interesting situation brewing in Milwaukee, where Giannis says he wants to play, and the Bucks are saying no. Now who is being truly honest here? Certainly the Bucks, who have no incentive to put an already banged-up Giannis at risk for more injury. Giannis himself, however, is in a win-win. Just by saying he wants to play, he looks like an honorable guy, dedicated to the franchise. Again, being a good soldier who is too respectful and dedicated to the fans of Milwaukee to ask for a trade. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

TurboTax 

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

PrizePicks 

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA 

Quo 

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. 

Robinhood 

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. 

5-Hour ENERGY

 Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

 Indeed 

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. 

FanDuel 

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.