Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will get some welcome relief on Thursday in San Francisco, with LeBron James returning to the lineup, and at least the possibility of Marcus Smart joining him. For a game the Lakers need to win if they want to hold on to the 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round, this will be a big boost. 

Especially since the Warriors could be without... well, almost everyone. Steph might not play, Kristaps Porzingis won't, Al Horford won't and so on. 

And mentally, the Lakers need to see some proof of concept that they can win a game or two without Luka and Reaves before the playoffs start. Lose five or six in a row, and it's hard to convince yourself that things will turn around in Game 1. 

Meanwhile, what's JJ Redick doing, from a coaching standpoint? Is he driving guys too hard? Trying to raise expectations and accountability? Is he pulling the right strings? Will there be any fallout from the dustups during Tuesday's loss? 

Finally, is Adou Thiero a sneaky candidate for minutes in the postseason? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers will get some help on Thursday. 

SEGMENT 2: JJ vs. Vando... 

SEGMENT 3: What's Redick trying to accomplish? 

 

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The Lakers are in dire straits right now, no question. 

And to his credit, Luka Dončić crossed an ocean to try and get back to help give them a chance in the postseason. But even with the cutting edge treatments available to him in Europe, there is still a recovery period required for his injured hamstring, and a risk of recurrence should he come back to fast. But how big a risk, exactly? And how big a risk is too big? 

Especially if the Lakers slide to the fourth or fifth seed in the West, setting themselves up for a second round matchup against the Thunder? 

On the one hand, a setback that puts him back at square one -- where Luka was after the game in which he suffered the injury -- likely doesn't impact his offseason all that much. Anything bigger, however? That could really mess with his ability to train this summer and maintain all the work he did last offseason. 

Anything that threatens his offseason program should make Lakers fans nervous. 

Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton caught some flak in Tuesday's aggressive press conference from JJ Redick... ironically for not catching stuff when thrown to him. 

But LA has a real problem right now -- they need Ayton to perform, but lost the two guys who execute pick and roll sets with him best, and otherwise find ways to get him the ball. So what now? 

 

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

 

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In addition to the big names already out of the lineup, the Lakers entered Thursday's game against the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder without LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes. 

It was a situation where absolutely nothing had to give, and nothing did. 

Lakers lose 123-87. 

The big questions from this one aren't really about the game—players tried hard, but had basically no chance to win. The Lakers now fall behind Denver for the three-spot in the West, and have to find ways to win a game or two to keep Houston from passing them and losing home court advantage in the first round. 

In the end, it might not make a difference, but if the Lakers want to give themselves every opportunity to pull an upset, the four seed is a big deal. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are shorthanded, and lose big to OKC. 

 

SEGMENT 2: JJ looks for the right mix. 

 

SEGMENT 3: Trying to hold on to a top four seed. 

 

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

 

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TurboTax

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Quo
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PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
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The second season for JJ Redick has had some ups and downs, but in the end resulted in another 50-win season. 

The chance to show he's a better postseason coach has been scuttled by circumstance -- you may have heard both Luka Donćić and Austin Reaves are hurt -- but overall it's reasonable to see progress. Or maybe not? The Lakers are going into a huge offseason, where they'll try to forge the future direction of the franchise. Most everything is on the table. 

And given new ownership, it'll be important for everyone to assess important personnel. That includes Redick. 

Are you comfortable with him as the Lakers try to begin a new era?  Do you see improvement? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Harrison Faigen

 

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.

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.

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

Betterhelp
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Indeed

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Wayfair
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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.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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Luka Doncic is in Spain to receive treatment for his injured hamstring, and get back on the floor faster than the 6-or-so week projection he was given following last week's MRI. But admirable as it is, should Luka rush back? Is the risk worth it, especially given the consequences for a major setback? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (guest Harrison Faigen) 

 

SEGMENT 1: Luka's in Spain getting treatment. 

 

SEGMENT 2: Safe to try and rush back? Is this smart? 

 

SEGMENT 3: What's at stake. 

 

 

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.

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.

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

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

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

Wayfair
Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 

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.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.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.