Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
Locked On Podcast Network, Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
1 Listener
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Lakers lose to Cavaliers. Anthony Davis Scores No Fourth Quarter Points for Third Straight Game
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
11/07/22 • 38 min
It was fun while it lasted.
The Lakers have fallen back into (even earlier) early season habits around bad shooting and stagnant offense. Both were on display Sunday as the Lakers lost to Cleveland at the Crypt, falling to 2-7 on the year with a Monday game against the surprisingly excellent Utah Jazz (who spanked the Lakers in LA on Friday). Anthony Davis was strong early, but invisible down the stretch, scoring no points in the fourth quarter for the third straight game. He only took two shots in the second half, and while in previous games some of the late game invisibility can be attributed to his recurring back problem, that didn't seem to be an issue Sunday.
So what gives? Is it an AD problem? Something related to the rest of the offense? A problem with a deteriorating defense?
Yes, yes, and yes.
This was not a Dear Diary night for the supporting cast, either. Russell Westbrook was fantastic (particularly early), scoring 12 first quarter points and finishing with 19. He also singlehandedly outscored the rest of the bench, which isn't good. Lonnie Walker IV had an off night, and Kendrick Nunn, starting for an ill Pat Beverley, scored no points. None. Zero.
After, Darvin Ham said those guys need to be better. And he's right! But is that, in broad terms, a fair expectation? Have the Lakers built the type of roster where supporting players should be expected to contribute at the level the Lakers will need in order to make any noise this season? (Any good noise, at least?)
Much to unpack as the Danger! lights are flashing bright.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose and the offense falters again.
SEGMENT 2: Why isn't AD performing late in games?
SEGMENT 3: Darvin lays down a marker for the supporting cast. Is it fair, though?
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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.
BetOnline
BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 Listener
Anthony Davis Makes History, but the Lakers Lose to Suns in on Tuesday Night
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
11/23/22 • 38 min
Well, if you were wondering whether Anthony Davis could continue this forward momentum against better competition, following some dominant games against bad frontcourts, you got your answer Tuesday. Davis was, literally, historically good, dropping 37 points on only 17 shots, then adding 21 rebounds, five steals and five blocks.
He was, it could be argued, the only reason the Lakers, who otherwise were not good offensively as a team (4-22 from 3-point range, 17 turnovers, 0 points combined from Troy Brown, Patrick Beverley, Dennis Schroder and Wenyen Gabriel), were competitive deep into the fourth quarter. And it's an indication of what it means for the Lakers when Davis plays like a guy who could be argued as one of, if not the, best player in the league vs. a more run of the mill All Star.
The Lakers need more of it, and then need LeBron James to elevate once he's back on the floor, which according to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes is expected to be Friday in San Antonio.
Finally, Patrick Beverley got himself ejected from Tuesday's game for sticking up for Austin Reaves! Specifically for throwing a nasty check into the back of DeAndre Ayton while the Suns center was looming over Reaves, clearly taunting by any standard. A scuffle ensued, and Beverley didn't even wait to head to the locker room, because he knew he was getting tossed.
Little picture, he wasn't offering a ton, anyway. Big picture, is this the sort of thing the Lakers need from him? What is Pat Bev's real niche on this team, given his high net rating but total lack of scoring? On a different team, the answer might be different. On this one, though?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers may have lost on Tuesday, but Anthony Davis certainly won.
SEGMENT 2: Did the Lakers do enough to make the three game win streak seem like a legitimate moment of positivity and something to build on, rather than a mirage fueled by bad competition?
SEGMENT 3: Pat Bev gets tossed!
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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.
BetOnline
BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA
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
SweatBlock
If you or someone you love is experiencing embarrassing sweat or odor try SweatBlock. Save20% with promo code Locked On at sweatblock.com. Also available on Amazon.
BetterHelp
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. As the world’s largest therapy service, BetterHelp has matched 3 million people with professionally licensed and vetted therapists available 100% online. Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 Listener
LeBron James is Putting More Pressure on the Front Office as the Lakers Win More Games
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
01/09/23 • 38 min
The Lakers have won five straight at a time when the rest of the conference is slumping. The Suns and Clippers have both lost six straight. The Jazz are sliding, the Blazers with them. as a result, the Lakers aren't just in contact with the play-in, they're creeping up on the real live playoff teams. Just a couple games back of the five spot.
That's a ton of unexpected progress at a time when, with Anthony Davis (and more!) on the sidelines, the Lakers just weren't thought of as a competitive team.
Yet here we are! And with that, LeBron James is cranking up the heat on the team's front office to kick it into high gear and make some trades to help improve the roster. Not later, not next season, now. In a walk-and-talk following Saturday's win over Sacramento with The Athletic's Sam Amick, LeBron said without saying that he thinks the front office should make a move. Sunday on Twitter, he tried to dial it back, but even a generous reading of the conversation (printed in full at The Athletic, and recreated on this podcast!) makes it pretty clear what James wants.
And of course he does! LeBron likes LA, and so does his family. He doesn't want to leave them, and they're not going anywhere. Meanwhile, he wants to play meaningful basketball as his career eventually winds down. The easiest way to make both of those things happen is for the Lakers to go all in. He even made it clear that while he wants to play with Bronny James should his son enter the NBA while LeBron is still in it, that doesn't mean they have to be on the same team. Sure, that would be great, preferable even, but just facing off against his son on an NBA court would do the trick.
That tells the Lakers it's safe to make trades, because I'm not just jumping ship in a year to play with my kid, wherever he ends up.
But with that in mind, is there a blockbuster type deal with those two first rounders available to make? Would a smaller deal for Detroit's Alec Burks (whether literally, or someone at his level) be enough to make a difference in this team's fortunes? Who is out there to be had?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers keep winning, improbably for sure, and gaining ground on a slumping Western Conference.
SEGMENT 2: LeBron widens the parameters of what "playing with Bronny" means. Why it matters, a lot.
SEGMENT 3: LeBron raises the temperature on the front office.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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.
BetOnline
BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!
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
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA
TurboTax
Come to TurboTax and don’t do your taxes. Visit TurboTax.com to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 Listener
LeBron Misses Monday's Game as the Lakers Lose in Utah, Drop to 2-8
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
11/08/22 • 33 min
Lakers lose, 139-116 with LeBron James on the sidelines.
Darvin Ham said following Monday's game that he didn't come to Los Angeles to lose, and the Lakers didn't bring him to LA to lose... but that's what the team is doing right now. Monday's 139-116 loss to the Jazz in Utah dropped them to 2-8, an already big hole in a brutally competitive conference. LeBron James missed Monday's game with a nagging foot injury, and Ham said they'll have to monitor his minutes going forward. That's not good. Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV missed the game with illness, leaving the Lakers very shorthanded against a Jazz team that is now the best in the West.
So from a talent standpoint, the Lakers really didn't have much business winning.
Still, giving up 76 points in the first half? 139 overall? After 114 vs. Cleveland, and 130 vs. Utah on Friday? The wheels are coming off that defense that played so well earlier in the year, something Ham says needs to change quickly.
This team, Ham says, will turn a corner and should bottle these moments so that when they have good team problems everyone complains about, they can remember this stretch to understand how far they've come. Let's assume that day comes... where will the Lakers be when it happens?
Meanwhile, it's pretty amazing that the one big bright spot for these 2-8 Lakers? Russell Westbrook, whose transformation into killer sixth man continued on Monday. 24 points on 8-14 shooting, with five dimes. That he's the one thing Lakers fans seem genuinely excited about is quite a turn of events.
But what happens next?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are outmanned with LeBron and others on the sidelines, losing to Utah and falling to 2-8.
SEGMENT 2: LeBron James is going to be treated with care going forward. Do the Lakers have the flexibility to make that work?
SEGMENT 3: Russell Westbrook... silver lining!
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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.
BetOnline
BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA
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
SweatBlock
If you or someone you love is experiencing embarrassing sweat or odor try SweatBlock. Save20% with promo code Locked On at sweatblock.com. Also available on Amazon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 Listener
The Lakers Blow a 17-point Fourth Quarter Lead, Suffer Crushing 116-115 Loss to Pacers
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
11/29/22 • 40 min
Through three quarters, the Lakers were on track for their best, most impressive win of the season. The kind of game that would validate winning five of six against lesser competition. Instead, they let Indiana back in, losing a 17-point lead over the final 10 minutes, losing to the Pacers on a last-second 3-pointer from rookie Andrew Nembhard.
Nothing went well for the Lakers down the stretch. The defense broke down, as Indiana came up with multiple offensive rebounds (including the most critical one, on the game's final sequence). LeBron James was 2-8 from the floor. The Lakers couldn't figure out a way to shake Anthony Davis loose from an aggressive Pacers defense. And LA's defense fell apart on that last play, with multiple miscues including one from James.
Really, though, it never should have reached that point. The Lakers have little experience closing teams out (and with only one win against a team over .500, no real experience closing out good teams) and it showed.
But beyond the disappointment, this is a killer loss for a team trying desperately to climb out of an early season hole and about to head out on the road basically for the month of December. 8-11 looks a lot better than 7-12.
Oh, and LeBron tweaked his ankle in the first half. He played, but it remains to be seen what happens once his body cools down.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers blew a massive fourth quarter lead and suffered an inexcusable loss.
SEGMENT 2: The game's final play was a microcosm of the game's final quarter for the Lakers.
SEGMENT 3: LeBron is banged up, again. Did the Lakers properly plan for this?
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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.
BetOnline
BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA
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
SweatBlock
If you or someone you love is experiencing embarrassing sweat or odor try SweatBlock. Save20% with promo code Locked On at sweatblock.com. Also available on Amazon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 Listener
Update on Jarred Vanderbilt's Return, and are the Lakers Better off with Austin Reaves as a Sixth Man?
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
11/14/23 • 37 min
The Lakers have played with multiple lineups and juggled multiple players in and out of the lineup thanks to wide range of injuries. But one guy that's been missed, and has proven his value by his absence, is Jared Vanderbilt.
And good news! The Lakers said Monday that Vanderbilt's heel injury has healed to the point he can now resume basketball activities and ramp up to a return to game action. How long will that take? Nobody knows! The Lakers didn't say. But while fans surely would have loved a little more info, what the team did say certainly beats the alternative -- that he's still not able to do stuff.
So while it could be another week or so before Vanderbilt is available, it's not too early to think about the impact he'll have on the rotation once he's back.
For starters, he'll likely eat into some of the available minutes for Cam Reddish, who played excellent basketball in LA's consecutive victories over the weekend. (Reddish, by the way, was nominated for the Western Conference Player of the Week Award, as was Anthony Davis. He didn't win, but a nice nod nonetheless.)
What could his return mean for the backcourt rotation of Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell, who were a very, very successful combination last season, but have been deep underwater in net rating as a combo this season. Could Vando's return change that dynamic? Or is part of the problem that Dennis Schroder is in Toronto? Could Gabe Vincent's return make a difference, there?
Meanwhile, the Lakers have a critical game tonight against the Grizzlies at home, who have struggled mightily and are banged up in ways that make the Lakers look like a paragon of good health and continuity.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get good news about Jared Vanderbilt.
SEGMENT 2: How Vanderbilt's return could impact the rotation. Plus, LeBron in context and a nice nod for Cam Reddish.
SEGMENT 3: A big game vs. Memphis.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.
Ibotta
Download the Ibotta app now and use code locked to get 100% cash back on your Thanksgiving dinner starting November first! Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked.
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Jase Medical
Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.
PrizePicks
Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
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
The Lakers Are Winning More Games, But What Have We Really Learned About Their Postseason Potential?
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
04/02/24 • 32 min
Even as the Lakers are winning more games (7-3 over their last 10, 18-8 over their last 26), it's still a little tricky to figure out exactly what they are. How good are they? Are they more contender than pretender? What do you make of some of the big wins, like Milwaukee I and II, Minnesota, OKC, etc?
They're clearly much too good to be the genuinely mediocre/middish team they looked like they might be after the post-IST slump. Likely the Lakers finish 10-12 games over .500, which last year would have been enough for around a 4-seed in the West. Now? Likely ninth. But they're clearly not among the elite, either. Unless you're just thinking of results against the high end teams, in which case... they kind of are?
So much to sort out.
One big Q: Do the Lakers themselves- players and coaching staff- feel like they know? And more importantly, do they agree on the answer?
Meanwhile, the Lakers are getting nothing from their bench. Two points on Sunday, and not much more than that on most nights. How important is that, especially as we get closer to the playoffs, and a theoretical return for Jarred Vanderbilt, as well?
Finally, LeBron's greatness creates hard questions for Rob Pelinka now, and down the road.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Aaron Larsuel!
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are winning, but do we really know what they are?
SEGMENT 2: Is the bench really a problem?
SEGMENT 3: LeBron now, LeBron down the road...
LAKERS POSTCAST Jayson Tatum and the Celtics are too much for Lakers
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
03/09/25 • 32 min
Jayson Tatum had a game-high 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Jaylen Brown added 31 points as the Boston Celtics snapped the Lakers' 8-game winning streak, beating the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. Luka Doncic had a team-high 34 points, and LeBron James added 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists before leaving for the locker room early in the 4th quarter with a groin injury.
Lakers, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui, Hachimura Austin Reeves, Dalton Knecht, NBA, Lakers Post cast, JJ Redick, Dave Palet, Lakers vs Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!
FAN DUEL
• When the game tips off, the NBA action is just getting started—and there’s no better place to get in on it than FanDuel, America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!
• With FanDuel, you can place live bets throughout the game, so even if you miss the opening tip-off or want to bet on a fourth-quarter comeback, you can stay in the action. And if you’re looking for a bigger payout, you can even combine your live bets into a Same Game Parlay.
• Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Just visit FANDUEL DOT COM to join today. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your shot at ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.
• Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.
PRIZE PICKS
• Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!
ESPN Ranks the NBA's Top 100 Players: How Many Lakers Made it? Plus, D'Lo Vows Better Defense.
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
10/13/23 • 34 min
Every year, ESPN's hoops department ranks the top 100 players in the NBA. Every year, it causes a little bit of controversy, because people tend to get really worked up about rankings and lists. But while they're certainly arguable and definitely easy to overrate (does it really matter if someone is the 7th best player or the 9th, the 58th or the 62nd?) lists like these can be instructive.
Particularly in trying to figure out roster depth around the league, and how different teams compare to each other. So how do the Lakers stack up?
Well, they're the only team with two players in the top 10 - Anthony Davis (10) and LeBron James (9). Austin Reaves comes in at 66. And that's it. Many teams have more guys in the top 100 (Denver has four, the Knicks, surprisingly, have five). But when you start to peel back more layers, it's pretty clear the Lakers have a high end roster with a ton of depth. How many players who are average or above (don't poo poo average - half the league is below it) do the Lakers have in their rotation? Well, all of them. James, Davis, Hachimura, Russell, Reaves, Vincent, Wood, Prince, Vanderbilt and, if things progress, Max Christie as well. But they're at least nine deep with average or above or well above.
If that's your roster, your roster is good.
Speaking of Russell, after Wednesday's win in Anaheim, he talked about his defense and acknowledged that it's a big part of the reason he was taken off the floor in the postseason, especially against Denver. (His horrendous shooting didn't help, either.) He knows that has to get better if he wants not only to be a four-quarter contributor in the playoffs for the Lakers this year, but also to re-establish his value across the league.
Finally, The Athletic's John Hollinger put out a column this week highlighting players on good teams who could play important roles, but are relatively unknown to most basketball fans. On that list? Christie. When we look back on that column in the spring, how likely is it that he'll be correct?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: NBA Rank - LeBron 9, AD 10 and Reaves 66.
SEGMENT 2: How LA's depth stacks up.
SEGMENT 3: Is Christie a legitimate breakout candidate?
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Jase Medical
Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
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
45 Points From Luka Donćić' Can't Save Lakers in 126-106 Loss to Bucks
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
03/14/25 • 34 min
The Lakers were without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes as they faced off against the Bucks in Milwaukee, meaning Luka Dončić was going to have to carry the LA for the squad to have any shot at winning.
And for a while he did. Luka was red hot early, putting up 29 points at the half. He got to the line, drilled a bunch of impossible 3's, and would have had a few more dimes if any of his teammates could have hit a shot. But ultimately, the game went as you'd expect, given the size of Milwaukee's frontcourt with Giannis and Brook Lopez. LA, forced to protect the paint, gave up an abundance of wide open triples, while not actually managing to secure the interior, either.
Donćić finished with 45, including some really entertaining buckets, along with 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves broke out of his slump, scoring 28 points on 10-17 shooting to go with eight boards and three dimes. Unfortunately, the rest of the roster only contributed 33 points with Dalton Knecht (10 points) finishing as the only other Laker in double figures.
The result was frustrating, no question, but if we're all being honest, fairly unavoidable, assuming the Bucks showed up to play. (And judging by some reports, they were fired up for a Darvin Ham Revenge Game -- Ham serves as an assistant on Doc Rivers's staff -- so that was unlikely.) It's not just that the Lakers are missing too many good players, though they are, but that they're missing too many of the same kind of good players. The entire starting frontcourt was back in LA rehabbing. It leaves the Lakers too small and talent shy at PF and C to give themselves a reasonable chance to beat good teams.
It's not about effort or execution. The Lakers did better in both categories on Thursday than they did Monday in Brooklyn. Not good enough, obviously, but it is what it is.
So right now, it's a waiting game. James, Hachimura and Hayes are all described as day-to-day, so hopefully they'll be back soon. In the meantime, the Lakers have to navigate a brutal upcoming schedule—they play six times between Friday's game in Denver and a home date against the Bulls on March 22—try to keep themselves squarely in the top 6, and pick up momentum again once everyone is back.
In the interim, there's not a ton to learn.
Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.
WayFair
After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.
OpenPhone
The #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge!
Door Dash
They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)
- Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States...
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers have?
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers currently has 4062 episodes available.
What topics does Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers cover?
The podcast is about Los Angeles, Basketball, Sports Podcast, Basketball Podcast, Nba Podcast, Los Angeles Lakers, Podcast, Podcasts, Daily Podcast, Sports and Nba.
What is the most popular episode on Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers?
The episode title 'The Lakers Blow a 17-point Fourth Quarter Lead, Suffer Crushing 116-115 Loss to Pacers' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers?
The average episode length on Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers released?
Episodes of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers are typically released every 21 hours.
When was the first episode of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers?
The first episode of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers was released on Apr 8, 2016.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ