Without LeBron James, the Lakers Play Timberwolves Tough, But Lose 118-111.

With a full squad, coming in healthy, the Lakers still could have lost to Minnesota Thursday night. The Wolves are the top team in the Western Conference, and have only lost one time at home.

The Lakers, though, aren't fully healthy. LeBron James and Gabe Vincent both missed Thursday's game with what likely amount to maintenance injuries as much as anything. Jarred Vanderbilt is still banged up, and Rui Hachimura still has to dress like Batman to get on the floor.

But with all of that, or perhaps because all of that, the Lakers played one of their better road games of the season. They looked relatively unencumbered, and played hard. Minnesota was just better.

But don't blame Anthony Davis, who went for 31/8/4. Taurean Prince didn't miss a shot until the fourth quarter. Austin Reaves had 20, Rui Hachimura 18, and a big fourth quarter might indicate that D'Angelo Russell could be breaking out of a horrific slump. The Lakers did a decent job on Anthony Edwards (9-19) and Karl-Anthony Towns (7-16), but struggled to keep the Wolves off the line.

Short James, against arguably the best defense in the NBA (and maybe the best team) the Lakers needed to play perfectly to win. They couldn't hit that bar, but while the Lakers don't have the luxury to embrace moral victories, if you're looking for signs of life in what is now a stretch of five losses in six games (with OKC coming up on Saturday, then Boston on Christmas) there were some to pull from Thursday's game.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose again, but showed signs of life.

SEGMENT 2: How can the Lakers break out of the slump?

SEGMENT 3: Did Russell shake the slump in the fourth quarter?

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 at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

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.

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 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