Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers caught a break heading into Saturday's Game 1 when a bruised knee suffered in practice knocked Kevin Durant out. 

Even with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out, losing Durant ate up a lot of the advantage the Rockets have head-to-head against LA. But their good fortune would only matter if the Lakers came out and took care of business. 

That they did, playing active defense throughout and using 27 points from Luke Kennard, 19 each from Deandre Ayton (11 rebounds) and LeBron James (13 assists) plus 29 combined from Rui Hachimura to win, 107-98. The Lakers should be very...

It's about time to stop talking and start playing the games. 

Game 1 is Saturday at 5:30 local time, down at LA Live. The Lakers begin what remains a very, very uphill battle. The Rockets are playing well, and won't want to give the Lakers any space to think they can win the series. A good start is important. But no matter what, the Lakers will be on the wrong end of the talent allotment. 

So what's the best case scenario for how this could go? Where are the cracks the Lakers might exploit in order to pu...

The Lakers got some good news Thursday as the NBA said it has approved the appeal from Luka Dončić and the Lakers for an exemption from the 65-game rule that governs postseason awards eligibility. The league agreed that the pair of games Luka missed to attend the birth of his daughter met the extraordinary circumstances threshold, and that he otherwise would have made it to 65. 

So he's good to go. 

Dončić won't win MVP -- the longshot candidacy went out the window with the result vs. OKC and the resulting injury -- but if he...

"All hands on deck." 

"Next man up." 

These are pretty stock sports cliches trotted out anytime someone important suffers an injury. But while there isn't really a next man to be up when the lost men are Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves -- they're too good to be replaced in that way -- the Lakers do need to adopt a mentality where everyone is ready to contribute, and truly all hands are, in fact, on deck. The only way for the Lakers to pull an upset over the Rockets is for the sum to be g...

The Lakers are facing a serious talent deficit heading into the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Their best available player is 41 years old. They don't have anyone else on the roster who has been a real number one, or even a number two. The closest thing would be Deandre Ayton, who at his best was a featured player in Phoenix who put up close to 20 a night. 

Everyone knows about Ayton's inconsistencies, but the talent as a scorer is there. And over the course of this Lakers season, he's often been the difference b...

Earlier, we previewed the Lakers-Rockets first round series by grilling Locked On Rockets host Jackson Gatlin about the team he covers every day. What changed for a team that has turned things around on the court and with the vibe? What kind of leader has Durant turned out to be? Why is the offense cooking? Where might they be vulnerable? 

Today, it's the opposite. We answer questions about the Lakers. 

How are they planning to deploy LeBron? Who is most suited to support him, and what exactly does support look like? Who is the player/pl...

The Lakers have a tall task in front of them, playing a Rockets squad that not only has more talent but is also playing arguably its best ball of the season. 

After a rough stretch, which included the consecutive games the Lakers took off them in Houston during The Happier Times, Houston has since got its stuff together and finished the season winning nine of 10. The vibes have improved considerably, as has the offense with Reed Sheppard inserted into the starting lineup. Offensive rebounding continues to be a strength, but it's not the only way the Rockets c...

Once again, it's falling on LeBron James to lead a team into the playoffs. 

This time, though, James is 41 years old, and will enter the series as part of a roster meant to be led by Luka Dončić first and foremost, and then by James and Austin Reaves. With Luka and Reaves unavailable, the lineups around James will be at a constant talent deficit. So can LeBron muster up one more run of greatness, and help the Lakers pull an upset over the Houston Rockets? 

If we're being honest, even if LeBron plays well thro...

The news from Monday was, whether intentionally or not, going to get Lakers fans excited. Luka Dončić is on his way back to the US having completed his treatment in Spain. Whether that means he'll actually return to play in time from his injured hamstring to actually help the Lakers remains to be seen—no news yet about any return to play—but for a fanbase that is open to some hopium, this certainly qualifies. 

But at what potential cost? How should Luka and the Lakers think about his recovery? What are the variables that impact any dec...

Shams Charania of ESPN reports that Luka Dončić is on his way back from his treatment in Spain on his injured hamstring, and is expected to rejoin the team later this week. Presumably someone will poke around and see how that hammy is doing, but it would certainly be a surprise to see Luka play in the first round, and DEFINITELY would be a shock were it to come by the weekend and Game 1. 

More info will be forthcoming over the course of the week, surely, but for now it's at least a decent sign that the...

he Lakers went ahead and played everyone in the rotation (save Jaxson Hayes, still nursing a foot injury) Sunday against Utah, despite having no worse than a four-seed locked up in the West. 

The results were pretty solid. It seems everyone came through it well enough, and in the meantime the Lakers got a few more reps in another confidence boost heading into the postseason. Final score, 131-107. Big picture, another cruise control win can help the Lakers feel good about themselves, but smaller picture it's nice to see them win without a particularly impressive day from L...

The Lakers had another excellent night on the floor Friday, beating the Phoenix Suns 101-73 behind 28/6/12 from LeBron James, who also added four steals. Luke Kennard added 19, but the Lakers didn't need much offensively to get past a skeleton version of their Pacific Division rivals. 

The big benefit here isn't just more confidence, but a guarantee to open the first round on their home floor. The Lakers won't be any worse than a four-seed since Houston lost at home to Minnesota. They could finish third with a win Sunday vs. Utah plus a Denver loss, but given w...

After Thursday's win in Golden State, LeBron James was asked by Amazon/Spectrum's Allie Clifton about what's needed from him as the Lakers head into the playoffs: 

"Everything. Nothing changes for me, it's just back to the old ways. I gotta give them my leadership both on the floor and off the floor. I gotta lead in all facets on the court, both ends. That's what the job requires, so I look forward to it and let's see what we can get done."

That basically sums it up. But in that quote is a lot o...

The Lakers needed a win. For the standings, for their confidence. 

And they got it, led by LeBron James and five more Lakers finishing in double figures. They beat the Warriors in San Francisco, 119-103. It allows them to keep pace with the Rockets in the race for the 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round. LeBron James led the way, scoring 26 points on a very efficient 11-17 from the floor, adding eight rebounds and 11 assist. Five other Lakers finished in double figures, including Deandre Ayton (21 points, 9-11 shooting), Luke Kennard (16 points, eight assists) and J...

Injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have cost the Lakers a ton as they head into the postseason. 

Most obvious is the opportunity to win games and make a run. But beyond that, approaching a critical offseason this spring would have been useful to see more about how Luka and A.R. work together in a postseason setting, and get more data about Reaves as a featured player in the postseason. Is he really a $40 million performer? 

Less talked about was the opportunity to see if JJ Redick has grown as a playoff coac...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 asse...

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. 
 

Everyda...

In a perfect world, the Lakers would have had a chance to watch Luka Donćić and Austin Reaves work as the primary engines of a playoff offense before making big roster moves this summer. 

In a less perfect but still informative world, the Lakers would have watched Reaves lead the charge while Luka was hurt, and get more information about how he would respond to last season's disappointing playoffs and show he's worth $35 to $40 mil. 

In the world the Lakers actually get, neither of those things happen. 

So now the Lakers have to en...

In a perfect world, the Lakers would have had a chance to watch Luka Donćić and Austin Reaves work as the primary engines of a playoff offense before making big roster moves this summer. 

In a less perfect but still informative world, the Lakers would have watched Reaves lead the charge while Luka was hurt, and get more information about how he would respond to last season's disappointing playoffs and show he's worth $35 to $40 mil. 

In the world the Lakers actually get, neither of those things happen. 

So now the Lakers have to en...

No Luka, no Reaves. No hope? 

For one game, at least -- or parts of one game -- the Lakers looked every bit like the lost cause most assume they are following crippling injuries to two of their top 3 players, including an MVP candidate. They lose to a Dallas Mavericks team that has for the most part has packed it in this season but did show up to play for a national TV audience. Cooper Flagg especially. 

But the Lakers did show some glimmers of hope. LeBron James (30 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists) looked great. Luke Ke...

Things just keep getting worse. 

On the heels of losing Luka Dončić likely for the postseason (unless the Lakers pull off a miracle or two) they learned Saturday that Austin Reaves will also be sidelined indefinitely, with a left oblique strain. He will miss the rest of the regular season, and almost surely at least the beginning of the first round. Likely all of it. Making those miracles noted above far less likely. 

And to make matters worse, Marcus Smart won't play Sunday, and Jarred Vanderbilt is questionable. The Lakers are running out of dude...

The news is in, and it's not good. 

Luka Dončić has been diagnosed with a Grade II hamstring strain, and while the Lakers are only saying he's out the rest of the regular season, the reality is significantly more grim. Luka likely will need 3-6 weeks to get back from this one, at least. According to Jeff Stotts, the great NBA injury expert, the average recovery time for this type of thing is about 35 days. So even if Luka hits that, the Lakers are well into May and somewhere in the second round of the playoffs. 

The big question from fans, beyond "How long will he be out?", was "Why was Luka Dončić even on the floor?" 

Because Luka was clearly fighting some discomfort even in the first half, and the Lakers clearly were not coming back to win the game. JJ Redick said Luka was cleared by the med staff at halftime, and wanted to play. The plan was to give him half a quarter or so to make a dent in the score. And, if we're being frank, I think more to find some positive things to take into Tuesday's rem...

You know it's a bad night when the final score of a 45-point loss isn't the worst part. Or even close to it. 

The Lakers lost Luka Dončić to a hamstring injury early in the third quarter. He went straight to the locker room, clearly in pain, and the Lakers said he would undergo an MRI Friday before the game was even over. That's very, very quick and a worrisome sign. 

The Lakers have about a week before the end of the regular season, and about two before the first round of the playoffs begi...

There's a ton to look forward to in Thursday's game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City. 

Thursday morning, we asked a lot of the big questions that could impact the results... but for a game this significant there wasn't enough time to get to all of them! 

The Lakers without Marcus Smart have a challenge in front of them defensively, especially when it comes to guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. How will JJ Redick approach it? And what are the x-factors for LA? It could start with the centers. Can Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes eat into th...

This one has something for everyone. 

MVP candidates going head to head? SGA and Luka mean "check." 

Top level teams playing at the top of their games? Check. You can count the losses for these two teams over the last month on one had, with fingers left over. 

All Stars? Luka! Shai! LeBron! Chet! Williams! Reaves (giving him credit for "woulda qualified" if not for health. 

One key decision the head coaches have to make is about how to defend the other team's superstar.  Luka and SGA are two players that are v...

The NBA announced this week that guard Marcus Smart is a finalist for the NBA's Twyman-Stokes Award that honors the league's best teammate. 

It's really hard to parse who "deserves" an award like this one, but Smart's status as a finalist is richly deserved and reflects the lofty position he has with the Lakers as a voice and former of culture. He's been massivly important for this team, and it raises the question of what comes next. Smart has a player option for about $5 mil next season. Does he pick it up? Would there be a market f...

During three straight games against the bottom feeders of the NBA, the Lakers fluctuated between sloppy, professional and dominant, making Tuesday's game at home against Cleveland—the East's 4-seed—a much more intriguing matchup. 

This is one where the Lakers would be playing a legitimate team with legitimate All-Stars. So how would they respond? 

Pretty darn well, thank you! Final score, 127-113.

Luka Dončić dropped an efficient 42 on 13-26 shooting, adding 12 assists and a pair of steals, and even threw in a dunk for good measure! Five more Lakers scored in double figures...

Monday, we talked about the MVP race, and whether Luka Dončić is getting a fair shake compared to the rest of the top candidates, or if the goalposts move more for the Lakers star (as they often do for those tied to the Lakers). 

One interesting wrinkle to the conversation was provided by Iztok Franko, who notes that among all the MVP candidates, Luka has played more minutes with more guys who haven't spent much time together, yet he's putting up huge numbers and more importantly, the Lakers are piling up wins. But the continuity question has...

The Lakers came into Monday's game against the visiting Wizards short both Luka Donćić (suspended) and Marcus Smart (ankle). In theory, it shouldn't have mattered, because Washington is awful and are doing their best to avoid winning. 

And while it wasn't a perfect effort, the Lakers more than accomplished what was needed, shaking off a sluggish first quarter to pull ahead and stay ahead, ultimately winning 120-101. LA's two remaining stars put in tidy efforts. LeBron James led the way with 21 points on 8-16 shooting, plus 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Austin Reaves was cold early, but finished 4-11...

It's always good news for Lakers fans when there's controversy over a member of the purple and gold perhaps not getting the love they deserve for major postseason awards. It means the Lakers are winning, and a star is thriving. 

Such is the case right now with Luka Dončić, who is performing at a level fairly unprecedented even by his lofty standards, while the Lakers are getting very close to locking up a three or four seed in the West. So it makes sense that attention is starting to focus on Luka as front-running MVP candidate, eve...

There will be no give backs when it comes to this version of Luka's 16th tech. He is suspended and will miss Monday's game against the Wizards. 

This shouldn't be a problem, because Washington is terrible. And they're also not trying to win. Like, nobody goes home happy if the Wizards pull the upset at the Crypt... including the Wizards. So taking care of business for the Lakers even without Luka is not something that should at all be a worry. More troublesome? Marcus Smart will miss his fourth straight game with an ankle injury that hasn't r...

They say the two hardest games of a long road trip are the last one, and the first one back home after it's done. 

The Lakers at the least proved the latter, struggling for about 3.5 quarters against the visiting, and terrible, Brooklyn Nets before building a lead and winning 116-99. It'll look in the box score like an easy win, but it was anything but. Luka Donćić led the way with 41 points, while Austin Reaves got hot late to add 26. The centers were productive, combining for 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight blocks. 

But Luka picked up h...

By most measurements, JJ Redick had a successful rookie season as a head coach. Especially when you consider it was his first time coaching players older than middle school. 

But when the playoffs rolled around, some of Redick's inexperience showed. From the way he prepared the team, to decisions made during the series, it was clear the Lakers were, at best, not elevated by their head coach. Now the Lakers are in a similar position, closing in on a 3-seed after a strong push while overcoming a variety of challenges inside the season. 

So is Re...

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 th...

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 pu...

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...