Episodes

  • Lakers Suffer Brutal Loss to Hornets, 100-97. Reaves Ejected, Luka Struggles

    Lakers Suffer Brutal Loss to Hornets, 100-97. Reaves Ejected, Luka Struggles
    Feb 20 2025
    Fans might have been willing to forgive last week's loss to Utah heading into the All-Star break, with all the upheaval around the trade deadline, including the arrival of Luka Dončić and the non-arrival of Mark Williams. Bad games happen, even if they shouldn't. But losing Wednesday at home against Charlotte? That one is gonna annoy people. Final score, 100-97. There was plenty not to like. Austin Reaves, already having a rough game to that point, lost his cool after a non-call late in the third and quickly picked up a pair of T's. Luka, while playing more minutes (33) and piling up rebounds (11) and assists (eight), also turned the ball over six times and was 5-18 from the floor. The Lakers turned the ball over 18 times. they took 51 3's as a team, and only made 15. 41 percent from the floor, overall. Only 12 FTAs, on their home floor. This was ugly. It also exposed some of the things that are going to be a challenge going forward for the Lakers while they figure out the Luka/LeBron combination, and even potentially after things get smoother in that regard. The Lakers have struggled against zones all year, and Wednesday was no different. But particularly after Reaves was tossed, the inability of the Lakers to get into the paint off the dribble was pretty stark. Before, they always had Davis as a presence to get the ball inside. Now, they have to find other ways to push the ball towards the basket. And then for long stretches, it felt like Luka and LeBron were wearing the same uniform, but not necessarily playing in the same game. Over time, the Lakers are going to have to find ways to get the two of them more active together from possession to possession. Yes, ther will always bee some "your turn, my turn" going on, and that's not necessarily bad, even. But it can't be all of what's happening, either. And, no question, center is a problem. Jaxson Hayes was fine on Wednesday. Alex Len was... fine-ish. But LA just isn't going to be in a position to make that position a plus. So it's a matter of minimizing the downside and capitalizing on the good matchups. Logic said this would always be a process. The hope was the Lakers could work through it while winning games, especially against bad teams. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, and with another challenging game tonight in Portland, the Lakers are going to need to turn things around over time against better competition. That's just a function of the schedule and the reality of making such a massive in-season trade. But there's still plenty of reason to believe that better games are ahead. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose to Charlotte, 100-97.SEGMENT 2: A bad night for Reaves, a struggle for Luka. SEGMENT 3: Wednesday showed where some of the team's issues are. 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 TaxReady 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. HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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! Door DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions ...
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    35 mins
  • LAKERS POSTCAST Hornets sting the Lakers 100-97

    LAKERS POSTCAST Hornets sting the Lakers 100-97
    Feb 20 2025

    Miles Bridges scored 29 points and LeMelo Ball added 27 as the Charlotte Hornets upset the hometown Lakers 100-97. LeBron James led the Lakers in the loss with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists, while Luka Doncic struggled, making just five of sixteen shots and one of nine from behind the arc. The Lakers will look to get back on the winning side of things Thursday night, when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

    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 Hormets, Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets

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    31 mins
  • Luka Dončić's Minutes to Increase, Plus Reasons to be Optimistic About the Lakers' Defense

    Luka Dončić's Minutes to Increase, Plus Reasons to be Optimistic About the Lakers' Defense
    Feb 19 2025
    The Lakers kick off the post All-Star portion of the schedule tonight, in a make up game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Crypt. At 32-20, they're well-positioned to finish inside the top six seeds in the Western Conference, and avoid the play-in game for the first time in a while.Moreover, guys are getting healthy. While LeBron James is listed as questionable for tonight's game, he was able to participate in most of Tuesday's practice and at the least seems likely to play either tonight or tomorrow in Portland. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes are all healthy. Luka Dončić will see his minutes restriction get less restrictive against the Hornets, and assuming all goes well JJ Redick believes it should disappear entirely very soon. So things are looking good! But the biggest reasons to stay bullish on the team going forward aren't related to the health of LA's stars—that's table stakes for a successful stretch run. It's in the potential for the Lakers to produce defensively, even after trading away Anthony Davis and Max Christie in Luka deal. Last week's attention-related debacle against Utah notwithstanding, the Lakers not only entered the break on a hot streak on that side of the ball, some of it came with Davis sidelined, even before he was traded. There is a little bit of proof of concept, and the key comes in how the roster has shifted with the addition of Finney-Smith and the return of Jarred Vanderbilt. This, plus the resurrection of Gabe Vincent as a viable rotation player, has shifted the dynamic of the team's D in significant ways. First, they're all good defenders. But more than that, they allow other players—think Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura especially—to slot into responsibility levels more appropriate for their defensive profile. (Meaning, they don't have to carry as much weight, which is good because both are a weaker defenders.) Both work hard and try to follow the game plan, which works well if they're not expected to play featured roles as stoppers. There's still a lot of ground to cover. The Lakers have to figure out how Luka works best in their defensive schemes. But the notion the Lakers are destined to fall off significantly following the trade shouldn't be taken as gospel. It could happen, but it's not a given. And there's a good chance they could be just fine, too. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka is getting closer to no restrictions. SEGMENT 2: Reasons to be bullish on the Lakers defense. SEGMENT 3: The DFS and Vando effect. 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 TaxReady 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. HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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! Door DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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-...
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    35 mins
  • NBA West Squad: Lakers' Luka Doncic's Impact on Postseason Hopes

    NBA West Squad: Lakers' Luka Doncic's Impact on Postseason Hopes
    Feb 19 2025

    The NBA Squad Show brings together hosts from various Western Conference teams to discuss progress and expectations. They analyze which teams have made the most strides towards their goals, with Memphis and Oklahoma City emerging as top contenders. The hosts debate the challenges facing teams like Houston and Minnesota in the competitive Western landscape. They also explore the delicate balance between financial constraints and maintaining a competitive roster, particularly for small-market teams like Memphis. The conversation touches on coaching hot seats, potential roster shakeups, and the impact of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement on team-building strategies. Throughout, the hosts offer insider perspectives on their respective teams and the broader Western Conference dynamics.


    0:00 Intro: Teams making progress in Western Conference

    5:40 Thunder's progress towards championship goals

    11:17 Defining success for Rockets and Grizzlies

    16:55 Can play-in teams feel good about progress?

    21:43 Coaches on hot seat in Western Conference

    27:34 CBA challenges for small market teams


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    34 mins
  • LeBron Says Luka Energizes Him, Luka Isn't Upset the Lakers Didn't Land Mark Williams

    LeBron Says Luka Energizes Him, Luka Isn't Upset the Lakers Didn't Land Mark Williams
    Feb 18 2025
    At this point, no matter how the Charlotte Hornets try to slice and dice this, it doesn't appear that the deadline deal that would have made Mark Williams a Laker will go through. So while in the short term, it leaves the Lakers thin in the middle, the failed trade may still have served another very important purpose. This from the always excellent Marc Stein, and his Substack: "Yet there has been no tangible dismay from the Dončić camp about his new team walking away from the Williams deal. Sources told The Stein Line that Dončić, in his first discussion about roster construction with Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, told Pelinka that he understood it might take until the summer to make that addition ... and came away impressed by how swiftly the Lakers initially moved to try to address that void."It remains to be seen whether the Lakers ultimately fill their center void more successfully in the offseason, whether by acquiring a player better than Williams, an equivalent at a lower price, or maybe just getting someone with a less risky health profile. Maybe Williams actually stays relatively healthy going forward. Nobody knows at this point. But for the Lakers to have already done some work in the goodwill department with their new superstar—a player who is expected to sign an extension in Los Angeles (if for no other reason than finances), but is by no means obligated—is important. The Lakers have, for better or worse, made some big swings for their stars over the last few seasons. Williams was a high risk, high reward move done in part to impress Luka. Russell Westbrook was an comically bad idea done in part to service the franchise's history of star effery, but also to satisfy LeBron. The actions may not be wise, but the Lakers can definitely say they try. So far, so good when it comes to building a good relationship with Dončić. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers get some benefit from the Williams non-trade, even if they don't get Williams. SEGMENT 2: LeBron gets "energy" from Luka. SEGMENT 3: Tier 2.5, baby!!! 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 TaxReady 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. HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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! Door DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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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    35 mins
  • LeBron James Sits out All-Star Game to Rest Foot, Ankle... Should the Lakers Worry?

    LeBron James Sits out All-Star Game to Rest Foot, Ankle... Should the Lakers Worry?
    Feb 17 2025
    The All-Star Game lost one potential Laker when Anthony Davis was traded to Dallas. (Luka Dončić wasn't going to play thank to the games he missed to injury.) Relatively late in the afternoon on Sunday, LeBron James announced he wouldn't be playing, taking the time to rest his bothersome foot and ankle instead. "“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be... And with 30 games left and with us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild, West, I feel like it’s very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what’s coming on," James said. “So, I won’t say it’s maintenance, but it is maintenance,” he said. “At the same time, I have to look out for myself when it comes to this to this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”So on the one hand, sad for the NBA and for fans, who have been watching him play in every game since 2004. (That, sidenote, is a stunning bit of trivia.) On the other... this is a good thing for the Lakers. Yes, it means LeBron is nursing an injury, but we knew that. And likely, doing whatever it is they do in modern ASGs wasn't going to hurt him, but why risk it? James is prioritizing the final 30 games of the season. Ultimately, he needed the break to get his body right. Unrelated to All-Star, obviously, Luka noted last week that he needed a mental and physical break. All of this is a reminder that the Lakers seem to have a lot more to play for than they did in game 25. Not that they're favorites in the conference—that honor still obviously goes to the Thunder—but given how wide open the West is, the way the Lakers have played in the last month or so, pushing themselves well up into the top 6 gives them as good a shot as everyone else. Assuming, of course, the two stars are the best versions of themselves. Luka needs to round back into form after missing almost two months. LeBron needs to find ways to keep it, physically. But whether James or the other guys on the team, you get the sense that they're no longer having to play mental games to convince themselves that the spring could bring meaningful basketball. That's a big shift, and something to be excited about coming out of the break. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: LeBron sits out the All Star Game. SEGMENT 2: The NBA needs to get offline. SEGMENT 3: The Hornets seem to be giving up on the Mark Williams trade. 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 TaxReady 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. HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one.For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use codeLOCKEDONNBA. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA 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! Door DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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 ...
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    34 mins
  • Luka Doncic Will Get Much-Needed Physical and Mental Break Before Lakers Play Again

    Luka Doncic Will Get Much-Needed Physical and Mental Break Before Lakers Play Again
    Feb 14 2025
    It might sound strange to some that Luka Dončić admitted after Wednesday's clunker of a game for the Lakers, in which Luka himself was pretty clunky, that he really needed the upcoming All-Star break. Physically, in part to continue working his way back following the calf injury that cost him nearly two months of play, and definitely mentally. It's easy to forget, given how talented these players are, the amount of resources available to them, and the sheer amount of money they make, that even the biggest superstars are still people. It's something crystalized by JJ Redick when he noted that his ASB would be spent filling out insurance paperwork and trying to find a more permanent place for his family to live following the loss of their home in the Palisades fire. For Luka, it's been a different kind of stress, but similarly draining. It can be argued that no employee in America is less threatened by job transfer (or in the NBA, a trade) than a superstar in his mid-20s. Like, those guys have security. Luka wasn't pushing his way out, or demanding a trade. This wasn't something he saw coming in the slightest. And not only did Dallas trade him, they took serious shots at his professionalism on the way out the door. Even if some of the criticism is fair—Dončić does need to take better care of himself as NBA seasons pile up on his body—how it was delivered, by people representing the organization he saw as an ally, is jarring. So Wednesday in Utah, it's very possible Luka hit a mental wall. And a physical one, with the altitude and the reality that it's often the second big workout that's harder than the first. There's a lot riding on this trade. Given how well the Lakers have played over the last month, the Dončić deal is no longer one to think about solely as a move for the future. The Lakers are in the thick of it in the Western Conference, even with their "all-in" move for a center falling apart. It matters if Luka slumps a little in his first games as a Laker, insofar as the standings are concerned. So it'll be interesting to see how fans react if Luka comes out of the break and doesn't put up his "classic" numbers. Down the road, we might all need to re-calibrate what Luka's numbers ought to be. Is he going to put out stats at the same rate playing next to LeBron James and Austin Reaves? What numbers ought to go up, high as many already were? The "feeling out" period includes fans, who will find out with time if their own systems of evaluation for guys like Luka need recalibrating to account better for context. All this to say, there's some reason to worry Luka won't bounce back effectively for the second half of the season. There's far more reason, however, to blieve he'll be back to what he was before injury. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka needs a break! SEGMENT 2: Why there's a toll... even when it looks like players aren't using it. SEGMENT 3: Why the All-Star Game is obsolete. 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!WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online ...
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    36 mins
  • Sloppy Lakers Lose to Jazz 131-119, Luka Struggles, Jaxson Hayes Injured

    Sloppy Lakers Lose to Jazz 131-119, Luka Struggles, Jaxson Hayes Injured
    Feb 13 2025
    The Lakers have, for the most part, been in a tremendous rhythm over the last few weeks. So on Wednesday in Utah, when they were decidedly not, it was actually pretty jarring. LA was out of sorts for most of the night, playing shorthanded (no Dorian Finney-Smith, no Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes left early after being hit in the face), and lost all attributes of the defensive cohesion that has fueled this big run of wins. Final score, Jazz 131, Lakers 119. Nobody looked great. Luka Dončić finished with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, but struggled with foul trouble and turned the ball over five times in only 23 minutes of run. LeBron was reasonably quiet. Austin Reaves was a putrid 1-10 from 3-point range. The whole team, in fact, seemed flummoxed by the long stretches of zone defense thrown at them by Utah. They had trouble generating shots with balance offensively—Jazz center Walker Kessler was a problem in the paint—which led to bad balance defensively. They couldn't make a free throw (17-30)!And man, did the defense fail them. In the second and third quarters especially, the Jazz seemed able to get whatever good shots they wanted. So the first half (pre-All-Star break, really) portion of the schedule wraps up in disappointing fashion, but overall there are strong reasons to feel optimistic. At 32-20, the Lakers are firmly in the top six in the Western Conference, with at least a puncher's chance to move up. They've got some serious energy thanks to the Luka deal. Finney-Smith is a good fit, Vincent is playing well, Rui Hachimura has raised his level. Everyone will get a chance to re-charge over the break. (JJ Redick noted he hopes to use the break to finish insurance claims and find an apartment after losing his house in the Palisades fire, a reminder that while the Lakers have been playing games, players and staff continue dealing with significant life issues.) But Wednesday also showed there's some work to do. There's reason to believe the Luka/LeBron partnership will come together reasonably quick, but that doesn't mean every night is going to be smooth sailing. Rim protection is going to be an issue, particularly when Hayes—the closest thing they have to a paint presence—isn't on the floor. So it's not perfect, but if you asked Lakers fans in October if they'd take 32-20 heading into the break, virtually all would have jumped at it. The Lakers are set to play meaningful basketball as winter turns to spring, which is a nice place to be. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The D collapses in Utah. SEGMENT 2: An off night for Luka. SEGMENT 3: 32-20. Lots to like, despite challenges coming. 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!WayFairAfter 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.SKIMSShop 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.OpenPhoneThe #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 DashThey 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. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)...
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    34 mins