Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers - LAKERS POSTCAST Luka's Lakers dominate Suns 107-96

Episode Date: March 16, 2025

Luka Doncic had 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Austin Reeves added 28 points and 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their 4-game losing streak by beating the visiting Phoenix Suns 107-96. Phoenix was led in the defeat by Kevin Durant’s 21 and Devin Booker’s 19. The Lakers will look to continue their winning ways tomorrow night when they host the San Antonio Spurs. 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 Suns, Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Support Us, By Supporting Our Sponsors!DOOR DASHNBA fans, get ready— They Swoosh, You Save: Thanks to DashPass, every time a player drops 50 or more points in a game, you score a huge deal the next day.TRANSITION:It’s simple: When any player scores 50 or more in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members get 50% off an order—up to $10 off—the next day from noon to midnight.Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this deal:· Game-Day Feast: After an epic 50-point performance, celebrate by ordering wings, pizza, or burgers from your favorite spot—delivered straight to your door.· Late-Night Cravings: Whether you're staying up watching highlights or just need a midnight snack, use DashPass to grab something delicious while saving big.· Lunch on the Go: Need a quick and easy lunch the next day? With DashPass, you get your favorite meals with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees—plus, now you save even more with this exclusive NBA offer!· Fueling Your Watch Party: Planning to catch the next game? Order your go-to snacks and meals at a discount and get ready for more high-scoring action.Sign up for DashPass and be ready to save. When any player scores 50 or more in a game, DashPass members get 50% off an order the next day—up to $10 off. Just use promo code NBA50 from noon to midnight after a 50-point game on eligible orders at participating merchants. Must have an active DashPass account. Terms apply. Visit DoorDash to learn more! FAN DUEL Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO 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 TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets.Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.MONARCH MONEY Ever check your bank account and wonder, Where did all my money go? Between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to lose track. That’s where Monarch Money comes in—your personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances.Monarch Money isn’t just a budgeting app—it’s a complete financial command center. You can track all your accounts, investments, and spending in one place, so you stop just managing your money and start building wealth.Surprising Insights: When I started using Monarch, I realized just how much I was spending on food delivery—now, I budget smarter and save more.All-in-One Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can use Monarch to check your finances, track spending, and even plan long-term goals.Easy Collaboration: Managing money with your partner is smoother than ever—you can track shared and personal accounts, set goals, and stay on the same page without the stress.CTA OFFER: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com, code LOCKEDONNBA, for half off your first year! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You are a Locked-on Lakers Postcast, part of Locked-on Sports Los Angeles, on the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. Well, Lakers pull it off. We have no LeBron. We have Luca. He's back, and so is Jackson Hayes. We also have Austin Reeves. We talk about it all on the Lockdown Lakers Postcast. I'm Dave Palais.

Thank you so much for joining me today on a Sunday. As the Lakers snap their four-game losing streak, and they win 107-96 over the visiting Phoenix Suns. A lot to talk about in today's 15 to 20 minute postcast. Again, talking a lot of Lakers. If you want to eat more Lakers, make sure you tune into Brian and Andy every single day. They're talking Laker basketball with you on Locked-on Lakers. And at the same time, I'm with you through the postcast. So again, you'll see me tomorrow night when the Lakers take on the spurs. But I appreciate anyone who's joining today and I appreciate your comments as well. We have a lot to go over as the Lakers snap that four-game losing streak can get the bad taste out of our mouth.

So a lot to talk about with the lineup the way it looks, with what it could look like and exactly what the Lakers did today that was different than what we've seen in the past. And maybe some of the things they need to change. So a lot going on with this Laker team. And there's a reason to be excited because when you lose four straight games and have a terrible week, that all of a sudden you're just desperate for anything good to happen.

All right. So again, Jackson Hayes back in the lineup. And that was important. Who would have thought that we would have said at one point during the season, man, this team is not the same without Jackson Hayes. look, nothing against anyone else who plays center on this team because, look, Anthony Davis is at a whole other level, but Jackson Hayes is the best that we have since the trade at that position. And I don't think there's any Laker fan out there would say I'd

have to go back and not make that trade, I should say. But Jackson Hayes is far and above anyone else that could possibly fill that spot. And it's the way he runs the four, it's the way he's the defensive presence, it's his timing. It's so many different things that his understanding of what happens. Whether you have guys in there that don't belong in the NBA or you have guys on this team that don't have the hands to play that position because the passes are coming from all different angles. Jackson Hayes is a very important part of this team and to have him back in a Laker uniform, can't believe it, but it's a big deal. So you're starting lineup look like this for the Lakers tonight when you're so missing a couple starters. You're missing

LeBron. You're missing Rui. Dr. Anthony Smith, he started. Jackson Hayes, Luca, Austin Reeves, Jordan Goodwin. Those are your starters today. Out of those guys right there, four of the five guys scored in double figures. The only one who didn't was Jordan Goodwin. It was surprising because he's been fantastic for the Lakers and not saying he didn't play great. It just wasn't a great shooting day as he was only one for five from the field. But Doreen, Fennie Smith, he gets a start again in Ruiz spot. And for Dorian Fannie Smith, it was really quiet for the majority of the game, but he came through big for the Lakers when they need it in the fourth quarter. It was a big day for the Lakers all around, but it all starts with Luca. And we knew before the game, it's a nationally

televised game, Luca, Kevin Durant, that both these guys are miced up. There's going to be so much to talk about as far as those guys go. If you notice, they did not play a bunch of the audio from the mics. And I think one of the reasons is Luca loves to swear, and I think so does Durant. But it was pretty funny. They miced up those two guys, and you're thinking this is going to be fantastic, and it wasn't as great as what you thought it would be with the miced up moment. But here we go.

First court, a couple highlights for you. Lakers jump out to a 7-0 lead. Sun's going to 9-1 run, make the score 9-9. eight Phoenix and you're going, man, you know, the Lakers going to do this, you know, every single time they take the floor without LeBron, but the Lakers, they rallied back. And a lot of it had to do with Luca. They put together a 13-0 run of their own. They took a 20 to 9 lead on a Luca 3, two minutes and 33 seconds remaining in the first

quarter, Luca drained a three-pointer to make the score 2511 and the son's call to timeout. Lakers were led in the quarter by Lucas 13 points and he made three-three-pointers. That was one more than the sons had the entire. first half. The sons were led by Durant's four points. Lakers shot great in the first quarter, 50% from the field, 50% from three, five of, five of 10 from three point range. And the only downside was they missed three free throws, which is always frustrating. Lakers rebounding's fine, assists. Lakers started out, but more assist, you're going to see that usually with Luca and Austin Reeves on the floor. Lakers are five. Sons only had three, bench points, Lakers,

three, turnovers, Lakers that was held down to two. Second quarter, Lakers, they went up doing okay, but they don't score enough points. 23, 20, they outscore the Sons. As Sun started really with a 10-0 run, and you're going, okay, this is going to be tough because when Luca goes to the bench, the Lakers aren't the same team. And Luca played the entire first quarter, basically, and then in the second quarter, he needs time to rest to get his win back. Well, the Sons took advantage of that with a 10-0 run.

Lakers took a 46-28 lead, Austin Reeves three-pointer. And Austin Reeves, all of a sudden, he finds his rhythm. And so Austin Reeves, again, as you're watching him a couple nights ago against the Denver Nuggets, or really it was the Austin Reeves and Dalton Connect show. Austin Reeves, when the game started today, it looks like he has to find his way and feel his point on what it feels like to be in the lineup with Luca. And Luca's been here for a while, but Austin Reeves, if you remember, people were moving forward and saying, hey, he's a big part of this team. It's Anthony Davis. It's the Bron.

It's Austin Reeves. can it still be the three? And this is the talking point of the game for us. This is what you'll be talking about. This is what you look at the situation with Austin Reeves and Luca and LeBron. Obviously, those are your top three guys that you can depend on day in and day out. So Dalton Connect, he gets hot here and there. Gabe Vincent, he gets hot here and there.

But Austin Reeves is a big part of this team, and he has to be a big part of this team for this team to have a chance to win and contend, right? You need at least three stars. on a team to win an NBA title. So with the Lakers going out and saying, okay, Austin, we needed to carry us against Denver because there's no one else here, and he was outstanding the other night. And then all of a sudden you have Dalton Connect, and he gets an opportunity, and he comes out with 32 points.

And can we keep this going even when Luca and LeBron are on the floor? Well, LeBron's not even on the floor, and Austin Reeves seems like he did a lot of standing and watching around. It makes you wonder, is this team better if Austin Reeves comes off the bench? Well, then as the game transpires, you realize, no, these guys can play together. It's, I've been honestly, I don't blame Austin Reeves for not getting his points, not getting his looks. This is, to me, Luca needs to make a concerted effort to make sure Austin Reeves is involved in the game. It will make everyone else's job that much easier.

It will make LeBron's job easier. It will make Luca's job easier. But Austin Reeves needs to stay involved. So when you go in through warmups and you're sitting, you're getting your shots off, or it's halftime, you're getting your shots off. And then you don't shoot for a long time. you can't expect your shot to exactly be there. Austin Reeves needs to be part of this team. And he needs to be part of this team within the first two minutes of the game beginning

to make sure that, hey, you know, here's a guy that can shoot, he can pass. He hustles like no other. I don't think there's a Laker or a player in the NBA that takes more of a physical beating than the way that Austin Reeves does. So Austin Reeves, for me, can the Lakers figure out a way to make Austin Reeves almost as important as Luke and LeBron are? Because, number one, it's going to be exhaust. those bodies of those guys aren't going to hold up through a long season.

But as we get to the postseason, what is the difference for the Lakers that separates them from other teams? And Austin Reeves needs to be part of this with big time scoring and big time contributor to the box score, night in and night out. And it's really important, I think, for the Lakers to make sure that Austin Reeves is part of this. And so the answer is there.

It's not like teams that go, I don't know what we do. The Lakers have guys. We go, okay, I know what we're going to do, and we're going to be just fine. Hey, want to mention the people, of course, over at DoorDash. DoorDash always does a great job. And look, so many people are using DoorDash. And NBA fans understand.

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Use the promo code. MBA 50 to redeem C terms for further conditions. Of course, check out Door Dash. fantastic for you guys as well. So always exciting right there. And again, when we talk about the Lakers and the excitement of basketball and everything that goes into it, so many things that go on. And I tell you what, the game has changed a lot from when I started watching Laker basketball to all of a sudden you can be involved in basketball. Check up the people over at Fandul. Fan Duel, as we say, March Madness is here. Fan Duel is giving you the chance to get on the action like never before. Check out your brackets. Right now, new customers to get $200 in bonus bets when your first $5 bet wins, that $200 extra bucks to use everything from buzzer beaters to send to all the stories and even who's cutting down the nets. Picking your favorite teams, do you pick with you harder?

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But at the same time, Alabama wasn't great. in the SEC tournament. So I recommend you pick with your head, not your heart, and you stay in the action all through the tournament with Fandall. So visit fandle.com and get in on college basketball hoops all tournament long. All right. So talking about this Laker team and of course everything that's going on, it is exciting to see how the Lakers came out today because we all needed it. As Laker fans, we needed the Lakers to do something good and today they did something good. We needed the game that Luca had today. the game Austin Reeves had. And of course, we needed the game that Jackson Hayes had.

Having Jackson Hayes back was great today. And for the Lakers and their fans, they needed it. Let's look at that box score right now. Jackson Hayes, in 29 minutes had 19 points. And again, eight of 10 shots made. No three-point attempts. Never does. Free throws. He's been shooting the ball really well from the line. You would never a guest if you watch the game today. He missed four of them. He was three of seven from the line. Rebounds. He had a total. six, he always like to hope would be a little bit more. Three assists for Jackson A's, one steel, one block, four personal fouls. But again, 19 points in 29 minutes.

And he becomes a force. He becomes someone that if you're scouting the Lakers, you have to be aware of what Jackson Hayes does for the Lakers. And he is obviously there to clean up the mess, but also he's there for the easy lob. So if Luca can break down the defense and if same thing with Austin Reeves, Jackson Hayes is there for that dunk. Hate to say it, we saw with other players today who when they got the ball in their hand, could not finish. As simple as it sounds, catching the ball, dunking the ball, we had guys on

this team that couldn't do it. And so it was very frustrating. We needed Jackson Hayes in that lineup. And as simple as it might sound to be that tall and be able to dunk the ball through the hoop, you've got to be able to catch it first. And Jackson Hayes is able to do that. And he provides a whole different element for this team. So Dorian Finney Smith, as we mentioned before, did nothing offensively for the first three quarters, but he finishes with 10 points. So in 35 minutes, he gets 10, Luca has a great game, 33 points in 39 minutes, also has 11 rebounds and eight assists. Austin Reeves in 39 minutes.

He has 28 points, shot 10 to 21 from the field, four of 10 from three point range. We have guessed that Austin Reeves actually shot the ball more than Lucas shot it today. The reason that you see Luke with the higher numbers is Lucas free throws were great. We've been kind of critical of Lucas and how do you nail these three-pointers from way downtown? down and then when you shoot a free throw, you hit every single part of the rim if you do make it. And then when he misses the free throws, it becomes frustrating because you have to have that. Well, he made 13 of 14 today.

Luca was great. Good one, as we mentioned, only two points. Off the bench for the Lakers, Gabe Vincent, he had nine, Dalton Connect. He had three. And Coloco, he had three as well. But a lot of guys did not play. And so for the Lakers, they went really with a bench that was kind of small, kind of what you would see in the playoffs. And they're only one with Jared Vanderbilt, Coloco, Vincent, Connect, and that was it.

So they play nine guys today in this part of the season. You're going to see that bench get smaller and smaller, especially when you're seeing guys like Rui and you're going to see LeBron James come back. It's going to be tough for JJ Redick. And these are good problems to have, really good problems to have for this Laker team as they move forward on that and figure out what is the best combination for these guys. So I tell you what, you look at everything that's going on. come back. I'll go through some of your comments as well. And also we will give you your locked on

player of the game. But so much going on in such a short time, as we mentioned before, these Laker postcasters are being cut down to 15 to 20 minutes. So so much to knock out in such a short time, especially an exciting game where the Lakers win 107.96. I want to mention the people over at Monarch Money. Ever check your baker account and wonder, where did all your money go between dining out, online shopping, and entertainment? It's easy to lose track. That's where Monarch money comes in, your personal CFO giving you full visibility control over your finances. Monarch Money isn't just a budgeting app. It's a complete financial command center.

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page without the stress. Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use the code locked on MBA at Monarchmoney.com. 50% off your first year. That's monarchmoney.com code locked on MBA for half off your first year. All right. So let's get to the player of the game. And for many people, who do you think? Who did the Lakers miss the most? And which Laker was the difference in the game today? There's a lot to discuss. And you can argue could it be Jackson Hayes? Could it be Austin Reeves again? Austin Reeves was a player of the game last time. Well, I'll tell you right now. This is the locked on player of the game. All right, player of the game without a doubt for me, it's Luca. Luca control the game from beginning and the end, helped the Lakers get off for that 7-0 start. It was Luca who knocked down your big shots for you, even though he was banged up a few times, a little bit nervous.

at times is Luca hurt. Well, Luca, with 39 minutes, 33 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and was great. And was great. And he was the reason why he's wearing that Laker uniform and a reason why you're going to see down the road more and more number 77 jerseys out there. He made 13 of 14 free throws. He was clutched for this team all the way through.

Lakers outscored Phoenix in the first quarter, 315, and really it was a matter of just holding on, and the Lakers were able to do that. believe or not, Lakers outscored Phoenix in the second quarter by only one. They were outscored by five in the third quarter and outscored by one in the fourth quarter. So if you broke it down by how many quarters you win, it wasn't a situation. You go, well, this is a runaway here for the Lakers. But they were able to hold on.

And a lot of that had to do with doing with what you have. And when you're missing a couple starters like the Lakers were doing, hey, the Lakers did enough. Get to some of your comments today. Craig, good to see you on a Sunday. How are you doing, Craig? Look, they had a great one-two punch working. No, no, absolutely, Craig, you're right. You had Austin Reeves and you had Luca.

Dorian Finney Smith hits a key three. Craig, I don't know about you, but before that three-pointer, I was like, Dorian, are you there? You're going to do anything for us? And he did. When it was clutch, he was able to do it. It's kind of funny how that works out, right? We saw Austin Reeves do it a few weeks ago where he couldn't hit anything.

And then all of a sudden, when he needed a three-pointer of the most, he absolutely have it. Daniel, appreciate the message of well, great win. And you're right. Everyone's a great win. And Phoenix had something to play for. Phoenix is still trying to get into the playoff picture, and so they had something to play for as well.

So not exactly easy for them on what they're trying to do. So they didn't come out to me. If I was a Suns fan, I would have been disappointed by the way that game went. And Richard Jefferson made a comment during the game. If you're watching the game on television and you weren't listening on radio, where I was waiting for him to say, I'm just joking or start laughing.

But when he talked about Huluka, every time he faces the Suns, he's trying to stick it to the Suns because they passed on him in the draft. They chose DeAndre Aten instead. And he goes, the book's still out. And I was like, okay, well, where is he? I'm just kidding. The book's not out.

DeAndre Aton is a guy that does not care about his performance in the league and is no longer a Phoenix son. He has been a complete disappointment. And Richard Jefferson never came back with this. I'm just joking line. And it sounded kind of ridiculous. So he has to know. Richard Jefferson's a bright guy. He has to know that was the craziest thing ever said on a national broadcast.

But we're lucky we have Luke in a Laker uniform. and can't wait to see what he does tomorrow. Good news is LeBron, they say we'll be back sooner than later. Lakers have a busy, busy week coming up. Lakers, listen to this. They play on Monday, 7.30 against the Spurs. They play on Tuesday against the Bucks. They play Wednesday against the Nuggets.

And then they come back on Saturday against the Bull. So there's a lot of Laker basketball. A lot of me, a lot of you. I appreciate you joining me. And we'll be back tomorrow night and I'll see a lot this week. But again, Lakers win 107.96. they snapped that four-game losing streak. Look to stay hot again tomorrow night against the Spurs.

Have a great day, everybody.