Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers - POSTCAST Lakers beat the Kings 113-100

Starting point is 00:00:05 You are Locked-on Lakers Postcast, part of Locked-on Sports Los Angeles on the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. It's come out red hot. Austin Reeves sets the tone, and Anthony Davis gets a 20-20-night. We talk about it all on the Locked-on Lakers Postcast. This episode brought to you by Fandul. Get ready to tackle the NFL action on Fandual, America's number one sports book, because right now new customers can bet $5 and get $100. to 50 on bonus bets if you win.

Starting point is 00:00:42 Big night for the L.A. Lakers on the road facing the Kings twice on this road trip. Kind of strange, but the Lakers face the Kings tonight. We'll have an off day tomorrow. We'll be back facing Sacramento again on Saturday in Sacramento, 3 p.m. tip off there. But for the Lakers, again, can they put a win streak together? What is this team's identity? We've talked about it for a while now.

Starting point is 00:01:04 What are, what is the Lakers identity? What is the best starting lineup? Who are the best guys that have coming off the bench? and can they come out with the same energy that you need to basically get wins on a regular basis? My name is Dave Palais. Appreciate you joining me again on the Lockdown Lakers Postcast. Again, you can follow me on Twitter anywhere else. You can send me messages if you like.

Starting point is 00:01:23 I love talking Laker basketball year around. Also, appreciate your comments during the show. But this was a big win for the Lakers 113 100 over the Sacramento Kings. And at the same time, man, if you love your Laker basketball and you want to follow Laker basketball on a regular basis, make sure you check out Brian and Andy. They have a daily locked on Lakers podcast, I should say. I'm going to have for the postcast. And again, talking to Laker basketball after wins is my favorite thing to do.

Starting point is 00:01:49 Tonight was a good night. And because it has been very, very frustrating in the month of basically, I'd say December. The last three to four weeks has been kind of tough. And it's been tough with this Laker team because not only D.E. LeBron, who leaves for an extended amount of time. And, you know, we hear it's the foot injury. That's fine. He's a big birthday coming up in about, you know, 10 days.

Starting point is 00:02:08 or so where he's going to turn 40, which is amazing that he's doing what he's doing. But for everything, if you're a Laker fan, it's all about championships. And can this team head in the right direction and chase championship number 18? Again, the one behind the Boston Celtics, ran into a Celtics fan tonight who told me, right now we have one championship lead over the Lakers. We're about to have two at the end of this season. Nobody wants to see that happen. So again, the Lakers looking a little bit better.

Starting point is 00:02:34 They've won three of their last four games. then I have a two-game win streak with this win over the Kings. Let's see if they can keep it going on Saturday. But let's look at what helped this team out and exactly what they did right. For me, if you're watching the game tonight, it was one guy that provided a huge spark. And it was Austin Reeves. Austin Reeves was outstanding right from the get-go. Austin Reeves is great.

Starting point is 00:02:56 Kind of funny to watch him there with the big white headband on. And he's running around and he's hustling and he's knocking down threes. And the team was shooting great as far as three-pointers go. They come up with 37 points in the first quarter, but looking at the team to see what the starting five is, because every night it seems a little bit different. J.J. Reddick trying to figure out what exactly works. Of course, you had Anthony Davis. He had Rui.

Starting point is 00:03:18 You had Austin Reeves, LeBron James, and he had Max Christie back in the starting lineup again. Max Christie, is he better as a starter? Is Max Christie better coming off the bench? One thing about Max Christie is, I don't know if he's the offensive spark. The Lakers were expecting this year, but I think he's starting to find his way with this team.

Starting point is 00:03:35 One is you never have to worry about Max Christie as far as lack of effort and hustle. Two, he always makes his free throws. In fact, he's a good free throw shooter is important for this team. You know, one of the things that's been missing for the Lakers is continuity, not only in the offensive end, but especially on the defensive end. We talked about rotation problems for a long time. How come they don't seem to be moving? They aren't communicating.

Starting point is 00:03:58 They did a much better job of that tonight. And again, Lakers 113,100, big win. And I understand you can sit there and point the fingers. and say, well, the Kings aren't an elite team, you beat the teams that are on your schedule. These games against the Kings, when you win him, you're supposed to. When you lose them, it's devastating to lose to a lower team in the Western Conference. This was a big win for the Lakers. So what happened in the first quarter, Lakers got off to a 7-0 run to start the game.

Starting point is 00:04:23 That was big. At one point, it was a 10-2 run, but 7-0 run to start the game. And it's one of those where you sit there if you're a Kings fan and you're like, when are we going to score? Because you start thinking to your mind, how big a lot of you? lead can the other team get before you realize this game's already over early in the first quarter. And it looked like the Lakers are going to run away with it, but they didn't exactly run away with it. They let the Kings back in the game a little bit. It seems like the NBA kind of happens like that a lot. But they did what they needed to do, which was absolutely incredible. So the Lakers

Starting point is 00:04:54 go on again towards another 11-0-0-0-0-0 run towards the end, towards the end of the game set in the tone. Austin Reeves, in my opinion, was the start of the first quarter. And so with Austin Reeves doing what he needed to do and becoming not only an offensive threat, but really an energy boost for this team. And it's unfortunate when you have to say you need guys that provide that spark. I thought LeBron James did it on Sunday against the Blazers. When he came back, it seemed like just having him back in the lineup provided an energy for this team that everybody fed off of. It felt the same way tonight with Austin Reeves. So one of those games that if you sat down on someone to watch a game and they've never seen a Laker game and you said, who's the best player on the four, they would have said Austin Reese.

Starting point is 00:05:39 He played that well in the first quarter where he grabbed your attention. Here's the great thing about the Lakers in the first quarter. They actually look like a good three-point shooting team, something that they have not been. Actually, I have not been for years. And it's J.J. Reddick, who's known as the three-point shooter, has said, I want this team to shoot a bunch of threes. And for this Laker team, they did it tonight in the first quarter and they actually looked really good at it. shot 44% from behind the arc. Outstanding. If they could do that every game and this team easily is going to be NBA champs. 47% field goal percentage. So it's an awesome first quarter. Austin Reeves look like the best player on the four with eight points, four assists, three rebounds.

Starting point is 00:06:17 And again, they held a Fox to only, Darren Fox only to eight points. Darren Fox is one of those guys that's really a mismatch problem for most teams in the NBA. Because when you look at what he's able to do, he's a mismatch guy because he's so fast. And there's plenty of guys who are great athletes in this league. But Darren Fox is a guy that's always a mismatch problem because he is quick. He can break down your defense really quick and make you look bad. He can get to the basket when you go, man, we didn't need that. We needed basically to hold guys in check. But he's always been that threat.

Starting point is 00:06:49 If you remember when he came out of Kentucky, you're looking at Fox and you're like, man, could he be a Laker? There was a talk to that he could possibly be a Laker. Just to watch the game at the beginning, if you're like me and you like college basketball also, you're like, man, there are three Kentucky guys on the floor right now. You had Anthony Davis, he had Fox, he had Monk, and you're going on that. It's pretty cool if you're a Kentucky fan, but they produce NBA players. Calipari doesn't win championships.

Starting point is 00:07:13 He produces NBA players throughout the league. There are tons of Kentucky guys all over the place. Fox is a mismatch problem. Lakers did a good job with him in the first quarter. At the half, the Lakers were up 6258. Field goal percentage for the Lakers, 44%. The Kings got a little bit hot in the second quarter. They finished the half shooting 46%.

Starting point is 00:07:32 Three point shots. Lakers are almost at 50% three point shooting in the first half, which has been something they haven't done not only this year, but haven't done it for years. Nine of 20 from behind the arc for them. Kings were 6 to 16 from behind the arc. Rebound, Lakers, this is where they had their chances at second chance points. Out rebounded the Kings 31 to 20.

Starting point is 00:07:55 Really interesting when you see a team like Memphis who has all that size. and then when you have a team like Memphis at all that size, they have a team like Sacramento who really doesn't have the size outside of Sabonis. And I think I just said earlier that LeBron against the Blazers, it wasn't against the Blazers against Memphis the other night, that big win. Again, the Kings only 20 rebounds, Lakers 31, assists Lakers 14, Kings at 13. Turnovers, I'd like to see us hold the ball a little bit better.

Starting point is 00:08:21 Turnovers, Lakers had nine. Kings had five. So again, us with the turnovers is one of those things that's going to hurt this team that really they'm sure JJ Reddick would like to see them clean it up. Everyone is a Laker fan, a Laker player would like to see them hold on to this turnover. Points off turnovers. Lakers only had seven. Kings took advantage of the Laker turnovers.

Starting point is 00:08:39 They had nine and then points in the paint, which kind of surprising. But we were shooting so well from three. We really didn't get a chance for a lot of points in the paint, or at least that wasn't the plan. The Kings had 28 points in the paint, the half, and Lakers had 24. So Lakers go into the half, looking at that situation with the lead. not as big of a lead as I think of many people had hoped, but the Lakers in the second quarter, they got outscored 30 to 25.

Starting point is 00:09:04 At the half, Lakers are still up 6258. And moving forward, you're looking at this team saying, okay, what are they doing from here? Can they hold on? Is this going to be one of those Laker games we have seen in the past with the Lakers all of a sudden they start to struggle in the second half? And next thing you know, they give the lead away and things start to fall apart a little bit for them.

Starting point is 00:09:25 So we'll get into the, second half of this game and really where the Lakers took control in just a second, but I want to mention the people over at Built. Don't forget, Built right now, it's a great opportunity for you. Don't forget today's episode sponsored by Built Rewards. If you, if you, if you, if you're a renter and listen up, this is a total game changer for you. Thanks to Built, you can now earn points on rent payments just like you do with groceries or travel. Paying rent right now comes with serious perks. And it's completely free to join. It's very easy. Earn a valuable built points on your rent every day, spending at no cost. Again, redeem points towards flights. Hotel stays, even future rent payments.

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Starting point is 00:10:45 Make sure use the link so they know that we sent it to you. And at the same time, you can start your rewards today. Looking at this Laker team and a very exciting time for the Lakers and everything. thing that they're doing, it is, it is great. It is absolutely great. And one talk more, Laker basketball with you. Again, would appreciate your comments as well. Want to know what you think about this Laker team. Are they doing the right things? Is this cheap speed? Or is this one of those things where the Lakers are now moving forward towards the goal of not only getting a great seat in the playoffs, but at the same time are the Lakers doing the right thing as far as not having

Starting point is 00:11:19 made a trade yet, something that I've been pushing for? Did I jump the gun and said this team needs to make a trade? Are you happy with what Rob Polinka has out on the roster right now. Also, we want to mention the people over at game time. Don't forget, game time, there's nothing like going to a game and seeing it in person, but at the same time, we know the price of tickets can be expensive. We all know there's that game out there that you want to see. There's so many different games. So whether it's a Laker game, whether it's a charger game, we had a big win tonight against the Broncos. There's nothing like that game. For me, just a few months ago, I should say,

Starting point is 00:11:51 the Dodgers taken on the New York Yankees. Game two, I was like, I got to go. I've never been to a Dodger World Series game. Love baseball, love basketball, and I've been at NBA finals, but I've never been to a Dodger World Series game as a fan. So I said the Yankees, of course, our premier team, I got to find a way to be part of it. The night after Freddie Freeman hit the dramatic home run, I had a chance to see the Dodgers win game two of the World Series, one of the best experiences of my life. Honestly, one of the best days of my life. And at the same time, I'm a huge Ice Cube fan. I thought that was cool as could be. But it would never happen if I didn't

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Starting point is 00:12:59 Again, terms apply, create an account, and redeem. Don't forget, it's locked on MBA for 20% off. That's L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N-M-B for $20 off. Download game time today. And what time is it? It's game time. Okay, so here we are with the Lakers, and the Lakers now heading into, you know,

Starting point is 00:13:22 a two-game winning streak. Let's see if they can make it a three-game winning streak. what do they have to do? What do the Lakers have to do to basically take that step to say we're considered an elite team in this league? You're taking care of business. He had a really nice win on Sunday against Memphis. Had a very nice win tonight against the Kings

Starting point is 00:13:38 because he took care of business and you're supposed to. But at the same time, what does this team have to do? Austin Reeves had a great game tonight. At the same time, Anthony Davis stepped up the way he's supposed to. And we all know if you follow the Lakers and Kings, who's the one guy that owns Anthony Davis? It's Sabonis. Sabonis has owned Anthony Davis.

Starting point is 00:13:58 So Subonis had a decent game tonight. 18 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, two block shots. Not a bad game, right? In 38 minutes, not a bad game. But Sabonis always seems to give Anthony Davis a hard time, which is strange. Because we've seen Anthony Davis throughout his career, especially in the Laker uniform, where he goes against other centers, even guys who are bigger, maybe some will say more athletic or, I guess, more tools.

Starting point is 00:14:23 You know, Sabonis should be an all-star, but he's not an all-star. every year. I think he's one of the better players in the league, but he goes against guys like Carl Anthony Towns and he owns them. He goes against other big guys in this league and he does extremely well. It goes against Gobert. It does it very well against him. Anthony Davis came to play tonight. Anthony Davis, 21 points, 20 rebounds, six block shots.

Starting point is 00:14:44 What else can he expect from AD? In 35 minutes, he was money. I'm going to read that line to you one more time. 21 points, 20 rebounds, six block shots and 35 minutes. pretty good. Seven to 20 from the field. Outstanding effort. Austin Reeves, not only did he come out red hot in the first quarter, he stayed hot. Austin Reeves finished the night, 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals. Great. Eight of nine free throw shooting for Austin Reeves. Not bad at all. LeBron James, again, when you're LeBron James and not far away from him celebrating his 40th birthday, LeBron James. 19 points, seven assists, six, seven assists, six rebounds. But for LeBron, here's a stat that I think helps. LeBron only turn the ball over twice.

Starting point is 00:15:34 And to sit there and say, why isn't LeBron, why does LeBron have trouble, you know, with the turnovers, it becomes frustrating. As much as everybody loves him and has a conversation with the goat and the all-time leading score and his durability to play this long, the NBA stay in shape and so be a threat, it's frustrating when the turnovers happen. The one thing about LeBron James game, just to be critical is LeBron James only attempted two free throws tonight.

Starting point is 00:15:58 And LeBron James, I think when he plays his best basketball, attacks the basket more. And it's one of those where I'd like to see him do it. A kid actually asked me today, he says, hey, you've been around watching the NBA longer than I have. For me, LeBron James is the greatest player of all time. In your mind, who is the greatest? LeBron or Michael Jordan. I never saw Michael Jordan, the kid said to me. I said, look, LeBron's great.

Starting point is 00:16:22 He does crazy things. I mean, he is a physique that is unmatched. He eats healthy. He does everything you can to keep this going, where if you didn't know his age and he just looked at his numbers and looked at what he does for his team, you'd say LeBron James is a freak. And he is.

Starting point is 00:16:38 The difference of LeBron James compared to Michael Jordan is that I thought Michael was a killer. And meaning Michael would do whatever it took, meaning he would take the ball to the basket when he needed to. Michael played great defense all the time. But for me, call me biased whatever you want because I was around them more. Kobe Bryant was the best player of all time.

Starting point is 00:16:58 And the reason I say that is because Kobe Bryant was a killer. And he was a killer 24-7. Almost to the point, it seemed like if you watch these stories, like I cannot get enough Kobe Bryant stories, Kobe Bryant was a guy that seemed like he never slept. It was all about winning championships and getting better. And he'd get frustrated with his teammates because they didn't put the same amount of time in as he did. real quick story when I covered the Lakers in the 90s and I love going to the forum early.

Starting point is 00:17:26 When I went into the form, only two people beat me inside the forum. I'd show up at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. And it was Chick Hearn who sat right in front of me. I sat right behind Chick Hearn and Stu Lance. And then the other guy on the floor practicing at 2 in the afternoon was Kobe Bryant. It was always there before me. Kobe always beat me. And then I found out later on that was Kobe's third practice of the day.

Starting point is 00:17:47 Kobe was working out at four. Kobe was at shoot around at 10. Kobe was practicing again at two. And Kobe was a killer. It hurt Kobe to lose. Literally showed up because he thought he was going to win. Anything less than a win wasn't acceptable. So for me, I always say Kobe was the guy because he took it to another level.

Starting point is 00:18:06 Not to put anything down against LeBron James, but when I see LeBron James shoot two free throws, that tells me LeBron's not going to the basket as often as he should. LeBron, to me, would be a better addition to, to what the team has right now, when you have a team that doesn't shoot three-po very well on a regular basis, if he takes the ball to hoop a little bit more,

Starting point is 00:18:24 if he's shooting nine to ten free throws a game, it shows me that LeBron's, I don't think is afraid of contact, but LeBron is basically taking guys to the basket with them, which in turn, as we know, creates more wide-open shots for threes. If LeBron's going to stay outside the arc or not be a threat to go to the basket,

Starting point is 00:18:42 basically it's a lot easier to play defense against the Lakers. And so for LeBron James, as great as he is, I'd like to a little bit more. Whatever it takes to win a championship, anything for the team. Big team guy on this one. So when you look at the Lakers bench tonight, what do they have coming off the bench? How do the Lakers do off the bench? Well, the Lakers ended up with 30 points total off the bench.

Starting point is 00:19:02 Here we go. 16 came from DeAngelo Russell. D'Angelo, 7 of 15. It was nice to see DeAngelo come out and have a decent game. We only played 23 minutes tonight, but that's fine. Two of six or three-point range. But for DeAngelo to have 16 points is great. had six rebounds, only one assist.

Starting point is 00:19:18 Big step for DeAngelo was the no turnovers. We saw a game a few games ago where all of a sudden in four minutes, Danilo had three turnovers. And so you're no help for us off the bench. If you're going to sit there and just come in, not shoot well, and then just turn the ball over. You're just a negative player for this Laker team. Also, Gabe Vincent, I've been really tough on.

Starting point is 00:19:36 Gabe Vincent tonight, 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, was big from three point range. It gave Vincent four or five from three point range. This is the Gabe Vincent that I think the Lakers thought they were getting. And if Gabe Vincent can do that in 22 minutes, give you 12 points and shoot like that from three point range, that is great news for this Laker team. So for the Lakers off the bench, fantastic. That was it.

Starting point is 00:19:59 Dalton Connect, again, continues to struggle. I've never seen anything like it because we know rookie is starting to hit the wall. But look, we're in December. Rookies hit the wall in February. Right now that he has not played well for almost a month is kind of scary for Dalton Connect. Again, one of four for two points and ten minutes. There's almost nothing there from Connect. One rebound.

Starting point is 00:20:19 That was all. And it was a defensive rebound. It wasn't even offensive rebound. One foul. So his minutes diminished greatly today. The player that, again, plays as a team guy off the bench is Cam Reddish because he puts defense first. No points.

Starting point is 00:20:33 One shot attempted. That's what Cam's game is. It's kind of interesting to see the way Cam Reddish's game is evolved into a defensive player only and that Cam Reddish is a zero. offensive threat. That's why I've said before to you, do you think that the Lakers need to do something moving forward to say we have to find something different of going. Cam Reddish needs to continue to play defense, but we need an offensive threat. Somewhere this team needs to bring in an offensive threat and what do they possibly do to bring in that offensive threat. Who is that guy?

Starting point is 00:21:06 Again, you hear me say it all the time. Brandon Ingram, former Laker, I'd like to see him join the team. It will be interesting to see what the Lakers decide to decide to do through all of it. I want to mention the people over at Fandall. Don't forget, get ready to tackle the NFL action with Fanduals America's number one sports book. NFL season's almost coming to an end right now. Again, the Chargers had a big win tonight over the Denver Broncos. Did you have a hunch? At the same time, if you did, especially if you bet that second half, you're going to be happy that you know, Fandle because right now new customers can bet $5 and get $150 and bonus bets. and the Fanduil Sportspec app gives you everything you need to place live bets on the NFL all in one place.

Starting point is 00:21:47 So when you get a hunch in the middle of a game and we've all felt it, saying, you know what? I think this is going to happen. And when it happens, fantastic. If you watch that Charger game tonight as you're watching the Laker game at the same time and Cameron Dicker hits that free kick and he's going, man, I wonder if that's enough for the charters to turn things around and put together a great second half. And you followed your hunch.

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Starting point is 00:22:30 What do they need to do to get better? Are you looking at this Laker team and are you content with what you have? Right now, I'm not content. you know so I'm happy they they did well I'm happy Anthony Davis did well but the same time I want to see more consistency I want to see one of these long winning streaks like I want to see when you see that box score and you see the standings and you're saying nine how do they do in their last 10 I want to see the Lakers going to run where they're nine and one in their last 10 or at least eight and two in their last 10 but the Lakers haven't had those kind of games in a while and so when they started to struggle with that road trip if you remember where they're in Utah and they won by one And then they go to Miami and get embarrassed. And they lose last second to Atlanta. And they get embarrassed in Minnesota. And you're going, what is this team?

Starting point is 00:23:14 What is happening? And JJ Redick kind of looks like he's kind of cracking at the seams. You kind of get a little bit concerned about what is the identity? And you're not saying you made a mistake with your head coach because it's way too early. But do they have the right players? I honestly don't feel it's on the coaching right now. I feel this is a player situation and this ball is a robling because hands to basically make something happen to make this team a little bit better.

Starting point is 00:23:40 I think these guys tonight in what I think arguably is the best game, the Lakers have played all season long, that you could sit there and look at this Laker team and say, look, it doesn't get any better than this, and you only won by 13. You know, Austin Reeves was at his best. LeBron James played the way LeBron James is going to play. Anthony Davis played out of this world.

Starting point is 00:23:58 He's not going to average 20 rebounds a game. That's not going to be Anthony Davis. He's not going to block six shots on a regular basis. He was able to do it tonight against a smaller Sacramento team. Again, it was big that he did against a bonus. But we'll find out when we do the show on Saturday, when the Lakers tip off against the Kings on Saturday, we'll find out what we have in this Laker team.

Starting point is 00:24:18 And basically what is the future? Can we see what is happening? Where are they trending? We all know on Christmas Day, this Laker team will face a Warriors team that can shoot the lights out. The game's going to be a road game. At the same time, it's going to be one of those games that's going to be watched from all over the country

Starting point is 00:24:34 because the Lakers always playing Christmas Day and the Warriors always playing Christmas Day. and he have Hall of Famers there. You're going to see Steph Curry, and you're going to see even Buddy Heel that can shoot. But you have Draymond Green, probably Steph, probably automatic Hall of Famers. You got a Hall of Fame coach and Steve Kerr.

Starting point is 00:24:50 And beating the Warriors is always fun, but at the same time, I think it's a true test for this Laker team to see what direction they're going. So for the Lakers, again, what happens on Saturday against the Kings, and what do they do for the next week? Things get a little bit better for the Lakers, by the way.

Starting point is 00:25:07 Again, we're three and one, and I say we a lot. I know that I'm a diehard. We're three and one in the last four games. But after Christmas, the Lakers will play 11 or the next 14 games will be at home. That's awesome. So by the way, one of the three games that the Lakers will play on the road actually is against the clipper. So they don't need to do the whole get on a playing hotel thing. But for the Lakers, this is their chance to make their mark and move up in the standings.

Starting point is 00:25:31 And so where does this team go? And what are they? There's a lot of questions to be answered about this Laker team. in what direction they're going. If you want to know if the playoffs began today, where are their Lakers? I'm always looking because you hear me say on the Lakers postcast all the time that I want the Lakers to be at least the four seed, if not better.

Starting point is 00:25:49 The Lakers moved up. The Lakers are moving up with these wins the last couple of games. So the Lakers are five and five in their last 10. They're riding a two-game win streak. And right now, the Lakers hold the seventh seed, okay? So the team's in front of them. You play along with me. which teams can the Lakers pass?

Starting point is 00:26:07 Oklahoma City is pretty damn good. All right, Oklahoma City is won nine of the last 10. Memphis Grizzlies. They're the number two seed. We saw the Lakers beat Memphis the other day. When the Lakers got embarrassed against Memphis on the road, the Lakers were able to make adjustments and take care of the Grizzlies on Sunday.

Starting point is 00:26:22 Houston Rockets, I always say that's a team that I think falls. Houston Rockets at 18 a night. I don't see the Rockets staying as the three seed. There's a time where I think the Rockets are going to start to fail a little bit. Rockets are six and four in their last 10 in case you're wondering. Dallas Mavericks have a lot of stars on that team. Future Hall of Famers all over the place as well. Dallas Maverick, 17 and 10, well-coached team with Jason Kidd.

Starting point is 00:26:43 LA Clippers are 16 and 12. They're going to have Kauai back for the second half and make a run. You'll see Kauai back from all the talk very soon. And the Denver Nuggets at the sixth seat are 14-11. Denver scares me because it's always a weird mismatch when you have the Joker, who's arguably the best player in the league. And Lakers, again, at number seven. So the Lakers are number seven out of a possible 10 teams that make the postseason.

Starting point is 00:27:07 Minnesota's right behind them. Minnesota is a very good team. Minnesota fans and their players think they can be a lot better. Phoenix Suns 14 and 12 also. And then you have the Golden State Warriors who not too long ago were right there at the top of the Western Conference. Now they've fallen all the way to number 10. So the Lakers actually faced the Warriors on Christmas Day. Maybe you couldn't come at a better time.

Starting point is 00:27:28 You know, you get a team like the Warriors who have lost three straight. And they're two and eight in their last 10 games. games, this might be the right time to face the Golden State Warriors. Actually, I can't think of a better time. The only thing that doesn't make it a little bit more perfect to face the Warriors is the game's not in Los Angeles, the games up in the Bay Area. San Antonio Spurs not in. Kings, not in. Kings, by the way, are 13 and 15 on the season, Portland Trailblazers, Utah, Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans. I'm going to give the record for the Pelicans again, because the pelicans are five and 23, and there are always rumors that the pelicans are looking to make trades. That's

Starting point is 00:28:00 why I mentioned Brandon Ingram's name. Zion Williamson's a name that has come up as well. Is there a chance that you would make a trade for him? Now, he's a guy that's always banged up. The one thing about Zion Williamson, he's a Duke guy. Obviously, JJ Reddick's a Duke guy. Is there something there that you say, hey, we can fix him? You know, as a Duke guy that played for Coach K, Coach K, Coach K, Coach

Starting point is 00:28:20 C, coach Zion when he was at his best, is there something that JJ Reddick could do to communicate to possibly change his NBA career around? I don't know. You know, there's a lot of talk that when he's his build and his body and all the criticism coming out of college that his body is too big and it's going to hurt him down the line and he hasn't done a lot to take basically fitness seriously. Is he a guy that the Lakers have time to worry about? Would a guy like LeBron James be a person that he could look up to and watch how he takes care of his body? Because the thing that

Starting point is 00:28:50 has made LeBron James last so long, it's that he takes his health and basically his food very serious. You know, we all know the stories about LeBron and his personal chef. Well, what you put in your body is important for his son. it doesn't seem like it's an important deal right now. Could the Lakers get something out of them? Could they steal basically Zion for not much? A few years ago when he came out of college, everyone said, man, Zion's a lot to be the future best player of this league.

Starting point is 00:29:12 His career has been a disappointment. If we're wondering, by the way, in the East, say if the Lakers actually make a run at the NBA finals, the teams at the top, they're the calves, which I think are surprised a lot of people. Boston Celtics, of course, look great. NICs. I just think the West is so much better than the East.

Starting point is 00:29:29 And you call me biased all you want, I just think the West is so much better. The fact that Oklahoma City at 21 and 5 without Chet Holbegren is impressive. Just actually an amazing franchise for what they've had to do because overall, when you look at Oklahoma City, they've got a ton of draft picks. Remember, Oklahoma City is not a place where free agents want to go. There's nothing to do in Oklahoma City,

Starting point is 00:29:49 whereas L.A. is a destination. What they've done and taken a chance of trading their star players to be what they are. It's been incredible. So again, don't forget Saturday. We're going to be back. We're going to be talking about the Sacramento Kings again. Sacramento Kings and Lakers. It'd be great to see the Lakers go to Sacramento, take care of business.

Starting point is 00:30:07 It kind of feels like a playoff situation where you stay in the same city. You play two games in that city and then you move on, of course, for the rest of the playoffs. It's weird to see the schedule this way. We're going to see the schedule this way down the road as well. But I think for the players, it makes it easy for them to not have to get on a plane, that they get a chance to stay in the same city for a while. I know there are better cities than Sacramento to stay in if you ask the players. But the Lakers will be back.

Starting point is 00:30:30 action on Saturday, 3 o'clock tip off from Sacramento. And let's see if they can continue the winning ways and make it three straight wins for this team. Again, thank you so much for joining me every single game on the Lockdown Lakers postcast. Don't forget for the Lockdown Lakers podcast, Brian and Andy do a daily show and they do a great job. So if you're hooked on the Lakers like I am, you love the Lakers and you can't get enough of them, make sure you check out Brian and Andy.

Starting point is 00:30:57 They do a great job. Again, my name is Dave Palais. My name's right there in the square. You can follow me on social media. And if you want to ask me any Laker questions, if you have any ideas for trades, I always want to hear them. I want to know what you guys are thinking as well as fans,

Starting point is 00:31:10 what Rob Plinkett could do to make this team better. But we're going to see us Saturday right after the Laker game, tip off at 3 o'clock against the Kings. Otherwise, have a great night. And again, go Lakers.

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers - POSTCAST Lakers beat the Kings 113-100

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