Lakers Need Anthony Davis To Bounce Back vs. Thunder After Passive Night in Nuggets Loss..

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Saturday's loss to Denver was a frustrating one for Lakers fans (and Lakers players, and Lakers coaches) because it followed a pattern that has been well-established in games between LA and Denver - namely one where the Lakers play well, stay close, and then get totally outclassed in the final five minutes of the game.

It's super annoying!

But with the Lakers staring down another six consecutive games against playoff caliber opponents (including the high seeded and/or red hot variety) it's important to think of any positives they can pull, because they're going to need the good stuff to continue in order to find the level of success required to navigate these games, starting tonight against Oklahoma City at the Crypt.

Now the Lakers actually match up reasonably well against the Thunder, especially when everyone is healthy. So despite the fact that the Thunder currently lead the conference by percentage points over Minnesota, this is a winnable game. Not a gimme by any stretch, but winnable. Especially if Anthony Davis is more aggressive offensively than he was against the Nuggets.

This, of course, if the Lakers can navigate some of the questionable decisions Darvin Ham has made of late. We review some in the Denver game. Did the common criticisms (sitting D'Angelo Russell for most of the 4th, slow timeout trigger, etc.) have a little more logic behind them with a day or so to marinate?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Passive Anthony Davis can't happen again.

SEGMENT 2: The flawed logic of sitting D'Angelo Russell so much of the fourth quarter.

SEGMENT 3: The Lakers need a lot more from Spencer Dinwiddie.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Nissan
Our friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.

eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

PrizePicks
Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
Get buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)