Episode Details

Certain nights throughout a season can be described as "show me" games. One where the context clearly demands a certain level of effort and performance if a team is going to demonstrate the requisite seriousness and focus to consider themselves a legitimate playoff threat, let alone a title contender. 

Tonight's game against the Heat at the Crypt? It's a "show me." 

Miami arrives with a middling record (20-18, 10-11 away from home) and without Jimmy Butler, who continues to serve a team-imposed suspension. So on their home floor, the Lakers ought to win this one. But more importantly, the last 16 minutes of Monday's loss to San Antonio were an embarrassment. Up 10 with four minutes left in the quarter—and up eight with three minutes remaining—the Lakers went on to lose by 24. It's not easy to lose a 16 minute strech by 36 points, but here we are. And this was on a night where the Lakers, at least on the surface, pledged to bring it on behalf of the city. 

That doesn't mean they're going to win, but the capacity to maintain focus should have been there. (And if it had, they win.) 

The wild swings this team makes are just as revealing as anything they do inside games. They've shown flashes of being the type of team that can compete credibly in the playoffs and maybe get through a couple of rounds. They've also made being blown out part of the routine. It happens... a lot. 

Whether the Lakers have enough on the roster to really make a push remains to be seen. At the least, the flaws are there, and they're real. But if they're not going to be the team that overwhelms with talent, they need to be one that does it with precision and heart. 

It's not easy, but it's required. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Monday's loss is still leaving a bad taste. 

SEGMENT 2: No Dorian Finney-Smith (likely) tonight vs. Indiana. 

SEGMENT 3: What can the Lakers fix on D? 

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!

OpenPhone
The #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!
 

Rocket RX
Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.
Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple.

Hungryroot
With 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. 

WayFair
After 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.

Ultimate GM
A special offer for Locked On NBA listeners: Use promo code LOCKEDONCBB (all caps) when you dow