Episode Details

The Lakers got off to a good start in Tuesday's opener against the Timberwolves, winning their first season opener since 2016. Tonight, the Phoenix Suns, another team expected (at least in some circles) to make some noise in a crowded Western Conference, visit the Crypt. And while the Suns were victorious in their opener (at the Intuit Dome against the LAC) they had to work awfully hard to get there after cruising to an early lead. 

And many of their vulnerabilities of a year ago - a stagnant offense, an over-reliance on Kevin Durant, a tendency to get pushed around by opponents - were still on display. 

So can the Lakers, who were physical against the Wolves, do the same against Phoenix? Can the keep hitting the glass and forcing TOs? 

It's a Suns team that isn't as good as they hope to be in a couple of months, meaning it's a chance for LA to bank another win early in the year. Games won in October and November can be critical for providing a little bit of leeway for a team that might need it Feburary and March, whether because guys need a night off, injuries are a problem, or the normal variances that plague a team over the course of a season (i.e., sometimes you play really poorly). Certainly new coach JJ Redick has put a major premium on not having to chase wins in the spring, the way the Lakers have had to do in the last couple of seasons. 

Meanwhile, Redick also reminded the media that he is, in fact, not always meant to be taken literally. Seriously, sure. But not always literally. 

Finally, Kawhi Leonard is going to miss weeks, reportedly, with his knee injury. His former trainer is suing the Clippers. It's been a mess for the LAC over the last couple of seasons, and it doesn't look like they're in any position to get much value from the remaining three years and $150 million on Leonard's contract. It started better, no question, but the Lakers in hindsight really have dodged a bullet, because they (like most teams) almost certainly would have given Leonard an extension in the same way the Clippers did. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a great opportunity to go 2-0 tonight vs. Phoenix. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get a new court, and JJ Redick reminds the media he has a sense of humor. 

SEGMENT 3: More evidence the Lakers dodged a bullet with Kawhi Leonard. 

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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