At this time of year, you'll often hear players talk about how they don't pay attention to what's happening around them in the standings. We just focus on ourselves. We keep it tight, inside the building. We're controlling what we control.
The Lakers aren't playing that game. Following Monday's win against Houston, everyone in the locker room asked about the Western Conference standings made it very clear that they know what's going on. They pay attention. They follow closely. Why? Because it's really important! The Western Conference is insanely competitive. And so for the Lakers, priority number one is avoiding the play-in. While every team in the league benefits from having time off while lesser teams have to fight to get into the main draw, when a third of your Big Three is 40 years old with 22 years of NBA play on the odometer (LeBron), the next guy has been trying hard to recover from an injury that cost him a huge chunk of the season (Luka) and the third gets hit in the face at least six times a game (Austin Reaves) a little R&R can make a big difference.
The good news for LA? Where sometimes there's a temptation to start playing games and try to manipulate the seeding in order to draw a certain opponent, this year there's none of that. First, the conference is too tightly packed to try and thread that needle. There's some real FAFO potential, with that sort of nonsense. But more importantly, there isn't a matchup (i.e. Denver of the last couple seasons) it seems obvious the Lakers NEED to avoid. Every matchup will be tough, but the Nuggets don't have the same mystique anymore. Houston? Memphis? Golden State? Good teams, all, but none seem like they can't be overcome. (The Clippers feel scary, if everyone is playing.)
Instead, the goal ought to be to win as many games as possible, to get the tangible rewards of a) potentially earning more home games in the postseason, and b) avoiding Oklahoma City as long as possible.
Think of it this way: The Lakers are 17 games over .500. That's really good. They're also 17 games behind OKC. Don't overthink this. If there's a team to avoid as long as possible, it's the Thunder. Land a 2 or a 3 seed, and they're someone else's problem until the Conference Finals.
Every little luxury could make a big difference this year.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers know what's happening in the standings.
SEGMENT 2: What should they be doing?
SEGMENT 3: The most dangerous matchup.
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.
5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized.
WayFairAfter 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.
PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.
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)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLakers?sid=YouTube
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA
Subscribe to the Locked On Lakers Podcast
📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers
📲 Follow the Kamenetzkys: https://twitter.com/KamBrothers
#Lakers #LosAngelesLakers #LebronJames #AnthonyDavis #NBA