Locked On Lakers podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. Hosts Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, who have covered the Purple and Gold since 2005 for media outlets including the LA Times, ESPN and The Athletic, offer traditional journalism, informal commentary, and offbeat humor to provide expert, local analysis. Locked On Lakers takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Lakers locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Lakers podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
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episode 1530: The Lakers lose to Cavaliers. Anthony Davis Scores No Fourth Quarter Points for Third Straight Game
It was fun while it lasted.
The Lakers have fallen back into (even earlier) early season habits around bad shooting and stagnant offense. Both were on display Sunday as the Lakers lost to Cleveland at the Crypt, falling to 2-7 on the year with a Monday game against the surprisingly excellent Utah Jazz (who spanked the Lakers in LA on Friday). Anthony Davis was strong early, but invisible down the stretch, scoring no points in the fourth quarter for the third straight game. He only took two shots in the second half, and while in previous games some of the late game invisibility can be attributed to his recurring back problem, that didn't seem to be an issue Sunday.
So what gives? Is it an AD problem? Something related to the rest of the offense? A problem with a deteriorating defense?
Yes, yes, and yes.
This was not a Dear Diary night for the supporting cast, either. Russell Westbrook was fantastic (particularly early), scoring 12 first quarter points and finishing with 19. He also singlehandedly outscored the rest of the bench, which isn't good. Lonnie Walker IV had an off night, and Kendrick Nunn, starting for an ill Pat Beverley, scored no points. None. Zero.
After, Darvin Ham said those guys need to be better. And he's right! But is that, in broad terms, a fair expectation? Have the Lakers built the type of roster where supporting players should be expected to contribute at the level the Lakers will need in order to make any noise this season? (Any good noise, at least?)
Much to unpack as the Danger! lights are flashing bright.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose and the offense falters again.
SEGMENT 2: Why isn't AD performing late in games?
SEGMENT 3: Darvin lays down a marker for the supporting cast. Is it fair, though?
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