The Lakers bounced back in a big way Monday night, beating Denver at Staples Center 93-89. The game wasn't pretty for L.A., but it was meaningful after a horrible showing Sunday, one filled with injury and disappointment. But despite missing LeBron James (ankle) and Dennis Schröder (health and safety protocols) the Lakers responded with one of their best games of the season.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis looked much, much more like the presumptive MVP candidate people thought he'd be before the season. 25 points and seven rebounds, but more importantly he was extremely active defensively, a big reason why the Nuggets were held under 90 points. Big games as well for Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker.

SEGMENT 2: Monday's other hero? Marc Gasol, who was a +17 in 17 minutes in relief of a foul-laden (and ineffective) Andre Drummond. After the game, he tried to downplay his personal contribution and put attention back on the team, but no question the Lakers as a group look more cohesive when he plays. So if Frank Vogel decides to keep doing it, who loses minutes?

SEGMENT 3: Schröder is going to miss a couple weeks, it seems, and that is suboptimal for the Lakers. Particularly in any moments, whether parts of or even whole games, where LeBron is unavailable. Guys like Caruso and THT have a lot more on their plates at a time when, honestly, you'd prefer they not.

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