The Lakers are not in a great spot. Not in the standings (10th in West), not in the training room (D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent are all banged up, and even the guys who are playing aren't healthy). But is it time to hit the panic button?

Well, this month, and more specifically, the first 12 games of it, are likely to answer this question. The Lakers need to make up some ground in the West, and more importantly, start developing some consistency, over this long stretch of home games. If they can't, even against good competition, they could find themselves in big trouble. The panic button will be mashed by fans, at the least, and questions about Darvin Ham's job security will start growing.

It won't be pretty, and will once again start injecting a lot of drama into a franchise that has managed to avoid it.

So what's the problem with Ham? Why does the team seem like it doesn't have a true identity? How much is circumstance? How much could the coaching staff fix?

Would giving more minutes to Max Christie, potentially at the expense of Cam Reddish, be a potential step in the right direction? Why or why not, and how would Ham have to utilize Christie to make his minutes consistently positive?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Could drama be returning to the Lakers franchise?

SEGMENT 2: When is it time to hit the panic button?

SEGMENT 3: Christie or Reddish?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Hungryroot

Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Just go to Hungryroot.com/LOCKEDON, to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies. 

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.

PrizePicks

Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices