The Lakers kick off a critical back-to-back Friday in San Antonio, and presumably LeBron James will be on the floor, hopefully for both ends. In his absence, the Lakers have found a little rhythm offensively (albeit against weaker competition) and Anthony Davis has gone bananas, in terms of his overall production. So the question for the team becomes figuring out ways to keep Davis in the space he's in with James back on the floor. Because the overall numbers for LeBron this year, offensively speaking, aren't great. His rating isn't high, relative to teammates. The team has performed better in his absence, with a lot more efficiency.

Is that all on James? No, but his personal numbers speak to that type of inefficiency, as well. And overall, the all just seems to have been a lot less sticky over the last week-plus. Players are moving more, and are being rewarded for it.

In a perfect world, a dominant Davis will help make space for LeBron, lighten his load, and make his decisions easier on offense. That hasn't been the world the two of them have shared to this point this season. Two games against the Spurs provide a chance to make it a reality.

Meanwhile, Patrick Beverley was suspended for three games after trucking Phoenix center DeAndre Ayton in the back during the second half of Tuesday's loss to the Suns. Seemed excessive to some, but the NBA pointed out this isn't the first time Beverley has done this sort of thing. Heck, it's not even the first time he's done it to a member of the Suns.

So what do the Lakers lose when Pat Bev isn't available?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Pat Bev is gone for three games. Is this just part of the Beverley Experience?

SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers better or worse without him? And what about LeBron's return?

SEGMENT 3: What has been LeBron's impact on the offense this season? And how can it improve, with Davis now dominating?

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