The Lakers kicked off a six-game road trip against the Warriors in epic fashion, outlasting Steph Curry and the fellas 145-144, in a contest that could have been incredibly deflating rather than exhilarating. After all, they got housed to begin the third quarter, which turned everything into a dogfight, and there were failed opportunities to close out the fourth quarter and the first bonus period. And beyond the practical implications of a loss for this scuffling team, it would have been terrible see a 36 point, 20 rebound, 12 assist night from LeBron James fall to the wayside. Or the guts Anthony Davis displayed while playing through hip spasms feel like wasted effort. Or D'Angelo Russell not be properly rewarded for his tough mindset, shaking off a brutal first half to come up huge in the fourth quarter and the OT's. Or the excitement that Lakers fans felt at finally seeing extended run for the D'Lo/Austin Reaves/Jarred Vanderbilt/LeBron/AD, much less successfully.

Yeah, it would have sucked to see all of those storylines feel secondary to blown closeout chances, Steph Curry's 46 points, and falling below .500 yet again.

Thankfully, not the case.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Grammarly

When it comes to writing, Grammarly is there to support you from start to finish. With one click, you can easily and easily brainstorm, rewrite, and reply with suggestions based on your context and goals. Go to grammarly.com/PODCAST to download for FREE today.

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.

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.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

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.

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

Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED when you place a FIVE DOLLAR BET. 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

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