Heading into Oklahoma City, Anthony Davis called this game against the Thunder "must-win," which may have raised eyebrows for a December contest, but considering they had lost five of the previous six, and had already pulled themselves out of a sub .500 state earlier this season, the urgency was in fact warranted. So much so, in fact, that Darvin Ham opted to change the starting lineup again. Defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt joined the first five, while D'Angelo Russell moved to the bench.

The result? An extension of the Lakers at their best, with more physicality and defensive intensity to set a tone for opening halves. Davis made good on his call to arms, putting up 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks. And LeBron James was phenomenal, with 40 points (15 in the fourth quarter to hold off a surging OKC), plus seven rebounds and seven assists. In the meantime, Russell responded well to the move, scoring an efficient 15 points, and forming quite the offensive punch with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

Is this new look the cure to the Lakers' ails moving forward? It's too early to tell, although the Christmas day game against the Celtics will definitely offer more clues. But for now, the Lakers can head back to L.A. feeling good, and enjoy the holiday before getting back to work shortly afterward.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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