The Lakers were at a serious crossroads Sunday night at the Crypt, on a four game losing streak and Darvin Ham squarely in the crosshairs for angry Lakers fans and potentially Lakers management as well. They needed to make a statement, and after a scarily slow start (and with a scary finish) they did, winning 106-103 to quiet the noise... for a night at least. The Lakers welcomed D'Angelo Russell back to the lineup, which provided a boost, giving the Lakers another ballhandler, perimeter presence and shot creator. He took a minute to get going, but after a slow start finished with 13 points and six assists. LeBron James posted a few highlight reel plays en route to 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Davis had 22/10, and Taurean Prince hit three triples. The Lakers bench was strong, with Christian Wood continuing his resurgence, and Max Christie providing strong minutes en route to a team leading +10 plus/minus. But the big thing was the defense, holding the Clippers to under 40% from the floor and playing a very physical style throughout the game. It wasn't fancy, it was rarely pretty, but they got it done. Ham's seat got a little less hot (at least until Tuesday) and hopefully the Lakers can establish a little momentum over the rest of this home-heavy stretch. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a critical win over the Clippers. SEGMENT 2: Getting Russell back makes a big difference. SEGMENT 3: Darvin's seat gets (slightly) cooler. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Empower yourself when you purchase a Jase Case, providing you with a personal supply of 5 antibiotics that treat 50+ infections. Get yours today at jasemedical.com and use code LOCKEDON to get $20 off your order.  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 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