The Lakers were down a point with just over two minutes remaining Monday in Miami. And they were down a point when time expired. They had five possessions to try and take the lead, but missed four shots and committed an offensive foul. The result was a 108-107 loss to the Heat. And it was a tale of contrasts, because on the one hand, the Lakers played without Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes (while welcoming Taurean Prince back into the lineup). Anthony Davis left in the third quarter with spasms in his hip, and then D'Angelo Russell was ejected in the second half for arguing calls.

So it took a seriously gritty, high-end effort to stay in this one, given how few bodies were available to them down the stretch. On the other, they had a chance to win. Multiple chances, really, and couldn't get a bucket to fall. Add this one to the loss against Sacramento where the Lakers missed a chance to win a game against a good team, on the road.

Individually, these don't hurt that much, especially given the context (shorthanded, on the road, good opponent, etc.) but over time piling up too many games you don't win when you could? That can hurt them in the standings, for sure.

So the Lakers are now 3-4 heading into Wednesday's game against the Rockets in Houston. They're not sure yet if Davis will play (even though AD said with great confidence after the game that he'd be ready to go), or if Hayes and/or Hachimura will be available (because Vanderbilt and Vincent definitely won't). The Rockets throttled the Kings Monday night at home. They're not a patsy right now.

The Lakers will need to play a strong game to avoid going 3-5, heading to Phoenix on Friday.

One thing that would have helped them in a big way Monday? Having Russell on the floor might have allowed someone else to take the final shot instead of Cam Reddish. It would have given Darvin Ham another live body on a night he was lacking in them. And at the very least, it's inexcusable for Russell to get himself chucked from the game in that context.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a frustrating game, though it came with an admirable level of effort.

SEGMENT 2: Is Anthony Davis going to miss games with a hip injury?

SEGMENT 3: D'Angelo Russell screwed up big time on Monday.

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