Picking the best win of the season for the Lakers is a much simpler exercise than choosing the worst loss, only because there are so few options. So definitionally, Monday's 101-95 win over the Utah Jazz, who sport the league's offense (by a mile) and an upper crust point differential, is a candidate. But while the team and coaches were quick to point out there are no "turning point" games at this point, it doesn't mean the win wasn't significant. Particularly coming off arguably their worst effort - not necessarily worst loss, but effort - against Denver on Saturday night, one that drew Twitter scolds from none other than Magic Johnson. Monday showed what they're capable of delivering from an effort standpoint.

Can they sustain it? Even when circumstances push them more than what they saw on MLK Day, when Utah never really was able to go on a big run? (In part because of good, energetic defense, in part because of bad shooting.) Can they continue to recalibrate just how hard they'll have to play to get wins in ordinary January games?

What might help? A little joy, something Russell Westbrook delivered not just with his thunderous dunk over Rudy Gobert in the second quarter, but with a lighthearted moment where he picked up a mop and helped clean a courtside spill. It was funny. It made people laugh. It was a good time, and a reminder the Lakers do need to find some joy in what they do, despite the results and the pressure. Because teams having fun also play better.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is making some progress, and could be back soon. Big deal for the Lakers, not just because they need to win games (which he obviously will help do) but because they need an idea of what they are before the deadline.

Finally, Stanley Johnson was awesome in the fourth quarter against the Jazz. Don't expect him to become an offensive force, but his postgame commentary revealed a lot about the journey he finds himself on, and what that journey says about the challenge of sticking in the NBA.

There's plenty of glory attached to it, but it's a hard gig to keep.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: On a big win over Utah Monday night. Man, they needed this one.

SEGMENT 2: On joy, and the having of joy while playing basketball. Plus, RUSS DUNKS ON GOBERT!

SEGMENT 3: AD is getting closer, and Stanley Johnson seems to have found a home, for the rest of the season at least.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

BetOnline AG

There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.

PrizePicks

Don’t hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy!

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