In keeping with the theme of the Lakers' preseason so far, the Lakers remain winless, this time 119-115 against the Phoenix Suns, but it was another game where the players who mattered... and played... provided fans with increasing optimism about what may lie ahead when the real contests begin. Anthony Davis was a last minute scratch with lower back tightness, but LeBron James had a dominant first half of 23 points (8-11 FG) and great activity on both sides of the ball. Kendrick Nunn pitched in 21 points off the bench in just 19 minutes, and Austin Reaves was quite the stat-stuffer, leading the team with nine assists to go along with six points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Even Russell Westbrook, whose 12 points were the result of diminishing efficiency, had a strong first quarter.

But of course, AD sitting out with any injury, even one framed as minor, will make fans squeamish. Does this feel like deja vu all over again?

And finally, the Warriors made headlines on Wednesday after a serious practice altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole. Between this incident, along with the messes in Brooklyn, Phoenix, Boston, and perhaps even some teams we're missing, are the Lakers, with their low-key Media Day and good vibes to kick off training camp, appearing like a, dare to say it... normal team?

Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with special guest Harrison Faigen in for Brian.

SEGMENT ONE: Reaction to the loss, and Reaves' great all-around showing.

SEGMENT TWO: LeBron still amazes 20 seasons in... but AD hurt again?

SEGMENT THREE: Are the Lakers now drama-free?

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