In theory, it should have been the Clippers who were short on players, having executed a significant trade for James Harden that for the time being, at least, left them with fewer live bodies to put on the floor. But in reality, it was the Lakers. Jarred Vanderbilt was already out. Rui Hachimura is now in the concussion protocol. Gabe Vincent was downgraded to doubtful, then just to out thanks to a back injury. Jalen Hood-Schifino? Already shelved with a bum knee. And as the team was warming up, Taurean Prince's knee flared up.

So it's not necessarily surprising that the Clippers got off to a red hot start, running up a 19-point lead on the purple and gold early in the game, and once again it looked like the Lakers would be boat raced by their cross-building rivals. (And meanwhile, Austin Reaves was so bad in the first half - five turnovers, 1-5 from the floor) that the Lakers might have been better off if he was hurt, too.)

But rather than pack it in, LA kept grinding. They got it down to 13 by the half, and blew the Clippers up in the third. Eventually, they won in OT.

LeBron James was incredible. Anthony Davis was superb. D'Angelo Russell was a huge reason the Lakers were in position to win down the stretch, and eventually did in OT. But Reaves had his first stretch of good minutes of the season in the second half. Christian Wood was a MASSIVE contributor. And surprise starter Cam Reddish came up big as well.

It was a night of stars (the LAC's were amazing as well) and of really good, high intensity basketball. Much more than you normally get in the fifth game of the season.

And this was the first game of the five where Lakers fans could be genuinely stoked by what they saw.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: What a freakin' game that was, and what a statement it made for culture of the Lakers.

SEGMENT 2: LeBron James is a freak of nature, and it's worth remembering just how long he's been at this, at such a high level. But he was just one of four stars who gave the fans their money's worth.

SEGMENT 3: Wood and Reaves and Reddish!

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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 LOCKEDONNBA 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