The Lakers had one point guard available for Thursday's game against the Clippers. so losing wasn't exactly a surprise. That they lost Anthony Davis for all but nine minutes? That was scary. Davis spoke with the media and said the back spasms that forced him from the game hopefully won't keep him from playing Friday in a critical game against Portland... but given how this season has gone for the Lakers, how confident can anyone be?

AD's presence, though, will almost certainly be required for the Lakers to beat the Blazers, and if they lose L.A. will find themselves in the seventh spot on the Western Conference playoff ladder. That means... play in tournament!! One of many things we talk about on Friday's episode.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: What did we learn from Thursday's game? Not much about a potential playoff matchup given how shorthanded the Lakers were, but it was a reminder of how good the Clippers are. And how well they can shoot. That AD spoke to the media after the game was a good sign. That he's planning to play in Portland tells you how important the game is.

SEGMENT 2: LeBron, says The Athletic's Shams Charania, could be back by next week's back-to-back starting Tuesday against the Knicks. And if not that game, Wednesday vs. Houston. Needless to say, the Lakers need LeBron to get healthy. They also need him on the floor as fast as possible. Any concern in the end that mileage is finally catching up? Also, should Frank Vogel go back to his early season starting lineup, just to try and regain some continuity?

SEGMENT 3: Davis spoke of silver linings should the Lakers find themselves in the mini-tournament. Was he just blowing smoke up our collective posteriors, or did he have a point? We discuss.

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