When those who defend the Lakers talk about how the distance between them and the best teams in the league isn't necessarily that big, Monday's Game 5 loss to the Nuggets, eliminating the Lakers from the postseason, is what they're talking about. 

Jamal Murray, once again, was the catalyst. He scores Denver's final five points, and they beat LA 108-106. 

This was a fantastic game, with huge punches thrown by both teams, and massive emotional swings. Both teams were banged up. There were significant injuries during the game, to Anthony Davis first and foremost (a shoulder that functionally removed him from LA's offense for the last 18 minutes or so), but also Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and for a moment, at least, LeBron. The Lakers lost this game on the margins in many ways - untimely offensive rebounds given up, open shots that needed to go down - and spots that aren't exactly marginal, like nine missed free throws. 

The Lakers went down swinging, but they went down. Really, the issue wasn't that they lost this game, but that they lost Game 2. Or the opportunity to win Game 1, or Game 3. 

So now the Lakers have a ton of questions to ask. About Darvin Ham, most importantly. But about the roster, as well. What happens if/when LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell opt out? Do the Lakers package guys in a trade for another star? Which one? Can the Lakers make significant improvements to the supporting cast? Do they run it back and try to continue developing the continuity that has served a team like Denver so well? 

Is Rob Pelinka the right guy to be orchestrating all of this? 

It's going to be a VERY interesting offseason... 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a heartbreaker. 

SEGMENT 2: Who gets blamed for Game 5? A lot of fingers are pointing to Ham, as usual. 

SEGMENT 3: What to make of the series.  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Play.

NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.

eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!

GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! 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)