The Lakers are likely to have Rui Hachimura tonight when they face the Rockets in Houston. They might have Anthony Davis, who sat out the second half of Monday's loss to Miami. They might have Jaxson Hayes, who missed the entire game on Monday. They won't have Jared Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, for sure.

So maybe the Lakers will be significantly more whole than they were on Monday... or maybe they won't.

That's been the story of the season so far for the Lakers, who haven't been awful, but haven't been able to get themselves into a groove, either, thanks in part to a very challenging early season schedule, some very poor performances for a few games (looking at you, Austin Reaves... though with less frustration now that things seem to have turned around) and major injury issues that have robbed the Lakers of half of the rotation.

That's the context for tonight's game against a very competent Rockets team, playing .500 ball at 3-3 and featuring a starting lineup (VanVleet, Green, Brooks, Sengun, Smith Jr.) that is well above water as a unit, in terms of net rating. This game, which looked like maybe one of the easy ones in this brutal stretch of games, isn't. The Lakers will need to bring it to avoid a 3-5 start, with the Suns in Phoenix looming on Friday.

This, as much as anything, could be what pushes Davis onto the floor Friday.

One thing that would definitely help the Lakers? LeBron getting the whistles he deserves, particularly in transition. The Lakers have made a point of sending the league clips of James getting hit on his way to the bucket. James has made a point of it as well. So why isn't he getting the calls? And what is the impact on the offense that he doesn't?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a tough game in Houston tonight, and it remains to be seen who is actually going to be able to play.

SEGMENT 2: Dillon Brooks vs. LeBron James.

SEGMENT 3: LeBron James vs. NBA Referees.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Jase Medical

Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.

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