Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Game 4 wasn't much fun to watch, that's for sure, but like the pros do, sometimes you have to go back and review stuff. 

So where did the Lakers go wrong? 

Looking back at the ... action, it was pretty clear first and foremost the Lakers were playing on tired legs. But it's also clear the Rockets have changed up enough things that the Lakers, after six very cold quarters, need to respond. They need to find ways to get LeBron touches in more advantageous positions, without him having to put the ball on the floor to make something happen. Houston's ball pressure is hurting Luke Kennard. Can they create enough action to again make him a weapon, where his gravity (which comes from shot quality) allows him to then get into the teeth of a defense? How about shot selection, generally? Are the Lakers taking shots when they're available? Forcing too much? 

Kinda yes to both? 

Given the state of things, it seems pretty clear that the Lakers are going to pour everything they have into Game 5 in an effort to put this series to bed. And they should. Especially until Austin Reaves is for sure back on the floor, because their limitations didn't go away just because they took 3-0 series lead. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: Houston has stepped up defensively. 

 

SEGMENT 2: LeBron needs more (scheme) help. 

 

SEGMENT 3: How Austin helps if he returns in Game 5. 

 

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The Lakers looked tired on Sunday in Game 4, doing everything a step slower than they had been, with responses that were a hair less quick and shotmaking that was more than a hair less successful. All of that was enough to lead to a turnover fueled blowout loss. 

As is often the case in the playoffs, one game can make people feel a lot different about a series. And had Game 4 happened in Game 1, people would have freaked out for sure. But the Lakers are still up 3-1, and need to win one of the next three, two of which will happen in LA. They should also get Austin Reaves back reasonably soon, if not for Wednesday's Game 5. 

In the meantime, the Rockets did a lot of stuff that hurt the Lakers, including: 

Increasing the physicality directed at LeBron James. 

Made it tougher for James to get the ball in advantageous spots. 

Make Luke Kennard play more defense than they had been. 

Increased ball pressure, which elevated LA's turnovers. 

Kept the Lakers out of transition. 

So what can the Lakers do in Game 5 to close things out? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

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DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
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Everyone was wondering what it might look like if Houston finally found the range offensively while the Lakers went cold. 

The answer: a 115-96 Game 4 loss to the Rockets in Houston. 

It was an ugly set of outputs for the Lakers, who were obviously trying (it's the playoffs) but didn't have a lot of juice. The scoring collapsed. The turnovers (24, overall) were frequent. The defense wasn't great. But mostly the Lakers looked really sluggish on O while the Rockets finally hit some shots. The leading scorer for LA was Deandre Ayton with 19, and he was ejected after a questionable Flagrant 2 call. LeBron finished with 10 points on 2-9 shooting, and his nine assists were spoiled by eight turnovers. 

LA got 16 points combined from Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. 

The Lakers played once again without Austin Reaves, who warmed up and decided he wasn't quite ready. Houston, meanwhile, was without Kevin Durant, who in theory could miss another week or two.

So the series moves to Los Angeles for Game 5, a game the Lakers would very, very much like to win and close this thing out. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get thumped in Game 4. 

 

SEGMENT 2: LeBron tired, limited, and had company in being tired and limited. 

 

SEGMENT 3: Any worries?  Do the Lakers close out Wednesday? 

 

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DoorDash
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Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
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How did that happen? People will be trying to figure out exactly what happened for a while, but the bottom line is this: Down six without the ball and under :30 seconds left to play, the Lakers managed to tie the game and then win it in OT. They beat the Houston Rockets in Houston, 112-108 to take a 3-0 lead in the series. 

They'll try to close it out Sunday in Houston. 

LeBron James led the way with 29, including a critical triple to tie the game. Marcus Smart had 21 points to go with 10 assists, five steals and a pair of blocks. Rui Hachimura was red hot out of the gate, and finished with 22. 

It was a stunning collapse by the Rockets, no doubt, but one that was made possible by consistent high-end effort from the Lakers. They didn't quit on the game, and were richly rewarded. 

And it looks like Austin Reaves could be available for Game 4 on Sunday, too. 

Things are, to say the least, looking good. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

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Before the team headed out to Houston for Friday's Game 3, center Deandre Ayton met with the media and talked about his excitement not just at playing defense in this series, but playing incredibly versatile defense, not just against centers but one through five on switches.

Ayton does move well in space, and obviously needs to prove his ability to follow through and do this at a high level, but more than anything, it reflects his investment in doing the right things for the Lakers, and trying to meet the moment and what the team needs from him, especially with Luka and Reaves sidelined. It frustrates some fans (and media like) that Ayton seems to need these sorts of affirmations, and that the team has had to do so much legwork to get him into a mindset like this, and then keep him there.

It would be great if Ayton arrived with the proverbial Mamba Mentality, but that's not how he's wired. But over the course of the year, with some ups and downs, the Lakers have managed to get real buy in from Ayton, and it's translating to performance at the right moment. In a lot of ways, whether reflecting the team culture instilled by JJ Redick and Co., or individual support from guys like Marcus Smart.

So how does that translate into Friday's game?

And what else should folks be looking for as the Lakers try to take an even more commanding lead?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Indeed

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

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