Thursday at the Crypt against Golden State, the Lakers picked up right where they'd left off, replicating the fantastic effort and execution used to beat the Knicks and the Clippers over the last week. In the first half, the Lakers went up by as much as 26, and went into the break up 20. Things weren't as smooth in the second half, as the Lakers let Golden State get back in the game. They never gave up the lead, but were forced to play through the tape in a 120-112 win. The Lakers are on the cusp of some seismic changes. Luka Doncic and Mark Williams are set to take the floor soon. Doncic becomes the new best player on the team, and the long-term future of the squad. But in the meantime, it's important not to forget about LeBron James. The old man was on fire Thursday, pulling the Lakers through to a win with 42 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists. He was, by a significant margin, the best player on the floor for either team. He provided support for Austin Reaves, who scored 23 points thanks to 15-16 from the line, but struggled with his shot (4-17) and turnovers (4). On a night where it looked like the Lakers might need another member of the supporting cast, whether Rui Hachimura (11 points) or Dorian Finney-Smith (7 points), to step up with a big night, LeBron made that unnecessary. In the process, the Lakers won their 10th game in 12 tries, moved to 11 games over .500 (with two games against the Jazz before the All-Star break) and put a little more daylight between themselves and the group of teams stuck in the play-in bracket. The beauty of LeBron's big night, other than the fun of watching James perform at that level (and yes, made cooler by the fact he's 40 years old in year 22) is that this sort of performance should be far less necessary going forward, once Doncic is available. Not just in in terms of scoring, but the work of orchestrating an offense and controlling a game. He'll still be able to do it, and at times certainly will. But with Doncic as the headliner, that burden shifts considerably and the fact that James—averaging 25.6/7.8/9.9 over his last 10 games—still has that level of production easily accessible is what will make the Lakers a very dangerous playoff team. Moreover, it seems pretty clear that while LeBron said the right stuff before, he now sees far more potential for this team than he did a month ago. That's not a knock on Davis, but a reflection of how the team has trended over the last few weeks, and now the potential of the re-shaped roster. That sense of purpose is critical for most athletes (the Lakers are likely counting on it with Williams), but for a guy in year 22? It's even more essential. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: LeBron blows up vs. Golden StateSEGMENT 2: Has LeBron found the joy again? SEGMENT 3: Scouting Mark Williams, and setting expectations. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelSuper Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. 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)
