Can the Lakers Take a 2-0 Lead vs. Warriors? Players Like Schröder and Russell Will Need Big Games

In the first round, the Lakers went up 1-0 against Memphis, and had a golden opportunity to win Game 2 with star Grizzlies guard Ja Morant on the sidelines. Instead, they played a horrible, indifferent game and blew a great opportunity. There are many, many reasons to believe LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the Lakers won't make the same mistake again in San Francisco. For starters, there are an AWFUL lot of people watching this series, and vanity can be a powerful motivating tool. But more than that, this series is just a little too special for either team to show that level of indifference. Expect the Lakers to play hard. But can they play this well again? Can they keep the free throw disparity large? Can the Lakers finally have a good shooting game? The Warriors are asking themselves similar Q's, and will undoubtedly come out as if their season depends on a win, because from a practical standpoint it probably does. The Lakers, on the other hand, can get greedy. One guy who can help? D'Angelo Russell, who has been a bit of a bellweather for the Lakers this postseason. When he plays well and scores, the Lakers tend to win. When the shot is way off? Not good for LA. And Dennis Schröder is exactly the type of role player who can have an outsized impact on this series, in part because of his role as a defender. Both Russell and Schroder are making a case for their presence in LA next year, but with Schröder it's a little more complicated. Finally, did Rob Pelinka deserve more Executive of the Year love? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a chance to get greedy in Game 2. Expect a better show than the one they put in vs. Memphis in Game 2. SEGMENT 2: Is D'Angelo Russell the canary in a coal mine for the Lakers? As he goes, so goes the team? SEGMENT 3: Dennis Schröder had a huge Game 1, and the Lakers need more if it going forward. 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. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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