Is LeBron James Almost Healthy Again? Plus, a Big Road Trip and Connecting Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan and Talen Horton-Tucker

The Lakers could use some good news, and per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, that's on the horizon. LeBron James may be returning the court as soon as Friday in Boston against the Celtics. To put it mildly, his seven game absence (eight counting Wednesday in Milwaukee) has put a strain on the team. It's set the stage for a difficult five-game roadie, and also made it hard to even evaluate how good or bad the Lakers really are. 15 games in, it's not a cop out to say you're not sure what this roster can accomplish, because it hasn't yet been seen fully intact. But was it constructed correctly to begin with? DeMar DeRozan's recently (re)expressed desire to have become a Laker this offseason got people talking. A summertime trade with San Antonio would have been complicated to make, but what does it say about the Lakers front office that they so emphatically chose Russell Westbrook over DeRozan? Are they too drawn to superstar names, when a mere All-Star talent might have been more sensible? And was a trade for Westbrook necessary, anyway? To wit, a fascinating Locked On Lakers YouTube channel comment from THEFFF198: "THT potentially making the leap makes the Russ trade look even worse, lmao." Does THEFFF have a point? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Segment 1: LeBron's coming back soon. How quickly can he get the Lakers back on track? Segment 2: The DeMar DeRozan deal that wasn't, and what it reflects with the Laker front office vision. Segment 3: Would THT have been enough to avoid trading for Russ? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices