LeBron James Exits Covid Protocols! Frank Vogel Takes Control! Plus, Previewing Lakers vs. Clippers...

Well, we learned what LeBron James found fishy! It was Tuesday's positive COVID-19 test, which entered him into the NBA's health and safety protocols and forced him to miss that night's game against the Kings. Considering Anthony Davis said LeBron told him he felt asymptomatic, it makes sense that The King thought his results might be a little wonky. And Thursday, the league announced LeBron had returned two negative PCR tests, and it cleared him to play. Obviously, great news for a Lakers squad trying to build momentum, and also find their best floor combinations and rotations. (Speaking of which, Frank Vogel after during Thursday's practice - before the announcement about LeBron - that Dwight Howard, on the heels of a strong performance Tuesday against the Kings, would start tonight's game against the Clippers. Whether that changes with LeBron available remains to be seen, but either way, it would appear that Howard has reentered a rotation Vogel has stated will only feature one true center who isn't A.D.. Sabreena Merchant (SB Nation) joins, talking Vogel. Thursday after practice, he was still talking up Tuesday's game, which was manufactured in part by some in-game decisions. Plus, he seems aware he's potentially coaching for his job, and while selling himself and his work is part of that, so too is the idea of making adjustments. He can't adhere to his full basketball worldview (defense-first, as much size around the rim as possible) as a matter of principle. Vogel isn't one to get pushed around, and he's also not stupid. He needs to find what works best with this roster, which means picking selective spots to stand his ground. And finally, what to make of the Clippers, whose own struggles have been overshadowed by the Lakers' higher profile ones. Sabreena, who covers the team closely, explains what's happening with Paul George and company. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT ONE: LeBron's return, and what it means for the Lakers broadly and Howard specifically. SEGMENT TWO: The Kamenetzkys discuss Vogel's vibe with Sabreena Merchant. SEGMENT THREE: The Kamenetzkys discuss the Clippers with Sabreena Merchant. 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. PrizePicks Don’t hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! TrueBill Don’t fall for subscription scams. Start cancelling today at Truebill.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Shopify Go to SHOPIFY.com/lockedonnba for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices