LeBron James Is Back, 2.0, and Why Alex Caruso Deserves Serious Consideration for NBA All-Defense

The Lakers got a nice pick-me-up Sunday, beating the Suns in convincing fashion behind 42 points from Anthony Davis. Monday, they got more good news, as Woj reported LeBron James is feeling good and plans to return Tuesday against the Knicks. And none too soon, because with four games left on the schedule, the Lakers don't have much wiggle room, whether in an effort to catch the Blazers for a six seed, or to develop any sense of continuity... HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron is back! What the Lakers need from him, and how likely they are to get it. What will it do for the other guys to get James back in the lineup? Can he crank it up like Davis seems to have done over the last few games? SEGMENT 2: Frank Vogel pushed Alex Caruso for a spot on the NBA's All-Defense team, and this wasn't just a matter of boosting his own guy, as coaches frequently do. Caruso has a legitimate case. We explain. SEGMENT 3: So Vogel put Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol on the floor together Sunday... for four minutes. Still, four minutes more than they had all year! So is this going to be a regular thing? Vogel says he's trying to figure out how to get his best players as many minutes as possible. So who are his best players? There's not a simple answer to that question. 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. Indeed Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices