LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis Dominate vs. Houston... But Can the Lakers Play Defense?

So on the one hand, the Lakers got huge, mega-star performances from their three mega-stars. They won on Tuesday, running their record to a more tidy 5-3 after a very shaky start (in the win/loss column, at least). Russell Westbrook continues to look much more comfortable playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, seeming to settle into an attacking rhythm and turning the ball over a lot less (four or fewer in four of his last five games). On the other hand... The Lakers surrendered 70 (70!!!) points to the HOUSTON ROCKETS in the first half of Tuesday's win. The same Rockets who entered the game as the league's 28th most efficient offensive team. Or, put another way, the 3rd most inefficient. They were nearly victimized by two late side-out-of-bounds plays that left Houston a half second or so from going to the line with a chance to tie the game. The Rockets suck, and the Lakers only won by two. So there's that. Bottom line, the Lakers continue to drive their fans crazy, benefitting only local cardiologists and other dispensers of heart care. It's going to be a bumpy ride, people. And what will it look like as players get back off the injury list and onto the court? Is Malik Monk feeling some footsteps, whether from Austin Reaves or the impending return of Wayne Ellington and Kendrick Nunn (not to mention Talen Horton-Tucker)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, and the Big Three is dominant. Let's talk about why... SEGMENT 2: LeBron says Westbrook is starting to "fit out," meaning he's playing like Russell Westbrook should play. Not trying to be someone he's not because others think that's what happens for the Lakers to thrive. What was the evidence on Tuesday? Is he turning a corner? SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves is earning playing time, while Malik Monk seems to be bleeding it. Is it possible Monk is pressing because he knows those already-shrinking minutes could disappear once the roster is healthy? Is he attacking the time he's getting the right way? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Shopify Go to Shopify.com/lockedonnba for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features. 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