LeBron James Starts at Center as the Lakers Snap Their Losing Streak in Houston

Strike up the band! After five straight losses, including a Christmas day loss so infuriating fans and media were relocating Russell Westbrook to Houston, Philadelphia or anywhere else the rumor mill deemed just feasible enough, the Lakers are finally off the schneid! Tuesday saw them beat a scrappy (if hapless) Houston Rockets squad 132-123, in a game that was too competitive for true comfort, but not without some interesting facets. To begin, interim head coach opted for a new starting lineup with Talen Horton-Tucker coming off the bench, Malik Monk and newbie Stanley Johnson at the forward sports, and LEBRON JAMES starting at center. (He also limited the rotation to just eight players, none of whom were true bigs.) The team in turn responded with their best offensive showing in a while. 20+ points from Monk and Carmelo Anthony. Triple-doubles for LeBron and Westbrook. And while Fizdale emphasized how this was not necessarily a permanent look moving forward, it's pretty clear we'll be seeing a lot of small ball in the Lakers' future. And until Anthony Davis returns, it appears a huge chunk of the center minutes will be played by LeBron, who used this game as yet another reminder of his exceptional versatility and basketball I.Q. To make this positional shift just 48 hours before turning 37 years old, nineteen seasons in, is legitimately pretty amazing. Next, it's LeBron's controversial (and very irresponsible) COVID/Spiderman meme, and took a listener email about Fizdale and Frank Vogel. Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A look at the win over Houston. SEGMENT 2: LeBron, your starting 5! SEGMENT 3: LeBron's meme, and a listener email. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices