LeBron Out at Least Two Weeks, Lakers Lose in Memphis, but Offer Reasons For Optimism

The Lakers got a little more clarity on LeBron James Tuesday, learning that the injury to his right foot will be re-evaluated in two weeks. So more than likely, it means James misses at least 10 games, which would basically mean half of what the Lakers have left to play. And that's the optimistic outcome. So it's going to be life without LeBron for a little while, and the Lakers got their first taste of it in Memphis, losing 121-109 in a game that was actually closer than the final score would indicate. The Lakers, who played VERY hard throughout, were within four deep into the fourth quarter, and save a very loose third quarter defensively held up well against one of the best teams in the Western Conference. The big problem, though, was of their own doing. The Lakers set a season high for turnovers, not only helping provide the Grizzlies with easy points, but robbing themselves of 26 potential field goal attempts. And that was the difference on a night where the Grizzlies were awful from downtown and not exactly dominant from inside the arc, either. After, Darvin Ham and Anthony Davis both emphasized that the Lakers could continue to find success playing with the energy and effort of Tuesday, and just making fewer mistakes. Now, easier said than done, no question. LeBron being out means more players have step further outside their comfort zones, because the great enabler that is James isn't there to set everyone up and make the trains run on time. But when D'Angelo Russell comes back -- hopefully by Friday? -- that'll add a facilitator back into the lineup, and if nothing else a few games more of this will help players get more used to what needs to be done. It's not going to be easy, and the dreams of a top 6 finish are probably done. But nothing that happened on Tuesday should convince anyone that the Lakers are essentially done for the season. A win Wednesday against an OKC squad without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would go a long way to boosting confidence. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron to be re-evaluated in two weeks. Can the Lakers hang on that long? SEGMENT 2: There were things to like in Tuesday's game for sure. Starting with Anthony Davis, who was as good as the Lakers will need him to be. SEGMENT 3: More good stuff, and reasons for optimism. 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 “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices