LeBron Sits as the Lakers Lose to Denver, and on the Verge of Missing Play-in.

LeBron James couldn't play Sunday against Denver, because his squishy ankle didn't respond well to the pounding it took in Friday's loss to New Orleans. Anthony Davis give it what he had, but his injured foot was clearly limiting him despite posting solid numbers (29/9/8). Russell Westbrook had a nice day, too! The Lakers played hard, but in the end, they lost. And with that, their already tenuous chances of qualifying for the play-in tournament took a massive hit. At this point, with James and Davis severely hobbled and the math most decidedly against them, is it worth sending the stars out, when the risk of more serious injury seems to loom over everything they do? Meanwhile, Frank Vogel was at it again, making decisions around the lineup seemingly designed to trigger Lakers fans. Austin Reaves got another DNP-CD, while Avery Bradley got another start. Was Vogel screwing up yet another game? Or did this one make sense? Does it matter? In a year where every decision amounts to "pick your poison," does it make more sense to focus on which poison is chosen, or the fact that all the options will kill you? Finally, after the game Frank Vogel, Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony all reflected on the "what if?" potential of this team, that definitely never got a chance to get going, from a health standpoint. But in a world where the roster stays reasonably healthy, would this team have reached the heights they expected? It's a question the front office will have to grapple with, and there's some danger in the answer they might land on. And definitely danger in the process that might get them to that answer. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Another day, another loss, and it's basically all over but the funeral. SEGMENT 2: Did Vogel screw up (yet again, some would say) with his rotation choices? SEGMENT 3: So on Earth 2, where this team stays healthy, are the Lakers fighting for the top of the conference? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks 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! 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 BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! 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