The Lakers (Almost) Lose Anthony Davis, LeBron James Could Return Next Week, and Play-In Silver Linings

The Lakers had one point guard available for Thursday's game against the Clippers. so losing wasn't exactly a surprise. That they lost Anthony Davis for all but nine minutes? That was scary. Davis spoke with the media and said the back spasms that forced him from the game hopefully won't keep him from playing Friday in a critical game against Portland... but given how this season has gone for the Lakers, how confident can anyone be? AD's presence, though, will almost certainly be required for the Lakers to beat the Blazers, and if they lose L.A. will find themselves in the seventh spot on the Western Conference playoff ladder. That means... play in tournament!! One of many things we talk about on Friday's episode. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What did we learn from Thursday's game? Not much about a potential playoff matchup given how shorthanded the Lakers were, but it was a reminder of how good the Clippers are. And how well they can shoot. That AD spoke to the media after the game was a good sign. That he's planning to play in Portland tells you how important the game is. SEGMENT 2: LeBron, says The Athletic's Shams Charania, could be back by next week's back-to-back starting Tuesday against the Knicks. And if not that game, Wednesday vs. Houston. Needless to say, the Lakers need LeBron to get healthy. They also need him on the floor as fast as possible. Any concern in the end that mileage is finally catching up? Also, should Frank Vogel go back to his early season starting lineup, just to try and regain some continuity? SEGMENT 3: Davis spoke of silver linings should the Lakers find themselves in the mini-tournament. Was he just blowing smoke up our collective posteriors, or did he have a point? We discuss. 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 Headspace You deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to headspace.com/lockedonnba for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices