The Lakers Beat Minnesota, Experience the Good and Bad of LeBron James at Center

The Lakers aren't in position to go for style points these days. Wins are wins are wins, even if they're imperfect. So it was this weekend, where the Lakers played one of their best games of the season, stomping Portland on New Year's Eve, then came back on Sunday with a deeply flawed but deeply necessary win over a shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves squad. The Wolves, as they've done twice already this year, slaughtered the Lakers on the glass, particularly in offensive rebounding. Combining that with some loose play from the Lakers (Russell Westbrook, most notably), and Minnesota had 17 more field goal attempts than the Lakers over the course of the game. But, the Lakers still won! And that's what matters most right now. After the game, though, Frank Vogel explained why he stuck with the small lineups, leaving Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan on the bench, even while L.A. was being victimized on the boards. His explanation annoyed many Lakers fans, but it shouldn't have. Vogel was right, for reasons explained within. Meanwhile, Westbrook had a rough game, particularly around turnovers. Asked about his play after the game, his response was fascinating. And, not surprisingly, annoying to Lakers fans (who are, it should be noted, easily annoyed right now, especially when it comes to Westbrook). What did it reveal about Westbrook's view of his play? Of his game? Of those who comment on it? Finally, Rajon Rondo is on his way to Cleveland, in a minor trade that opens up a roster spot for the Lakers (one they'll almost surely fill by signing Stanley Johnson for the rest of the year). It's a very sensible deal solving problems for both teams. And it's the first of some important roster choices the Lakers have to make over the course of this week and moving forward. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, going small. It didn't look great all the time, but Vogel stuck with it. As he should have. SEGMENT 2: What the Lakers face with LeBron at center isn't unlike what they faced in the decision about when to play Davis at the five a couple years ago. It's a balance of workload, production, and long term thinking. Plus... let's talk Russ! SEGMENT 3: More Westbrook, and breaking down the Rondo deal. 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