The Lakers Lose the Season Opener to Golden State, In Ways Feeling Unsettlingly Familiar

Last season, the Lakers often lost thanks to defensive breakdowns, turnovers, bad outside shooting, a lack of support from the role guys and horrible third quarters. Wednesday in the season opener against Golden State at Chase, they lost thanks to defensive breakdowns, bad outside shooting, a lack of support from the role guys and a horrible third quarter. It was, to say the least, not a game that left Lakers fans feeling great about where this team can go. To be fair, it was a strange and challenging night. The long delay to tipoff thanks to the ring ceremony had both teams playing in mud early. Golden State is, as the ring ceremony might suggest, really freaking good. They have continuity and depth that might even eclipse last year's group. They're dominant in that building. So no shame in losing... it just didn't feel very good. So what was good? LeBron James, Anthony Davis and even Russell Westbrook put up numbers, and the early effort/results on defense were commendable. Davis carried through the great work he'd done in the preseason, which is a great sign. But the overall result? The Lakers got some decent games from important players, but in terms of looking like a good team? Not there yet. And with a brutal early season schedule to come, it means Thursday's home opener against the Clippers suddenly carries more weight. It's not a matter of "must win," because it's the second game of the season. Calm down. But "must look better?" That might be a thing. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose big in ways that looked kinda familiar. SEGMENT 2: What was good? (There were things.) SEGMENT 3: Russell Westbrook says he his hamstring injury might have been caused at least in part by coming off the bench. Is that unreasonable? 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. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA 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 RocketMoney Cancel unnecessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to RocketMoney.com/LockedOn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices