The Lakers Suffer Critical 123-113 Loss to Suns, Darvin Ham Makes Many Strange Decisions.

Earlier in the season, the Lakers had a habit of falling behind big early thanks to terrible first quarters. As the weeks have gone on, it's become less of an issue. Not Sunday in Phoenix. The purple and gold fell behind by as much as 20 points in the opening quarter, finishing it down 17 after surrendering a putrid 45 points en route to a 123-113 loss. They spent the rest of the game playing uphill, trying to find a way to get ahead of the Suns, who have regularly blown leads of late but nonetheless have been effective at home. The Lakers got within two a couple times in the third, but couldn't keep that momentum in the fourth as Phoenix pulled away. The Lakers suffered a slow start from Anthony Davis (who still finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, with three steals and two blocks)  and mid games from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura and virtually nothing from the bench. Add in some odd choices from Darvin Ham, and the Lakers drop to three games above .500. In the end, it wasted a high efficiency, high end effort from LeBron James (12-19 from the floor, 28 points, 12 assists). So where did they lose, on a day where the 3-point shooting was very good and the FG% overall was strong? Start with the glass, where the Lakers allowed 14 offensive boards. And then free throws. The Lakers shot four of them, to Phoenix's 19.  HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers come out remarkably flat, lose to Phoenix on Sunday.  SEGMENT 2: Weird choices from Darvin Ham  SEGMENT 3: The Bench Is Eroded Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDON GrammarlyWhen it comes to writing, Grammarly is there to support you from start to finish. With one click, you can easily and easily brainstorm, rewrite, and reply with suggestions based on your context and goals. Go to grammarly.com/PODCAST to download for FREE today.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase..FanDuelGet buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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)