Without LeBron James, the Lakers Lose to the Clippers, 127-116. Can a Trade Actually Fix the Team?

The Clippers have been as good as any team in the NBA over their last 30 games or so, and had already lost to the Lakers twice this season (which makes 'em mad). So with LeBron James on the sidelines thanks to his lingering ankle issue, beating the Clippers on their home floor Tuesday night was a tall order. They gave it a hearty effort, but ultimately they just couldn't keep up with the Clippers, especially Kawhi Leonard, who posted a triple double (25/11/10). Overall, the Clippers shot 59% from the floor, and six of the nine players who suited up finished in double digits. (One more, Amir Coffey, finished with nine points.) The Lakers worked hard, but just couldn't generate enough stops to pull this one out. It wasn't a bad game, but broadly it points to larger issues around the team. That big January home stretch is down to one more game, Thursday against Chicago. Then they head out on the road, where they haven't been all that good, whether playing good teams or bad. And once again, they're back below .500. There were some bright spots, starting with D'Angelo Russell who finished with 27 points and 10 assists. The five turnovers were a real blemish, but overall his solid play continued. Anthony Davis went for 26/12. But there are no moral victories, and the hill is getting harder for the Lakers to climb as each day passes. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose to the Clippers, despite putting in a game effort. SEGMENT 2: Russell is making Rob Pelinka's job hard. SEGMENT 3: More rotation questions. Too much Cam and Vando together? Too little Vando with the first unit? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Grammarly When 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.  Hungryroot Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Just go to Hungryroot.com/LOCKEDON, to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.  LinkedIn LinkedIn 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 Motors For 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. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED when you place a FIVE DOLLAR BET. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices