Look, we live in a cynical world, where it's easy to focus on the downside of things. That's especially true when talking Lakers fandom, given the championship expectations that frame every season. But while there is joy in complaining for some, a lot of sports is about finding reasons to believe, even when belief is tough to muster. But while it might be too much to say the Lakers should be considered legitimate title contenders, it's not crazy to believe there are legitimate reasons to be optimistic. A partial list: The Big Three: The Lakers have won 33 games without their three best players sharing the floor for any meaningful amount of time. Having them (presumably) healthy down the stretch not only injects significant levels of talent into the rotation, but also moves supporting players to more appropriate roles and allows JJ Redick more combinations to use. Deandre Ayton. He has been bad for the last month. But he hasn't been bad all year, and the return of Luka and Reaves to full health will help him. Additional floor spacing provided by Luke Kennard will help him. And the potential to have his role offensively re-established will help him, and the Lakers alike. All of this is possible. The Kennard Effect. The Lakers need to make their defense better by making their offense better. Kennard legitimately changes the spacing of the team and the defenses they'll oppose. That he can put the ball on the floor a little will turn some knobs in how effective the team can be, and it's also worth noting that Kennard hasn't had a chance to play with Luka. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto 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)