The Lakers are coming off a win where they held Houston to 85 points. Granted, the Rockets are a godawful team, with about six months of collective NBA experience between the players, but that's still a very low score. Is this a sign of the Lakers starting to drill down on Frank Vogel's defensive principles? Without getting ahead of ourselves... perhaps. Russell Westbrook talked after Monday's practice pretty candidly about how he needs to adjust some past habits of gambling and going for steals, and play within a more structured defensive scheme. Westbrook isn't known (rightly) as a particularly good defender, and correcting bad habits isn't simple, especially for superstars used to getting their way, but trying to is the first step. And an important one, since this team isn't blessed with enough plus defenders where guys can get away with doing their own thing. Along these lines, Avery Bradley's minutes have been steadily rising, which wasn't necessarily expected when he signed a late preseason non-guaranteed deal. But perhaps it should have been, because Vogel loves Bradley, and Bradley is a very conscientious, determined defender. It doesn't feel coincidental that he's starting to play more, nor does it feel as certain that his stay with the team will be short. If he's a permanent part of the rotation, particularly once guys like Trevor Ariza, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn return, what will that mean for the divvying of minutes? For that matter, do we imagine him as a permanent part of a small ball starting lineup like Vogel ran out Sunday? Finally, Carmelo Anthony is thriving as a sixth man, but takes exception with a narrative where it's surprising that he'd accept this role. Does he have a point? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT ONE: Are the Lakers turning a defensive corner? SEGMENT TWO: Is Avery Bradley due for more minutes on a regular basis? SEGMENT THREE: Is Melo's reputation for stubbornness merited? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Shopify Go to Shopify.com/lockedonnba for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features. 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. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Locked On Lakers Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers Follow Locked On NBA: linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices