In the NBA, it's hard to beat the same team in consecutive games. It's very hard to do it on their floor. And it's particularly hard to do it when in both games, the offense struggles to put points on the board. Yet that's what the Lakers have just done, finishing off a sweep of their mini-series in Sacramento, beating the Kings 103-99. Offensively, the Lakers were led by LeBron James, who put up 32 despite a bad night shooting from the perimeter. D'Angelo Russell kicked in with 20 points. Austin Reaves, 16. But this game was won with defense, specifically, and effort more broadly. The Lakers moved with purpose, hit their rotations crisply, made the extra play on the glass (including a huge ORB from Rui Hachimura to help seal the game), and more. And this has been the trend for LA since the incredibly embarrassing loss to the Heat in Miami. Since, the Lakers have been one of the NBA's best teams, winning games despite a bottom five offense. Basically, it's a complete reversal from trends earlier in the year, when the Lakers won with high end offense and a defense that couldn't get stops. So can they find some middle ground? Holding opponents under 100 points on a nightly basis feels unlikely in the modern NBA, so expect at least a little bit of slip. But the principles of what they're doing—including just playing with more effort and commitment on the defensive side—are sustainable. And if they can just become a consistently decent defensive team, everyone around the org (as expressed by LeBron, Anthony Davis and JJ Redick following the game) believes the offense will come around. At 16-12, things are definitely looking better for the Lakers now than they did a week or two ago. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Skylight FramesWe've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA. BILT RewardsStart earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. Rocket RXRight now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com. Terms and Conditions apply.Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple. RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelThe NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins.Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)