It wasn't pretty, it wasn't inspiring, but the Lakers beat a Phoenix team sitting basically everyone important on Friday night 121-107 and in the process did some important things. For example... Clinched no worse than an 8-seed in the West, meaning they'll have a chance to win one game to get in the main draw. Ensured that they'll finish with no worse than the 7-seed with a win vs. Utah at home on Sunday. Kept alive the ability to move up, with a win and either two Clippers losses on Saturday and Sunday, or a Warriors loss in Portland Sunday. Became the first team in two decades to start 2-10 and finish with a winning record. This is all important stuff. Also important: Malik Beasley had a great game, badly needed both for the Lakers tonight and for his own mental well-being. A hot-shooting Beasley could be a big difference maker in the postseason for a Lakers team that still doesn't scare people from the perimeter. Austin Reaves was great. Rui Hachimura pitched in. On a night where LeBron and Anthony Davis were quiet offensively (30 points combined) that output was good to see. But LeBron, who is clearly tired (he said as much after the game) wasn't good on Friday, following a terrible first half on Wednesday. No panic yet, but if he looks bad again on Sunday, the butterflies will be flapping in many a Lakers fan's stomach. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ebay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. 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