The Lakers, once again, came into Saturday's game in Utah (the hottest team in the NBA) with disruption to the lineup. LeBron James sat with the ankle problem that's been bothering him all year. Rui Hachimura was back... but on a minutes restriction. Once the game started, Cam Reddish once again had to leave early, playing only 11 minutes. Continuity, she has been incredibly hard to find. And it's possible more changes are coming, because D'Angelo Russell's 39 points, on top of solid play over his last few games, might be enough to push him back into the starting lineup. And if Reddish has to miss time, maybe Jared Vanderbilt ends up back with the starters, too? Or maybe Max Christie gets promoted? The point being, the Lakers are 40 games in, two games under .500, off the playoff ladder ... and no real identity around how they're going to win games. As Russell said after, when the defense is good the offense is bad. When the offense is good, the defense is bad. They can't seem to align good stuff at the same time. Or haven't for a while. Saturday, even the triple double of Anthony Davis didn't quite align with what the Lakers needed. Yes, he had 14 rebounds, 11 assists and four blocks, but he also missed 16 of 21 shots, which was more than the Lakers could absorb, especially with James on the sidelines. It's not fair, but it's reality. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Empower yourself when you purchase a Jase Case, providing you with a personal supply of 5 antibiotics that treat 50+ infections. Get yours today at jasemedical.com and use code LOCKEDON to get $20 off your order. 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