The Lakers have a bit of a challenge to start the year. They need to get off to a good start, in part because the second half of the season features some difficult stretches, and they'd really like to avoid having to go full tilt in, say, early February just to make sure they get into the postseason. That wears down the battery of the LeBron James/Anthony Davis duo before the playoffs start, which shrinks the team's ability to advance. So a little wiggle room would be nice, which they can get from a high-end start to the year. On the other hand... James and Davis are coming off the Olympics, and A.D. admitted they might need to ease into things a little. What does that mean? Hard to say, but at the least it implies the team will have to moderate what Davis and James are doing early in the season, whether in training camp, or in the first couple of weeks. What kind of impact will that have? It gets to the tricky nature of this Lakers season, one where every bit of upside needs to be leveraged effectively in order for the team to reach it's maximum potential and have a shot with the most elite teams in the league. So how do the Lakers manage this? Is it really a LeBron/AD question, or something more related to the supporting cast? Rui Hachimura taking another step. Austin Reaves avoiding the slow start that plagued him last year. Dalton Knecht making an impact as a rookie, Max Christie stepping up after signing a new contract, and of course D'Angelo Russell playing like the guy who is hard to trade (because he's playing too well). Meanwhile, how did a flicker of talks between the Lakers and Warriors around LeBron get shut down? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Keeping the stars fresh while getting off to a good start. SEGMENT 2: How much pressure is on the supporting cast? SEGMENT 3: Ending LeBron-to-the-Warriors before it started. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. 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)