The Lakers entered this game against the Nuggets in Denver under horrible circumstances. Second end of a back-to-back... in Denver, one of the hardest cities to play in with that altitude (to say nothing of their talented team led by potential MVP Nikola Jokic)... and without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III. Like... whoa! Those are the ingredients for not just an uphill climb, but also perhaps a collective attitude that could have easily resulted in the team deciding before the game even started that this wasn't worth the sweat. At the very least, packing it in at the first signs of adversity. Instead, the Lakers fought hard from start to finish, took the fight to Denver, and came within screaming distance of pulling off a massive upset. The 131-126 loss stings, in terms of the standings and practical ramifications. But it also provided a lot to be proud of, plus some positives to build on. Austin Reaves, with 37/8/13/4 steals and just four turnovers despite handling the ball non-stop, was nothing short of spectacular. It's also Reaves' second consectutive strong game after a slow start upon returning from a calf injury, and he finally looks like himself again. Rookie Dalton Knecht put up 32 points and is rounding back into the early season form that had Lakers fans excited. Shake Milton (one catastrophic inbound turnover notwithstanding) provided a great spark off the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt was within screaming distance of a triple-double. Jordan Goodwin was impactful on both ends of the floor. The result was disappointing, and there are no moral victories in professional sports, but if the Lakers continue this level of effort, determination and focus, they can beat the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, even if shorthanded. Along with their next two games against lesser opponents. Not saying it'll be easy, but tonight showed it's doable. That's a positive to build on. 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! Turbo Tax Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees. WayFair After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. OpenPhone The #1 business phone system designed to help you keep your work and personal life separate. Right now, OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months when you go to OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA. and if you have existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge! Door Dash They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off) Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)