When the Lakers were 3-5 and set to play the Suns, they seemed to be at an inflection point in the season, where another loss could send things in a tough direction. They responded with a healthy string of wins running through the In-Season Tournament championship. Tonight, their record is better (15-12), but with the Western Conference taking form (a very challenging form) the team is at a similar crossroads, starting tonight in Chicago against a sub-.500 Bulls team. Because after this one, the Lakers will visit Minnesota and Oklahoma City, then host Boston on Christmas Day. Save a game or two here and there, the schedule moving forward is relentless, and the Lakers will need to elevate in order to stay above water in the West. The challenge comes at a time where the Lakers are slumping, and are fighting fatigue. Particularly LeBron James. They're also a little banged up, though are set to welcome Gabe Vincent back to the lineup against the Bulls. Vincent, who has missed most of the season, will be on a minutes restriction and fighting rust, but it's an important addition to the rotation at a time where Darvin Ham is working through some questions about who should play and who shouldn't. Speaking of which, is it time to flip-flop D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup? Would the Lakers benefit from a shakeup? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers kick off a tough three-game trip tonight in Chicago. SEGMENT 2: Gabe Vincent returns! SEGMENT 3: Should Darvin Ham return Reaves to the starting lineup for Russell? 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 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 LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! 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