For the past two games, D'Angelo Russell has left Crypto.com Arena without speaking to the media. Sunday against the Clippers, it was after playing pretty well over 31 minutes, and then on Tuesday after another solid showing, but this time in only 17. So what gives? Is Russell expressing displeasure at a role that has fluctuated pretty significantly since he was removed from the starting lineup? Is he trying to avoid conversations about the trade deadline, where his name is, and will remain, a perpetual part of things? Is it a matter of not being able to say something nice, so he would rather avoid saying anything at all? Especially something that would end up creating real controversy or headlines? (Or more importantly, headaches for teammates who would then have to answer questions about him ... something skipping postgame media doesn't do.) And in the end, if it doesn't make his teammates' life harder or impact his performance when he does play, does any of this really matter? But it's worth asking whether the Lakers would be better off finding more minutes for Russell. Flawed as he is, Russell is one of the team's five best players (easily). Finally, Thursday's game against the Suns is another example of a game the Lakers need to win against a team that is vulnerable, but probably better than the record suggests, at least when the big three of Durant, Booker and Beal can play. And Saturday's game against Utah? The one that looked like a cupcake matchup a couple weeks back? Not anymore. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell isn't speaking to the media. SEGMENT 2: Does it really matter? SEGMENT 3: The Lakers need to keep winning to get themselves into the top 6, because the conference is starting to spread out. 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. 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