JJ Redick threw the Lakers socialsphere a curveball in Friday's preseason finale, choosing to start guard Gabe Vincent in the open spot vacated by LeBron James's early season injury. This, when most people expected either Jarred Vanderbilt or Marcus Smart. So why Vincent? You can argue that Vincent may not be the best at any one thing the Lakers feel like they need, but he ticks more boxes overall. Outside shooting? Yes, the way he's been doing it in the preason, at least. Defense? Pretty good, and is very good on concepts and reliability. He's not going to be the reason the system breaks down because he's out of position, or makes the wrong read. He can handle an offense, providing some direction and secondary ballhandling. Are Vando and Smart better individual defenders? Yes. Do both allow the Lakers to play bigger? Yes again. Could Smart have more overall offensive juice and a more diverse skillset? Sure could. But is Smart, who missed much of the preseason with tendinitis in his Achilles tendon, ready to carry the load of a starter? For that matter, do the Lakers trust Smart and Vando, who have both battled significant injuries over the last couple of years, can play starters minutes at the energy they require without breaking down? So is JJ making the right call, here? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Are the Lakers set to start Gabe Vincent? SEGMENT 2: Smart choice from Redick? SEGMENT 3: Pros and cons. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.DoorDash — In your bag all season long. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. 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. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Mint Mobile Ready to say yes to sayingno?Make the switch at https://MintMobile.com/LOCKEDONNBA Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo). Limited-time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details. BILT Turn your rent into rewards and start earning points around your neighborhood by going to https://joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence in the bedroom? Head to https://www.rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNBA for 15% off your first order. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarch.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.comto 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)