Well, they won. That's about the only big positive free to take from Thursday's 134-131 OT win over the Wizards at The Crypt. Anthony Davis had 40 points to go with 15 boards and three blocks, LeBron was great in the OT and throughout, really, finishing with 31/4/9, along with a crucial chase down block on Jordan Poole. D'Angelo Russell kicked in with 22. But Washington came into the game (and left it) winless in Feburary, and have now lost 12 straight. Needing an extra bit of hoop time to beat them is nothing to be proud of. And now, things are going to get much harder. The next seven games include teams that are red hot, at the top of the playoff ladder in the Western Conference, or both, with the possible exception of the slumping Sacramento Kings. The Lakers will need to play significantly better over the next two-plus weeks than they did on Thursday, or even through three quarters against the Clippers. They've won nine of 12, which by any standard is excellent, but it'll take good wins over good teams to make people feel better about what the Lakers might do going forward. The opportunity is there, with all but one of these games (@Sacramento) taking place at home, where the Lakers are 21-9 on the year. Friend of the Show Harrison Faigen of SB Nation fame stops by to hang out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Harrison Faigen! SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, but it doesn't feel great. SEGMENT 2: Does anyone feel really confident about their chances right now, despite winning nine of 12? SEGMENT 3: A wide open West. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Stitch FixStyle that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDON Grammarly When it comes to writing, Grammarly is there to support you from start to finish. With one click, you can easily and easily brainstorm, rewrite, and reply with suggestions based on your context and goals. Go to grammarly.com/PODCAST to download for FREE today. Nissan Our friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. 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 LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Get buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet 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)