The Lakers put out quite an effort on the defensive end Saturday, when they beat the Knicks in New York. Tuesday against the Clippers, they did it again, this time without Max Christie, who was with the Mavs making his debut for Dallas. Final score, 122-97. This was a top 3 defense in the league, and the Lakers lit them up, and controlled the game throughout. And obviously this was done without Luka Doncic on the floor. (LA's new star is targeting Saturday vs. Indiana to make his debut in purple and gold.) Everything will change once Doncic is in uniform, and there will without question be adjustments and growing pains. But it's pretty clear—as they wrap up a 5-1 Grammy road trip, tied in the loss column with Denver, and will taking the floor Thursday at the Crypt having won nine of their last 11 games—that the Lakers have found something that has nothing to do with which star or role player is on the roster. Save clunkers against Charlotte and Philadelphia (one win, one embarrassing loss), the Lakers have displayed a level of focus and continuity on the floor, not only playing hard but also executing the same game plan, as a team. The latter certainly hasn't been a given throughout the year. Obviously more could change between now and Thursday's trade deadline, but the circumstances under which the Lakers will now integrate Doncic—or more specifically, how the Lakers will be integrated with Doncic—is promising. First, they've given themselves a little bit of cushion to work with in the West, having moved a few games clear of the play-in tier, but as importantly they seem to have a better understanding of what JJ Redick and the coaching staff are asking of them. They're more confident. There's less guessing. The role players, who have been thriving with LeBron James (26/8/9) setting them up, are about to take the floor with Doncic as well. Austin Reaves (20/6/9) continues growing more comfortable as a distributor. Rui Hachimura (20 points) has taken advantage of more opportunities in the offense. Dalton Knecht (14 points) is back to providing useful minutes off the bench. Shot quality with Luka and LeBron should be off the charts. Better shots and better offense will mitigate some of their vulnerabilities on defense. It's not going to be perfect, or even close, but the notion the Lakers have to drop off significantly following the trade simply isn't supported by what's happening on the floor. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers thump the Clippers. SEGMENT 2: Finding an identity. SEGMENT 3: Quickly adjusting to a new world in El Segundo. 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! PrizePicksDownload the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions,  sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelSuper Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. 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)