The Lakers face a critical game tonight against the Clippers, and it comes at a time when the vibes again have turned ominous and the team needs to change the conversation almost as much as it needs wins for practical reasons. The schedule over the next few weeks (and through the end of the year, really) is brutal. Teams are starting to elevate their play, and based on what we've seen so far since the ASB, the Lakers aren't prepared to keep up. But as we've learned throughout the year, sometimes a team is just 48 minutes away from changing the mood considerably. The Lakers will get a crack at a Clippers team playing without Paul George, and that quietly is suffering through a down patch of their own. The Lakers should have Anthony Davis (though he skipped practice Tuesday with an upper respiratory issue, he's probable for tonight) and Cam Reddish, who adds size to the wing against a team where that sort of thing is very, very useful. Can Davis avoid the early foul trouble that's plagued him of late? Can the Lakers keep Ivica Zubac off the glass? These are key questions. As is the one about the lack of production of late from the supporting cast. The Lakers need more. Much more, from some (think Spencer Dinwiddie). Overall, a disappointing group needs to find its stride quickly. This, likely is the team the Lakers will have going forward, aside from the hopeful return of Christian Wood over the next week or two. Finally, Bronny James was dropped from ESPN's Mock Draft for this summer. No surprise, given the context, but still noteworthy and something that prompted a response from his pop. What to make of it? And what does any of this have to do with LeBron's future in LA, which according to reports James might want to extend longer than folks expected? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a huge game against the Clippers. SEGMENT 2: Can the supporting cast step up? Can the Lakers clean up the glass? SEGMENT 3: Bronny and Bron, and Bron's future in LA. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Stitch Fix Style 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)