On the bright side, Saturday against Denver the Lakers were outscored by 22 in the third quarter. Tuesday in Phoenix, it was only 18. Once again, the Lakers took a tight game at the half and completely lost the thread in the third, en route to a 127-100 loss that did a lot more than simply ding the team's chances of advancing out of their group in the NBA Cup. LA has now lost three straight, with a very challenging game Wednesday against a San Antonio team that has won four straight and seven of 10. Anyone unwilling to buy into the 10-4 start, or insisted on waiting and seeing, might feel vindicated right now. The Lakers are simply losing the thread for long stretches of time. And while some of that might be chalked up to effort or attitude, the fundamental problem is far simpler: The Lakers simply can't get stops. When Denver got rolling the Lakers didn't have the capacity to stop the run. When the Suns got rolling the Lakers didn't have the capacity to stop the run. It was noted on the show earlier this week that the team's standing in the Western Conference was simply not sustainable if the Lakers stayed near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency. They came into the game 27th. Tuesday's result only made things worse. And let's be honest - there just aren't that many levers available to turn the current roster into something better on that side of the floor. And while the Lakers are still a very good offensive team, no team is good enough on that end to overcome such miserable defense. Oh, and Jaxson Hayes limped off the floor late in the fourth. All in all, a terrible Tuesday for sure. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get thumped in the fourth quarter, again. SEGMENT 2: No rest for the weary, as the Lakers play in San Antonio tonight. SEGMENT 3: Is there anything the Lakers can do to fix the defense? 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! BILT RewardsStart earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba.  SKIMSShop 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. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at SSKIMS.com/lockedonnba. RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. Skylight FramesWe've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA. 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. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)