Luka Dončić was 15-26 en route to 39 points. LeBron James was efficient, scoring 29 points on 10-19 from the floor. So 68 points on good percentages from the two stars, a very low turnover number (nine)... and yet the Lakers still lost to the visiting Charlotte Hornets by 18. Final score, 135-117. LaMelo Ball, who had only three points at the half, finished with 30. Brandon Miller, 26. Miles Bridges, 25. It was a total collapse after a strong start. They won the first quarter, and at one point were up by 13 before the wheels came off in a second quarter where they didn't get a bucket for the first two minutes, and then six more minutes without a field goal. Punchless offense played a big role in their defense being put on its heels over and over again. Charlotte won the second quarter 34-16. They put up a 40 spot in the third quarter. And once again, a team got it done against the purple and gold by getting up and down the floor and forcing the Lakers to try and move with them. And has been the trend, the Lakers simply couldn't do it. Once again, the Lakers bench offered virtually nothing, with nine points between Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Kobe Bufkin. These just aren't sustainable numbers. So after a strong game Tuesday against Atlanta, the Lakers finish Thursday with a very bad feeling in their mouths, and have continued to slowly slide down the Western Conference playoff ladder, much closer now to that seven spot nobody wants than they are a top four slot. The Lakers now will play the Blazers on Saturday, at a time where Portland is starting to get very healthy. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers collapse defensively, again. SEGMENT 2: The offense continues to have (the wrong kind of) impact. SEGMENT 3: It doesn't get easier, looking at the calendar. Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. Zocdoc Stop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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)