The Lakers had an opportunity to give themselves something to be thankful for today, but in the end... no. They lose to the Mavericks at the Crypt, 104-101. After entering the fourth quarter down 20, the Lakers shut down the Mavericks offense almost completely, managing not only to eat up the deficit but actually take a lead with a little more than a minute to play. At that point, though, it wasn't a comeback that fell short, it was a lead that they lost down the stretch. And it was thanks to missed free throws (four of them in the last four-plus minutes), a bad turnover from LeBron (after great play in the rest of the quarter) and a really bad defensive mistake from Austin Reaves, leaving Kyrie Irving just a little too open for three. (Reaves, like LeBron, was to that point a huge reason the Lakers had a chance to win.) So in the end, it was a missed opportunity. One the Lakers could have used to give themselves a little breathing room ahead of a challenging road trip. And more than that, the Lakers just need to start winning games against decent teams when the opportunities are there. And at home, with a lead late? Close that out. And at least on Wednesday, Darvin Ham's focus on the spirit and heart of the squad to fight back in the fourth fell flat. Everyone knows the team doesn't quit on games. How about not falling behind in every first quarter? Or grabbing a rebound? Or a 50/50 ball? Meanwhile, Max Christie started for an injured Cam Reddish. How did he do? And should Ham have called timeout heading into that last full possession for the Lakers? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a very, very frustrating game on Wednesday night. SEGMENT 2: This was a missed opportunity, and the Lakers have to be careful not to let too many of these slip by. SEGMENT 3: Should Ham have used a TO down the stretch? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 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. 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 LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices