Tonight's game at the Crypt (an unusual 5:30 start) is the 42nd for the Lakers this year, meaning they're at the halfway point of the schedule. And at 20-21 heading in, it's fair to say this year hasn't gone the way anyone wanted or expected. It's been a disappointment on multiple levels. So halfway through, it's time to hand out some evaluations of the 2023-24 LA Lakers. It starts with the biggest surprise. The answer might seem unexpected, until you really stop to think about it. How about the Biggest Disappointment? Unfortunately, there are probably a more players you could choose from here than any Lakers fan would prefer. So which player "wins?" For many fans, grading Darvin Ham's performance to this point in the season is a simple exercise. What is the lowest letter a person can have? Give him that. But is it fair? Fans often find fault with Ham's work - rightly in many cases - but are they also blaming him for stuff that's not his fault? He gets his report card. Finally, the Lakers are central once again to just about every trade rumor around a sought after player the league will produce. So which player ought they pursue? Is it Murray? Finney-Smith? DeMar DeRozan? There are some important characteristics for a successful trade that the Lakers ought to consider. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: At 20-21 the Lakers have been a disappointment. But who has been the biggest surprise? SEGMENT 2: How about the biggest disappointment? SEGMENT 3: What player, literally and figuratively, should the Lakers be chasing ahead of the deadline? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Empower yourself when you purchase a Jase Case, providing you with a personal supply of 5 antibiotics that treat 50+ infections. Get yours today at jasemedical.com and use code LOCKEDON to get $20 off your order. 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 Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED when you place a FIVE DOLLAR BET. 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