The Lakers were again shorthanded Thursday vs. Dallas (no Davis, Reaves or Beverley) and fell behind by 19 points in the first quarter. Not exactly a great way to start a stretch of critical home games. To their credit, the Lakers fought back, despite Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic doing superstar things. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook pushed hard to the basket, Wenyen Gabriel played arguably his best game as a Laker. Max Christie was a strong presence making only his second career start. Even Kendrick Nunn had a couple of big buckets. But the Lakers missed 31 three-pointers (including Lebron's 0-7), and were only 17-27 from the free throw line. It's hard to win with those numbers. And ultimately, when they couldn't steal the win in regulation, Doncic had more left in the tank then LeBron, and, if you want to include him, Westbrook, too. That's the downside of having your best players deep into their 30s, vs. one of the rising young players in the NBA. And, it should be noted, anytime LeBron plays 47 minutes and the Lakers don't win, it's a little extra painful. So the Lakers again missed a chance to grab a game that could have boosted them in the standings. It's not that they lost a game they obviously should have won - could have for sure, but should is probably a stretch - but a knock on impact of the 2-10 start is that losses like Thursday's are a little extra painful, and a little more costly. Now the Lakers face a tough Philly team Sunday at the Crypt. Meanwhile, the Lakers are working out some centers! DeMarcus Cousins (former Laker!) and oft-injured, then disgraced former Blazers and Heat center Meyers Leonard. Go read up on Leonard for a reminder of what got him in trouble. Is that the reason the Lakers ought to leave him alone? Is there any concern that the Lakers are bringing in so many centers when Davis is, in theory, working his way to a return? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a frustrating game vs. Dallas. SEGMENT 2: The Lakers ultimately ran out of gas in the OT, while Luka had just enough left in the tank. SEGMENT 3: So... why so many centers coming to work out in El Segundo? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA TurboTax Come to TurboTax and don’t do your taxes. Visit TurboTax.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices