The Lakers got off to a rare great start in the first quarter of their 107-95 win over the Trail Blazers in Portland Friday. Nice to see, but it opened the door for a different trend that was a problem for LA—letting leads get away. For most of the game, LA would push the lead out, but rather than putting Portland away, they'd let them back in. This until the fourth quarter, when they were able to build a double-digit lead and keep it there. So there's that. On the positive side, LeBron James just keeps doing amazing, unprecedented things. 35 points, five boards, nine assists on 13-22 from the floor, including five triples. Anthony Davis was much better (especially defensively) Friday after a bad effort on Wednesday against the Kings, swatting five shots and controlling the glass (14 rebounds) Christian Wood had been a little quiet of late, but was loud (10/10). D'Angelo Russell stayed hot from beyond the arc (4-7). But while the win might have been uninspiring, it was extremely important, as the Lakers needed to take advantage of a game against a weak opponent, heading into a tough game on Sunday (vs. Houston) and a road trip featuring some quality squads coming fast. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 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. Ibotta Download the Ibotta app now and use code locked to get 100% cash back on your Thanksgiving dinner starting November first! Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked. 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. Jase Medical Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. 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