Lakers fans have faced some indignities through the early part of the 2022-23 season, but perhaps none is bigger than entering Friday's game against Sacramento as an underdog. At home. Again, vs. Sacramento. And while the Kings aren't hot garbage this year, they're still the Kings. One reason the Lakers are dogs? LeBron James will miss the game with, officially, an adductor strain suffered in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. There's a good chance he'll miss Sunday, too. Is that the right play? On the one hand, two more losses and the Lakers would be a staggering 2-11. On the other, after Sunday, the Lakers don't play again until Friday, meaning James could get over a week of rest between games. It's the best chance to give him extended rest without missing a bunch of games, and expect the Lakers to take advantage. Especially if they can win on Friday. And along those lines, Anthony Davis, it's your time to carry a team. Seriously. This is what stars do. Sometimes you just have to steal a game yourself. This is one of those times. An interesting question was asked on the @Kambrothers Twitter feed, wondering if in the end people will look back on the Davis trade as worth it. Yes, the Lakers won a title, but there has been, and likely will be, a lot of dark seasons around that championship. The "Bubble Title" knock is BS, but there is something a little different about it, that season, and the context around it, especially compared to other title runs the franchise has experienced. Finally, LeBron weighs in on the Kyrie Irving Controversy, and (not surprisingly) sticks up for his former teammate. Does he have a point? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron is out Friday, and the Lakers are home dogs vs. Sacramento. That's a lot of sadness and the game hasn't even started. SEGMENT 2: Was the Anthony Davis trade worth it? Yes, but it's easy to see how fans would be questioning it. SEGMENT 3: LeBron takes to Kyrie's defense... 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! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA 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 SweatBlock If you or someone you love is experiencing embarrassing sweat or odor try SweatBlock. Save20% with promo code Locked On at sweatblock.com. Also available on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices