The Lakers Have Reinforcements On the Way... Maybe? Plus, LeBron On His Basketball IQ Many things related to the ability of the Lakers to make a run at the end of the year, and potentially into the playoffs, have to do with knowing who might be available to play. To that end, Monday was a fairly instructive day... kinda, sorta. We did learn, though not from the team, that PF/C Christian Wood's knee is going to keep him out weeks longer, possibly through the end of the season. So that's not good. There was conflicting information about Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. While some reports said that both would miss the rest of the year, others noted that Vincent expects to play again and is working his way back. For his part, Darvin Ham spoke about both in a manner that implied the team is expecting both to suit up before the end of the season. Clearly, though, Vanderbilt is further behind than Vincent. And what do the Lakers do with Vincent when he's back? On the one hand, with Spencer Dinwiddie not quite panning out as expected, the Lakers could potentially kick the tires on Vincent, despite having only played five games this year. On the other, they really don't have the luxury of experimentation at this point. Regardless, the absence of Wood leaves them with only one other true big on the roster, and that one (Jaxson Hayes) has his limitations. This does tilt the roster smaller and plays away from theoretical strengths, while shining a light on potential shortcomings (like rebounding). Finally, LeBron James is on a new podcast with JJ Redick, and it's made for basketball nerds. Like, really nerdy. But a fun listen, because it's a great window into one of the things that truly separates LeBron from... well, everyone. The man's hoops IQ is off the charts, and when combined with his drive and physical gifts, you get arguably the greatest player the game has ever seen. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are getting players back... sort of. SEGMENT 2: Figuring out what to do with guys as they return isn't as simple as it sounds. SEGMENT 3: LeBron's brain. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Stitch Fix Style that makes you feel as good as you look—get started today at StitchFix.com/LOCKEDON Nissan Our friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. 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 New customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARSor more 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)