The Lakers came into Sunday's game in Utah a weary team, and beyond their normal slate of injuries (Christian Wood, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes) they added D'Angelo Russell (illness), Cam Reddish (also sick) and Austin Reaves (pelvic contusion suffered in his fall Friday vs. OKC). Circumstances, then, transformed the game from, with a little focus and solid play, to get a win and some rest ahead of tonight's game against the Wolves in Minnesota to one perhaps channeling the late Al Davis: Just win, baby. And while it wasn't exactly a work of art, the Lakers got it done. They needed a star performance from Anthony Davis (33 points, 11 rebounds) and a nice bounceback from LeBron James (27 points, 13 dimes, only three turnovers), but they got it done, hanging on to win by a point, 105-104. Without two of their three rotation guards, it's not surprising the offense got stuck in the mud, and the Lakers (said JJ Redick) were basically forced to lean unusually hard into LeBron pick-and-rolls as the game went on. By the fourth quarter, that's about all they were running. And, whether through one more bucket or one more stop, the Lakers couldn't execute at a high enough level to keep it from coming down to a final possession. They were aided by a coaching gaffe from Jazz coach Will Hardy. All true. But this was a game they had to have, facing a back-to-back tonight, their fifth game in seven days. And playing shorthanded, the Lakers were able to get good contributions from Gabe Vincent (10 points, his high with the Lakers) and meaningful minutes from Jalen Hood-Schifino and Armel Traoire. Max Christie continues to quietly round into the form LA was hoping for when they gave him an extension this summer. Doesn't mean they've figured it all out, but given the choice between accentuating the positive or noting the negative following the game, JJ Redick went with the former. And it makes sense. Contextually, this game was tricky. It demanded some perseverance and adaptability. And it was enough. Barely, but enough, nonetheless. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers squeak past Utah, 105-104. SEGMENT 2: Contributions from the stars... SEGMENT 3: ...Contributions from more surprising sources. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)