The Lakers Throttle Boston, 117-96. Best Win of the Year?

Sorry Lakers, we owe you an apology. We were not familiar with your game. Set aside what they're surely noting (at least to some degree) in Celtics spaces after Thursday's TKTKTKTK Lakers win over Boston at the Crypt. Yes, the Celtics played a very draining game Wednesday against the Clippers. Sure, the Celtics were uncharacteristically cold in the first half, and the Lakers uncharacteristically hot, especially from 3-point range. Whatever. What made this game significant for the Lakers wasn't just final score (though it was pretty sweet)—the Lakers showed what they're capable of when the intensity, urgency and attention is on point for all 48 minutes. The Lakers moved with tremendous purpose, particularly on the offensive end in a first half where they they shot 50% from the floor. They got into their offense quickly. They cut hard. They pushed when the opportunity presented itself. And in the second half, when the offense went dry and it looked like the Celtics might make a run, they leaned into their defense to hold the Celtics scoreless for minutes at a time. The individual performances were excellent. LeBron James finished with 20/14/6. Anthony Davis, 24/8/3, with three blocks. Austin Reaves chipped in with 23 points and six assists. Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent were critical in the first half from beyond the arc. Jaxson Hayes provided two critical baskets on consecutive possessions in the third quarter. The win pushed them six games over .500, and into the five seed in the West. And as they head out on the road, where the Lakers have been pretty poor all year, the game showed the template. Not necessarily from an X's and O's standpoint (though some of the strategic choices, like encouraging Boston's offense to run through Kristaps Porzingis in the paint, rather than what the C's normally do beyond the arc), but in all the other stuff. It showed what happens when they do it right, with consistency, for entire games. Now the Lakers need to figure out how to sustain it for more than a game or two, or three. Or a week or two, or three. The Lakers need a couple months of it. But for the time being, things sure feel a lot better than they did after LA squeaked past the Nets. Best win of the year? If you've got other candidates, let us know. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Matt Peralta SEGMENT 1: A rare signature win for the Lakers, and just in time. SEGMENT 2: Was this the template? SEGMENT 3: AD wants another center. 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! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! TALKSPACE Therapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM t o get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.