Lakers Lose 109-80 to Timberwolves as LeBron's Shooting Slump Continues.

It was always going to be a tough slog for the Lakers coming into Minnesota after grinding out a win Sunday night in Utah against the Jazz. LA arrived still shorthanded (no Austin Reaves) and definitely weary, having played approximately 17 games in the last week. But even with all of that, the Lakers simply looked lifeless after the first 12 minutes, posting a gruesome 80 points in a 29-point loss to the Wolves. (109-80, for those who don't want to do the math.) The core of the problem was fatigue—which is both an issue for the near and long term—and a catastrophically unproductive night from Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who scored 22 points between them. On a team that isn't constructed in a way that demands its stars dominate nightly, that's tough to overcome. On the Lakers, it's damn near impossible. D'Angelo Russell, stepping into the starting lineup for Reaves, did his part (20 points, leading the team) but the rest of the gang? Ooof. It was a second straight rough outing for Dalton Knecht. Max Christie was 2-9. The Lakers needed another hero or two, and needless to say didn't get any. But the big question is LeBron. After the game, JJ Redick said it may not be in his or the team's interest for James to follow through on his stated desire to play in all 82 games this season, admirable as the impulse might be. The Lakers need to figure out a way to get the most out of James, who may not be bending the knee to Father Time—it wasn't that long ago we were celebrating four straight triple-doubles—but does seem to be feeling the wear of stretches in the schedule where the games come fast and frequent, and a team that doesn't have the sort of high-end depth to support him effectively. 21 games in, maybe James works through the wall and comes out the other side. But the Lakers need to start planning on how to manage him more, and James himself needs to open himself to the idea. What we're seeing now, where James has (by far) the lowest net rating among rotation players over the last 10 games, is not sustainable. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are lifeless in Minnesota. SEGMENT 2: LeBron and danger signs. SEGMENT 3: How can the Lakers handle James going forward? 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 Download 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 Robinhood Robinhood 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 . Chime Make 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. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. 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 You 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 t o 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.