January 29, 2025
Lakers Lose 118-104 to 76ers, Anthony Davis Suffers Abdominal Injury
Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles LakersAbout this episode
If Monday's ugly win in Charlotte shined a light on deficiencies around the Lakers roster, then Tuesday's ugly loss in Philadelphia—final score 118-104—had those shortcomings glowing in ways that could probably be seen from space. After a hot start, the Lakers cooled off, and then Anthony Davis left the game with what the Lakers would later call an abdominal strain. (No additional updates were provided after the game.) With Davis gone, the team collapsed. Defensively, they couldn't find anything to slow down Tyrese Maxey. They couldn't keep Philadelphia away from the rim, or off the glass. They couldn't force any mistakes (zero turnovers for the Sixers in the second quarter). By any measure, the Lakers were completely overwhelmed by Philly's aggression and athleticism. On the other end, they turned the ball over repeatedly (doing no favors to the defense) and couldn't find any sense of coherence or flow. Scoring became way too hard. It's enough to get you thinking about what Rob Pelinka ought to prioritize heading into the final stretch before the trade deadline. They clearly need a center. But the Lakers also clearly need another guard. On a night where Gabe Vincent (along with Jarred Vanderbilt) wasn't available, the Lakers were forced (or felt forced at least) to put Bronny James out there for meaningful minutes, hoping he could keep some of the momentum he's started to gain with the G-League. He did not. These are important minutes for a young player, but the fact the Lakers needed to recall him at all because one player at his position is missing? Not good. And as for that center Davis wants? Well, Tuesday was a good example of why the Lakers could use another big. Jaxson Hayes was in foul trouble all night, and this was one of those games where you could really feel some of his limitations. It's unfair to expect Christian Koloko to provide big, high quality minutes behind Davis. They both struggled Tuesday, as did Max Christie (3 points on the night.) So the Lakers clearly need another guard/ballhandler/playmaker. But the stagnant offense also made it clear the Lakers need a player who can break people down and get a step off the dribble. What hole does Pelinka try to fill, if he has to choose between them? The answer to these, and many other questions, could be dependent on how A.D. feels when he wakes up on Wednesday. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: A terrible loss in Philly... Anthony Davis gets hurt. SEGMENT 2 : What went wrong? (Aside from Davis getting hurt...) SEGMENT 3: What happens if AD is out for a few games? 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! Turbo Tax Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees . 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 Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. 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.