Lakers Beat Warriors 115-113 on Christmas After Reaves Layup: Another LeBron-Steph Classic!

The Lakers lost Anthony Davis seven minutes into their Christmas Day tilt in San Francisco against the Warriors. Bah humbug, right? Not so fast. The Lakers circled the wagons, and got big performances up and down the roster, using an Austin Reaves bucket with a second left to beat Golden State, 115-113. Reaves had a triple double, with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and only three turnovers. LeBron had 31 points, 10 assists, and only one turnover. As a team, the Lakers gave up the ball only nine times, a nice contrast to, say, the Detroit game, where the Lakers seemed determined to give the Pistons as many opportunities to win as they needed. Meanwhile, the Lakers hit all 18 of their free throws, completely eliminating any fourth-quarter woes from the stripe. Or woes in any quarter. Two examples of doing the little things that good teams do to win games, and that have to happen in a game where Davis is only able to play for seven minutes. Combine that with, once again, a sustained effort level on defense (playing without any sort of rim protection) and you give yourself a chance. That, more than anything, explains why the Lakers have improved so much on that side of the ball. Then you factor in the presence of Max Christie - who has picked up his scoring of late - and the impact it has on the defensive responsibilities of the other four guys, and you see even more why progress is being made. That the Warriors have been struggling is worth noting, but it doesn't detract from what was a very solid win for the Lakers. Playing shorthanded (D'Angelo Russell wasn't available, either, having sustained a thumb injury in Monday's loss), they went to another team's building on a high energy day and won. Doesn't make up for the Pistons loss, but it stops the bleeding fast and gets the team back on the right track. Davis, for what it's worth, says he'll be ready to play Saturday against Sacramento. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers win without A.D. SEGMENT 2: Big games from LeBron and Reaves. SEGMENT 3: Lakers play clean, and it makes a difference. 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! Skylight Frames We've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/NBA . BILT Rewards Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba . Rocket RX Right now, our listeners can get 40% off your first order when you use code LOCKEDONNBA at RocketRX.com . Terms and Conditions apply. Rocket RX: Better sex, made simple. 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 . 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 The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins.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.