Did the Nuggets, Magic Losses Expose Too Many Lakers Weaknesses? D'Angelo Russell Must be Better.

Less than a week ago, the Lakers were riding high, riding a six-game winning streak and sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings. But that was before a two losses against quality teams that have let a lot of the air out of LA's balloon. First, Thursday night the Lakers lost on a last second shot from Orlando's Franz Wagner, a disappointing end to a game the Lakers really should have been able to win, whether by limiting mistakes or doing something as simple as hitting their fourth quarter free throws. And if Thursday was about a letdown in the final minutes, Saturday against Denver was about a massive collapse after the halftime break. The Lakers, after taking a 10-point second quarter lead were absolutely boat raced by the Nuggets from that point on. JJ Redick noted the lack of competitive spirit. Nikola Jokic outplayed Anthony Davis by a mile, but he wasn't the only Nugget who hurt the Lakers. He said he doesn't believe the Nuggets have some sort of psychological hold on the Lakers... but others disagree. Overall, what does that game, and the Orlando game, say about this team? Two games into a five-game stretch of "prove it" type games for the Lakers -- against quality, playoff caliber opponents -- the Lakers are 0-2. It's something that demands a turnaround, and fast. Meanwhile, with Rui Hachimura back in the lineup, the Lakers put Dalton Knecht back on the bench. Was that the right move for this team? What does it mean for a rotation where the guard play is getting dicey? D'Angelo Russell's shot has disappeared, and basically everything about Gabe Vincent's game has vanished. So what does Redick do? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers got housed on Saturday, and have a lot to think about. SEGMENT 2: What's gone wrong, and what can they fix this week? SEGMENT 3: Knecht back to the bench. Right idea? 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! BILT Rewards Start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba . SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba . Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the whole family - SKIMS just launched their biggest Holiday Shop ever - also available at S SKIMS.com/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 . 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 . 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.