Anthony Davis Has a Lingering Foot Injury. How Big a Problem Is This for the Lakers?

The Lakers, after a very encouraging start, have hit a very discouraging stretch. They've lost three of the first four games of the first big road trip of the year, including a decisive loss to Detroit. Now, LA need to find a way to beat Memphis on Wednesday, or they'll come back to town with a sub-.500 record on the year. Not great! And on Monday, after the loss, it was reported that Anthony Davis, who was clearly hobbled against the Pistons, has been dealing with a foot injury not just since the start of this year, but going back to last year, as well. Now, how sore was he in the Olympics? Was it just something that needed to be monitored, like most bumps and bruises players who have been in the league as long as he has have to deal with? Certainly his performance in the tournament and through the first seven games of the season was outstanding. But as the injuries seem to be piling up -- he's listed as questionable tonight in Memphis with what is being called a heel contusion -- one thing is clear: The Lakers are leaning too much on Davis early. The supporting cast isn't pulling its weight, and when AD doesn't play, performance suffers mightily for the squad. That isn't sustainable through the season. Some of that is LeBron, who has started slow this year (by his lofty standards). Some if inconsistency from Austin Reaves and poor shooting from D'Angelo Russell. And a ton of it is a complete lack of production from the bench. The reserves, even when they're providing a little defense (Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish on Monday) are such a black hole offensively that the Lakers are increasingly finding it hard to compensate. So what can they do? Are there strings available for JJ Redick to pull? Especially if Davis is out tonight? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is playing like an MVP, but he's banged up already. And apparently has been for a while? SEGMENT 2: What can the Lakers do to fill the void when Davis doesn't play? SEGMENT 3: How can they squeeze more production from the bench? Are there moves there for JJ Redick to make? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com . 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 SKIMS.com Bilt Rewards Earn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnba 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 HIMS Hims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. 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.