LeBron Out, and Lakers Offense Continues to Sputter, Lose 97-87 to Timberwolves

Give the Lakers credit. They played hard Friday in Minnesota, and particularly in the second half, they played defense. But the trend of horrible offense, interrupted by a couple competent performances, continued as the purple and gold fell 97-87, their eighth loss in 11 games. The Lakers turned the ball over 11 times in the first quarter alone, en route to 21 for the game. They shot 38% from the field, 29% from 3-point range, and were only 11-17 from the free throw line. It was as inept a showing as you'll find. Only one starter was over 50% from the floor (Max Christie, at 5-9... and he compensated for that by turning the ball over four times). Austin Reaves was very out of rhythm after missing his last five games. D'Angelo Russell was 2-10 from the floor, and missed six of seven 3's. The list goes on. On a night where LeBron James wasn't with the team—and no, JJ Redick doesn't know when he'll be back—the Lakers simply can't absorb this much negative production on that side of the floor and expect to win. It doesn't get any easier Sunday, with a hot Memphis team coming to the Crypt. And at some point, if his absence continues folks will need an update on James and why he's not with the team. Is it the foot? Burnout? And how long will he be away? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 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! 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 . Mint Mobile To get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month , go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba . See Mint Mobile for details. 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.