Lakers Lose Critical Game to Rockets. Questionable Decisions by Ham, Pelinka Loom Large

Weeks ago, the Lakers built a plan that mapped out exactly how Anthony Davis would be used once he came back from injury. It prescribed no back-to-backs, something the Lakers have stuck with even as the stakes have gone up with time running out in the season.

And that's what they should do. Can't risk a guy's health, if that's what the doctors believe is at stake, here.

But even without Davis, even without LeBron, even on the second night of a back-to-back, the Lakers needed to win Wednesday's game against a terrible Houston Rockets squad. They needed a better game plan. They needed a little more foresight. They needed better performances from guys like D'Angelo Russell (5-17) and Malik Beasley (6-17).

The Lakers didn't get any of that stuff, and they lost. And this one stings, not just because it cost the Lakers a chance to move into a tie for 7th in the West. There just isn't enough season left to set games like this aside.

So why, in a game where margins could be tight, did Darvin Ham choose to start Rui Hachimura instead of Wenyen Gabrial, the closest thing to a true center (undersized though he may be) available on roster? It certainly didn't pay off, as the Rockets got off to a red hot start in part because the Lakers offered zero resistance defensively. And why was Gabriel the only C on a night the Lakers KNEW they'd be without Davis, because they came up with the plan weeks ago?

Would a big body on a 10-day have made a big difference? We'll never know, will we?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a painful game to the Rockets in Houston.

SEGMENT 2: Why did Darvin choose to start Hachimura over Gabriel?

SEGMENT 3: What the loss means in the standings, and why didn't the Lakers sign someone on a 10-day deal, just.to have the option of size?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

Ibotta

Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code Locked when you register. Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app. 

Ultimate Pro Basketball GM

To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

PrizePicks

First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON

BetterHelp

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get on your way to being your best self.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices