The Lakers got off to a good start in Tuesday's opener against the Timberwolves, winning their first season opener since 2016. Tonight, the Phoenix Suns, another team expected (at least in some circles) to make some noise in a crowded Western Conference, visit the Crypt. And while the Suns were victorious in their opener (at the Intuit Dome against the LAC) they had to work awfully hard to get there after cruising to an early lead.

And many of their vulnerabilities of a year ago - a stagnant offense, an over-reliance on Kevin Durant, a tendency to get pushed around by opponents - were still on display.

So can the Lakers, who were physical against the Wolves, do the same against Phoenix? Can the keep hitting the glass and forcing TOs?

It's a Suns team that isn't as good as they hope to be in a couple of months, meaning it's a chance for LA to bank another win early in the year. Games won in October and November can be critical for providing a little bit of leeway for a team that might need it Feburary and March, whether because guys need a night off, injuries are a problem, or the normal variances that plague a team over the course of a season (i.e., sometimes you play really poorly). Certainly new coach JJ Redick has put a major premium on not having to chase wins in the spring, the way the Lakers have had to do in the last couple of seasons.

Meanwhile, Redick also reminded the media that he is, in fact, not always meant to be taken literally. Seriously, sure. But not always literally.

Finally, Kawhi Leonard is going to miss weeks, reportedly, with his knee injury. His former trainer is suing the Clippers. It's been a mess for the LAC over the last couple of seasons, and it doesn't look like they're in any position to get much value from the remaining three years and $150 million on Leonard's contract. It started better, no question, but the Lakers in hindsight really have dodged a bullet, because they (like most teams) almost certainly would have given Leonard an extension in the same way the Clippers did.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a great opportunity to go 2-0 tonight vs. Phoenix.

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get a new court, and JJ Redick reminds the media he has a sense of humor.

SEGMENT 3: More evidence the Lakers dodged a bullet with Kawhi Leonard.

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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 LOCKEDON 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. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to 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)

Can the Lakers Move to 2-0? Preview of Tonight's Game vs. Phoenix Suns 34:50 Share

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Shownotes Transcript

Can the Lakers Move to 2-0? Preview of Tonight's Game vs. Phoenix Suns