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? 

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