Can the Rockets Make LeBron's Life Harder in Game 2? Can the Lakers Cut Down on Turnovers?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Losing Kevin Durant for Game 1 had a profound impact on the Rockets not just because suddenly they had 25-30 points to replace. 

Durant's presence (or lack thereof) changes the dynamic of how the Lakers can attack the Rockets, how their length and size can bother them, and how the Rockets can in turn attack the Lakers. It makes it easier for LA to play Luke Kennard bigger minutes without as much punishment defensively. It makes it harder for them to attack LeBron defensively, which makes it easier for James to control things on the other end. It makes their remaining stars less effective because their shot quality goes down. It makes those guys less confident in what they're doing, because unlike the Lakers, who have played many games without Luka, LeBron and Austin througout the year, Houston has had KD available for all but four games in the regular season. 

So whether or not Durant plays in Game 2 because incredibly critical, for all the obvious reasons... but for some that aren't so obvious, either. 

Meanwhile, the blueprint for the Lakers and LeBron in G1 was letter perfect. Control the game, without having to carry a huge load scoring points. 

Can Houston interrupt that rhythm in Game 2? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 


SEGMENT 1: Less obvious ways losing KD hurts the Rockets. 

 

SEGMENT 2: Stuff the Lakers can do better. 

 

SEGMENT 3: How Houston might try to contain LeBron's game management. 

 

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More description

Losing Kevin Durant for Game 1 had a profound impact on the Rockets not just because suddenly they had 25-30 points to replace. 

Durant's presence (or lack thereof) changes the dynamic of how the Lakers can attack the Rockets, how their length and size can bother them, and how the Rockets can in turn attack the Lakers. It makes it easier for LA to play Luke Kennard bigger minutes without as much punishment defensively. It makes it harder for them to attack LeBron defensively, which makes it easier for James to control things on the other end. It makes their remaining stars less effective because their shot quality goes down. It makes those guys less confident in what they're doing, because unlike the Lakers, who have played many games without Luka, LeBron and Austin througout the year, Houston has had KD available for all but four games in the regular season. 

So whether or not Durant plays in Game 2 because incredibly critical, for all the obvious reasons... but for some that aren't so obvious, either. 

Meanwhile, the blueprint for the Lakers and LeBron in G1 was letter perfect. Control the game, without having to carry a huge load scoring points. 

Can Houston interrupt that rhythm in Game 2? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 


SEGMENT 1: Less obvious ways losing KD hurts the Rockets. 

 

SEGMENT 2: Stuff the Lakers can do better. 

 

SEGMENT 3: How Houston might try to contain LeBron's game management. 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon
 

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.
 

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)

 

 


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2026-04-20 39 min
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