The Lakers face a critical game tonight against the Clippers, and it comes at a time when the vibes again have turned ominous and the team needs to change the conversation almost as much as it needs wins for practical reasons. The schedule over the next few weeks (and through the end of the year, really) is brutal. Teams are starting to elevate their play, and based on what we've seen so far since the ASB, the Lakers aren't prepared to keep up. 

But as we've learned throughout the year, sometimes a team is just 48 minutes away from changing the mood considerably. The Lakers will get a crack at a Clippers team playing without Paul George, and that quietly is suffering through a down patch of their own. 

The Lakers should have Anthony Davis (though he skipped practice Tuesday with an upper respiratory issue, he's probable for tonight) and Cam Reddish, who adds size to the wing against a team where that sort of thing is very, very useful. Can Davis avoid the early foul trouble that's plagued him of late? Can the Lakers keep Ivica Zubac off the glass? 

These are key questions. As is the one about the lack of production of late from the supporting cast. The Lakers need more. Much more, from some (think Spencer Dinwiddie). Overall, a disappointing group needs to find its stride quickly. This, likely is the team the Lakers will have going forward, aside from the hopeful return of Christian Wood over the next week or two. 

Finally, Bronny James was dropped from ESPN's Mock Draft for this summer. No surprise, given the context, but still noteworthy and something that prompted a response from his pop. What to make of it? And what does any of this have to do with LeBron's future in LA, which according to reports James might want to extend longer than folks expected? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a huge game against the Clippers. 

SEGMENT 2: Can the supporting cast step up? Can the Lakers clean up the glass? 

SEGMENT 3: Bronny and Bron, and Bron's future in LA. 

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