The Lakers get some good news ahead of Wednesday's game in Chicago, the first of five on the road (four of which actually take place outside of Los Angeles). The team lists D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis as probable, and while LeBron James is questionable—a designation likely to follow him through every game left in the season, regular or post—nothing to this point indicates he'd miss the game.
And it's a good thing, too, because not only did the Bulls just beat the snot out of the Lakers Sunday at the Crypt, they also represent potentially the most difficult challenge of any remaining game. If it's not this one, it's Friday in Minnesota. Or maybe April 5th against the Clippers, or the Suns a few days later. The Lakers also get two games against a Utah team that may or may not have packed it in by the time the games roll around (and isn't playing all that well, anyway), and the Rockets. Yes, those Rockets.
Those are three very winnable games. Can they split the four more challenging ones, and finish 5-2? That would almost surely be enough to keep them in the Top 10, and get them in the postseason tournament (even if it requires a little extra work to make the big boy playoffs).
Finally, Austin Reaves made it abundantly clear there will be no "Aw, shucks, I'm just grateful the Lakers gave me an opportunity" discount this summer when free agency rolls around. This is business time, and Reaves is going to get what's coming to him. The Lakers have a cap on what they can offer, but not what they can match. How large a risk is there that he could attract a number that might scare off the Lakers? What kind of fallout would there be? How relevant are the Alex Caruso comparisons, not on the court (where the side-by-side is lazy at best) but as a matter of business, roster management and fan sentiment? Could the Lakers be subject to a bit of a "Caruso Tax?"

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Who's in and who's not for a big game against the Bulls Wednesday night.

SEGMENT 2: Previewing the final seven games of the regular season.

SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves says there will be no discount for the Lakers. It's time to get paid.

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