LeBron James Returns to Practice Monday, as Opportunity Knocks for the Lakers

The Lakers finished their five game road trip in fine form, beating up the Bucks in Milwaukee.Now they return home to some good news, with LeBron James expected to return to practice Monday. Whether he plays Tuesday at home against the Jazz remains an open question, but if he doesn't, barring any sort of setback it's a pretty safe bet he'll play on Sunday in Utah. Not only does that long stretch between games give LeBron a chance to gain a little more strength and fitness, it also lets the Lakers get some practice time in, and shore up any slippage on both sides of the ball. This ahead of what is a very winnable stretch of games between now and the end of the month. 4-2 over their next six is achievable, for sure.That would leave them at 14-6 heading out for a long December road trip, positioned well to establish themselves in the West's top four over the long haul.One big reason the team has played so well despite multiple players in and out of the lineup is the performance of Deandre Ayton. Averaging over 16 points and 8 rebounds a game on nearly 70% shooting (with a block per night) Ayton has been exactly what the Lakers hoped. The effort and energy has been there on a nightly basis. So what has helped.There's a good argument to be made for the importance of context. His role in LA, and the expectations around his arrival, are completely different than anything he's had over the course of his career. We explain.HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron to practice on Monday.SEGMENT 2: Opportunity knocks through the end of the month.SEGMENT 3: Why Ayton is thriving. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DoorDashNext time someone goes off for 50, use promo code  NBA50the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit https://DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.DoorDash — In your bag all season long.QuoSee why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA.RipplingGet Rippling FREE for 6 months. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details: https://app.rippling.com/legal/promotermsPrizePicksDownload 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/LOCKEDONNBASKIMSShop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com.When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you.The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered.RugietVisit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnbato get 15% off your first order.And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you.Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. RobinhoodYou expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelRight now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get startedFANDUEL 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.