Can a Game in Cleveland Jumpstart LeBron? Will Bronny Play? Plus, Koloko Cleared for Lakers.

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have a "swing game" tonight in Cleveland against the Cavs. It's always a big deal when LeBron comes home to play, especially given his enormous impact on that franchise. But in this case, it's also a pivotal game on this road trip for the Lakers. Win, and the possibilities of a 3-2 trip grow a lot stronger. It means the Lakers could take the games against the weaker teams on the slate (Toronto and Detroit) and then lose the final game against a good Memphis squad, and still come home with a winning record.

Lose? That gets a lot tougher.

And make no mistake, a 3-2 trip on top of the strong 3-0 homestand would be a very, very encouraging thing for the purple and gold. Something they can, and hopefully would, build on.

For LeBron, can a homecoming game help him break out of what has been, by his lofty standards, a slow start to the season? Save a truly epic fourth quarter Saturday night against Sacramento, James has been (again, by his standards) pretty ordinary through four games. Monday's loss in Phoenix was arguably the worst game he's played as a Laker. To beat a very solid Cleveland squad, he'll need to step up. The Lakers can only overcome so much if he doesn't play well, especially on the road.

And with Bronny in tow, will there be another moment for the two of them to play together, given the significance of Cleveland to the James family? What would the reaction be to that from Lakers fans, if those minutes come at any point other than garbage time? Even if D'Angelo Russell, listed as a game time decision with a sore back, doesn't play? (And if Russell is out, who starts?)

Plenty to consider for JJ Redick tonight.

Meanwhile, center Christian Koloko has been cleared by the NBA to return to play for the Lakers. What could that do for the center rotation?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: A homecoming for LeBron. Can it help break him out?

SEGMENT 2: Would the Lakers actually give Bronny some burn in this game?

SEGMENT 3: Health updates! Russell! Koloko! And more!

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONEHUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET!Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)