Lakers-Nets Preseason Reaction: Lakers Lose, Malik Monk Shines and Dwight Howard Gets Weird

The Lakers kicked off their preseason Sunday, losing to the Brooklyn Nets )or people wearing Brooklyn Nets uniforms, at least), 123-97. Save a break-a-sweat first quarter from Anthony Davis, both teams ran without their stars, so it's hard to draw too much meaning from the result, but certain things did stick out: It was nice to see Davis back on the floor, even playing a little in a game where if he took the afternoon off nobody would have blinked. There's a lot riding on this season for Davis, and just choosing to get out on the floor and begin the process of getting back to the elite levels not reached last season is encouraging. Malik Monk (6-12, 15 points) showed some of the skills that attracted the Lakers to him, and left teammates surprised he was available at the minimum. If he provides the type of offense he did Sunday along with passable D, at the least he'll answer the question of where he fits into a crowded rotation. The answer would be decidedly "somewhere." Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn shared a backcourt. Were the different responsibilities each seemed to carry an indicator of how - and with whom- the coaching staff might deploy both? Dwight Howard is back, and to say the least, brought some Dwight Howard vibes. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose, Anthony Davis plays... did he make an impression? And what about Malik Monk? He certainly got Lakers Twitter going. SEGMENT 2: More on Monk. How could something that builds on his career performance last season impact the upside for the team? And what did we see from THT and Nunn that might be a clue for where the coaching staff is leaning in terms of responsibilities, roles and floor combinations? SEGMENT 3: Dwight Howard is back, and he's bringing that Dwight Howard vibe once again. Is that a good thing? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SweatBlock Get it today for 20% off at SweatBlock.com with promo code LockedOn, or at Amazon and CVS. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices