Why Tonight's Pistons Game Is Critical for the Lakers. Plus, LeBron Wants Changes. Here's One Idea.

The Lakers took one on the chin in Philadelphia on Monday, suffering one of the worst losses in team history, and the worst in LeBron's storied career. (44 points!) It was enough to have James talking about "a lot" needing to change going forward. What that means? Hard to say. Was he talking about mechanics on the court? Team culture? Coaching strategies? Just saying that literally when you lose by 44, by definition a lot has to change? The Lakers, though, have a golden opportunity to reset the narrative tonight against a terrible Detroit team, and Monday's result makes this game crucial for two reasons: With a game Thursday in OKC, the Lakers need this game to guarantee a .500 trip, and not lose the solid impact of Saturday's excellent effort in Cleveland. One really good way to amplify the concerns about deeper issues inside the team? Lose to a Pistons squad that hasn't won since before Halloween. We're not at panic territory yet. Or even close, really. But you don't want to edge anywhere near it, particularly when it comes to things that generate drama. Because lose tonight, lose tomorrow? You come home with a serious vibes problem, and folks are VERY sensitive to vibes right now. So what was LeBron asking to change? He didn't say... but we have some suggestions. One really big one? Shoot more. Move faster. Not on the break (though that would be nice) but in the half court, because the Lakers literally take the fewest amount of shots in the NBA on a nightly basis. That's not sustainable, especially when they're neither a high volume attempt or a high volume make team from 3. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a critical game against Detroit tonight. SEGMENT 2: What's the difference between "what's flawed" and "what's wrong?" SEGMENT 3: Go faster, Lakers! Go faster! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices