It wasn't long ago the Lakers had reached the 2nd spot in the Western Conference playoff race (by percentage points, but still second). Having fallen off that pace, if they have any hope of getting there again, the Lakers absolutely must beat the visiting Houston Rockets on Monday night, and then do it again on April 11 when Houston returns to town. The Lakers are yet to play the Rockets in the Luka Dončić Is a Laker Era, but certainly hope his career success against the Rockets carries over. Luka has averaged over 31 points and 10 rebounds in 18 career games against Houston, with nearly eight assists per night, as well. In three games last season, he lit them up for 41/10/9.3. Certainly the Lakers would happily accept that level of production. (Hopefully he has a grudge against someone in that organization.) But for LA, while the prospect of moving back up the playoff ladder is exciting, the big priorities remain first, stay out of the play in, and then try to earn home court for the first round. For the former, the enter Monday's game with a 2.5 game cushion over 7th place Minnesota, and with the latter, a one game lead (two, functionally, given the tiebreaker) on Memphis. Given the remaining schedule—the Lakers play Golden State on Thursday, have two games on the road against an OKC team still playing hard despite wrapping up the top seed in the conference, a Dallas squad getting healthier and the aforementioned second game against Houston. Even sprinkling in New Orleans and Portland in the regular season finale, there's just not much fluff in that slate. With that in mind, the excitement around tonight's game is about the clash of two teams that (for very different reasons) are sitting in a seed that wasn't expected earlier in the year. Plenty of people wonder if the Lakers and Rockets (especially the Rockets) really are true contenders this season, or if the records might be a mirage. It's exciting because it's the first look at how the new-look Lakers match up against Houston. But it's meaningful first and foremost because a win would give the Lakers that much more breathing room to absorb a loss or two down the stretch. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky with guest Jackson Gatlin SEGMENT: Lakers vs. Rockets. Why are the Rockets playing well again? SEGMENT 2: Matchups to watch. SEGMENT 3: What to look forward to down the stretch. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. WayFairAfter the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)