Did Lakers PRESEASON OPENER REVEAL Vanderbilt, Knecht, Hardy ALREADY OUT OF ROTATION?

The Lakers' 127-103 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings highlighted several potential positives about the team moving forward. Active, relentless, disruptive defense. Free-flowing offense geared around paint touches and threes. Luka looking like Luka. Several new faces looking like pieces that fit. All in all, tons to be enthusiastic about, even while acknowledging the "Kangz" factor. But the game also may have revealed elements that are part of any NBA season, but are nonetheless less pleasant for the players involved. Namely, the rotation and who may not be part of it. Obviously, a one-game sample size should be treated as such, but given who was/wasn't available, plus some dots that feel connectable, Monday night felt like it might have signaled the potential roles moving forward for Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy (assuming he's on the final roster), and Dalton Knecht (an even bigger "assuming he's on the roster"). We'll see how Games 2-5 play out, but for now, it's reasonable to wonder about clues given. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://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)