The Athletic NBA Daily - "Luka Magic for the Lakers, Again"

Date: March 19, 2026
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esperahenny (Esfandiar Baraheni), Will Guillory
Theme: Recapping the Lakers’ recent dominance over the Rockets, Luka and LeBron’s stellar performances, and an in-depth discussion on the Western Conference playoff race.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Los Angeles Lakers’ back-to-back victories over the Houston Rockets, with a spotlight on the electrifying play of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. The hosts, joined by Rockets and Pelicans beat writer Will Guillory, dissect how the Lakers have surged into contention, the Rockets’ persistent clutch problems, and evolving playoff dynamics across the Western Conference. The episode later pivots to a comprehensive look at the playoff picture, including the threat of the Spurs, Thunder, Nuggets, Wolves, and the fluctuating fortunes of the New Orleans Pelicans.

1. Lakers-Rockets Recap: Luka and LeBron Dominate

[02:46-11:36]

Key Points:

• The Lakers defeated the Rockets twice in a row in Houston, winning the latest matchup 124-116.
• Both games followed a similar script: the Rockets kept pace until the fourth quarter, then the Lakers (especially Luka) pulled away.
• Will Guillory observed improved adjustments by the Rockets between games, but Luka "went nuclear" in the fourth.
• The Rockets’ offense stalls in crunch time, with role players unable to step up when KD is double-teamed.
• Lebron put on an efficient, explosive performance with six dunks—highlighting his ageless athleticism.

Notable Quotes:

• Will Guillory [03:45]:
  "In the fourth quarter, Luka just went nuclear. I mean, just completely lost his mind, hitting some crazy shots, throwing lobs up to Rui and LeBron there at the end. They just couldn’t do anything with Luka."

• Dave DuFour [04:38]:
  "With the Lakers in that third quarter, I thought that they were sloppy... the Rockets hit some shots. That was to me what that third quarter was. I don’t want to give them credit."

• Esperahenny [05:07]:
  "[For the Rockets,] it does feel like Groundhog’s Day... every single time we talk about this team, it’s the fourth quarter problems, it’s the clutch execution, it’s how they’re going to get over the hump when it comes down to the crunch."

• Will Guillory [05:41]:
  "You just have some real issues with this Rockets team where they have guys who are really good on defense who can’t make shots, or they have guys who are pretty good on offense and they can’t defend."

• Will Guillory [09:38]:
  "The big difference... was getting Alperen Sengun back. When you’re hitting Alpie in the pocket, you feel much more comfortable with him making the right play."

Memorable Moment:

• Dave DeFour [11:06]:
  "LeBron had what, six dunks in the game? I wonder when’s the last time... I mean, I probably should have looked that up. That was insane."

2. The Lakers’ Midseason Transformation

[11:36–14:50]

Key Insights:

• The Lakers are now riding a seven-game win streak, winning nine of their last ten with a more balanced and cohesive identity.
• Their defense has tightened, and role players like Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton are stepping up.
• New head coach JJ Redick receives praise for getting the most out of a team with few exceptional defenders on paper.

Notable Quotes:

• Will Guillory [11:36]:
  "Christmas Day...the Lakers have no shot against the Rockets...the Lakers just looked so slow, they looked so methodical... But just as of late, they’re way more locked in defensively. They’re really comfortable in some of these zones... They’ve really found a comfort in the rotations."

• Will Guillory [13:44]:
  "DeAndre Ayton... just feels very comfortable in his role... I think he’s doing better defensively being a physical presence, getting the boards... When you have Luka really locked in... he’s going to get his 40, but he’s also getting other guys involved."

3. Western Conference Playoff Race Breakdown

[17:55–29:18]

Key Segments:

Spurs: Legitimate Finals Threat?

• The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama (Wimby), Stefan Castle, and Fox, are considered legit Finals contenders.

• Coach Mitch Johnson’s adjustments praised; youth and playoff inexperience remain their only major question.

• Will Guillory [19:23]:
  "In my mind, there’s no question [the Spurs can reach the Finals]. Wimby is so special that he can make a difference where some of the youth may hold them back."

Thunder: Still the Western Favorite

• The Thunder are on pace for 65 wins, despite missing Jalen Williams much of the year.

• Their defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance are their championship pillars.

• Will Guillory [22:36]:
  "The two things you can trust more than anything in the NBA is the Thunders defense and Shai Gilgeous Alexander."

• Esperahenny [23:12]:
  "He has the Tyrese Halliburton celebration, the gold medal. That’s basically what Jalen Williams has been doing this year... it’s crazy that they’re this good without [him]."

The Jumble: Lakers, Wolves, Rockets, Nuggets

• Race for the 3–6 seeds is volatile; each team is inconsistent except the surging Lakers.

• Teams may try to maneuver to avoid an early matchup with the Lakers.

• Will Guillory [25:13]:
  "Is it kind of at the point now where those other three teams are going to fight to be avoiding the Lakers?"

4. The Nuggets’ Slump & Playoff Doubts

[26:56–29:18]

• The Nuggets look unconvincing, struggling to defend and experiencing chemistry/injury problems (Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson).

• Jokic had 10 turnovers vs. Memphis, with Taj Gibson (!) guarding him late.

• The hosts debate whether it’s time to give up on Denver as true contenders.

• Will Guillory [27:59]:
  "Just defensively... they just can’t get stops consistently the way they have in the past... We know what it is with [Jamal] Murray and [Nikola] Jokic, but can they get the stops at the end of games?"

5. Pelicans Update: Better but Still in Limbo

[29:18–32:36]

• The Pelicans, out of the playoff picture, have nonetheless improved: above .500 since February, Dejounte Murray a "settling presence," Zion healthy most of the season.

• Sticking with veterans over rookies (Derrick Queen, Jeremiah Fears) seems to be working.

• Still, the organization faces questions about running it back with the same core.

• Will Guillory [29:57]:
  "They’ve really started to figure some things out just having healthy bodies out there... Dejounte Murray... has been so good for them, being that settling presence..."

• Will Guillory [32:27]:
  "They needed to figure out what they’re doing with the head coach, but they’re doing some good things down there, man. And it’s not over yet, David. They still in contention for that 10 seed."

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“LeBron literally missed one shot tonight.”
— Will Guillory [10:29]

"When you have Luka really locked in, the beautiful thing about the way he plays is he's going to get his 40, but he's also getting other guys involved."
— Will Guillory [13:44]

“It’s not over 'til it’s over. The New Orleans Pelicans, they still have a chance, an opportunity to make it to the playoffs.”
— Esperahenny [29:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:46] – Lakers-Rockets recap and Luka’s fourth-quarter explosion
• [05:41] – Rockets’ clutch-time struggles and adjustments
• [09:38] – Alperen Sengun’s pivotal return and Rockets’ offensive progress
• [11:36] – Lakers’ dramatic improvement since Christmas
• [13:13] – DeAndre Ayton’s adaptation and fit with Lakers’ system
• [17:55] – Transition to Western Conference playoff race
• [19:23] – Spurs as legitimate contenders
• [21:54] – Thunder as the consistent favorites
• [25:13] – Debating whether teams now want to avoid the Lakers
• [26:56] – Nuggets’ worrying slide and Jokic’s rough game
• [29:18] – Pelicans’ mini-resurgence and existential questions

Summary

This episode showcases the Lakers’ transformation into one of the West’s most dangerous teams, fueled by transcendent play from Luka and LeBron, and strong buy-in from role players. The Rockets remain talented but are hampered by clutch-time woes and an inability to support their stars. The playoff landscape is crowded—while the Spurs and Thunder are lauded for both talent and tactical evolution, the Wolves, Nuggets, and Rockets are described as inconsistent wildcards. Meanwhile, the Pelicans show late-season hope, though their long-term direction remains in question. Throughout, the mood is analytical but lively, mixing tactical breakdowns with jokes and candid assessments of teams’ playoff readiness.