Hoops Talk w/Allen Sliwa breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers' defensive struggles against the Portland Trail Blazers. Can the Lakers fix their defensive issues, and what does the loss reveal about their chances in a wide-open Western Conference? Plus, we examine the Lakers' ongoing backup center problem and what the team needs to address to compete with the West's top contenders.

ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin joins the show to discuss the latest Lakers news, defensive concerns, roster questions, and what lies ahead for Luka Dončić and the Lakers.

Topics Covered:

- Lakers defensive struggles in the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers
- Why the Lakers need to improve defensively
- Is the Western Conference wide open this season?
- The Lakers' backup center problem and potential solutions
- Dave McMenamin breaks down the latest Lakers news and storylines
- What the Lakers need to do to compete for an NBA championship

Subscribe for more Los Angeles Lakers news, NBA analysis, game breakdowns, trade rumors, and the latest updates on Luka Dončić and the Lakers.

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0:00 – Intro

6:57 – Lakers defense struggles vs. Blazers

19:22 – Harrah’s SoCal ad

20:49 – Lakers have a backup center problem

31:17 – Is the West wide open?

40:35 – Wallace Firm ad

41:43 – New flopping rules

45:40 – Guest: Dave McMenamin – ESPN

49:17 – Dave’s thoughts on the Lakers backup center & defensive issues

59:41 – Dave’s thoughts on if the West is wide open

1:05:14 – Lakers/Clippers tonight

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