Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers pursuit of a long-term 2nd star to pair with Luka Dončić and what qualities they believe are most important in that player. And then later, the guys dive into some specific names they think could be available, whether they are worth targeting due to salary cap and roster building limitations, and how the salary cap and collective bargaining agreement impacts their view of what level of player qualifies as second star material.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Many of the remaining playoff teams have multiple centers in their rotations and play two-big lineups as one of their key rotation looks. Pete and Darius use this as a springboard to talk about the Lakers need for not one, but two centers this offseason, what type of skill sets they want from these bigs, and how to best allocate both financial and trade assets in order to acquire these players.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

What does the Lakers salary cap sheet look like next season? What about the year after that? How does LeBron's player option on his contract this summer impact the Lakers financial flexibility? Both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are eligible to extend their contract, how should the Lakers approach both? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more as they continue their evaluation of the Lakers as the offseason begins.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

In part two of their evaluation of the Lakers roster, the guys rank each player on the team as shooters, ball handlers, passers, finishers around the rim, and their overall IQ compared to their positional counterparts around the NBA. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

In part one of a two-part pod evaluating the Lakers roster, the guys focus on the athleticism of the team, ranking each player’s strength, speed, length, and leaping ability compared to their peers around the NBA. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Pete and Darius go around the league to discuss a fantastic start the 2nd round of the playoffs where the road teams have started 5-0 and include multiple huge comeback wins, and then take what they're seeing from these teams to highlight what is different from how the Lakers played in their lone series and what the team needs to do to take the next step as a contender. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Pete and Darius continue their review of the Lakers leadership by discussing JJ Redick's rookie campaign as Lakers head coach. The guys dive into the job he did in rebuilding the team's culture, the trade that shook up his roster, his strengths and weaknesses in building out schemes on both sides of the ball, and much more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

As the Lakers move into the offseason, Pete and Darius begin their year of review by looking at the team's leadership, starting with Rob Pelinka. The guys look at the franchise altering trade for Luka Dončić, but also the context of how the team got to this point, after several years of major ups and downs from Pelinka. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick held their end of season press conference on Thursday and provided their thoughts on the Lakers first round exit, the change the team went through this season, plans for the summer, and much more. Pete and Darius offer their reactions to what was said, what stood out to them most, and what, if anything, they disagreed with.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

The Lakers season ended with a Game 5 defeat to the Timberwolves, with the Lakers struggling to score and secure the stops necessary to seize a game that could have gone either way. Pete and Darius discuss the loss, but also reflect on the playoffs and the season on the whole, highlighting their disappointment in the how the team played in this series while also looking at some of the positives from a year that brought huge change to the organization. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

The Lakers will try to fend off elimination in Wednesday's Game 5 against the Timberwolves. Pete and Darius discuss some of the possible tactical shifts that can help them win the game, how a looming starting lineup shift can help the team offensively, whether Jaxson Hayes has a role to play in the game, what is left to try defensively vs. Anthony Edwards, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected]  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

With the Lakers down 3-1 in their series with the Timberwolves, Pete and Darius discuss their frustrations with where the series stands and where their personal level of belief and spirit lies heading into Game 5. Then later, the guys get into the conversations JJ Redick can have with the bench players and what potential rotation options look like for Game 5, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

The Lakers suffered a gut-punch loss in Game 4, falling to the Wolves by three points after taking a 10-point lead into the final frame. Pete and Darius discuss the loss, highlighted by JJ Redick's decision to start Dorian Finney-Smith for Jaxson Hayes in the 2nd half, play that new starting group the entire 2nd half, and how that decision helped contribute to clear mental and physical fatigue of the team down the stretch. Then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves' up and down game, Luka and LeBron carrying the offense, Anthony Edwards' great play to close the game, and much more.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

With Luka Dončić dealing with an illness and compromised physically, LeBron James stepped up with a big scoring night and great game overall, but it was not enough as Anthony Edwards and the Wolves made all the plays down the stretch to take Game 3 and seize a 2-1 series lead. Pete and Darius react to the game, discussing Luka's untimely illness, LeBron's great night, the Wolves' strong play, and the too-frequent turnovers and other mistakes that cost the Lakers what was a winnable game.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

As the Lakers head into Friday's Game 3 against the Timberwolves in Minnesota, Pete and Darius reminisce about Kobe Bryant quieting road arenas in huge playoff games, how Luka Dončić is cut from this same cloth and carries on this tradition, and how role players fit into the mindset of being a road killer.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

As the Lakers head to Minnesota for Game 3, Pete and Darius review some of the things that have them encouraged about the Lakers chances the rest of the series, and look at the different ways the team can start to find their stride offensively to build on the early successes they had early in Game 2 vs. the Wolves' defense.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

The Lakers turned up their defensive intensity and physicality, holding the Wolves to just 85 points to secure a much needed win and even up their 1st round series at one game apiece. Pete and Darius react to the win, highlighting the team's improvements on the defensive side of the ball, Luka's strong night as a scorer and shot creator, Austin Reaves finding his offensive game from two-point range, Rui's strong night on defense, and the wonderful floor game from LeBron James.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

The Lakers face a near must-win situation in Game 2 tonight against the Wolves. The guys discuss how the Lakers were surprised by Minnesota's defensive approach, how they can create easier offense on switches, and share some news about the pod. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

In advance of Tuesday's Game 2 between the Lakers and the Wolves, Pete and Darius look at some adjustments the Lakers can make to try to even the series before the games shift back to Minnesota.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Despite a strong scoring night from Luka Dončić, the Lakers got blown out in Game 1 against the Timberwolves, doing too little to slow down their hot shooting and struggling to create advantage against the Wolves’ set defense. Pete and Darius react to the game, offering their thoughts on the Lakers game plan on both ends, Minnesota’s readiness and execution against that plan, the two stretches of the game that stood out most to them, Austin Reaves’ challenges offensively, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

Minnesota runs a drop-heavy defensive coverage that's built around Rudy Gobert's abilities as a rim protector, but as JJ Redick has said...drop is death against Luka. The guys discuss how the Lakers will try to get the Wolves out of their preferred defensive alignments, why the Wolves have more cards to play than just the drop, who the Lakers are likeliest to target, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Minnesota runs a drop-heavy defensive coverage that's built around Rudy Gobert's abilities as a rim protector, but as JJ Redick has said...drop is death against Luka. The guys discuss how the Lakers will try to get the Wolves out of their preferred defensive alignments, why the Wolves have more cards to play than just the drop, who the Lakers are likeliest to target, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

The Lakers switch-heavy defense invites mismatch hunting and the 1-on-1 scenarios that Ant can thrive in. The guys discuss what makes Ant such a threat in isolation, how the Lakers will try to defend him with multiple players, and Julius Randle’s importance as a secondary shot creator for the Wolves.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Pete & Darius give their initial, big picture impressions of the Lakers vs Wolves matchup. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The guys give their initial, big picture impressions of the Lakers vs Wolves matchup.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The regular season ended with the Lakers winning 50 games and locking in the #3 seed. The guys reflect on the dramatic twists and turns of this year’s 82-game marathon.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Jason Timpf joins Pete to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the 5 teams that the Lakers might face in the 1st Round of the NBA playoffs

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Pete and Darius discuss the Dallas game, the emotions of the night for everyone involved, and how Luka rose to meet the moment with a great performance. And then later, the guys discuss LeBron's great 4th quarter, the team's defensive effort and gameplan to defend Anthony Davis, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

The Lakers fell short after a Luka Dončić ejection in the 4th quarter and a late game Thunder run. Pete and Darius discuss the game, lamenting Luka's ejection but also diving into the high-level back and forth that preceded it, including great offensive performances from both teams in the 1st half and then the Lakers come back in the 3rd behind a stifling defensive effort that reminded of Sunday's win. And then later the guys discuss Tuesday's surprising news of Denver firing head coach Mike Malone and GM Calvin Booth.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Pete and Darius discuss the team's strategy for the looming back-to-back against the Thunder and Mavericks, and then dive into specifics on both sides of the ball that they'd like to see as the team refines its approach and prepares for the postseason against four very different opponents who offer specific challenges. .

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

The Lakers got one of their most impressive wins of the season, dominating the Thunder in OKC. Pete and Darius break down the win, highlighting Luka Dončić beating OKC's switches and leading the way on offense, the team's defensive gameplan vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder, LeBron's leadership and understanding of the moment, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

The Lakers lost a tough game to the Warriors, which could end up impacting the standings and also revealed where the team still needs to improve on both sides of the ball as they push towards the playoffs. Pete and Darius discuss the game, where the Lakers fell short offensively and on the defensive backboards, Luka's struggles to score efficiently, the lack of bench production, LeBron and Austin's good nights, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

The Lakers played almost the entire 2nd Half vs Houston without a center, continuing a trend that’s emerged since LeBron & Rui returned from injury. The guys discuss why the team’s “small ball” groups aren’t so small, the variety of styles they can play within those llineups, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

The Western Conference playoff race is as wild as ever, and the Lakers have a chance to finish as high as the #2 seed. The guys discuss the race to the playoffs, the Lakers favorable tiebreaker situation, upcoming schedules for the teams vying for position, the unbelievable ending to the DEN/MIN game, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

The Lakers won a defensive slugfest against the Rockets. Pete and Darius discuss the game, diving into the preparedness of the team and commitment to the game plan, the Lakers ability to play small and still rebound well enough, the bench scoring and shot making from Gabe and DFS, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Pete and Darius break down what the Lakers did offensively in the win over the Grizzlies and the synergy between LeBron, Luka and Austin, the intentionality of involving all of them in actions, and how they varied their approach based on what the matchups dictated. And then later, the guys discuss how this can be a template moving forward, how the Rockets game will test this approach, and the general challenges Houston offers on both sides of the ball.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

The Lakers lost in brutal fashion against the Bulls. Pete and Darius run the gamut of emotions after the loss, offering both frustration over what transpired while also discussing a hopeful path forward for the Lakers after all the good the team did to position themselves to win.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Pete and Darius discuss LeBron's night, from his early scoring struggles to his great all around floor game that culminated with that final winning bucket. And then later the guys dive into Austin's huge 2nd quarter, Luka's continued brilliance as a scorer, Vando's impact, Rui's importance to the Lakers' offense, and close things out by discussing the news of Jordan Goodwin's new contract with the team.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Pete and Darius discuss LeBron James' role in the Lakers defense, how his return from injury and ramping back up impacts all that he does for the team on that end of the floor, and much more. And then later, the guys ongoing lineup questions and the decisions facing JJ Redick, particularly when looking at the bench groups led by Luka Dončić vs. those led by LeBron and Austin Reaves.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

The Lakers lost their third straight game, this time falling to the Magic in the first of their four game road trip. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the ongoing defensive struggles, how those challenges relate LeBron and Rui Hachimura's return from injury, the search for lineup consistency with everyone available to play, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

The Lakers have lost back to back games, the first in a blowout when nearly every rotation player sat when the team played their sixth game in eight nights and then the second another blowout loss, this time with the full rotation available against the upstart Bulls who simply dominated them. Pete and Darius zero in on the Bulls game and discuss whether some of the defensive challenges the Lakers faced are part of larger concern or just a one-off. And then later the guys discuss Jarred Vanderbilt, where he fits best within lineup groupings, his role on offense, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

Lakers beat a short handed Nuggets team, fueled by an incredible Luka Dončić scoring binge in the 1st quarter. Pete and Darius break down the win, diving deep into Luka's ability to put pressure on the defense as a scorer and the diversity he shows in how and where he attacks from. And then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves' continued strong play and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Pete and Darius discuss the team's ability to put defenses "into the blender", the role LeBron and Austin Reaves play in this idea, and how creating and maximizing these possessions will be critical to their success into the playoffs and beyond.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Pete and Darius break down the win over the Spurs, highlighting Austin Reaves’ continued strong play and Luka Dončić’s ability to get his teammates good shots all over the court. And then later, the guys discuss Dalton Knecht’s resiliency and how he’s played well while stepping into a bigger role due to the team’s injuries.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

After several games between some of the top teams in the league in the last week, Pete and Darius discuss what makes the top teams special, how the Lakers compare to them, what steps are needed for the Lakers to join the inner circle of contending teams, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Pete and Darius dive into Austin Reaves recent play, how his role is impacted after the team's acquisition of Luka Dončić, the challenges he faces seeing similar coverages to Luka and LeBron, and much more. And then later, the guys debate whether the recent injuries impact their view on the team's ability to build and develop the chemistry needed to make a run this year.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Pete and Darius break down the loss to the Nets, the missed opportunity of getting a winnable game while missing so many players, the execution issues vs. the Nets' traps and switching, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss the ongoing offensive challenges and the need to refine their approach vs. the aggressive defenses the Lakers are facing.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Pete and Darius break down the Celtics game, but also react to LeBron's injury, discuss the team's other health challenges with Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jaxson Hayes all also banged up, and what it means for Monday's game against the Nets and the remainder of the team's road trip.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

The Lakers won their 8th straight game on Thursday, coming back to force overtime and then claiming victory against the Knicks. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the challenges Jalen Brunson posed for the Lakers defense, how Luka Dončić's offensive control helped bring the team back, the shot making exhibited by Gabe Vincent, LeBron's night, and much more. And then later the guys discuss Saturday's matchup with the Celtics and some of the keys to that game.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025