Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Miami punched their ticket to the Conference Finals in a game where their superior conditioning overwhelmed the exhausted 76ers. Pete and Mike discuss the role of endurance in basketball, how that should factor into the Lakers' next roster, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

A pair of Wednesday game 5's couldn't have been more different, with the Bucks furiously coming back late to steal a game vs. the Celtics while the Warriors barely showed up and got trounced by the Grizzlies. Mike and Darius discuss both contests, highlighting Giannis' status as the best player in the NBA and Jrue Holiday's clutch defense, and questioning whether the Warriors should start to worry as Steph and Klay struggle against a Grizzlies team leveraging their size and athleticism advantages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The #1 seed in each conference dominated their Game 5 matchups, giving Miami and Phoenix a 3-2 series lead. Pete and Mike discuss Miami's ability to shapeshift, Deandre Ayton's importance, Luka falling a little too in love with his stepback jumper, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

In a pair of pivotal game 4's on Monday night, the Warriors came back late to take a 3-1 lead over the Grizzlies while the Celtics used a big night from Al Horford to outlast the Bucks to tie up their series at two games a piece. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both games, focusing on how the Grizz, minus Ja Morant, changed their identity to scrap with the Warriors and how the Bucks continue to miss Khris Middleton and how that's impacting Giannis. As a bonus, the guys also discuss whether Rudy Gobert could really "lock up" Shaq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

In both conferences the #1 seeds went from up 2-0 in their respective 2nd round series to tied at 2-2 heading back home. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the things that stood out them over the weekend, including how much the "make or miss league" saying held true for both series, whether the Heat are in trouble now that Joel Embiid is back and Kyle Lowry is struggling after his return from his hamstring injury, and if Luka and the Mavs have cracked the code vs. the Suns or if Phoenix will get back on track now that they'll be back at home for game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

What are reasonable expectations for Anthony Davis next season? What young players can make an impact on next year's roster? If the Lakers do trade Russell Westbrook, what types of players should they target in a deal? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in the latest edition of the LFR Podcast mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

As reports of Phil Jackson's role in the Lakers coaching search emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius continue their conversation on what the team needs from their next head coach, and the implications and degree of Jackson's involvement. Later, Pete reveals who he'd most like the team to reach out to for an interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

As rumored candidates emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their conversation about what they’re looking for in the Lakers next head coach. What are the common mistakes that teams make during coaching searches? What are the challenges that are unique to coaching the Lakers? Why were previous coaches successful? The guys discuss these topics and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The 2nd round of the playoffs kicked off with both road teams winning game 1 as the Bucks controlled their game vs. the Celtics and the Warriors won a thriller vs. the Grizzlies. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both games, focusing on how the Bucks defensive gameplan and ability to match up physically vs. Boston earned them advantages in ways the Celtics clearly weren't used to after their series vs. Brooklyn. Then later, the guys express their frustrations with the refereeing in the Warriors/Grizzlies game, talk Draymond's ejection, and their general first impressions of what looks to be a highly competitive series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Suns were able to hold off the Pelicans on Thursday night, clinching their series on the strength of a classic Chris Paul game that showed off every tool in his bag. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss Paul's command of the game and how much the combination of his skill set and will to win set the tone not only in this game, but for the Suns this season. Then later, the guys discuss the Pelicans season and their foundation moving forward, plus what their emergence -- and a stronger western conference -- means for the Lakers next year and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Both the Bucks and Warriors advanced to the 2nd Round of the playoffs, but not before the Nuggets made Golden State sweat on the strength of Nikola Jokic's game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Jokic's brilliance and durability while taking Denver as far as they could go, and preview a trio of intriguing Game 6's tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

In a trio of game 5s on Tuesday night, the Heat closed out the Hawks while the Suns and Grizzlies took 3-2 leads overs the Pelicans and Wolves. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss each game, debating how much of the Hawks struggles were their own limitations vs. the Heat's dominance, how much the Wolves' inexperience matters vs. guys not figuring out their right roles, and whether the Suns' adjustments put them back in the driver's seat for game 6 or if there's another turn this series can take back in New Orleans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Matchup difficulties, Booker's injury, and a fearless Pelicans team have put the Phoenix Suns in an unexpectedly precarious position. Pete & Mike discuss this series and the Pelicans' chances going forward. Then in the final segment they debut Tru Stories, where Mike shares his experience of the night the Lakers won the 2009 NBA Finals in Orlando. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Games 3 and 4 of a playoff series have their own distinct personalities, giving both teams a chance to show whether they're truly in control and ready to advance or if a series is more even with no clear winner on the horizon. Pete and Darius discuss the weekend's playoff games and what stood out to them most, zeroing in on the Celtics/Nets series and why some of the struggles they're seeing in Brooklyn remind them of this season's Lakers. Then later, the guys talk about how injuries have become a major storyline in nearly every series and what teams have been able to manage them best so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Can the Lakers rely on Anthony Davis to be a good jump shooter? If not, how does that change the types of players they should put around him and LeBron James next season? When thinking about team building in the aftermath of this season with Russell Westbrook, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the decisions facing the Lakers, the value of shooting and skilled shot creators, and why defense still matters in the role players next to Bron and AD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Hindsight can tell us a lot about how and why the Lakers failed this season, but it also can still inform what we think they could have been if injuries and other factors wouldn't have crippled them. Using the ongoing playoffs as a backdrop for what's working and what's not for contenders, Pete, Mike, and Darius reflect on this year's Lakers and project the roster that will need to be built this summer to discuss what the front office got right and what they need to change going forward. Later, the guys discuss how critical or not Anthony Davis' jump shooting is to building a Lakers roster that can contend for a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

A dominant performance by Brandon Ingram and a hamstring injury to Devin Booker have put Phoenix in a suddenly precarious position. Pete & Mike discuss how New Orleans' size and athleticism have caused Phoenix problems, how they value these attributes on a team built around LeBron & AD, Phoenix's options without Booker, the Grizzlies roaring back, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Jordan Poole all had brilliant performances on Monday night, leading to a trio of Game 2 victories. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the ideal role for small, scoring guards on contending teams, and how the Lakers should view them when building next year’s roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Opening weekend of the NBA playoffs is one of the best basketball weekends of the year. Pete and Mike recap parts of a busy, 8-game schedule, including a classic Game 1 between Boston & Brooklyn, Miami's excellence without a superstar, concern about Khris Middleton, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

After an amazingly disappointing season, needing to hire a new head coach, and facing pressure to get the organization back on track, Rob Pelinka has his most important offseason as a Lakers executive. Pete and Darius discuss the challenge Pelinka faces and why his ability to build consensus while also showing accountability will be key in whatever success he has. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

With the playoffs on the horizon, Pete, Mike, and Darius take one last look back at the regular season to discuss who they would place on the All-NBA team this year. Should we still have positional designations? Will Jokic and Embiid both make 1st team? How much does games played matter? Do LeBron and Kevin Durant slide down because of missed games? The guys answer these questions and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

In part 2 of their discussion on the Lakers firing Frank Vogel, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss where things went so wrong this year by reflecting on the shift in team building approach after the team's 2020 championship, how Vogel and Russell Westbrook never seemed to value the same things, and how the lack of alignment between the roster and Vogel's basketball philosophies led to a rigidity that could not be overcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

In a move that has been on the horizon for weeks, the Lakers parted ways with Frank Vogel on Monday, ending his tenure as head coach after 3 seasons. In part one of their discussion of the move, Pete, Mike, and Darius revisit the circumstances of Vogel's hire, how his philosophies as a head coach perfectly matched his 1st Lakers roster, and how it all came together in their run to a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

How many teams can actually win the NBA championship this season? Can the Grizzlies defy their experience level to make a deep run or even win the title? Will the Mavs frontcourt and wing depth hurt them vs. the other west teams? Is Brooklyn totally out of it, even with Kevin Durant? Who should be favored between the Suns and the Bucks? With the Lakers out of the playoff picture, Pete, Mike, and Darius turn their focus to who they think can actually win the NBA title by answering these questions and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers' playoff hopes faded into memory on Tuesday, effectively bringing a lost season to its conclusion. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's collapse, and how early mistakes and misfortunes led to the cascading series of events that doomed the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Whenever a Lakers season disappoints, an offseason of rumor and drama surely follows. With the Lakers all by certain to miss the Play-In Tournament, Pete, Mike & Darius discuss lessons learned from previous tumultuous offseasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

An inspired effort from a clearly hobbled Anthony Davis and a very efficient scoring night from Russell Westbrook weren't enough for the Lakers to hang in with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Sunday, all but ending the Lakers chances at the play-in game in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both the game and the season at large, breaking down how some of the positives weren't enough and the negatives were too much to overcome and how the losses piled up because of it. Later, the guys get into how expectations played a big role in the demise of the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers’ hopes of making the play-in took a nearly fatal hit as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Pete & Darius discuss the elements of a game that was a microcosm of a lost season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Has the play-in tournament devalued the regular season? Can tweaks like a shorter regular season or fewer playoff teams make the regular season more competitive and interesting night to night? Does a team like the Lakers -- that is more than 10 games under .500 -- even deserve a chance at the post-season? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more as they debate the state of the regular season and how much it does (and does not matter) in today's NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

After Luka & the Mavs dismantled the Lakers, Pete & Mike briefly discuss the game, the toll that the lack of continuity has exacted upon the team over the years, the current picture in the West & the latest on AD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

With the Lakers' precarious position in the standings, Mike gives us up-to-the-minute news on Anthony Davis' return status. Then, he & Pete discuss how the Lakers' lack of size emphasizes AD's importance & how front court minutes might be affected, who to start alongside of AD, Melo's recent struggles & belief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers lost another gut-punch game on Sunday, falling to the Pelicans after surrendering a 20 point halftime lead in a brutal 3rd quarter, and then not having enough to fend off the charging Pelicans late. Pete and Darius discuss the loss, their frustrations in watching the team give up another big lead, and LeBron's struggles after spraining his ankle. Then later, the guys debate how much a game like this impacts their view of the team and whether this loss is a real setback or not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Sunday's game vs. the Pelicans is not only important to the standings, but serves as a likely play-in preview. And with the team facing off another time in the next handful of days, Pete, Mike, and Darius examine the matchups on both sides of the ball, detailing why New Orleans' individual talent poses such a problem for the Lakers defense and how their paint-packing defensive approach can be countered by the Lakers improving drive-and-kick offense. Then later, Mike tries to stump Pete and Darius in another round of Lakers trivia. Game show music from Zapsplat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers played the 76ers tough on Wednesday night, but without LeBron James the talent gap and Philly's defensive pressure were enough to keep the Lakers at arm's length. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the Lakers' continued improvement offensively and what they're doing on that side of the ball that's working. Then later, the guys discuss Stanley Johnson's overall game, his skill as a passer, and why he and Wenyen Gabriel have made for such a fun pairing in recent games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Whether it's the path through the play-in to qualify for the playoffs or in Wednesday night's game vs. the 76ers, the Lakers are going to have to deal with the goliaths of the NBA in important games the rest of this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers need to play against the game's best big men, why Anthony Davis is the best -- but not only -- solution, and why the speed and motor of Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel are so important in navigating these matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

A dominant LeBron game, an efficient and impactful Westbrook performance on offense, a hot shooting night from DJ Augustin, and a very well coached Frank Vogel game got the Lakers a big win in Cleveland. Is this team finding its stride? Has Russ turned a corner? How does LeBron continue to do this? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers win over the Cavs and try to answer these questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers spent their weekend playing 7 really good quarters of basketball over two games, but it was that final quarter that cost them a win in Washington. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers strong play over those two games, how they carried over their effort from the win in Toronto to the Wizards game, and how that 4th quarter in Washington was emblematic of what they've been all season. Then later, the guys discuss Westbrook and LeBron's dialed-in play, how much AD's return can uplift the team, and the correlation between status and lineup decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers have a long history of #1 overall picks and a current roster full of accomplished players who aren't used to being the underdog. Pete & Darius discuss the team navigating unfamiliar territory in a league that's relishing the opportunity to settle scores against them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers have a history of sudden falls from contention status, only to rise back up and vault themselves back into the conversation of the league's best teams in just as sudden a turn. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the team's struggles this season -- and their path back out of this hole -- can be informed by the past cycles this franchise has seen and how the lessons learned from this final stretch of games can also help guide their decision making moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers lost to the Raptors on Monday night in a game that was not as close as the final margin. Pete and Darius break down the game, focusing on how the Raptors small-ball lineups stood in stark contrast to how the Lakers micro groups and the advantages Toronto gained from their size discrepancy on the wings. Then later the guys discuss Wenyen Gabriel's fit on the roster and why they think he should play more, as well as their thoughts on Talen Horton-Tucker's recent stretch of games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Vastly different opponents brought out two different versions of the Lakers this weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how these games illustrated the benefits and limitations of microball, the team’s tendency to fold at the first sign of adversity, and the team’s lack of attention to detail in the drive & kick game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Eastern Conference gave us a good old fashioned rivalry game on Thursday night when the Nets and 76ers faced off in Philly, bringing all the drama of their trade deadline exchange along with them. Pete, Mike, and Darius use the Nets big win as an entry point to discuss a competitive East playoff race, who their favorites are, and why it feels like as many as 5 teams could end up winning the conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

A theme of this Lakers season has been their inability to conjure the respect and motivation to play engaged basketball vs. teams that aren't very good or that have bad records. This showed up again on Wednesday night in an overtime loss to the Rockets. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the potential root causes of this approach the Lakers so often take, and how much responsibility LeBron does and should carry in games like the loss against the Rockets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

How are the Lakers young players developing this season? How is it different trying to develop on a Lakers team, with LeBron James, and with championship aspirations? What growth have some of the Lakers young players made and in what ways has that met or exceeded expectations? Pete, Mike, and Darius look at Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, and Malik Monk's seasons to this point and try to answer those questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers competed well, but missing LeBron James -- and the subsequent lack of frontcourt size with him out -- did them in vs. the Spurs on Monday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how much the team's lack of size mattered, how this game showed the limitations of the team's talent and some of the players skill sets, and why it's important to compete the way the team did -- even in defeat. Then later, the guys reflect on Russell Westbrook's post-game comments regarding criticism crossing over into something beyond on-court critique. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

LeBron James provided a masterpiece performance over the weekend, scoring 56 points to fend off the Warriors and get the Lakers a much needed win. Pete and Darius discuss LeBron's game and what stood out to them most. Then later, the guys explain why they believe the starting lineup from the Warriors game should continue to start going forward, and discuss the search for other small-ball lineups to deploy in the middle parts of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

Losers of four games in a row and seven of their last eight, the Lakers are in a rut and need to dig themselves out of it. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the nature of being down the way the team currently is, why playing better can't just be about improving schemes or rotations, and how LeBron's leadership is needed now more than ever -- even if the asks being made of him aren't entirely fair considering the load he has to carry and the stage he's at in his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

What team inspires the most confidence they can get through the west playoffs and compete for a title? The Suns? The Warriors? The Grizzlies? What about a lower seed like the Mavs or the Nuggets? Pete, Mike, and Darius break out their confidence meters to debate who they most believe in to make a deep playoff run from the west. Then later, the guys talk about their confidence in the Lakers and whether they still believe this group has at least a puncher's chance against any of the conference's top teams. Plus, Mike gives us another mystery game to close out the pod! Game show music from Zapsplat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers played well on Tuesday night, but not enough to overcome some stagnant late game offense that ultimately cost them against the Mavericks. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on how the team's shortened rotation and smaller skewing lineups helped generate the pace and tempo they used to take their 4th quarter lead. Later, the guys discuss why Frank Vogel's ever-shifting lineups need to be resolved, and they attempt to dissect why the team goes on the scoring droughts they do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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

The Lakers have made some roster moves, waiving DeAndre Jordan, signing point guard D.J. Augustin to fill his roster spot, and adding forward Wenyen Gabriel on a two-way contract. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the games of both Gabriel and Augustin, focusing on their skill sets and what they add to the team, how both fit into different lineup types, and how much both should play once they settle in after signing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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