Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Over the weekend, the Lakers suffered a hard-fought loss to the Clippers before a terrible and unacceptable lack of effort doomed them in a blowout loss to the Pelicans on Sunday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games and how the loss to the Pelicans showed a group of veteran players resigned to their fate, and what that should mean moving forward. Then later, the guys discuss some potential lineup changes and the mindset shift that needs to happen in order to get something of value out of the final quarter of 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

The Lakers have 24 games left to get the best out of their season and a narrow path forward after Anthony Davis' injury before the break. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron's mentality, how the team can use their lack of size to their advantage, and the many obstacles they will face along the way. 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

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers' supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the various responsibilities that the 3-8 spots fill on a good team, and why that portion of the roster has struggled this 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

All-Star Weekend felt especially Lakers-centric as several franchise icons participated in the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team celebration and LeBron James' game winning fadeaway led his team to another victory in Sunday's game, all while his future in Los Angeles was speculated on after he openly spoke about what lies ahead for him after his current contract expires. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the weekend's events, offering their takeaways on LeBron's comments, what stood out to them about the game, and why how that game played out could be an analogy for what the Lakers were trying to do with this season's team. Then later, the guys discuss their favorite parts of the 75th Anniversary Team celebration. 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 news that Anthony Davis will be out at least a month with a mid-foot sprain, the Lakers will need to make a determination on how hard to push for their final 24 games considering their place in the standings and the talent available to them. Pete and Darius discuss the team's calculus night to night, why LeBron's mentality towards these games puts him in the middle of it all, and how much Russ' spirit and competitiveness can propel the team. Later, the guys talk about whether the team can compensate defensively with AD out and why the last time he was hurt needs to inform the lineup decisions to inspire better defense. 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 got a bittersweet win on Wednesday night when they beat the Jazz in a thrilling 4th quarter comeback, but lost Anthony Davis to a 2nd quarter ankle injury that projects to keep him out of the lineup for some time. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the night's events, the team's resilience in the face of another injury, how Russell Westbrook's spirited play impacted the game, and how the Lakers just seem to match up very well with the Jazz. Later, the guys discuss how the team can approach games without AD and why their experience in that setting can help 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 face the Jazz in their last game before the All-Star break and it's not a stretch to say this is a must-win game, not only for the standings but to keep the team's spirits up and to build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game and discuss the standings, but not before Mike puts both his co-hosts through a gauntlet of questions testing their knowledge of Lakers history. 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

Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves don't play the same style of game and both have had wildly different seasons in terms of expectations and their performance relative to them. But, as the Lakers head into the All-Star break, both project to be key performers and can build on a string of good performances -- particularly in their last game against the Warriors. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both THT and Austin, offering thoughts on the growth in each of their games, how they've been positive contributors of late, and what the next steps are to get the best out of both in the team's final 25 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

The Lakers lost another heartbreaker on Saturday, falling to the Warriors on a night that Klay got hot down the stretch and the Lakers stars weren't able to make the plays they needed to close out the game. But despite the loss, the Lakers showed a level of spirit and togetherness that will do them well if they can maintain it moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game in general, but also why, if the Lakers can just play like that, they'll get back on track and start to resemble a team that can strike fear into their opponents. Then later, the guys discuss some specifics of how the Lakers matchup with the Warriors and why Anthony Davis' play on offense will be the key factor when these teams play in the future. ReplyReply allForward 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 trade deadline came and went with the Lakers making no moves. Pete, Mike, and Darius, discuss the team standing pat, where the team goes for here, and the trades that did go down around the 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

As the Lakers lick their wounds from another terrible loss, the trade deadline is also upon them. Whether they make a major roster change or not, the team -- from the front office to the coaches to the players -- must look themselves in the mirror and determine what type of team they're going to be and what their goals are, both in the short and the long term. Pete and Darius discuss what comes next for these Lakers, and riff on why this team is where it is and what they see as appropriate steps for them coming out of the trade deadline and the all-star break. 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

Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the fallout from the Lakers definitive loss to the Bucks, delving into some of the postgame comments by LeBron & Russ and try to find a way forward for 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

To switch or not to switch, that is the question....for the Lakers defense. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers defensive philosophies, how much they are (and aren't) switching, why the coaches might be making the decisions they are, and debate whether there really is an all-the-time solution defensively for these Lakers considering the limitations of their personnel. 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

Through all the turmoil and disappointment so far this season, there is still one simple truth to these Lakers: when you have LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing like the superstars they are, they can give you a path to a win. Saturday's game vs. the Knicks was more evidence of that as they, along with Malik Monk's hot 2nd half, led the Lakers to an overtime victory. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron and AD's performance, highlighting Bron's return and the details of how his slow start was erased by his fantastic 4th quarter. Later, the guys dive into Russell Westbrook's poor game, his benching in overtime, and whether he can climb out of his recent funk. 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 basketball gods found a new way to torment Laker fans last night as they lost to the Clippers in the final moments of a well-played game. In this episode, Pete & Mike discuss the Lakers comeback and why they came up short, the implications of Carmelo Anthony's injury, and the increasingly difficult path to the playoffs. 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 frustrating win is still a win, right? The Lakers certainly put that theory to the test in a squeaker of a victory vs. the Blazers that was more frustrating than fulfilling on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on how the team's strong start devolving into a mistake riddled, low effort performance irked them so much. Later, the guys find the bright side by focusing on Anthony Davis' determination to win the game down the stretch and what that means for the string of games without LeBron and, specifically, vs. the Clippers Thursday night. 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

Because of injuries, the need for a point-of-attack defender, and his familiarity with Frank Vogel's defensive schemes, Avery Bradley went from waiver wire pick up on the eve of opening night to the Lakers' starting shooting guard this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Bradley's play this year, whether he should remain a starter, and, if not, what the other solutions on the roster are and what they'd choose to 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 got more bad news on the injury front with reports that LeBron's troublesome left knee will likely keep him out of Wednesday's game vs Portland and possibly beyond. in this episode, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the fallout of his absence, express frustration at the steady stream of injury issues over the last two seasons, and how Russell Westbrook's strong road trip gives the Lakers a way to win some games as they once again try to hold it down without one of their superstars. 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 road trip closed with two close losses over the weekend, both without LeBron James who continues to deal with swelling in his knee. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how missing LeBron impacted the games and how the loss to the Hawks highlighted the team's depth issues at forward, particularly on defense. Later the guys debate how much a better back end of the roster could help the Lakers tread water and how damaging it's been to not have additional frontcourt depth with LeBron and Anthony Davis missing so much time. 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 a sore knee kept LeBron James out against the 76ers and then the Lakers lost by double digits in Philly, it's easy to be dispirited with where the team finds itself today. But, a dominant performance from Anthony Davis, even in a losing effort, inspires some hope that things might not be so bad. Pete and Darius discuss how they're feeling about the team coming out of the Philly game and how much AD looking how he did influences that. Later Mike joins the guys to riff on the All-Star voting results. 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

Pete, Darius & Mike preview the Sixers game which will feature a white hot Joel Embiid and a prolific rebounder in Andre Drummond. They discuss whether they expect Dwight Howard to play, the Lakers' offensive rebounding issues, the importance of forging a team identity and some fun train facts. 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

Anthony Davis is back, Stanley Johnson started, Trevor Ariza didn't play, and the Lakers beat the Nets by keeping them at arm's length most of the night. Pete and Darius discuss the events of Tuesday night, drilling down into what stood out to them in AD's return and why his defensive performance is exactly what the Lakers needed from him. Later, the guys discuss Stanley Johnson's surprise shift into the starting lineup and how his energy and approach to defending Harden paid dividends later in 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

Anthony Davis is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday night when the Lakers face off against the Nets in Brooklyn. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what to expect from AD in his return, how the Lakers can integrate him into the lineup defensively, some of the lineup combinations they're most interested in seeing with him back, and why what the team has learned about themselves with AD out can inform the best ways to utilize him 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 split a pair of games over the weekend, beating the Magic on Friday while losing to the Heat on Sunday. In both games, however, a consistent theme was the struggles of the current starting lineup. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this new group of starters, their status as a placeholder group until Anthony Davis returns, and why Trevor Ariza's struggles stand out as worth monitoring in both the short and the long term. Later, the guys dive deeper into Ariza's game and wonder how long he should remain a starter with Stanley Johnson waiting in the wings. 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

It wouldn't be the Lakers if there weren't some drama too. This was true when Dr. Buss bought the team and it remains true today. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's history of managing the spotlight and accepting the drama that comes with playing for the Lakers and in Los Angeles, and also the benefits that come with it too. 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 has been all too common this season, the Lakers lost another game down the stretch -- this time against the Pacers and a red-hot shooting Caris LeVert who nearly outscored the entire Lakers team in the 4th quarter by himself. Pete and Darius discuss the game, using it as a microcosm for some of the Lakers larger issues and how the misalignment of players vs. scheme contributed to the team's defensive struggles down the stretch. Later, the guys discuss Russell Westbrook's late game benching and how they envision that getting resolved (or, not) as the team ventures out on a 6-game road trip. 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 recent reports that Frank Vogel's job may be in jeopardy, Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss the relevant context that has led to to this point. 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 had one of their best wins of the year on Monday night, beating the Jazz with a combination of defensive execution and timely offense down the stretch. From Stanley Johnson's big night to LeBron's balanced floor game to some key lineup and tactical shifts from Frank Vogel and the coaching staff, Pete, Mike, and Darius breakdown the game and discuss why this type of bounceback performance should serve as the template for how this team can play 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 suffered a blowout loss to the Nuggets on Saturday and a day later LeBron James sent out a tweet apologizing to the fans and saying that they'll be better. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to the Nuggets, but also LeBron's tweet and debate whether it's realistic to expect this version of the team to be better considering the talent and types of players they currently have on the 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

In their loss to the Kings on Wednesday, some of the Lakers worst traits as a team were put on display. Pete, Mike, and Darius dissect the disappointing loss and explain where their concerns are and why the circumstances surrounding this game put an added level of importance on the team's resolve and resiliency heading into this next stretch of games against better opponents. 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 is Russell Westbrook's ideal role on this version of the Lakers? How aggressive does he need to be? What should the team be doing to help him thrive on offense? Does that change when Anthony Davis comes back? Due to injuries and COVID absences, the first half of the season hasn't been as informative as we'd have liked, but we have a better idea of how to answer these questions than we did over the summer. Pete and Darius dive in on all things Russ and the path to getting the most helpful version of him and his 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 Lakers have hit the halfway point of the regular season, so there's no better time to reflect on what has happened to this point in the year, how much we do and do not know about this team, and where we think they're headed. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of their big picture takeaways through the halfway point -- from the injuries to the shift towards small ball to the load LeBron has had to carry on both sides of the ball. Later, the guys dive into Russell Westbrook's play, both the good and the bad, and how Anthony Davis' looming return could impact it all. 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 were mauled by the Grizzlies on Sunday night, showing both how good Memphis is as a team and how their specific personnel served as an antidote to many of the things the Lakers had been doing well in their win streak. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the limitations of the Lakers small-ball approach and how the team's sloppy execution did them in vs. a Grizzlies team that offers specific matchup busters and is playing high level basketball right now. Later, the guys discuss Anthony Davis and why some of the tactics the team used vs. Memphis would align much better with him on the court, and why the team is still using some of these schemes with AD unavailable. 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 playing more "microball" lineups that feature Russell Westbrook, should we worry they'll suffer the same fate as the 2019-20 Rockets? How much does this Lakers' season remind you of the cursed 2012-13 one? Where will Kendrick Nunn's minutes come from when he returns from injury? How does Anthony Davis fit into this new style of play? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in the latest 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 the Lakers embrace small-ball and centerless lineups, where does Dwight Howard fit into the rotation? And after playing very well in his last two appearances, should the Lakers try to find a consistent role for him? Pete, Mike, and Darius evaluate Dwight at this stage of his career, discuss why he's still a useful player on a team that's skewing smaller, and forecast where he might be most valuable in upcoming matchups. Later, the guys discuss the push happening in the bottom half of the West playoff bracket and why the Lakers recent run of good play needs to continue as the teams around them in the standings also find their stride. 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 and Malik Monk came up huge down the stretch of the 4th quarter in a come from behind win over the Kings on Tuesday night, giving the Lakers their 3rd straight win in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Monk and LeBron's partnership and how Monk's offensive skill set allows him to thrive in the two-man game actions the team ran to close out the win. Later, the guys dive deeper into Monk's role and debate whether he should stay in the starting lineup when Anthony Davis returns. 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 Stanley Johnson's 10-day contract expiring on Monday and Avery Bradley's contract guarantee date approaching this week, the Lakers have some roster decisions to make. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Johnson's status and whether they expect him back on the team and then they get into Bradley's play of late and whether they'd guarantee his contract by this Friday's deadline. Later, the guys discuss what the roster still needs and what type of player they'd chase in advance of next month's trade deadline. 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 were able to grind out a win vs. the Timberwolves on Sunday night, committing to playing their small-ball lineups even when they were struggling defensively and on the backboards. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Frank Vogel's choice to stay small, the significance of giving these groups a chance to succeed and fail on their merits, and how the blueprint of playing this style is coming together to put this team on a path to becoming the best version of themselves. 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 a strong game vs. the Grizzlies, but weren't able to contain Ja Morant or hold on to a double digit 3rd quarter lead in a frustrating loss. Mike and Darius discuss the game, including LeBron's great night, where the game got away from the Lakers, and how both teams being shorthanded impacted the outcome. Later, the guys discuss Talen Horton-Tucker's recent struggles and anticipate how the return of Austin Reaves and Frank Vogel can help both THT and the team find their stride. 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 downsized their lineup and traveled to No Big Island on Tuesday night, ending their 5 game losing streak with a win over the Rockets in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the lineup shift and breakdown the positives they saw, particularly on offense. Later, the guys discuss Malik Monk's play and where he fits into the rotation when the team downsizes, some of ways the team has missed Frank Vogel, and why the idealized version of this team is a mix of playing the smaller lineups David Fizdale has prioritized with some of the defensive game planning and adjustments that Vogel brings as head coach. ReplyReply allForward Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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

Despite the Lakers 16-18 start, unusual circumstances in the Western Conference have left the them within a game of the 5th seed. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the group of teams the Lakers will be competing with for playoff position, and the key stretches of the season that can help them get there. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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

Stanley Johnson looked like a natural fit in his debut with the Lakers, as the team added both him and Darren Collison to 10-day contracts. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss why his synergy with the team makes sense, the continuing domination of the LeBron at the 5 groups, and how the Brooklyn game illuminated some of Russell Westbrook's worst attributes. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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 roster construction and circumstances of the season have lead LeBron James to play more and more as a big man. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss his continuing evolution as a player, and how the Lakers can continue to develop around LeBron's changing role. 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

Despite a great effort from LeBron James, the Suns pulled away from the depleted Lakers in the 2nd half to hand them another defeat. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, including why even with so many players unavailable and the team expected to struggle, there were still reasons to be frustrated with how this game played out. Later the guys talk about finding the right balance between stars and role players in more lineups, and whether Trevor Ariza has shown enough since returning from injury to be moved into the starting lineup. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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

Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard are set to rejoin the Lakers after the team was reported to sign Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day contract and Mason Jones to a two-way deal. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss the impact of these reinforcements, more on how Trevor Ariza helps, and continue their discussion on how the team can get the most out of this stretch without Anthony Davis. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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 only the span of a few days, the Lakers have lost Anthony Davis for at least a month to a knee injury, had several players go into the NBA's health and safety protocols, signed Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract via a hardship exception, and had Trevor Ariza return to the lineup in his first action of the season after ankle surgery in September. Pete and Darius discuss all this news, including their initial impressions of Thomas and Ariza, as well as how losing AD changes the asks on LeBron and how much more or less taxing it is for him to play more minutes as a "big" with the team going to more center-less lineups. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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 a 24 hours for the Lakers, who see Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley join Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker in the health and safety protocols, Malik Monk produce negative tests and be able to rejoin the team, and the signing of Isaiah Thomas as a backup guard with a hardship exemption. Pete and Darius discuss all the latest news, while also getting into how the team might approach the upcoming games this weekend with such a depleted team. Later, the guys dive into how Frank Vogel might handle the rotation and some specifics they're looking forward to in Friday's matchup with the T'Wolves. 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 Wayne Ellington knocked down a last second 3-pointer to force overtime and Austin Reaves hit a near buzzer beater 3 to close out the OT, the Lakers won a thriller of a game vs. the Mavericks on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all things from the game -- including Mike pinch hitting on the radio call -- to break down the team's resilience, Austin's big shot, why the LeBron at the 5 groups struggled, and why these types of games are giving the team the reps they need to keep improving. 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 NBA is under siege with new COVID cases and the Lakers are the most recent team to be impacted as Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk all enter the NBA's health and safety protocols. As we all hope for low impact cases, quick recoveries, and containment of the virus, the basketball will (for now) go on. With that, Pete, Mike, and Darius react to the news by first discussing THT's recent play and how much losing him hurts, and then exploring how to replace him in the starting lineup and why they'd all choose Austin Reaves. Later, the guys discuss Kent Bazemore and whether he too should get a chance in the rotation as another wing option to help supplement Monk's absence. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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

Five years ago today, the Laker Film Room Podcast was born. Today, then, we celebrate the only way we know how: with another podcast. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all things LFR podcast -- from the origin story of how it all came together to some of their favorite memories from doing the pod and everything in between. A special thanks to all of you who continue to listen and have supported us all these years. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. 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