Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

LeBron James enters his 19th NBA season with a new superstar teammate to mesh with, questions about his durability and health after suffering a high ankle sprain last season, and the burden of remaining an elite player expected to lead his team to a championship at a point in his career most stars have already receded into the background as role players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the challenges LeBron faces this season, what their expectations are for him, and how they expect the question of his partnership with Russell Westbrook will be answered once they're on the court together. 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 looks to have a bounce back season on a team where he’ll be more important than ever. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss his role on the reimagined Lakers roster, and what he must do to get back to championship form. 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 and Mike are joined by PD Web (Twitter: @abovethebreak3) to discuss Talen Horton Tucker's offensive and defensive development, going in depth into THT's progress on his jump shot, his spatial awareness and advantage creation skills on offense and defense, and why it might be important to view his development as 2 players: one who can help a team now with championship aspirations and one who can be featured with a bigger role as a 25 year old player. 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 competitive the NBA is and whether the teams we believe can be contenders or take a big leap forward, ultimately depends on whether the trajectory of players like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, or Nikola Jokic remain ascendant. Pete, Mike, and Darius go around the NBA to look at these players (and some other, former Lakers too!), to give their initial prognosis on whether they can be as good as they were last season and what that means for their respective teams. 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 signed DeAndre Jordan, adding to their center rotation and, in the process, potentially revealing more about the proposed stylistic identity of the team. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the signing, focusing on how Jordan can help offensively, his defensive limitations and whether the Lakers can better compensate for them than the Nets did, and what role they envision him playing in the team's rotation. 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 the period between when the Showtime Lakers ruled the NBA and the Shaq/Kobe Lakers ran roughshod over the league, there was the "LakeShow" teams that, while never competing for a championship, captivated the hometown fans with a brash and fun style of playing the game. While he was only on the team for a little over two seasons, Cedric Ceballos was instrumental in ushering in the LakeShow and helping set the foundation for the team that ultimately was able to lure Shaq from Orlando. Pete and Darius discuss Ceballos' game, his importance to those teams, and why that era of Lakers basketball offers a real nostalgia for them as fans. 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

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God of the Sea, the Goddess of Love, the God of the Sky, etc. Basketball is no different. While some basketball gods are more powerful than others, various players, coaches, and other figures throughout the league’s history act as emissaries who illustrate a fundamental truth about the game. In the continuation of our series on The Basketball Gods, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the God of Vision: the transcendent Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and how he transformed the game for its next generation. 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

Frank Vogel has a well earned reputation as one of the game's elite defensive coaches. But the 2021-22 roster is more offensively minded than his previous Lakers teams. In this episode, Pete, Mike & Darius explore the adjustments Vogel can make to get the most out of this new look group on both ends of the floor. 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 the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & Mike answer questions about the potential advantages & disadvantages of having someone like Marc Gasol on a team with Russell Westbrook, the culprit for the low number of lobs thrown to AD last season, whether THT should get some time at small forward, despite his weakness at guarding at that position, who would they say is the most important player to this team's success (outside of LeBron, AD & Russ), and whether this is the year that the Lakers can reduce LeBron's minutes. 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

Should we expect the Lakers to get off to a quick start and rack up wins to begin the season? What can we learn about this team by the time they take their first long road trip in January? Is there a month of the schedule that is most important to the team's success? Pete, Mike, and Darius try to answer these questions and many more when they take a deep dive into the Lakers 2021-22 schedule. 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

Rajon Rondo is back on the Lakers! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Rondo's return, reflecting not only on their feelings to see him added back to the roster after the up, down, and back up again first tenure with the team, but on the tangible and intangible qualities he brings in his 2nd stint. Later, the guys discuss Rondo's relationship with Frank Vogel and how they envision that impacting Rondo's playing time and Rondo's influence in the locker room. 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 roster nearly complete, the question must be asked: What does this team still need? From a wing defender, to more youthful energy, to a more traditional power forward, Pete, Darius and Mike explore the Lakers roster and try to figure out if areas where the team is lacking and, if so, how much it matters on a roster that has LeBron and Anthony Davis as all court talents and Russell Westbrook intensity and competitiveness. 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 survey the new NBA landscape after most of the offseason has been completed, talking about which teams have improved, which teams they felt did not do enough, which teams around the NBA are title contenders, while engage in a spirited debate about how the Lakers would fare 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

For the conclusion of Westbrook Week, Pete & Mike talk to ESPN's Royce Young, who has covered Russell Westbrook since he was drafted into the NBA, to discuss Russ as a young player, how he has been misunderstood as a player, how Russ has adjusted his game throughout the years, & how Royce sees Westbrook fitting in with the 2022 Lakers. 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 the potential to be one of the most devastating transition teams in the league, and Russell Westbrook will be a major part of establishing that identity. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the specifics of Westbrook's skill as a transition player and how his ability meshes with LeBron and Anthony Davis'. Later, the guys discuss why pushing the pace needs to be a core part of their offensive approach and how hunting transition chances can help the team's half-court offense. 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 the Lakers best defensive player and LeBron James has shown he can still be elite on that end, but with the amount of perimeter defensive talent that left the team, Russell Westbrook might just be the Lakers most important defender this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Westbrook's strengths and weaknesses defensively, why his flaws can be particularly problematic for this specific roster, and how his physical tools and ability to rebound are reasons for optimism. Later, the guys discuss how Russ plays into the "bigger, stronger, faster" approach to this roster and why that matters defensively. 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

If there's a reason to down on the Lakers' acquisition of Russell Westbrook, his poor outside shooting -- and proclivity to shoot those shots anyway -- is probably at the top of the list. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how much Westbrook's shooting struggles matter, whether they think he'll adjust his game and cut down on the number of jumpshots he takes, and what types of schematic adjustments they think can work to help Westbrook be an off-ball threat when defenses help off him. 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 Russell Westbrook's strengths as a playmaker? Are there parts of his game as a passer and shot creator that are surprising? Should we be discounting his assist totals because his usage rate is so high? In the first episode of our Westbrook Week series, Pete, Mike, and Darius examine Westbrook the playmaker and what about that aspect of his game excite and concern them. Later, the guys get into how much LeBron may need to adjust in helping foster Russ' playmaking skills and how they envision Russ and Anthony Davis pairing performing. 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 Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk, the Lakers signed two players who shot over 40% from behind the arc last season, but did so in very different ways. Pete, Mike, and Darius look at how the specifics of both players' shooting profiles can help the Lakers and how each one might excel within the types of offensive sets the team runs. Later, the guys look at each players' defensive utility and wonder if Frank Vogel will be able to mask their limitations enough for either to be a consistent rotation player. 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 talk about Carmelo Anthony's & Trevor Ariza's games & what they see is the best fit & role for them on the offensive & defensive ends of the floor for next season's Lakers 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

Kent Bazemore is a well-rounded player who doesn't do any one thing great, but does a lot of things well enough to impact the game in multiple ways. Will this type of versatility lead him to starting for the Lakers? Will changing from the ball-movement heavy Warriors system to the Lakers more star-centric, isolation and post heavy system hurt his productivity? What is his best defensive position? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these questions and many more when looking at how Bazemore fits on this Lakers 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

Yes, the Lakers now profess to have a big-3 of superstar talents, but newcomer Kendrick Nunn just might be the team's x-factor this season. Pete, Darius, and Mike dissect Nunn's game, looking at his strengths and weaknesses, how they believe he'll fit in on the team on both sides of the ball, and whether he could end up being a surprise starter if the Lakers pivot away from playing big to begin games as they have the last two seasons. 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 remaking their roster this offseason, the Lakers added many talented players -- but ones whose skill sets skew more towards offense. Under head coach Frank Vogel, however, the Lakers have won with a culture of defensive intensity and commitment. Do the Lakers have enough defense this season? Can Anthony Davis and LeBron continue to set the tone on that end? Can Russ turn his focus up to be better? Will this team simply care enough to defend hard if they're as good on offense as they expect to be? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when examining the Lakers defensive potential. 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

When the Lakers introduced many of their newly signed free agents, a common theme among several of them in their comments was the need to sacrifice so the team could be at their best. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the idea of sacrifice in the context of this year's team and discuss how that idea could mean different things for different players. Later, the guys look at the roster construction of the team and discuss if there are skills or a specific player type missing and whether they think the front office will try to address any outstanding needs. 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

We know LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are going to start for the Lakers, but who will join them? Will Anthony Davis start at Center? Is Marc Gasol and his spacing be the best option for this group or would Dwight Howard's rim protection and physicality prove the better choice? At shooting guard, will Kent Bazemore or Wayne Ellington get the nod? Is THT in the mix there? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all these questions and more as they try to put themselves in Frank Vogel's shoes. 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 what seems like a yearly tradition for the Lakers under Rob Pelinka's stewardship, the team's roster was almost completely turned over, headlined by a trade for Russell Westbrook and signing an entire new group of high profile role players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all the changes, focusing on the team's clear shift towards offensive minded players, what they expect from Russell Westbrook, and what role players intrigue them the most. 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

Via trades and free agency, the Lakers have not only added several high level contributors who they hope to win a championship with, they said goodbye to several key players from the 2019-20 title team. Pete, Mike, and Darius say goodbye to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Caruso by talking about their contributions to the Lakers over the years and their favorite moments from those player's time with 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

Before the other Lakers' free agent signings, Pete, Darius & Mike react to Russell Westbrook being a Laker, talking about how Westbrook playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, how much Russ will have to adapt to the team as opposed to how much the team will have to adapt to Westbrook, slotting, how Westbrook will amplify AD, Russ being a floor raiser, how Russ will benefit LeBron, spacing & shooting, and Westbrook's prior struggles in 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

The Lakers begin summer league play in the California Classic on Tuesday, giving fans their first opportunity to watch undrafted free agents Austin Reaves, Joel Ayayi, and Chaundee Brown get their first action for the team. Mike Garcia rejoins Pete, Mike, and Darius to discuss these prospects and what to expect from them in these games as summer play begins. Later, the guys discuss how valuable summer league can be for evaluating young players and whether these games can be a springboard for future success with the Lakers. 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 draft day report that the Lakers will add a 3rd star to flank LeBron James and Anthony Davis shook up the league, and has implications both towards how the team will play next season and how the rest of the roster can and should be constructed. Pete and Darius discuss the new direction the team is taking, how much of a call back to their championship season the rumored move is, and debate what player types and skills the front office should target when building out a contending team around three star players. 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 2021 NBA draft prospects who could help the Lakers, Pete, Darius, and Mike Garcia take a look at players who might be less ready to contribute next season but who offer real upside or are hidden gems Lakers fans should be aware of. From playmaking guards to lob-catching bigs to 3-and-D wings, the guys go on a deep dive of players who the team could target at pick #22 or could take later in the draft if they trade down. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 22nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers select....? That is the question we're all trying to answer and to try and sort through all of the potential options, Pete and Darius are joined by Mike Garcia to break down the most rotation ready prospects who could be available when the Lakers are on the clock. From Chris Duarte to Jared Butler to Trey Murphy III and Kessler Edwards, the guys discuss players who have the potential to play a real role on next season's Lakers. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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

This offseason will give us a lot of insight into how anxious the Lakers are to add a 3rd star to their roster in complement to LeBron and Anthony Davis while also informing us of the organization's willingness to pay and go deep into the luxury tax when building a championship roster. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into these topics by using some of the free agent and potential trade targets the Lakers have been linked to as a guide to what direction the team might go in. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God of the Sea, the Goddess of Love, the God of the Sky, etc. Basketball is no different. While some basketball gods are more powerful than others, various players, coaches, and other figures throughout the league’s history act as emissaries who illustrate a fundamental truth about the game. In the first episode of a series on The Basketball Gods, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the God of Power: the incomparable Shaquille O’Neal. 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 Bucks are the NBA champions, beating the Suns in game 6 on the back of a masterful 50 point, 14 rebound, 5 block performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pete, Mike, and Darius celebrate Giannis' performance to lead his team to the title and discuss why they're happy to see him, specifically, succeed in this way. Later, the guys debate what the Bucks title can teach us about roster construction and how it might impact the Lakers approach this off-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

Last season the Lakers won a championship with a "bigger, faster, stronger" roster grounded in the talents of LeBron and Anthony Davis, but supplemented with role players who carried those same attributes. This season, the Bucks are on the verge of winning a championship using a similar formula. Pete and Darius use this idea to discuss what approach the Lakers should take to building their roster this offseason, specifically looking at whether more size in their backcourt is needed, debating what type of investment the team should make at Center, whether Talen Horton-Tucker can be a solution to the team's needs for more size and skill on the wing, and how seeking out more size comes with the potential of losing other valuable skills that help you win. 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 coming back from a 16 point deficit after the 1st quarter and then holding on vs. a late game Suns rally, the Bucks won game 5 and are only a win away from the NBA championship. Pete and Darius break down the game, keying in on Jrue Holiday's monster performance on both ends of the floor and how his "power" game as a guard epitomizes the Bucks' physical advantages taking their toll on the Suns as the series advances. 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 Kawhi Leonard's partially torn ACL and the anticipated time that Kawhi will be out in rehab after undergoing surgery to repair it, the seeding for the Western Conference is wide open. Pete & Mike discuss what teams they think will be on top of the West next season, as well as what team Pete thinks Lakers should be wary of as a potential contender as a Lakers' fan. They continue their discussion with a discussion of whether the NBA has tilted too far toward preferring skill over size, why Talen Horton-Tucker could prove to be crucial to the Lakers' offseason, a short tribute to how dominant Shaq was (also acting as a preview to an upcoming episode on Shaq), Mike's "update" on Darius's vacation 😂 & 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 Bucks tied up the series on Wednesday night with an engaging game where the Suns led for the majority of the game. Pete & Mike talk about Milwaukee's adjustments that they employed in Game 4, Giannis's AMAZING BLOCK, why the Bucks' have a higher offensive floor in this series, and what adjustments Phoenix can make 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

The Lakers have a long history of prioritizing talent, but that can result in quality players being unhappy with their role, minutes, and touches. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the delicate balance between acquiring the best players available with and those who will fully buy in to their roles. 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 the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & MIke answer questions about what the Lakers can do (other than getting shooters) to improve their scoring, structural changes in the NBA that could be made to improve the league, soccer, building the team around AD or LeBron, favorite albums that came out after 2010, unsung heroes within the Lakers organization, and advice for people who are stuck in a rut. 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 and Mike discuss their different paths toward covering the Lakers. 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 Phoenix Suns continued their torrid playoff run with a convincing Game 1 victory over Milwaukee. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss Phoenix targeting Brook Lopez on switches, Phoenix’s adaptability, and the options Milwaukee has to counter their attack in Game 2. 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 Finals bring two not so recent combatants to the field. Pete, Darius & Mike preview the matchup between the Suns and the Bucks, discussing how soon they expect to see Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in the series, the intriguing matchup between Deandre Ayton & Giannis, the Bucks' unique ability to guard Chris Paul & Devin Booker, Paul's & Booker's effectiveness against the drop, Milwaukee's ability to switch 1 through 5, the coaching matchup & the "brains versus the brawn" matchup. 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 losing game 6 at home, the Clippers have been eliminated from the playoffs and the Suns are going to the NBA Finals. From Chris Paul's big night to Pat Bev's dumb shove and ejection, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game and try to put it all into the broader context of how injuries and availability have played such a huge role in how we've experienced these games as fans. Also, the guys get into the Clippers position as rivals to the Lakers as LA's other team and how this series, if at all, colors their view of that franchise. 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 finishing 24th in offensive rating this past season, we can all agree that the Lakers need to improve on that end of the floor next year. Actually doing it, however, is easier said than done. Would hiring an offensive minded assistant coach actually help? Do the Lakers simply need to improve their offensive talent? Should the team focus more on optimizing Anthony Davis instead of LeBron? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in breaking down the different approaches the team can take when trying to improve offensively. 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 win or go home situation for the Clippers in game 5, Paul George's big night extended the series and has the chance to give his team life as they head back to Los Angeles for game 6. Pete, Mike, and Darius break it all down and discuss how George was able to get it going, Chris Paul's struggles, and how much this game was determined by the Clippers focus and determination to not fold or real tactical advantages from playing smaller. Later, the guys look ahead to game 6 and wonder if Paul George has another big night in him as the pressure starts to build. 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 Jason Kidd reportedly going to the Mavericks as their new head coach, the Lakers are in line to hire a new assistant under Frank Vogel. What are some of the qualities the team should look for in replacing Kidd? Like they did with Kidd, should the Lakers look for a former head coach to join Vogel's staff? How important a factor should improving on offense be when making a decision on an assistant coach? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more, while breaking down Kidd's time with the Lakers and how his tenure with the team ended up being way less controversial than it looked like it might be when he was hired. 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 does it feel seeing Phoenix as a favorite to make it to the NBA finals, knowing that the Lakers were up 2-1 in the first round series before injuries derailed them? What are the guys' thoughts on the Lakers using their draft pick at 22 to fit a need on the team? What is the most underappreciated Lakers title team? Which role player from a previous championship roster would the guys like to see on the most recent Lakers team? What would the guys recommend a listener do with an autographed copy of a Red Auerbach autobiography? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these questions, and more, in the latest edition of the LFR Pod 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

The last team to beat the Suns in a playoff game was the Lakers in game 3 of their 1st round series. Even without Chris Paul for the last two games, the Suns togetherness and chemistry has carried them to 9 straight playoff wins and a 2-0 series lead over the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. From Booker's ascension to Ayton's postseason leap, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Suns just keep winning. Then later, a rant on officiating and the NBA's replay system. 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