Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Comeback in San Antonio

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Not all wins are created equal, and a come from behind win on the road, on a night the Lakers didn't have LeBron James and several other role players,...

Great to Be Back

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The NBA season is only a week old, but we've already been treated to some great individual performances and some teams looking to make more noise tha...

Stay Me7o

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies for their first win of the season and Carmelo Anthony's big scoring night was a major reason why. Pete, Mike, an...

Standing Out vs. Fitting In

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

LeBron James said that Russell Westbrook, like himself and Anthony Davis, shouldn't be worried about "fitting in" on the Lakers, but instead, as one o...

Paint to Great

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Russell Westbrook's struggles on opening night should not be surprising considering some of the lineups he played in and how much he was (or was not)...

Lakers Fall on Opening Night

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers dropped their season opener to the Warriors 121-114 in a game that saw LeBron and Anthony Davis score and defend well, but none of their te...

Western Conference Preview

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In forecasting how far the Lakers can go this season, it's best to first examine their position in the Western Conference relative to the rest of the ...

Lakers Season Preview

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers enter the 2021-22 season with high expectations, and with more questions than answers. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the upcoming season ...

Agents of Chaos

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers dropped their preseason finale on Thursday night, but in the process gave us even more insight into the type of team they're trying to be a...

Big 3 Debut

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers fell to 0-5 in the preseason after losing to the Warriors on Tuesday night, but all was not lost as we got our first glimpse at how the LeB...

Injury Bug

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have been hit with the injury bug, losing Trevor Ariza and now Talen Horton-Tucker for extended stretches. With Malik Monk and Kendrick Nun...

Pace Yourself

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Mike discuss the Lakers' casual approach to preseason after a string of blowout losses, Russell Westbrook's early turnovers, and why coming c...

Getting Better

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Through their first two preseason games, the Lakers have had some rough moments defensively. Pete and Darius discuss some of the team's struggles and ...

Ariza's Injury

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers' lack of size and defensive cohesion were evident in their blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns, particularly in the backcourt. In this episode...

Pau

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pau Gasol announced that he is retiring from professional basketball, sparking an outpouring of love and sharing of memories from Lakers fans from aro...

Combos & Clues

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From starting DeAndre Jordan next to Anthony Davis to playing lineups that featured multiple shooters who can struggle defensively, Frank Vogel put fo...

Preseason Opener

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With both teams missing the majority of their superstar players, the Lakers and Nets opened their preseason on Sunday afternoon -- with Brooklyn winni...

Preseason Preview

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do we expect from the Lakers as they head into their first preseason game? What will their defense look like? How do they translate the desire to...

First Practice

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the aftermath of their first practice of training camp, Frank Vogel said he wants the Lakers to be the best fast break team in the NBA this season...

Media Day

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lakers Media Day has come and gone, and with it we got our first glimpse at the new look team all in the same room, offering us their thoughts and exp...

Final Thoughts

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With less than a week before Lakers training camp opens, what are you most curious about heading into the season? What is your biggest concern? What e...

Year 19

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

AD

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

THT's Microskills

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Mike are joined by PD Web (Twitter: @abovethebreak3) to discuss Talen Horton Tucker's offensive and defensive development, going in depth int...

Buy or Sell

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 trajector...

Lakers Sign DeAndre Jordan

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have signed DeAndre Jordan, adding to their center rotation and, in the process, potentially revealing more about the proposed stylistic i...

Cedric & the Lake Show

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The Basketball Gods - Magic Johnson

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God ...

Vogel's Challenge

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 prev...

Quick Hitters 9/3

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & Mike answer questions about the potential advantages & disadvantages of having someone like Marc Gasol on a team...

A Look at the Schedule

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Rondo Returns

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

What Do the Lakers Still Need

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Around the NBA

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Darius & MIke survey the new NBA landscape after most of the offseason has been completed, talking about which teams have improved, which teams ...

Talking Westbrook w/Royce Young

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Rebound & Run

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 establis...

Westbrook's Defense

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 defen...

Westbrook's Shooting

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 -...

Westbrook the Playmaker

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 disc...

Monk & Ellington

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Melo & Ariza

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 e...

How Bazemore Fits In

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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....

How Nunn Fits In

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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, Dari...

How Much Defense Is Enough?

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After remaking their roster this offseason, the Lakers added many talented players -- but ones whose skill sets skew more towards offense. Under head ...

Sacrifice

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Who Should Start?

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cent...

Whole New Team

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Farewell to the Champs

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

RUSSELL WESTBROOK IS A LAKER

07 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Before the other Lakers' free agent signings, Pete, Darius & Mike react to Russell Westbrook being a Laker, talking about how Westbrook playing with L...

Summer League Preview

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers begin summer league play in the California Classic on Tuesday, giving fans their first opportunity to watch undrafted free agents Austin Re...

Three Stars

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Lakers Draft Preview: Hidden Gems

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 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 ...

Lakers Draft Preview: Ready to Contribute

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 throug...

Lakers Offseason Preview

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Dav...

The Basketball Gods - SHAQ

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God ...

Giannis Leads Bucks to a Title

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Antetoko...

Big Guards

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last season the Lakers won a championship with a "bigger, faster, stronger" roster grounded in the talents of LeBron and Anthony Davis, but supplement...

Bucks Win Game 5 Classic

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

Wide Open West

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 fo...

Bucks Even Up the Series

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Milwauke...

Talent Plays

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Quick Hitters 7/12

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & MIke answer questions about what the Lakers can do (other than getting shooters) to improve their scoring, struc...

Different Paths

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Mike discuss their different paths toward covering the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Suppo...

Suns Control Game 1

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns continued their torrid playoff run with a convincing Game 1 victory over Milwaukee. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss Phoenix ta...

NBA Finals Preview

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Clippers Get Eliminated

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Offensive Specialist

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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. Actual...

Clippers Show Heart

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Replacing Kidd

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Quick Hitters 6/25

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 injur...

Spirit of the Game

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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, t...

AD at the 5

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the same vein of discussion that continues the earlier episode on how bigs have fared in these playoffs, Pete & Mike discuss what is the ideal spli...

Gobert & Simmons

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Both the Jazz and the 76ers were eliminated much earlier than both had hoped and the limitations of star players Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons, respecti...

The Importance of Shooting

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that shooting is a key ingredient to playing winning basketball in the modern NBA. However, how critical was the Lakers fall-off in 3-poin...

Drummond

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andre Drummond. For many Lakers fans, just hearing his name inspires a visceral reaction and triggers strong opinions about how much his mid-season ac...

KD Goes Off

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From KD's incredible game 5 performance to give the Nets a 3-2 lead over the Bucks to Kawhi Leonard's knee injury to Chris Paul entering into the NBA'...

Dennis Schröder's Season

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 Dennis Schröder had some really strong stretches in his debut season with the Lakers, but his playoff struggles after AD's injury highlighted some ...

Back At It

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Should the Lakers "run it back" next season? How does the front office balance evaluating players on their individual merits vs. how those players cou...

The Season Ends

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After losing game 6 to the Suns, the Lakers season is mercifully, yet prematurely, over. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the season ending defeat and r...

Do or Die

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With AD and KCP questionable to play and the Lakers coming off a blowout game 5 loss, things are not looking good for game 6. From what lineups should...

Lakers Implode in Game 5

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A disappointing lack of resolve after an early Suns' run led to a Lakers' blowout loss in game 5. With the team on the brink of elimination as they he...

If AD Can't Play

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Anthony Davis not likely to play due his strained groin he suffered in game 4, the Lakers are facing an uphill battle that will necessitate sever...

AD Injured As Lakers Lose Game 4

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A late Lakers rally dashed, an Anthony Davis groin strain, and a gritty Suns defensive performance have leveled this series at 2-2. As we look ahead, ...

Lakers Flex in Game 3

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers showed flashes of dominance in the third quarter of their 109-95 win in Game 3, giving them a 2-1 series lead. In this episode, Pete and Da...

Game 3 Adjustments

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Lakers winning game 2 to even their series with the Suns, they have now established a gameplan that is not only proven to work, but one Frank...

Lakers Win Game 2 Thriller

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers got the split they wanted in Phoenix by beating the Suns in a thrilling game 2 to tie the series as things shift back to Los Angeles. From ...

Adjustments for Game 2

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The beauty of the playoffs are in the adjustments teams make from game to game. And trailing the Suns 1-0 in the series, adjustments are in order for ...

Lakers Lose Game 1

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers dropped their playoff opener vs. the Suns in frustrating fashion, with their offense stumbling and their defense showing just enough cracks...

Lakers vs Suns Preview

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers second half surge to beat the Warriors in the play-in game propelled them into the 7th seed and a 1st round playoff series vs. the Suns. Fr...

Quick Hitters (5/21)

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How effective can Andre Drummond be against the Suns? Should we be concerned about Dennis Schröder after his struggles vs. the Warriors in the play-i...

THAT GAME

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers beat the Warriors 103-100 in the Play-In Game to secure the 7th seed, which culminated in a one-eyed, dagger 3 from LeBron James to win it....

Lakers vs Warriors

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers and Warriors will face off in the play-in game in a matchup between tested champions. In this episode, Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss how the...

How Confident Are You?

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers finished the season on a 5-game winning streak, and a matchup against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors awaits in the Play-In Tourn...

Quick Hitters

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Who are the Lakers best bench options in a potential playoff series vs. the Suns? If the Lakers end up in the play-in game, should Frank Vogel change ...

Full Squad

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dennis Schröder posted to social media telling us he's on the verge of returning. And while the team is still being cautious with LeBron James' ankle...

The Adventures of THT

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A Wes Matthews tip-in to force overtime, some inspired defense by Anthony Davis, and a Talen Horton-Tucker step back 3 in the final minute of OT lifte...

Playoff Seeding

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Davis is playing great and the Lakers look to be getting back on track, but the West playoff seedings remain bunched up with several scenarios...

AD Dominates

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Davis caught a lob pass for a reverse dunk and emphatically screamed "I'M BACK" to punctuate an absolutely dominant performance that propelled...

Good News, Bad News

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers fell to the 7th seed after losing to the Portland Trailblazers on Friday night, but also saw Anthony Davis touch superstardom for the first...

Limited LeBron

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

LeBron's injured ankle will keep him out of the Lakers next two games -- and maybe even longer. How concerned should we be? What can the Lakers do to ...