Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Training Camp Goals

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Lakers training camp just a couple of weeks away, Pete and Darius discuss their big picture expectations for camp, some positional battles they’...

Are the Lakers Open for Business?

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of reports that the Lakers are more willing to take on long term money in trades than they were earlier this offseason and that Andrew Wig...

The Kawhi Situation

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss Slovenia’s elimination from Euro Basket in a hard-fought loss to Germany in the quarterfinals, highlighting Luka’s huge sc...

Getting Into the Paint

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What are the pathways to the Luka Dončić led Lakers being elite offensively? How reliant should they be on the pick and roll to drive their success?...

Class of 2025

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss Luka Dončić's continued dominance at Eurobasket, this time leading Slovenia to an upset win over Italy to continue their ru...

Luka Dominates at Eurobasket 2025

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luka Dončić is dominating at Eurobasket and has carried Slovenia to the knockout round of the tournament. Pete and Darius discuss what they’ve see...

What Does Rob Pelinka Believe In? Pt. 2

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of their discussion on Rob Pelinka, Pete and Darius discuss what are the skill sets Pelinka seems to value most in players, how his backgr...

Playing Off Your Best Players

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luka’s masterful play at Eurobasket is a reminder of how he warps a defense by exploiting mismatches. The guys discuss how the Lakers mastering what...

What Does Rob Pelinka Believe In? Pt. 1

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of their discussion on Rob Pelinka and the role of being the Lakers top basketball decision maker, Pete and Darius discuss the circumstances...

Shine On You Crazy Diamond

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss Kobe Bryant and what parts of his outlook on life and commitment to basketball have left a lasting impression on them over the...

Lakers Cap Situation feat. Yossi Goslan

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darius is joined by salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan to talk about the Lakers cap situation for the summer of 2026 and beyond, how LeBron’s future pla...

Dream a Little Dream

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What would need to happen for the Lakers to win the NBA title this season? Pete & Darius discuss the checkpoints the team would need to hit to reach t...

Nowhere to Hide

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Though it feels more natural for him to come off the bench, Rui Hachimura staying in the starting lineup has the potential to help create an incredibl...

2025-26 Schedule Release

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers 2025-26 schedule is out and Pete and Darius break it all down, highlighting the stretches of the season that most intrigue them, where they...

Austin 3:16

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Austin Reaves went into last season as the Lakers starting point guard for the first time in his career, but the acquisition of Luka leaves his role l...

Potential Pitfalls

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's injury concerns, changes in roles, contract year stresses, or how the leadership of the team is divvied up and managed between the team'...

Quick Hitters 8/8

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who is the most important non Luka or LeBron player for the Lakers to reach their ceiling this season? What should we make of LeBron's relationship wi...

They Reminisce Over You

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius take a stroll down memory lane to discuss a couple of Lakers who have been somewhat lost to history. And then later they go around the...

No Time Like the Present

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One pathway to being a contender is to maximize the value of your contracts and to have as many of your players outperform their salary as possible. H...

Luka Extends w/ the Lakers

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luka Dončić has signed a three-year contract extension with the Lakers, keeping him on the team for at least the next several seasons, and giving th...

Year 23

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As off-court questions and speculation swirls about LeBron James' future, he prepares for an unprecedented 23rd NBA season while remaining one of th...

Killswitch Engage

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After trading for Luka Dončić, the Lakers were just a middle-of-the pack offense in the regular season and also struggled on that end in the playoff...

Redick’s New Options

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With a more balanced roster and a year under his belt, what should the Lakers expect from JJ Redick? Pete and Darius discuss Redick heading into his 2...

Luka 2.0

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Luka Dončić looking leaner and more fit than he has since his first few seasons in the NBA, Pete and Darius speculate how this might translate ...

Big West

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Based on last season’s results and what they have done collectively this offseason, the Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, and Timberwolves look like the fo...

Thoughts on Modern NBA Positions

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do position names like point guard, center, or small forward still apply to the modern NBA? If not, what would be more appropriate? Are the jobs of th...

Is the Roster Set?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After signing Marcus Smart is the Lakers roster set heading into the season or is there another trade coming? How would you feel if the current group ...

Point of Attack Defense

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers announced they have waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, facilitating the salary savings they will need to sign Marcus Smart. With the M...

Lakers Get Smart

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers will reportedly sign Marcus Smart after he was bought out by the Wizards on Saturday. Pete and Darius discuss the move, expressing their e...

LeBron's Last, Best Chance?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With rumors swirling around whether LeBron will be on the Lakers next year and hints that his best chance to win another title might be on another tea...

Building Around Luka with Iztok Franko

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https:/...

Bronny's Progress

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bronny James, Jr. had his best game of the Summer League vs the Clippers, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. The guys discuss how his athle...

Pretty Hate Machine

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a continuation of their wide-reaching discussion on NBA media, Pete and Darius discuss how growing up in the era NBA fandom they did shaped their v...

Long Term, Short Term

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are the Lakers really gonna wait two years for Giannis’ free agency? Do they need another big, considering how many two-big looks there are around t...

2025 California Classic

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers closed out the California Classic portion of summer league with a comeback win over the Spurs that featured Dalton Knecht's best game so fa...

Starting 2, Backup 1

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who are the defensive trade targets the Lakers should look hardest at? Is it possible to make a deal without including Rui? Are there any remaining ...

One Spot Left

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have 14 player under guaranteed contract, leaving one spot open. The guys discuss how the team may be eyeing the buyout market to see what ...

Hayes Stays…What Now?

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the heels of signing DeAndre Ayton as their starting center, the Lakers have come to terms with Jaxson Hayes to return to the team as a backup big ...

Lakers Sign DeAndre Ayton

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers get their starting center as DeAndre Ayton signs a 2-year, $16.6M deal with a player option. The guys react to the news, discuss how it giv...

DFS Leaves, Lakers Sign LaRavia

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Free agency is in full swing and while other teams have been very active, the Lakers have made just one signing in former King and Grizzlies wing Jake...

LeBron Opts In, DFS Opts Out

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have more certainty with their own free agents as LeBron James has opted into his contract for next season while Dorian Finney-Smith has op...

Lakers Trade Up for Adou Thiero

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Garcia hops on the pod to react to the Lakers moving up to draft the athletic Adou Thiero, one of the draft prospects that Mike had ranked highly...

Lakers Move Up to #45

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss Wednesday's 1st round of the NBA draft and how the trades and picks made by the Suns and Blazers could impact the Lakers searc...

Kobe Rant

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius answer listener questions about the Lakers, including changes they'd like to see made by the new ownership group, what schematic chang...

Titles & Trades

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The OKC Thunder are the new NBA Champions, but while their parade happens the NBA's transaction cycle is already heating up. Pete and Darius discuss t...

Any Bigs in the Draft?

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius are joined by Mike Garcia to discuss the NBA Draft, specifically looking at center prospects and whether the Lakers can find someone t...

New Leadership

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The NBA Finals are going to a Game 7 after the Pacers blew out the Thunder in Game 6. Pete and Darius react to the game and how Indy stayed alive. And...

BUSS FAMILY SELLS LAKERS

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Walter is set to be the new controlling owner of the Lakers, as the Buss Family agrees to sell all but 15% of their share of the team. The guys r...

OKC Takes Game 5

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

OKC won Game 5 with a decisive 4Q push, and are now one game away from an NBA title. The guys discuss Jalen Williams’ 40-point game, how OKC has mov...

2025 Trade Season Begins

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trade season has already begun with the deal that sends Desmond Bane to the Magic while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four 1st round pic...

DFS Has Surgery

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss Dorian Finney-Smith's decision to have ankle surgery, what it means that it came at this point in the offseason, how it might...

Pacers Take 2-1 Lead

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Pacers have done it again, winning Game 3 of the Finals to take a 2-1 lead over the Thunder. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the fantastic perfo...

The Recipe

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recent champions have followed a recent formula of having an elite offensive player flanked by a high level defensive roster — a trend the Thunder a...

2024-25 Season in Review: Austin Reaves

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How would you evaluate Austin Reaves outside of the context of the roster, his contract, or even what his future fit might be next to Luka Dončić? H...

Steal Your Thunder

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers did it again with another 4th quarter comeback and game winning bucket to steal Game 1 of the Finals from the Thunde...

2025 Finals Preview

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The NBA Finals begin on Thursday night and Pete and Darius breakdown the matchup between the Thunder and Pacers and discuss what they think some of th...

Thibs Fired

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a somewhat surprising decision, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday fresh off a trip to the conference finals. Pete and Darius rea...

Building Identity Around Luka

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss how the Lakers go about building around Luka Dončić can't just about finding players who can compensate for the things he d...

Pacers & Spacers

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Pacers are going to the NBA Finals after beating the Knicks in Game 6 over the weekend. Pete and Darius discuss Indy's run to the Finals, how thei...

Mendoza Line

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius debate how big a leap the Lakers could take by adding a center in free agency vs. making a larger trade for one. Are the free agent bi...

OKC to the Finals

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Thunder are heading to the Finals after dismantling the Wolves in their Game 5 matchup and blowing them out to win the series 4-1. Pete and Dariu...

Sense of Mission

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Thunder and Pacers both one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, Pete and Darius discuss both teams' drive and commitment to build on their...

LeBron Opting In?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After making his 21st consecutive All-NBA team with a 2nd team nod over the weekend, LeBron James is in the midst of an offseason where his pending co...

Baby Lakers

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before there was a LeBron, Luka, or an Anthony Davis, there were the "Baby Lakers" -- a group of young draftees and G-League finds the team developed ...

Panic at the Garden

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the conference finals underway, Pete and Darius discuss the Pacers' incredible comeback vs. the Knicks in game 1 and the Thunder's win over the W...

Joe Barely Cares

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https:/...

Bargain Shopping

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss whether the Lakers can find low salaried rotation players who can also be long term fits, how acquiring them can be challengin...

Beautiful Hatewatch

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Celtics and the Nuggets both getting eliminated from the playoffs, Pete and Darius take a moment to reflect on the fall of a couple of Lakers...

Rui's Future

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Coming off a season in which he showed good improvement defensively, refined his role offensively, and closed the playoff strong, Rui Hachimura had on...

Shooting Guard Options

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius continue their discussions on offseason planning and how the Lakers can best build around Luka Dončić by looking at the team's needs...

Searching for a Second Star

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers pursuit of a long-term 2nd star to pair with Luka Dončić and what qualities they believe are most important in th...

Big Man Options

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of the remaining playoff teams have multiple centers in their rotations and play two-big lineups as one of their key rotation looks. Pete and Dar...

Salary Cap Situation

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does the Lakers salary cap sheet look like next season? What about the year after that? How does LeBron's player option on his contract this summ...

How Skilled Are the Lakers?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of their evaluation of the Lakers roster, the guys rank each player on the team as shooters, ball handlers, passers, finishers around the ...

Do the Lakers Have Enough Athleticism?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of a two-part pod evaluating the Lakers roster, the guys focus on the athleticism of the team, ranking each player’s strength, speed, le...

Second Round Lessons

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius go around the league to discuss a fantastic start the 2nd round of the playoffs where the road teams have started 5-0 and include mult...

Redick's First Year

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius continue their review of the Lakers leadership by discussing JJ Redick's rookie campaign as Lakers head coach. The guys dive into the ...

Pelinka's Extension

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Lakers move into the offseason, Pete and Darius begin their year of review by looking at the team's leadership, starting with Rob Pelinka. The...

Pelinka & Redick Give Their Final Thoughts

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick held their end of season press conference on Thursday and provided their thoughts on the Lakers first round exit, the change...

Off to Cancun

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers season ended with a Game 5 defeat to the Timberwolves, with the Lakers struggling to score and secure the stops necessary to seize a game t...

New Starters for Game 5?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers will try to fend off elimination in Wednesday's Game 5 against the Timberwolves. Pete and Darius discuss some of the possible tactical shif...

Pep Talk

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Lakers down 3-1 in their series with the Timberwolves, Pete and Darius discuss their frustrations with where the series stands and where the...

Lakers Lose Heartbreaker, Go Down 3-1 to Wolves

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers suffered a gut-punch loss in Game 4, falling to the Wolves by three points after taking a 10-point lead into the final frame. Pete and Dari...

Wolves Take Game 3

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Luka Dončić dealing with an illness and compromised physically, LeBron James stepped up with a big scoring night and great game overall, but i...

Road Killers

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Lakers head into Friday's Game 3 against the Timberwolves in Minnesota, Pete and Darius reminisce about Kobe Bryant quieting road arenas in h...

Lakers Look to Win the Ground Game

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Lakers head to Minnesota for Game 3, Pete and Darius review some of the things that have them encouraged about the Lakers chances the rest of ...

Lakers Turn Up Defensive Pressure, Take Game 2

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers turned up their defensive intensity and physicality, holding the Wolves to just 85 points to secure a much needed win and even up their 1st...

Move to Audacy

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers face a near must-win situation in Game 2 tonight against the Wolves. The guys discuss how the Lakers were surprised by Minnesota's defensi...

Lakers vs Wolves - Game 2 Adjustments

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In advance of Tuesday's Game 2 between the Lakers and the Wolves, Pete and Darius look at some adjustments the Lakers can make to try to even the seri...

Wolves Thrash Lakers in Game 1

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite a strong scoring night from Luka Dončić, the Lakers got blown out in Game 1 against the Timberwolves, doing too little to slow down their ho...

Drop is Death - How Will the Wolves Guard the Lakers

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Minnesota runs a drop-heavy defensive coverage that's built around Rudy Gobert's abilities as a rim protector, but as JJ Redick has said...drop is dea...

Ant & Julius

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers switch-heavy defense invites mismatch hunting and the 1-on-1 scenarios that Anthony Edwards can thrive in. Pete & Darius discuss what makes...

Lakers vs Wolves Big Picture Thoughts

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete & Darius give their initial, big picture impressions of the Lakers vs Wolves matchup. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfi...

50 Wins

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

1st Round Matchups w/Jason Timpf

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Luka's Storybook Return

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luka Dončić returned to Dallas for the first time as a member of Lakers and had a storybook game to secure an emotion-filled and critical win for hi...

3 Days in OKC

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers looked to sweep their two-game stretch in OKC but fell short after a Luka Dončić ejection in the 4th quarter and a late game Thunder run ...

Hopes for the Final Week

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into their final four games of the season needing two wins in order to secure the 3rd seed in the Western Conference playoff race. Pet...

Lakers Make it Rain vs Thunder

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers got one of their most impressive wins of the season, dominating the Thunder in OKC in a Sunday matinee fueled by great shot making on one e...

Warriors Zip Past Lakers

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost a tough game to the Warriors on Thursday, a game that could end up impacting the standings and also revealed where the team still need...