Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Worries & Weaknesses

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How concerned should we be about the Lakers center depth and defense when Anthony Davis is out or if he misses games? Is the Lakers point of attack de...

Coach Ham

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a season of instability and change challenged Darvin Ham in ways few first time head coaches have had to deal with, he enters this season with m...

DLo

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

D'Angelo Russell's re-signing may not have inspired the same enthusiasm from fans as when the Lakers brought back Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura, but ...

Vando's Extension

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers and Jarred Vanderbilt have agreed to a contract extension, building on their continuity from last season and keeping another young player i...

Crowded West

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius begin to map out the tiers of the Western Conference to determine where the Lakers fit and which teams they envision rising and...

Hunted on Defense

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Austin Reaves had a fantastic overall showing for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, but was also targeted defensively by multiple teams as the tournamen...

FIBA World Cup

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Team USA failed to medal at the FIBA World Cup in the Phillippines after a tough loss to Canada in the bronze medal game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discu...

New Squad

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the Lakers roster now set, Pete, Mike, and Darius take stock in the team and discuss their overall feelings about the roster, whether there are s...

Christian Wood

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have signed Christian Wood to fill out their roster and add to their big man depth. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Wood's immense talent, h...

The Longest Reign

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With LeBron going into his 21st season, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the unprecedented level he continues to play at, how the roster construction co...

Captain America

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Austin Reaves continues to shine for Team USA, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how his play at the World Cup could inform what his usage and offensi...

Having Options

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers overall depth, their open 14th roster spot and how the choice made in filling that spot impacts the optionality Dar...

The Gang's Back

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Austin Reaves' strong play with Team USA in the lead up to the World Cup, his continued growth as a player, and why hi...

2023-2024 Lakers Schedule

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Darius & Mike break down the Lakers 2023-2024 schedule, taking into account the in-season tournament, the road heavy start, how their feelings about t...

Austin's Team USA Summer

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Austin Reaves' inclusion on Team USA's World Cup roster is a great recognition of his rising status in the NBA and a reflection of his well rounded g...

Money Talks

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete & Mike discuss the shifting economics of the NBA brought about by the new CBA, with Anthony Davis' potential extension on the horizon. Learn mo...

The Vando Paradox

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jarred Vanderbilt helped catalyze the Lakers’ turnaround with his defense and infectious energy - but played fewer minutes as each playoff series pr...

The Bigs

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete & Mike discuss reports that the Lakers want to add another big, what skill sets they want from a big & the possibility of the team using more two...

Summer Hoops

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the Lakers wrap up summer league play, we have gotten good looks at several of the team's young prospects and learned more about their strengths, w...

Old Faces, New Places

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How much does the Bradley Beal trade and the addition of several good players on minimum contracts elevate the Suns in the West? How does losing Bruce...

2023 Offseason Pt. 2

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius continue their analysis of the Lakers free agency signings, looking more closely at Cam Reddish as an upside play and how Taure...

2023 Offseason Pt. 1

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers did well for themselves in free agency, bringing back their priority targets to build continuity and adding some outside talent to bolster ...

2023 Free Agency Preview

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into free agency with restricted free agents they would like to retain, unrestricted free agents who were key contributors and could...

2023 Draft Recap

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers came out of Thursday's NBA draft with guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and wing Maxwell Lewis with their 17th and 40th picks. Pete, Mike, and Dari...

Eve of the Draft

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into Thursday's draft with the #17 and #47 picks, and a world of possibilities staring them in the face. Will they select someone at b...

2023 Draft Preview

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete is joined by special guest Mike Garcia, as they discuss the many prospects available for the Lakers to take in the first round at 17 and in the s...

Looking Forward

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius are back to discuss the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA championship and how that win informs their thought process on what the ...

Celtics in Cancun

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Celtics were blown out at home in Game 7 of the ECFs by Miami, ending their season. Pete and Mike discuss their demise and then preview what the L...

End of the Ride

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers battled valiantly and fought to the bitter end, but their season was ended by the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals...

Game 3 vs. Nuggets

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers fell to the Nuggets in Game 3, falling behind 0-3 in their series in the process. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Denver's ex...

Game 2 vs. Nuggets

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers as a huge 4th quarter from Jamal Murray and the Nuggets got them a win in a game the La...

Lakers Nuggets Game 2 Preview

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will the Lakers carry over their in-game adjustments on defending Nikola Jokic from Game 1 into Game 2? What kind of different looks could be on the ...

Game 1 vs. Nuggets

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A great Nuggets 1st half was met with a furious 2nd half comeback from the Lakers, but it was Denver's shotmaking and a great Nikola Jokic performance...

Nuggets Preview Part 2

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of their Western Conference Finals preview, the guys discuss a classic matchup between two Hall of Fame big men in their prime, and...

Nuggets Preview Part 1

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of their series preview on the Lakers matchup with the Nuggets, Pete, Mike, and Darius take a closer look at the Lakers themselves, doing a ...

LAKERS BEAT WARRIORS

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers are going to the Western Conference Finals! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers took down the Warriors in Game 6, focusing on Le...

Lakers Warriors Game 6 Preview

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into Game 6 at home against the Warriors with an opportunity to close out the reigning champs and advance to the Conference Finals. P...

Game 5 vs. Warriors

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost Game 5 to a determined Warriors team who was able to score effectively, make a strong push at the end of the first half, and limit the...

Lakers Warriors Game 5 Preview

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

he chess match continues at Chase Center tonight, with the Warriors as heavy favorites in Game 5. The guys discuss LeBron picking his spots at opportu...

Game IV vs. Warriors

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Behind a 4th quarter comeback that featured a huge performance from Lonnie Walker IV, the Lakers beat the Warriors in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead...

Game 3 vs. Warriors

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers blew out the Warriors in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their playoff series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on Anthony Dav...

Game 2 vs. Warriors

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Golden State responded in Game 2 with a superb performance in the 2nd and 3rd quarters that turned a 7-point Laker lead into a 30-point deficit going ...

Lakers Warriors Game 2 Preview

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What sort of adjustments can we expect when the Lakers and Warriors face off in Game 2? Will the Warriors play and, potentially, start the game smal...

Game 1 vs. Warriors

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers took Game 1 vs. the Warriors to steal home court advantage with a dominant game from Anthony Davis and a great defensive effort in the face...

Warriors Preview Part 2

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In continuing their preview of the Lakers vs. Warriors 2nd round series, Pete and Darius turn their focus to the Lakers offense vs. the Warriors defe...

Warriors Preview Part 1

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are fewer higher profile matchups that could happen than Lakers vs. Warriors in the playoffs. Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their 2nd round previ...

Lakers Whoop Grizzlies

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies with a 40-point thrashing in Game 6 to advance to the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs. Pete, ...

Game 6 Preview

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into Game 6 at home with a chance to closeout the Grizzlies. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what it will take to get there on both sid...

Game 5 vs. Memphis

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Despite a choppy start and a subpar game from LeBron, the Lakers got Game 5 within a point in the third quarter, behind defensive adjustments and a fl...

Game 5 Preview

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers are back on the road and have a chance to close out the Grizzlies in Wednesday's Game 5. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the effort it will ...

Game 4 vs. Memphis

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Led by a 20/20 night from LeBron James and great all around team effort, the Lakers won an OT thriller vs. the Grizzlies to take a 3-1 lead in their 1...

Game 3 vs. Memphis

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fueled by a dominant 1st quarter where they outscored Memphis 35-9, the Lakers took a 2-1 series lead with a big win over the Grizzlies Saturday night...

Switch & Swarm

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After dropping Game 2 in Memphis, the Lakers are looking to wrestle control of the series back in a critical Game 3 on Saturday. Pete, Mike, and Dariu...

Game 2 vs. Memphis

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost Game 2, never getting traction offensively vs. a locked in and desperate Grizzlies team. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing o...

Kitchen Sink

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into Game 2 with momentum, and facing off against the Grizzlies team that is banged up and dealing with uncertainty around Ja Morant'...

Lessons in Wins

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it was the Lakers' focus on transition offense, LeBron's work on the defensive glass, or D'Angelo Russell's shot making and passing, Pete and ...

Game 1 vs. Memphis

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Behind a 29-point effort from Rui Hachimura, a masterful closing stretch form Austin Reaves, and a brilliant defensive game from Anthony Davis, the L...

Memphis Preview

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With game one of the Lakers series vs. the Grizzlies starting on Sunday, Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the series in full and discuss some of the key...

Self Scout

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers open their playoffs in Memphis with game 1 this Sunday. In part one of their playoff preview, Pete, Mike, and Darius do more of a "self sco...

PLAYOFFS!

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers are going to the playoffs! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers win over the T'Wolves to lock into the 7th seed, focusing on Minneso...

Wolves Preview

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers face the Timberwolves in Tuesday's play-in game for the chance to claim the 7th seed and advance to the playoffs. Pete, Mike, and Darius pr...

43 - 39

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers closed out their season with consecutive wins to finish 7th in the West and set themselves up to host a play-in game on Tuesday. Pete, Mike...

Finish Strong

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a recurring theme over the last month-plus, the Lakers head into their most important -- and final -- weekend of the regular season where all the p...

Big Picture

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost to the Clippers on Wednesday night, dropping a game that had real postseason implications. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, f...

Gray Hairs

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers survived the storm in icy Utah to beat the Jazz in OT with both LeBron and Anthony Davis playing heavy minutes to get them there. Pete and...

Crash Course

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Optimism abounds as the Lakers seek their 7th win in 8 games against Utah tonight, but the new roster still has plenty of room to grow and little time...

Incredible Journey

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers swept their weekend games vs. the T'Wolves and Rockets, led by a dominant Anthony Davis, LeBron James controlling the tempo, and contributi...

Get Back

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers head into another weekend of important games, starting on Friday night with a contest vs. the Timberwolves and the chance to jump into the ...

Proof of Concept

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers debuted their new starting lineup and systematically took out the Bulls with a high-powered offense that capitalized on their many mismatc...

Attack the Mismatch

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers are back in action against the Bulls, looking for revenge after losing to them on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game, focusin...

LeBron's Return

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a major surprise that defied initial timelines, LeBron James returned to the lineup on Sunday and played 29 minutes vs. the Bulls. Pete and Darius...

Bulls on Parade

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost handily to the Bulls on Sunday, dropping them back to below .500 in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went into the los...

.500!

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers finally reached the .500 mark on the season, with a spirited win over OKC. The guys celebrate reaching the landmark while discussing AD’s...

On the Fly

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In their chase to get to and then go above .500 on the season, the Lakers head into another weekend of important games with the Thunder on Friday and ...

Ray of Light

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers handled business against a depleted Phoenix team to secure an important win. The guys discuss Austin Reaves joining the starting lineup, ho...

Final 10

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers enter the last 10 games of the regular season likely needing 6+ wins to secure a spot in the play-in. Pete & Mike preview tonight’s game ...

Building Blocks

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From pairing Anthony Davis with Wenyen Gabriel to the virtues of the Lakers new three-guard alignment featuring D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder, an...

Stormy Weather

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers split their weekend set of games with a gut-wrenching buzzer-beating loss to the Mavs and a hard-fought win over the Magic. Pete, Mike, and...

Golden Opportunity

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The weekend ahead features a crucial matchup vs a hobbled Dallas Mavericks team tonight, followed by a potential trap game vs Orlando on Sunday. Pete ...

Undersized

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Houston prevented the Lakers from reaching .500 on Wednesday night, taking full advantage of a team lacking in size and athleticism. Pete & Darius dis...

LET IT RAIN

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers blew out the Pelicans with a monster 1st half performance that was fueled by a barrage of made three pointers and a dominant Anthony Davis....

Team Identity

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the Lakers identity on both sides of the ball? Should they still be playing zone with their bench groups? Can Anthony Davis bounce back offen...

Mixed Results

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers split their weekend of games, earning a good win vs. the Raptors on Friday and then losing a tough one vs. the Knicks on Sunday. Pete, Mik...

Wide Open

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers woke up just 1.5 games back of the 6th seed, with games against Toronto & New York coming up this weekend. Pete & Mike discuss the golden o...

Darvin

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From day one of being hired, and all the implications of the change and disruptions he would need to oversee and manage, Darvin Ham has had one of the...

What a Night

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In another dominant performance from Anthony Davis, the Lakers beat the Grizzlies to move into the 9th spot in the Western Conference on the same nig...

Logjam

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the night the Lakers will retire Pau Gasol's jersey, the Lakers face the organization that traded him to L.A. when the Grizzlies come to town. Mike...

Sense of Urgency

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers split a weekend of tough games, falling to the Timberwolves on Friday before beating the Warriors on Sunday afternoon, but were carried off...

Big Weekend

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lakers enter a crucial 5 game home stretch. Pete, Mike & Darius discuss the keys to tonight's game against the Timberwolves & then preview the Warrior...

Fight Through It

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Without LeBron, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell, the Lakers got a much needed and important win over the Thunder on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, a...

Turnover

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lost a hard fought game vs. the Grizzlies, where turnovers and a dynamic 3rd quarter from Ja Morant did them in. Pete, Mike, and Darius dis...

Without LeBron

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With yesterday's reports that LeBron James' right foot injury will likely result in an extended absence from the team, Pete & Mike discuss who they be...

Stay With It!

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers executed the largest comeback in the NBA this season, beating the Mavericks after trailing by 27 points in the first half. Pete, Mike, and ...

Player Health

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bonus pod! Mike and NBA/NFL/MLB executive Dr. Robby Sikka, formerly VP of Basketball Operations and Player Wellness, and the VP of Basketball Performa...

Let It Fly

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers relied on their depth to beat the Warriors on Thursday night, getting big scoring nights from Malik Beasley and Austin Reaves while LeBron ...

Control Your Destiny

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers returned to the practice court on Wednesday and provided insight into their thought process and approach towards this last stretch of the s...

Back to Work

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers return to practice on Wednesday, with plenty of work ahead to reach their playoff aspirations. Pete & Mike discuss the team’s next steps,...

23 Games

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All-Star weekend is over and the Lakers have what LeBron James described as 23 of the most important regular season games of his career ahead of them....

The Road Ahead

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers reached the all-star break with a tantalizing win, but have plenty of work to do to make a playoff push. Pete & Mike discuss the mostly fav...

Instant Chemistry

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers got LeBron back, unveiled a new starting lineup, and promptly dispatched of the Pelicans with a double-digit victory in a game that neither...