Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Year 20

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No player who has played as long as LeBron James has been asked to carry the load that he will be this year. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what is fa...

Camp Begins

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lakers training camp has opened and the vibes after the first day indicate a refreshed attitude and early buy-in to Darvin Ham's philosophies and expe...

Media Day 2022

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers media day did not offer the enthusiasm of a team that knows today it is a contender, but instead was somewhat subdued while still offering ...

Good Faith

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ime Udoka's year long suspension from the Celtics. Later, they answer more listener questions in the lead up to trainin...

Lakers Tax

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Utah Jazz have reportedly traded Bojan Bogdanovic to the Pistons and, in the process, cut off another potential avenue when seeking a Russell West...

Built for Speed

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers don't have a lot of wings on their roster, but after signing Dennis Schröder they have several good guards who can all play fast and can d...

Schröder Returns

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers surprised everyone when they came to a free agent agreement with Dennis Schröder over the weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the sign...

Fast Breaks, Transition & What Ifs

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it a flaw for the Lakers to focus so much on transition as a key part of their offensive success? How can the Lakers adequately space the floor wi...

Guard Rotation

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should Austin Reaves be considered for the starting lineup? Is it possible that Russell Westbrook begins the season coming off the bench? How should ...

AD at the Wing

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers will rely on Anthony Davis' versatility more than ever this season, particularly his skills on the perimeter when slotted into one of the f...

Possible Starters

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With two weeks until training camp starts, a recent report places Kendrick Nunn and Damian Jones into the Lakers starting lineup this season. Pete, ...

Who Guards Who?

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The 2022-23 Lakers have a markedly different composition than last season's team. The guys discuss the defensive structure of the team, with an emphas...

Pat Bev Intro

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers introduced Patrick Beverley on Tuesday, with Darvin Ham and Russell Westbrook in attendance. The guys discuss their on-site interactions wi...

Rotation Thoughts

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the day that the Lakers are set to introduce Patrick Beverley, Pete and Mike discuss his place in the starting lineup, a crowded Lakers backcourt, ...

Mitchell Traded

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Donovan Mitchell has reportedly finally been traded to...the Cleveland Cavaliers??? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this turn of events and analyze the...

Door #2

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While the Lakers have reportedly been trying to trade Russell Westbrook, they have also been signaling they are fine bringing him back to (at least) s...

Penny Wise

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the NBA calendar transitions towards September, the question of whether the Lakers are going to make another move persists. Pete, Mike, and Darius ...

Talen & Stanley

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talen Horton-Tucker did not develop into the player envisioned while with the Lakers, but he remains an intriguing prospect whose path towards helpin...

Pat Bev

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The next domino of the Lakers season has fallen, with the Lakers trading Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson for old nemesis, Patrick Beverley. Th...

Celebrating Kobe Day

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mike and Darius celebrate Kobe Day by reliving one of his great performances as a player, and stroll down memory lane to discuss Kobe's clutch coming ...

Connectors

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In an NBA where star players have the most value and whose impact is felt most, it's the connective players who help elevate stars through their feel ...

LeBron Extends

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers and LeBron James have come to terms on a contract extension that will keep him on the team for at least the next two seasons, and potential...

Schedule Release

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do the Lakers have their hardest schedule in recent memory? What's up with all the holiday road games? Is there a stretch of games that stand out as p...

The Bigs

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In adding Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones this offseason, the Lakers hope to get a massive boost in both production and quality depth at the Center pos...

Legacy

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With a new show about the Lakers set to debut on Monday, Pete and Darius discuss Legacy and Winning Time, and how they capture the Lakers story in dif...

All About AD

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With LeBron James and Darvin Ham reportedly agreeing that the offense should run through Anthony Davis more often, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss wha...

Kobe + Pau + Lamar

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Darius & Mike reminisce about how Kobe, Pau & Lamar came together and break down why that brand of basketball was so beautiful. Learn more abo...

Lonnie Walker IV

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius take a closer look at Lonnie Walker IV's game, including his natural fit in uptempo lineups, how playing with LeBron & AD might...

Bill Russell

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the life and career of the incomparable Bill Russell in the wake of his passing.  Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Nunn & THT

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Kendrick Nunn be the skill guard the Lakers need? Does Talen Horton-Tucker have the defensive ability and offensive upside needed to play in lineu...

Forward Thinking

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Juan Toscano-Anderson or Stanley Johnson be the combo forward who slots between LeBron and Anthony Davis in a Lakers closing lineup? Do either hav...

Austin's Role

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Austin Reaves was one of the few bright spots from last season's Lakers. Can he continue his development and make a leap towards being an even better ...

Russ & the Rubicon

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do the Lakers actually need to trade Russell Westbrook? Are there scenarios in which he could return and help the Lakers on the court? What are the va...

Restless Stars

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From increased player movement to the more openness of players discussing their mental health challenges and everything in between, the nature of pla...

Next Domino

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kevin Durant actually get traded? Can a Donovan Mitchell trade be the domino that triggers more deals around the league -- including a potential ...

Future Firsts

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How valuable is your future 1st round pick? This is a question the Hawks and T'Wolves just answered for themselves by making blockbuster trades for w...

Around the League

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What move this NBA offseason has stood out the most? Did the Wolves trade for Rudy Gobert or the Hawks trade for Dejounte Murray push them into the ne...

4-Out

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What did we learn from the Lakers summer league offense and how it might translate to what the team does when the real season begins? Whether it's nee...

Limbo

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lakers leadership reportedly insist they're still not done building the roster for this upcoming season, but the summer continues to move forward and ...

Two-Way Contracts

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Summer League winds down, Pete and Mike discuss what Cole Swider and Scotty Pippen, Jr bring to the table, the case for Jay Huff to get one of the ...

Vegas

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Summer League is here! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Vegas Summer League experience, and delve into the details of Max Christie's game. Learn m...

Positional Battles

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Mike discuss the implications of Anthony Davis' likely move back to the 4, what the Lakers need from their starting 5 if he does, the crowded...

New Lakers

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers introduced their five newest members on Wednesday as the moratorium lifted. Pete, Mike, & Darius give their thoughts on the team's emphasis...

See You Soon

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete and Mike discuss their hopes and expectations for free agency in the last pod until the moratorium lifts next Wednesday. Learn more about your ...

Thinking Big

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What type of center should the Lakers target in free agency? Is shooting or defense more important? Does he need to be a lob threat? Should the team t...

Taking Stock

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's free agency week and the Lakers have several decisions to make, starting with their own guys who can hit the market on June 30. Pete, Mike, and D...

Draft Day

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers traded into the early second round, drafting Max Christie with the 35th pick. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss his short term limitations, lo...

Front Bench

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Darvin Ham has reportedly added several assistant coaches to his coaching staff, including Chris Jent, Jordan Ott and Schuyler Rimmer. Pete, Mike, and...

Stargazing

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As rumors emerge that tie the Lakers to potentially available star players around the league, Pete and Darius discuss the team’s history of three st...

2022 Draft Preview

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Although the Lakers have no draft pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Lakers are reportedly interested in buying a second round pick and struck gold in un...

Thank the Gods

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The NBA season is over and the NBA championship was claimed by the Warriors (and not the Celtics). Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Warriors win and...

Big & Imposing

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of draft workouts and free agency forecasts, decisions on how to build the next Lakers roster are on the front of our minds. Pete, Mike, ...

Establishing Identity

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Extrapolating from what they've learned from these playoffs and last season, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss and debate what the team needs from Anthony D...

Golden Statement

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Warriors took a 3-2 lead over the Celtics, riding their home crowd to a crucial win in game 5 Monday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius break it all do...

Running Habits

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Darius & Mike continue their conversation regarding Coach Ham, delving into his comments about building running habits, what that means for the ...

Force with Force

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Through three games, the Celtics have taken a 2-1 lead over the Warriors in the Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the themes of the series to thi...

AD is the Key

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of their discussion of Darvin Ham's introductory press conference, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ham calling Anthony Davis "the key" to the...

Building Consensus

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers formally introduced Darvin Ham as their head coach on Monday and he offered insights into some of his philosophies and, just as importantly...

Coach Ham

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers have hired Darvin Ham as their new head coach. Pete, Mike, and Darius react to the news, discuss the qualities they see both in Ham and in ...

Finals Preview

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Boston's defense hold up mentally vs. the Warriors offense? Can the Warriors maintain their rhythm and technical precision in the face of the Celt...

Playoff Lessons

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they’ve learned while watching the 2022 playoffs and how those lessons can be applied to the next Lakers roster....

Well Earned

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Celtics held on to defeat the Heat in game 7, advancing to the NBA Finals in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Celtics win, the Heat...

Countdown to the Finals

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Warriors have advanced to the Finals and the Celtics are looking to do the same with the Heat on the ropes heading into game 6. Mike and Darius di...

When the Levee Breaks

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Boston broke a defensive struggle open with a offensive burst in the second half that Miami couldn't match. Pete and Mike discuss how Boston's collect...

Quick Work

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Heat didn't bring their offense to game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and were promptly destroyed by a desperate Celtics team, who evened the...

Speed Chess

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miami and Golden State showed off their mastery of basketball theory in a pair of Game 3 wins this weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the nature ...

Scorched

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Boston made quick work of Miami on Thursday, dominating multiple facets of Game 2. Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss the impact of Smart & Horford's return...

Blind Spots

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A cold shooting night from the Mavs and a focused second half on both sides of the ball from the Warriors led to a Golden State blowout win in game 1 ...

Lightning Run

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miami struck first in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, on the strength of a dazzling 39-14 third quarter. Pete and Mike discuss the impact of ...

Game 7

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The 2022 NBA playoffs reached its halfway point with a pair of Game 7 blowouts that put Boston and Dallas in the Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Da...

Skill vs Fitness

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miami punched their ticket to the Conference Finals in a game where their superior conditioning overwhelmed the exhausted 76ers. Pete and Mike discuss...

A Tale of 2 Game 5s

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A pair of Wednesday game 5's couldn't have been more different, with the Bucks furiously coming back late to steal a game vs. the Celtics while the Wa...

Blowouts

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The #1 seed in each conference dominated their Game 5 matchups, giving Miami and Phoenix a 3-2 series lead. Pete and Mike discuss Miami's ability to s...

Locked Up

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a pair of pivotal game 4's on Monday night, the Warriors came back late to take a 3-1 lead over the Grizzlies while the Celtics used a big night fr...

Make or Miss

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In both conferences the #1 seeds went from up 2-0 in their respective 2nd round series to tied at 2-2 heading back home. Pete, Mike, and Darius discus...

Purple TInted

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are reasonable expectations for Anthony Davis next season? What young players can make an impact on next year's roster? If the Lakers do trade Ru...

Phil's Influence

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As reports of Phil Jackson's role in the Lakers coaching search emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius continue their conversation on what the team needs from...

Next Head Coach

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As rumored candidates emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their conversation about what they’re looking for in the Lakers next head coach. What are...

Round Two

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The 2nd round of the playoffs kicked off with both road teams winning game 1 as the Bucks controlled their game vs. the Celtics and the Warriors won a...

Lead Guards Shine

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns were able to hold off the Pelicans on Thursday night, clinching their series on the strength of a classic Chris Paul game that showed off ev...

Jokic

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Both the Bucks and Warriors advanced to the 2nd Round of the playoffs, but not before the Nuggets made Golden State sweat on the strength of Nikola Jo...

Game 5s

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a trio of game 5s on Tuesday night, the Heat closed out the Hawks while the Suns and Grizzlies took 3-2 leads overs the Pelicans and Wolves. Pete, ...

Suns in Trouble?

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Matchup difficulties, Booker's injury, and a fearless Pelicans team have put the Phoenix Suns in an unexpectedly precarious position. Pete & Mike disc...

Big Teams

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Games 3 and 4 of a playoff series have their own distinct personalities, giving both teams a chance to show whether they're truly in control and ready...

Middle Ground

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can the Lakers rely on Anthony Davis to be a good jump shooter? If not, how does that change the types of players they should put around him and LeBro...

Force x Skill

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hindsight can tell us a lot about how and why the Lakers failed this season, but it also can still inform what we think they could have been if injuri...

Blink of an Eye

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A dominant performance by Brandon Ingram and a hamstring injury to Devin Booker have put Phoenix in a suddenly precarious position. Pete & Mike discus...

Scoring Guards

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Jordan Poole all had brilliant performances on Monday night, leading to a trio of Game 2 victories. Pete, Mike, and D...

Opening Weekend

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Opening weekend of the NBA playoffs is one of the best basketball weekends of the year. Pete and Mike recap parts of a busy, 8-game schedule, includin...

Collaborations

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After an amazingly disappointing season, needing to hire a new head coach, and facing pressure to get the organization back on track, Rob Pelinka has...

All-NBA

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the playoffs on the horizon, Pete, Mike, and Darius take one last look back at the regular season to discuss who they would place on the All-NBA ...

Slow Fractures

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of their discussion on the Lakers firing Frank Vogel, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss where things went so wrong this year by reflecting on t...

The Ballad of Frankie Smokes

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a move that has been on the horizon for weeks, the Lakers parted ways with Frank Vogel on Monday, ending his tenure as head coach after 3 seasons. ...

Shifting Focus

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How many teams can actually win the NBA championship this season? Can the Grizzlies defy their experience level to make a deep run or even win the tit...

Cancun

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers' playoff hopes faded into memory on Tuesday, effectively bringing a lost season to its conclusion. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team'...

Here We Go

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever a Lakers season disappoints, an offseason of rumor and drama surely follows. With the Lakers all by certain to miss the Play-In Tournament, P...

Winding Down

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An inspired effort from a clearly hobbled Anthony Davis and a very efficient scoring night from Russell Westbrook weren't enough for the Lakers to han...

Microcosm

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers’ hopes of making the play-in took a nearly fatal hit as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Pete & Darius discuss the ...

Play-In Debate

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Has the play-in tournament devalued the regular season? Can tweaks like a shorter regular season or fewer playoff teams make the regular season more c...

A Loss of We

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After Luka & the Mavs dismantled the Lakers, Pete & Mike briefly discuss the game, the toll that the lack of continuity has exacted upon the team over...