Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

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 options in free agency? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more when they dive into how the Lakers can upgrade their defensive talent overall, especially in the backcourt, while still accomplishing the team's goals of keeping their salary cap s...

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 happens with Smart, Beal, and others, how self-imposed restrictions limit their trade market, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://...

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 in their rotation. Pete and Darius discuss Hayes' return, what his role might be, and whether there were other options they would have preferred instead. And then later, the guys discuss the still missing wing defender the Lakers need and they go ove...

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 gives more context to DFS’ departure, the team’s much higher ceiling, the inevitable frustrations with Ayton, and more Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTu...

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 LaRavia to a two-year deal, but also have lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets. Pete and Darius break down the relative inaction from the team, discuss the DeAndre Ayton buyout that seemingly has the team in a holding pattern, what free agents ar...

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 opted out of his deal. Pete and Darius discuss both decisions, including what kind of deal they would offer DFS now that he's on the open market, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers flexibility heading into free agency, how they interpreted Rich P...

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 on his draft board. Then, Pete & Darius discuss the events of the night, their impressions of Thiero & much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’...

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 search for a center this offseason. And then later the guys react live to the news that the Lakers have traded for the 45th pick while also discussing several prospects still on the board heading into Thursday's 2nd round.  Support Pete here: Patreon: htt...

Pete and Darius answer listener questions about the Lakers, including changes they'd like to see made by the new ownership group, what schematic changes they'd like to see JJ Redick implement next season, what they think Austin Reaves' ceiling is, what made young Kobe so special, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/l...

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 the Thunder's clinching win in Game 7 and how Tyrese Haliburton's devastating injury impacted their view of the game. And then later, the guys dive into the Kevin Durant trade to Houston and how the Daniel Gafford extension in Dallas and the Jrue Holi...

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 to fill their need for a big on draft night. And then later, the guys broaden their discussion second round sleeper targets who could be available when the Lakers make their selection at #55 overall. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com...

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 then later the guys continue to discuss the Lakers sale and debate what changes to expect and on what timeline after the sale goes through. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/l...

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 react to the stunning news, the team’s $10B valuation, the ways that deeper pockets can help the organization grow, and how some of the biggest benefits may not cost a dime. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Co...

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 moved their stars off the ball to free them up, Haliburton’s quiet game and possible injury, and more from Game 5, along with thoughts on Gary Harris & KD rumors. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https...

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 picks go to the Grizzlies. Pete and Darius discuss the deal, how a deal like this could impact the Lakers and their pathway to making deals, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the NBA Finals after the Thunder pulled even in Game 4 and look t...

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 impact the free agency decision of his player option, and more. And then later, the guys discuss DFS' role on this roster as a culture setter and locker room presence, how he played this past season, and what they hope to see from him next year on bo...

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 performances put together by both sides, the Pacers' great bench play, Haliburton's best game of the series, and much more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s Y...

Recent champions have followed a recent formula of having an elite offensive player flanked by a high level defensive roster — a trend the Thunder are trying to continue. Pete and Darius discuss how the Luka Dončić led Lakers can try to follow this same path and what that means for the rest of the current roster and who to target this offseason. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/...

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? How would you look at his growth as a player, his individual strengths and weaknesses, and what he needs to improve on? What about the schemes that fit him best on both sides of the ball? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more in their discussi...

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 Thunder. Pete and Darius break down the game and discuss OKC's lineup change to start the game, the Thunder's pressure defense and Indy's adjustments to it later, the Pacer's role players stepping up, and much more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www....

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 the biggest keys are for both teams, including Pascal Siakam's ability to score when cross matched against OKC's guards, the number of defensive matchups the Thunder can throw at Tyrese Haliburton, both team's comfort playing the other team's style, an...

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 react to the news, discuss the merits of making this change now, discuss the shrinking windows to contend under this collective bargaining agreement, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the offseason dominoes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antet...

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 doesn't do as well, but instead should be about finding players who build on all the ways that he is already great in order to magnify those traits and lift the entire team.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coff...

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 their transition game reminds them of a couple of old Lakers teams, how the Pacers have built around their best player and the lessons the Lakers can take from them, and much more. And then later, the guys begin their preview of the Finals by giving thei...

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 bigs good enough, or would it make more sense to trade for one? And how does the team's penchant for playing small-ball groups play a factor in these decisions? The guys dive into these questions and more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patre...