Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Preseason is over and the Lakers are preparing for opening night while dealing with some injury uncertainty and without getting a lot of minutes from their main players together during the exhibition games. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this lack of continuity, speculate on what the starting lineup will be heading into the season, and how the potential absences of Russell Westbrook and Dennis Shr...

Pete & Mike discuss the Lakers' 4-guard lineups, what they've learned since the beginning of training camp, and more.

In a game that was being billed as a dress rehearsal for the regular season and one in which the Lakers had nearly their entire rotation available to them, the team lost to the Timberwolves on Wednesday while playing one of their poorer games of the preseason. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the team playing all six of their guards and some of the challenges that came from those rota...

On Monday, Dennis Schröder met with the media for the first time since signing with the team in free agency. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Dennis' comments, specifically looking at how his relationship with Darvin Ham can impact general vibe of Dennis' return. Then later, the guys dive into whether they have concerns about Ham being able to maintain buy-in from a deep guard rotation, and further...

With Darvin Ham stating he's strongly considering starting Anthony Davis at Center, Pete, Mike, and Darius further discuss how that could look practically, what the best lineup could look like if they do go in that direction, and how much it plays into the identity Ham is trying to establish as a team built to run.

The Lakers got their first win of the preseason, beating the Warriors on Sunday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on why Anthony Davis' big night offers hints him playing more Center, Kendrick Nunn's scoring continuing to impress, and how Lonnie Walker's defensive competitiveness is making an impact. Then later, the guys discuss Matt Ryan's big shooting night and his chances of lan...

Who has been the Lakers best center through three preseason games? Does Wenyen Gabriel's play impact how the big man rotation plays out? After Lonnie Walker's debut, how does he project to fit into a rotation that already has a lot of guards? And will that be impacted even more with Dennis Schröder's pending return? Pete and Darius debate these topics and more as they explore the Lakers camp battl...

The Lakers may not have beaten the Suns on Wednesday night, but they won the competitive portion of the game between the starting groups, took good steps forward as a group, and got strong individual performances from several players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the progress made by the team on both sides of the ball, LeBron's strong night, Austin Reaves showing why he's such a valuable role pl...

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Pat Bev's penchant for drawing a favorable whistle, the value and limitation of that, the impact of the change in the Take Foul rule on the Lakers, and what they're looking forward to in tonight's game vs. Phoenix.

Pete & Mike give their first impressions of the Lakers first preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers open their preseason Monday in a game vs. the Kings. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their expectations heading into the game, their excitement around learning more about Darvin Ham's coaching style, and why Kendrick Nunn's defense and status as a starter intrigue them. 

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 fair and not fair to expect out of James heading into his 20th season, the evolution of his offensive approach and how that might impact his effectiveness, and whether they think he'll end up doing more as an off-ball player and big man on a very guard...

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 expectations. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these first impressions and deciphering how real they might be, why building on any initial positivity is so important for a team without continuity, and how our first hints at the team's schematic approach ca...

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 glimmers of what they hope to become if they can come together, buy in, and believe in their ability to play winning basketball. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the general vibe of the day, how much the non-trade of Russ impacted that vibe, and what s...

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 training camp. 

The Utah Jazz have reportedly traded Bojan Bogdanovic to the Pistons and, in the process, cut off another potential avenue when seeking a Russell Westbrook trade. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the trade between the Jazz and the Pistons, breaking down why a deal like this might not have been available to the Lakers and whether they think there's a "tax" the Lakers pay in negotiations with other te...

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 defend the perimeter with quickness and range. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's commitment to speed, how they can leverage it on both sides of the ball, and some of their concerns of how that speed can be countered with size by good teams. The...

The Lakers surprised everyone when they came to a free agent agreement with Dennis Schröder over the weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the signing from all angles, focusing on how Schröder can help the teams on both sides of the ball, how his presence impacts Russell Westbrook, and why this signing only further highlights the Lakers hole on the wing.

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 with their lack of shooting? Will the presence of a lob threat help? Is there a path for Cole Swider to play or will his defense hold him back? What is the greatest "what if" moment in Lakers history? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions, and m...

Should Austin Reaves be considered for the starting lineup? Is it possible that Russell Westbrook begins the season coming off the bench? How should the Lakers guard rotation shake out and how much does this time before training camp starts help inform those decisions? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions in their discussion about the Lakers backcourt and who might have the leg up with tr...

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 forward positions. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss where on the court AD will play offensively, how much he'll post up, and how his much his aggressiveness and playing on the move can impact his success. Later, the guys discuss AD's defensive value on...

With two weeks until training camp starts, a recent report places Kendrick Nunn and Damian Jones into the Lakers starting lineup this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this group, debate whether this reflects current circumstances or if it can be more lasting, and whether their own starting 5 would differ. Then later, the guys get into who should be a part of a larger 10-man rotation, why the...

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 emphasis on which types of players their best defenders can guard, and the distinctions between Frank Vogel's defense and the principles that Darvin Ham may be bringing from Milwaukee.

The Lakers introduced Patrick Beverley on Tuesday, with Darvin Ham and Russell Westbrook in attendance. The guys discuss their on-site interactions with Pat Bev, the value of staying in the moment, an intriguing mix of personalities on the team, and more.

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, the shift to a bigger style of play, and more.