Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

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 two-way contracts, and how Javante McCoy has impressed as a scorer.

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

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 battle in the backcourt, the importance of Juan Toscano-Anderson's role, and more.

The Lakers introduced their five newest members on Wednesday as the moratorium lifted. Pete, Mike, & Darius give their thoughts on the team's emphasis on youth and athleticism, Walker's unexpected addition, the promise of the Bryant/Jones duo, and more.

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

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 try to sign more than one big man? How much does LeBron's minutes at center and Anthony Davis' minutes at PF impact these decisions? Mike and Darius answer these questions and many more as they continue to preview team needs and roster building as the...

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 Darius begin their discussion focusing on Malik Monk's pending free agency. How much should the Lakers value him? Can he play a big role on a title contending team? What kind of contract should he get? Then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves and St...

The Lakers traded into the early second round, drafting Max Christie with the 35th pick. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss his short term limitations, long term potential, the team’s philosophical shift toward player development, and more.

Darvin Ham has reportedly added several assistant coaches to his coaching staff, including Chris Jent, Jordan Ott and Schuyler Rimmer. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the hires, what they think the challenges Ham will face as a first time head coach for the Lakers, the importance of retaining Phil Handy, and the general role assistants play on an NBA staff.

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 star builds, and compare it to their other options this offseason.

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 undrafted free agency with Austin Reaves last year. Pete is joined by Mike Garcia to discuss hidden gems who could be available in the draft & how they specifically could help the team: Julian Champagnie, Jabari Walker, Keon Ellis, Trevion Williams...

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 what stood out to them on their run through the Western Conference. Then, the guys discuss their individual histories of rooting against the Celtics and how Boston's run to the Finals impacted their general NBA fandom this season.

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, and Darius discuss how to build out a roster when accounting for Russell Westbrook's potential return, debating what traits and positions to value, why catering to Russ has its benefits and its pitfalls, and why the answers the team seeks will likely...

Extrapolating from what they've learned from these playoffs and last season, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss and debate what the team needs from Anthony Davis, his offseason, his shooting and what types of players the Lakers need to support Davis best.

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 down and discuss Andrew Wiggins' big game, overcoming Steph's shooting struggles, the Celtics' fatigue, and Jordan Poole's shot making. Then later, they offer thoughts on what they expect to happen in Thursday's game 6.

Pete, Darius & Mike continue their conversation regarding Coach Ham, delving into his comments about building running habits, what that means for the Lakers' spacing, the defense that catalyzes that style the 4 out 1 in system, and Russell Westbrook.

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 this point, what's surprised them about both teams, why Steve Kerr's lineup choices need refining, and what they expect from the Warriors in game 4. 

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 Lakers success next season. They break down the importance of Davis' availability, why his fitness level and approach to his physical build matters, and how the Bucks schemes on both sides of the ball can inform how Ham might deploy Davis next seaso...

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, gave us a first glimpse of his presence and leadership qualities. In the first of 2 episodes, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ham's intro presser, what stood out to them, and what his comments about Russell Westbrook tell us about Russ' potential fu...

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 a successful head coach, and detail the stakes Ham walks into coaching this specific Lakers team. Later, the guys discuss what they'd like to see in Ham's coaching staff and the value the right assistants can bring. 

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 Celtics physicality? Can the Celtics defend without switching? Can the Warriors offense create the spacing it needs while still playing their big lineups? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and also dive into the Celtics offense vs. the Warrio...

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.

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's ability to rally late and keep the series competitive, and the general ingredients the Celtics needed to advance through the East by beating the teams they did. Later, the guys give their initial thoughts on the Finals and how the Celtics matchup...

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 discuss the Warriors win, why they feel good for Klay Thompson and compare the Warriors backcourt right now vs. what it was when the team was winning titles. Then later, they handicap the Heat's chance to extend the series and debate how Anthony Davis...

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 collective force has worn the Heat down, how that led to Miami's atrocious shotmaking, and how the attrition of the last couple of seasons should inform how the Lakers build their roster moving forward.