Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

After the Lakers re-signed Markieff Morris in free agency, their rotation looks to be set. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how much the team improved from last year, how the full rotation could work night to night, and get into what potential hurdles exist in getting this group to coalesce. Later the guys get into which Western Conference teams have taken a step forward or a step back with free age...

The Lakers attacked free agency with the same force of LeBron or AD on the fastbreak, retaining KCP and signing Wes Matthews, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's moves and breakdown how they think this new iteration of the team will play on both sides of the ball.

After trading for Dennis Schröder the Lakers have waived Quinn Cook, seen Avery Bradley opt out of his contract, and had JaVale McGee decide to pick up his option to return to the team. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down these players' decisions and preview the Lakers' needs heading into what should be a fast moving free agent period. Later, the guys discuss news from around the NBA, including Klay...

The Lakers have acquired Dennis Schröder from the OKC Thunder, in exchange for Danny Green and the 28th pick in the 2020 Draft. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how Schröder's dribble penetration ability brings a different dimension to the Lakers' offense, and whether or not he can defend deep into the playoffs.

There are reports that the Lakers have agreed to a trade in principle with the OKC Thunder. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how the move would impact how the Lakers build out their roster in free agency.

From KCP to Dwight Howard to Alex Caruso and others, the Lakers do not win the 2019-20 NBA championship without the many contributions of their role players. Pete, Darius, and Mike reflect on the seasons of these players and highlight all they contributed on the journey to the Lakers in their title run.

The NBA and the players have agreed to terms on the framework of the 2020-21 season. Pete, Darius, and Mike dive into the details of the deal to discuss the financial terms of the agreement and debate how the Lakers and other teams around the league will approach the challenges (and potential benefits) of a 72 game season.

In his first year with the Lakers, Anthony Davis proved why he was worth everything the team gave up to trade for him. In their continuation of their series of pods celebrating the contributions to the Lakers championship season, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss Davis' electric inaugural campaign in L.A., including his incredibly diverse offensive repertoire and the attributes that make him the best...

What will a December 22nd start date for the NBA season mean for the Lakers? Pete, Darius, and Mike talk about the impacts of a condensed off-season and what issues they see as being most important for the team to navigate. Then later, they pay tribute to the behind the scenes staffers and coaches who deserve credit for the team's drive to the championship.

Through truly unprecedented circumstances, LeBron James put together one of the great Lakers seasons we have ever seen, culminating in an NBA championship. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the combination of LeBron's leadership and on-court play propelled the Lakers to the title and why they see no signs of him slowing down anytime soon.

Championship teams usually get to defend their crown by "running back" the same team the following year. But, the Lakers head into the offseason with several key players from their title run potentially entering free agency. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the team should approach those players and to what extent the potentially shortened offseason and desire to improve the team should impact r...

The Lakers hoisted their 17th NBA championship trophy on October 11th, and rumors are swirling that the 2020-21 season will begin just over two months later, on December 22nd. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the impact of the quick turnaround on the NBA, with a focus on the Eastern Conference teams who could make the 2021 NBA Finals.

Frank Vogel's coaching journey started in the video room and has now led him to an NBA championship as the head coach of the Lakers. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how Vogel's strong preparedness, defensive acumen, and collaborative nature as a leader allowed him to succeed in his first season in Los Angeles.

Pete, Darius, and Mike go behind the scenes of the NBA bubble with ESPN's NBA reporter Dave McMenamin. They discuss Dave's experiences in Orlando, how the Lakers' strong chemistry impacted their run to the championship, and the redemption of Rajon Rondo. They then get into Dave's history of covering LeBron James with both the Cavs and the Lakers, including similarities and differences in LeBron's...

The Lakers enter the offseason as the NBA champs, but the rest of the Western Conference is on their heels looking to take the crown away from them. In this episode Pete, Darius, and Mike take stock of the conference by looking at each team to determine how much better (or worse) they are coming out of the NBA's Orlando Bubble in what forecasts to be another super competitive chase for the West's...

In the aftermath of winning Finals MVP, LeBron James said, "Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect". Pete and Darius are joined by their new co-host, Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell and do just that by breaking down everything about Pelinka's first year as the team's top basketball decision maker, the moves he made to build out a championship winning roster, and the challenges he faces heading into...

The extraordinary 2019-20 season culminated with the Lakers winning their 17th NBA championship. In this episode. Pete and Darius reflect the defensive masterpiece that was Game 6, LeBron and AD's special bond, and the brilliant leadership behind the Lakers' unforgettable season.

An epic duel between LeBron James and Jimmy Butler ended with the Lakers falling short and the Heat extending the series with a game 5 win. Pete and Darius break down how the Heat took advantage of the Lakers defense in the 1st half, how much Anthony Davis' foot issue impacted the Lakers down the stretch, the brilliance of LeBron and Butler, and what the Lakers need to do to bounce back from a gut...

The Lakers are now one win away from an NBA championship after defeating the Heat in physically and mentally exhausting game 4. Pete and Darius break down the win by examining each quarter, highlighting Antony Davis' defensive impact, LeBron finding his offensive rhythm in the 2nd half, and KCP's 4th quarter contributions.

With a chance to go up 3-0 in the Finals, the Lakers were absolutely and totally outplayed by Jimmy Butler and a Heat team who played with force and poise to climb back into the series with a game 3 win. Pete and Darius break down the Lakers lack of focus, the Heat's schematic adjustments that put the Lakers on their heels, and what they expect the Lakers to change heading into game 4.

The Lakers again proved their flexibility as a team by beating back the Heat zone to keep them at arm's length and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Pete and Darius take different perspectives in the aftermath, analyzing both what the team could have done better vs. the shorthanded Heat in a game that offered some rough stretches while also marveling at the greatness, in the moment, of what this...

LeBron James often says that the Lakers are "Built Different" and his Lakers showed exactly how true that is by dominating the Heat to take a 1-0 in the NBA Finals. Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers win and break down Anthony Davis' big night, the Heat's struggles to defend LeBron, and what to expect from Miami as the series advances, particularly with the injury to Goran Dragic putting his avail...

How do the Lakers attack the Heat's zone defense? Can the Lakers defense hold up against the Heat's off-ball movement and shooting? How do Heat stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo match up vs. LeBon James and Anthony Davis? Pete and Darius answer these questions, offer their keys to the series, and break down all the details of the NBA Finals matchup between the Lakers and the Heat.

An epic 4th quarter from LeBron James led the Lakers to a game 5 win over the Nuggets and punched the Lakers ticket to the NBA Finals. Pete and Darius celebrate the victory, reflect on the team's journey to their first Finals appearance in a decade, and break down all the details that sealed the win.

Jamal Murray's sensational shot making was not enough to sink the Lakers, who were able to hold off the Nuggets to take a 3-1 lead and get within one win of the NBA Finals. From the scoring duel between Murray and Anthony Davis to Dwight Howard's impact after being inserted into the starting lineup and everything in between, Pete and Darius discuss the emotional ride of watching these two great te...