Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball
808 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 950 ratingsDedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball. Hosted by Pete Zayas, Darius Soriano & Mike Trudell.
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Episodes
Westbrook's Defense
August 25, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesAnthony Davis is the Lakers best defensive player and LeBron James has shown he can still be elite on that end, but with the amount of perimeter defensive talent that left the team, Russell Westbrook might just be the Lakers most important defender this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Westbrook's strengths and weaknesses defensively, why his flaws can be particularly problematic for this specific roster, and how his physical tools and ability to rebound are reasons for optimism. Later,...
Westbrook's Shooting
August 24, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesIf there's a reason to down on the Lakers' acquisition of Russell Westbrook, his poor outside shooting -- and proclivity to shoot those shots anyway -- is probably at the top of the list. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how much Westbrook's shooting struggles matter, whether they think he'll adjust his game and cut down on the number of jumpshots he takes, and what types of schematic adjustments they think can work to help Westbrook be an off-ball threat when defenses help off him. Learn more...
Westbrook the Playmaker
August 23, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesWhat are Russell Westbrook's strengths as a playmaker? Are there parts of his game as a passer and shot creator that are surprising? Should we be discounting his assist totals because his usage rate is so high? In the first episode of our Westbrook Week series, Pete, Mike, and Darius examine Westbrook the playmaker and what about that aspect of his game excite and concern them. Later, the guys get into how much LeBron may need to adjust in helping foster Russ' playmaking skills and how they e...
Monk & Ellington
August 20, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesIn Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk, the Lakers signed two players who shot over 40% from behind the arc last season, but did so in very different ways. Pete, Mike, and Darius look at how the specifics of both players' shooting profiles can help the Lakers and how each one might excel within the types of offensive sets the team runs. Later, the guys look at each players' defensive utility and wonder if Frank Vogel will be able to mask their limitations enough for either to be a consistent rotat...
Melo & Ariza
August 19, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesPete, Darius & Mike talk about Carmelo Anthony's & Trevor Ariza's games & what they see is the best fit & role for them on the offensive & defensive ends of the floor for next season's Lakers team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Bazemore Fits In
August 18, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutesKent Bazemore is a well-rounded player who doesn't do any one thing great, but does a lot of things well enough to impact the game in multiple ways. Will this type of versatility lead him to starting for the Lakers? Will changing from the ball-movement heavy Warriors system to the Lakers more star-centric, isolation and post heavy system hurt his productivity? What is his best defensive position? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these questions and many more when looking at how Bazemore fits on...
How Nunn Fits In
August 17, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesYes, the Lakers now profess to have a big-3 of superstar talents, but newcomer Kendrick Nunn just might be the team's x-factor this season. Pete, Darius, and Mike dissect Nunn's game, looking at his strengths and weaknesses, how they believe he'll fit in on the team on both sides of the ball, and whether he could end up being a surprise starter if the Lakers pivot away from playing big to begin games as they have the last two seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...
How Much Defense Is Enough?
August 16, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesAfter remaking their roster this offseason, the Lakers added many talented players -- but ones whose skill sets skew more towards offense. Under head coach Frank Vogel, however, the Lakers have won with a culture of defensive intensity and commitment. Do the Lakers have enough defense this season? Can Anthony Davis and LeBron continue to set the tone on that end? Can Russ turn his focus up to be better? Will this team simply care enough to defend hard if they're as good on offense as they exp...
Sacrifice
August 12, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesWhen the Lakers introduced many of their newly signed free agents, a common theme among several of them in their comments was the need to sacrifice so the team could be at their best. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the idea of sacrifice in the context of this year's team and discuss how that idea could mean different things for different players. Later, the guys look at the roster construction of the team and discuss if there are skills or a specific player type missing and whether they think...
Who Should Start?
August 11, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesWe know LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are going to start for the Lakers, but who will join them? Will Anthony Davis start at Center? Is Marc Gasol and his spacing be the best option for this group or would Dwight Howard's rim protection and physicality prove the better choice? At shooting guard, will Kent Bazemore or Wayne Ellington get the nod? Is THT in the mix there? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all these questions and more as they try to put themselves in Frank Voge...
Whole New Team
August 10, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesIn what seems like a yearly tradition for the Lakers under Rob Pelinka's stewardship, the team's roster was almost completely turned over, headlined by a trade for Russell Westbrook and signing an entire new group of high profile role players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all the changes, focusing on the team's clear shift towards offensive minded players, what they expect from Russell Westbrook, and what role players intrigue them the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch...
Farewell to the Champs
August 09, 2021 07:00 - 56 minutesVia trades and free agency, the Lakers have not only added several high level contributors who they hope to win a championship with, they said goodbye to several key players from the 2019-20 title team. Pete, Mike, and Darius say goodbye to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Caruso by talking about their contributions to the Lakers over the years and their favorite moments from those player's time with the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
RUSSELL WESTBROOK IS A LAKER
August 07, 2021 01:08 - 45 minutesBefore the other Lakers' free agent signings, Pete, Darius & Mike react to Russell Westbrook being a Laker, talking about how Westbrook playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, how much Russ will have to adapt to the team as opposed to how much the team will have to adapt to Westbrook, slotting, how Westbrook will amplify AD, Russ being a floor raiser, how Russ will benefit LeBron, spacing & shooting, and Westbrook's prior struggles in the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Summer League Preview
August 03, 2021 22:14 - 40 minutesThe Lakers begin summer league play in the California Classic on Tuesday, giving fans their first opportunity to watch undrafted free agents Austin Reaves, Joel Ayayi, and Chaundee Brown get their first action for the team. Mike Garcia rejoins Pete, Mike, and Darius to discuss these prospects and what to expect from them in these games as summer play begins. Later, the guys discuss how valuable summer league can be for evaluating young players and whether these games can be a springboard for ...
Three Stars
July 30, 2021 19:11 - 42 minutesA draft day report that the Lakers will add a 3rd star to flank LeBron James and Anthony Davis shook up the league, and has implications both towards how the team will play next season and how the rest of the roster can and should be constructed. Pete and Darius discuss the new direction the team is taking, how much of a call back to their championship season the rumored move is, and debate what player types and skills the front office should target when building out a contending team around ...
Lakers Draft Preview: Hidden Gems
July 28, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutesIn part 2 of their discussion on 2021 NBA draft prospects who could help the Lakers, Pete, Darius, and Mike Garcia take a look at players who might be less ready to contribute next season but who offer real upside or are hidden gems Lakers fans should be aware of. From playmaking guards to lob-catching bigs to 3-and-D wings, the guys go on a deep dive of players who the team could target at pick #22 or could take later in the draft if they trade down. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle applicatio...
Lakers Draft Preview: Ready to Contribute
July 27, 2021 18:56 - 34 minutesWith the 22nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers select....? That is the question we're all trying to answer and to try and sort through all of the potential options, Pete and Darius are joined by Mike Garcia to break down the most rotation ready prospects who could be available when the Lakers are on the clock. From Chris Duarte to Jared Butler to Trey Murphy III and Kessler Edwards, the guys discuss players who have the potential to play a real role on next season's Lakers. S...
Lakers Offseason Preview
July 26, 2021 18:35 - 47 minutesThis offseason will give us a lot of insight into how anxious the Lakers are to add a 3rd star to their roster in complement to LeBron and Anthony Davis while also informing us of the organization's willingness to pay and go deep into the luxury tax when building a championship roster. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into these topics by using some of the free agent and potential trade targets the Lakers have been linked to as a guide to what direction the team might go in. Submit your Blue Wire...
The Basketball Gods - SHAQ
July 23, 2021 18:40 - 54 minutesMany cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God of the Sea, the Goddess of Love, the God of the Sky, etc. Basketball is no different. While some basketball gods are more powerful than others, various players, coaches, and other figures throughout the league’s history act as emissaries who illustrate a fundamental truth about the game. In the first episode of a series on The Basketball Gods,...
Giannis Leads Bucks to a Title
July 21, 2021 18:50 - 44 minutesThe Bucks are the NBA champions, beating the Suns in game 6 on the back of a masterful 50 point, 14 rebound, 5 block performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pete, Mike, and Darius celebrate Giannis' performance to lead his team to the title and discuss why they're happy to see him, specifically, succeed in this way. Later, the guys debate what the Bucks title can teach us about roster construction and how it might impact the Lakers approach this off-season. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Big Guards
July 20, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesLast season the Lakers won a championship with a "bigger, faster, stronger" roster grounded in the talents of LeBron and Anthony Davis, but supplemented with role players who carried those same attributes. This season, the Bucks are on the verge of winning a championship using a similar formula. Pete and Darius use this idea to discuss what approach the Lakers should take to building their roster this offseason, specifically looking at whether more size in their backcourt is needed, debating ...
Bucks Win Game 5 Classic
July 19, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesAfter coming back from a 16 point deficit after the 1st quarter and then holding on vs. a late game Suns rally, the Bucks won game 5 and are only a win away from the NBA championship. Pete and Darius break down the game, keying in on Jrue Holiday's monster performance on both ends of the floor and how his "power" game as a guard epitomizes the Bucks' physical advantages taking their toll on the Suns as the series advances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wide Open West
July 16, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutesWith Kawhi Leonard's partially torn ACL and the anticipated time that Kawhi will be out in rehab after undergoing surgery to repair it, the seeding for the Western Conference is wide open. Pete & Mike discuss what teams they think will be on top of the West next season, as well as what team Pete thinks Lakers should be wary of as a potential contender as a Lakers' fan. They continue their discussion with a discussion of whether the NBA has tilted too far toward preferring skill over size, why...
Bucks Even Up the Series
July 15, 2021 19:01 - 38 minutesThe Bucks tied up the series on Wednesday night with an engaging game where the Suns led for the majority of the game. Pete & Mike talk about Milwaukee's adjustments that they employed in Game 4, Giannis's AMAZING BLOCK, why the Bucks' have a higher offensive floor in this series, and what adjustments Phoenix can make for Game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Talent Plays
July 13, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesThe Lakers have a long history of prioritizing talent, but that can result in quality players being unhappy with their role, minutes, and touches. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the delicate balance between acquiring the best players available with and those who will fully buy in to their roles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Quick Hitters 7/12
July 12, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutesIn the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & MIke answer questions about what the Lakers can do (other than getting shooters) to improve their scoring, structural changes in the NBA that could be made to improve the league, soccer, building the team around AD or LeBron, favorite albums that came out after 2010, unsung heroes within the Lakers organization, and advice for people who are stuck in a rut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Different Paths
July 08, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesPete and Mike discuss their different paths toward covering the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Suns Control Game 1
July 07, 2021 18:28 - 38 minutesThe Phoenix Suns continued their torrid playoff run with a convincing Game 1 victory over Milwaukee. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss Phoenix targeting Brook Lopez on switches, Phoenix’s adaptability, and the options Milwaukee has to counter their attack in Game 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NBA Finals Preview
July 06, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutesThe NBA Finals bring two not so recent combatants to the field. Pete, Darius & Mike preview the matchup between the Suns and the Bucks, discussing how soon they expect to see Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in the series, the intriguing matchup between Deandre Ayton & Giannis, the Bucks' unique ability to guard Chris Paul & Devin Booker, Paul's & Booker's effectiveness against the drop, Milwaukee's ability to switch 1 through 5, the coaching matchup & the "brains versus the brawn" matchup. Lear...
Clippers Get Eliminated
July 01, 2021 18:42 - 48 minutesIn losing game 6 at home, the Clippers have been eliminated from the playoffs and the Suns are going to the NBA Finals. From Chris Paul's big night to Pat Bev's dumb shove and ejection, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game and try to put it all into the broader context of how injuries and availability have played such a huge role in how we've experienced these games as fans. Also, the guys get into the Clippers position as rivals to the Lakers as LA's other team and how this series, if ...
Offensive Specialist
June 30, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutesAfter finishing 24th in offensive rating this past season, we can all agree that the Lakers need to improve on that end of the floor next year. Actually doing it, however, is easier said than done. Would hiring an offensive minded assistant coach actually help? Do the Lakers simply need to improve their offensive talent? Should the team focus more on optimizing Anthony Davis instead of LeBron? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in breaking down the different approaches the...
Clippers Show Heart
June 29, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesIn a win or go home situation for the Clippers in game 5, Paul George's big night extended the series and has the chance to give his team life as they head back to Los Angeles for game 6. Pete, Mike, and Darius break it all down and discuss how George was able to get it going, Chris Paul's struggles, and how much this game was determined by the Clippers focus and determination to not fold or real tactical advantages from playing smaller. Later, the guys look ahead to game 6 and wonder if Paul...
Replacing Kidd
June 28, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesWith Jason Kidd reportedly going to the Mavericks as their new head coach, the Lakers are in line to hire a new assistant under Frank Vogel. What are some of the qualities the team should look for in replacing Kidd? Like they did with Kidd, should the Lakers look for a former head coach to join Vogel's staff? How important a factor should improving on offense be when making a decision on an assistant coach? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more, while breaking down Kidd's time with ...
Quick Hitters 6/25
June 25, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutesHow does it feel seeing Phoenix as a favorite to make it to the NBA finals, knowing that the Lakers were up 2-1 in the first round series before injuries derailed them? What are the guys' thoughts on the Lakers using their draft pick at 22 to fit a need on the team? What is the most underappreciated Lakers title team? Which role player from a previous championship roster would the guys like to see on the most recent Lakers team? What would the guys recommend a listener do with an autographed ...
Spirit of the Game
June 24, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutesThe last team to beat the Suns in a playoff game was the Lakers in game 3 of their 1st round series. Even without Chris Paul for the last two games, the Suns togetherness and chemistry has carried them to 9 straight playoff wins and a 2-0 series lead over the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. From Booker's ascension to Ayton's postseason leap, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Suns just keep winning. Then later, a rant on officiating and the NBA's replay system. Learn more about...
AD at the 5
June 23, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesIn the same vein of discussion that continues the earlier episode on how bigs have fared in these playoffs, Pete & Mike discuss what is the ideal split for AD to play at the center position as opposed to the power forward position, whether the pendulum can swing too far in the NBA regarding the current preference for perimeter shooters over bigs in the paint, and the importance of surrounding AD with other bigs for vertical spacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...
Gobert & Simmons
June 22, 2021 07:00 - 41 minutesBoth the Jazz and the 76ers were eliminated much earlier than both had hoped and the limitations of star players Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons, respectively, contributed mightily to those losses. Pete, Darius, and Mike look at both players through the prism of playoff vs. regular season basketball to discuss how they, and their teams, move forward in trying to account for those weaknesses while still being contenders, if it's possible at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...
The Importance of Shooting
June 21, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesWe all know that shooting is a key ingredient to playing winning basketball in the modern NBA. However, how critical was the Lakers fall-off in 3-point accuracy to their 1st round playoff exit and did the playoffs reveal certain truths about the quality of shooters the Lakers have? How much should the team prioritize shooting, particularly in relation to how much the team values strong defensive players, when building out their roster this offseason? Would a shooting big man or a point guard ...
Drummond
June 17, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesAndre Drummond. For many Lakers fans, just hearing his name inspires a visceral reaction and triggers strong opinions about how much his mid-season acquisition created a chain reaction in the team's center rotation that negatively impacted the course of the season. After getting a half-season's look at the former all-star, Pete, Mike, and Darius try to decipher how much of that is fair, how much is scapegoating Drummond for things that really aren't his fault, and whether they see him as a lo...
KD Goes Off
June 16, 2021 19:15 - 46 minutesFrom KD's incredible game 5 performance to give the Nets a 3-2 lead over the Bucks to Kawhi Leonard's knee injury to Chris Paul entering into the NBA's health and safety protocols, the NBA news cycle exploded in the last 24 hours. Are the Nets clear favorites now? Can the Clippers win this series even without Kawhi? What does losing Paul mean to the Suns and can they compensate? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer all these questions and more as they tour the NBA landscape. Learn more about your a...
Dennis Schröder's Season
June 15, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesDennis Schröder had some really strong stretches in his debut season with the Lakers, but his playoff struggles after AD's injury highlighted some of the weaknesses in his game at the most inopportune time. Pete, Darius, and Mike evaluate the ups and downs of the Dennis experience and try to put his season into context while debating whether his player archetype is the right fit as the 3rd wheel next to the Lakers two superstars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...
The Season Ends
June 04, 2021 16:05 - 55 minutesAfter losing game 6 to the Suns, the Lakers season is mercifully, yet prematurely, over. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the season ending defeat and reflect on a team that, due to many factors, was never able to find its footing and ultimately fell in the 1st round to an excellent Phoenix team. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Do or Die
June 03, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesWith AD and KCP questionable to play and the Lakers coming off a blowout game 5 loss, things are not looking good for game 6. From what lineups should play to how the team's leaders need to instill a sense of belief that they can win, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the most important factors the Lakers need in their favor to push the Suns to a game 7. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers Implode in Game 5
June 02, 2021 18:20 - 56 minutesA disappointing lack of resolve after an early Suns' run led to a Lakers' blowout loss in game 5. With the team on the brink of elimination as they head back to Los Angeles, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went wrong in this game and their general frustration with how little fight the Lakers showed as things snowballed against them. Later, the guys discuss if there are any reasons for optimism and whether they believe the Lakers can bounce back to win game 6. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle...
If AD Can't Play
May 31, 2021 19:15 - 53 minutesWith Anthony Davis not likely to play due his strained groin he suffered in game 4, the Lakers are facing an uphill battle that will necessitate several adjustments for Tuesday's critical game 5. Should Marc Gasol start? Should the Lakers play more 3 guard lineups? How can the Lakers optimize Dennis and LeBron? Pete, Mike, and Darius explore these questions, and more, in looking ahead to how the Lakers can try to take control of the series back from the Suns. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle app...
AD Injured As Lakers Lose Game 4
May 31, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesA late Lakers rally dashed, an Anthony Davis groin strain, and a gritty Suns defensive performance have leveled this series at 2-2. As we look ahead, all eyes are on AD's injury, but the Lakers 4th quarter push should not be ignored as LeBron James readies himself and his team for a crucial game 5 on Tuesday. Pete, Darius, and Mike break down all of game 4, focusing in on the team's 2nd quarter struggles, what adjustments the Suns made to get better offensive looks, why Marc Gasol's minutes w...
Lakers Flex in Game 3
May 28, 2021 07:45 - 50 minutesThe Lakers showed flashes of dominance in the third quarter of their 109-95 win in Game 3, giving them a 2-1 series lead. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss LeBron and AD's takeover, the smothering defense of the starting lineup, and more, as Mike drops in at the end from Staples Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Game 3 Adjustments
May 27, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutesWith the Lakers winning game 2 to even their series with the Suns, they have now established a gameplan that is not only proven to work, but one Frank Vogel and his staff can use as the foundation for the team's approach moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what parts of the game 2 formula worked well and should stick, what didn't and shouldn't, and what individual adjustments the players can make in their own approaches that can help the team win a critical game 3. Learn more abou...
Lakers Win Game 2 Thriller
May 26, 2021 08:19 - 56 minutesThe Lakers got the split they wanted in Phoenix by beating the Suns in a thrilling game 2 to tie the series as things shift back to Los Angeles. From Anthony Davis' aggressive play to Dennis Schröder's big offensive night to LeBron's incredible shot making down the stretch and everything in between, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss every angle of the Lakers' big win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Adjustments for Game 2
May 25, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesThe beauty of the playoffs are in the adjustments teams make from game to game. And trailing the Suns 1-0 in the series, adjustments are in order for the Lakers. How can they get Anthony Davis going? What are the optimal lineups to create the offensive spacing needed to get LeBron the space he needs to get downhill on drives and to work in the post? How can the Lakers slow down the Suns in their on and off-ball screen actions for Booker and Chris Paul? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these ques...