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
Lakers Lose Game 1
May 24, 2021 06:30 - 55 minutesThe Lakers dropped their playoff opener vs. the Suns in frustrating fashion, with their offense stumbling and their defense showing just enough cracks to allow the Suns to control the terms of engagement all game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went wrong on both sides of the ball, particularly with Anthony Davis who really struggled offensively and was never able to get into the flow of the game. Later, the guys discuss what they expect in game 2 and what types of adjustments they'd lik...
Lakers vs Suns Preview
May 22, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutesThe Lakers second half surge to beat the Warriors in the play-in game propelled them into the 7th seed and a 1st round playoff series vs. the Suns. From how the Lakers can slow down Chris Paul and Devin Booker, to who defends Anthony Davis and LeBron, to DeAndre Ayton's status as an X-factor and everything in-between, Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the matchup from every angle to break down how they see the series playing out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Quick Hitters (5/21)
May 21, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesHow effective can Andre Drummond be against the Suns? Should we be concerned about Dennis Schröder after his struggles vs. the Warriors in the play-in game? What are Trez and THT's value in the Suns' series? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these questions, and more, in the latest edition of the LFR Pod mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
THAT GAME
May 20, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutesThe Lakers beat the Warriors 103-100 in the Play-In Game to secure the 7th seed, which culminated in a one-eyed, dagger 3 from LeBron James to win it. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss an emotionally exhausting, instant classic, as Mike joins them halfway through the pod, live from Staples Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers vs Warriors
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutesThe Lakers and Warriors will face off in the play-in game in a matchup between tested champions. In this episode, Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss how the Lakers can best leverage their size advantage, the team effort it will take to contain Steph Curry, and the self-inflicted mistakes that the Lakers need to avoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Confident Are You?
May 17, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesThe Lakers finished the season on a 5-game winning streak, and a matchup against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors awaits in the Play-In Tournament. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their levels of confidence in the team as they begin the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Quick Hitters
May 14, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesWho are the Lakers best bench options in a potential playoff series vs. the Suns? If the Lakers end up in the play-in game, should Frank Vogel change his starting lineup to better matchup and go all out for the win? What Lakers championship team is your favorite? Pete, Darius, and Mike answer these questions, and more, in this Mail Bag edition of the LFR Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Full Squad
May 13, 2021 22:30 - 48 minutesDennis Schröder posted to social media telling us he's on the verge of returning. And while the team is still being cautious with LeBron James' ankle, he should be back soon too. The prospects of the Lakers having their "full squad" back together offers excitement, but also poses interesting questions the coaching staff has not had to answer or navigate in a long time. From reconfigured rotations, to how the team reintegrates Dennis and Bron, to how AD's play takes on even more importance, Pe...
The Adventures of THT
May 12, 2021 18:40 - 47 minutesA Wes Matthews tip-in to force overtime, some inspired defense by Anthony Davis, and a Talen Horton-Tucker step back 3 in the final minute of OT lifted the Lakers to a much needed victory over the Knicks on Tuesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the win and highlight how THT's performance was the quintessential performance from him after being thrust into the role of primary ball handler vs. an excellent defense. Later, the guys discuss what THT's playoff role might be with LeBron a...
Playoff Seeding
May 11, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutesAnthony Davis is playing great and the Lakers look to be getting back on track, but the West playoff seedings remain bunched up with several scenarios still in play with less than a handful of games remaining. Are the Lakers going to end up in the play-in games or is the 6th or 5th seed still possible? If they do make the play-in, how would a potential matchup with the Warriors go and should the Lakers worry about Steph and company? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more as th...
AD Dominates
May 10, 2021 18:20 - 49 minutesAnthony Davis caught a lob pass for a reverse dunk and emphatically screamed "I'M BACK" to punctuate an absolutely dominant performance that propelled the Lakers to a win over the Suns on Sunday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss ramifications of AD getting back to playing at an All-NBA level, why Alex Caruso's growth as an offensive threat were so important in this win, and why KCP's defensive effort vs. Devin Booker could be meaningful should these teams meet down the road in the playoff...
Good News, Bad News
May 08, 2021 08:55 - 45 minutesThe Lakers fell to the 7th seed after losing to the Portland Trailblazers on Friday night, but also saw Anthony Davis touch superstardom for the first time since his return from injury. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss AD's encouraging step forward, a long-awaited lineup adjustment, and how the team built positive momentum on a night where they fell to their lowest point in the standings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Limited LeBron
May 05, 2021 18:55 - 56 minutesLeBron's injured ankle will keep him out of the Lakers next two games -- and maybe even longer. How concerned should we be? What can the Lakers do to compensate for his absence or, when he does return, a more physically limited LeBron? Pete, Darius, and Mike provide perspective on what steps the team can take moving forward. Later, the guys discuss Marc Gasol's strong game vs. the Nuggets and what that could mean for his place in the rotation as the team adjusts to life without LeBron and Den...
Big Week Ahead
May 04, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutesThe Lakers next stretch of games features a slew of playoff ready teams who offer the opportunity to get a good picture of how resilient the Lakers are and what approach they will take in getting ready for the playoffs (or, if things break against them, the play-in). Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how they think the team will respond to this stretch and what changes to approach they'd like to see the team make defensively and with the rotation to get on track and prepare for the postseason. L...
What's Wrong?
May 03, 2021 18:45 - 43 minutesThe Lakers not playing well is now an ongoing theme, with their latest effort against the Raptors only deepening their recent tailspin. Pete, Mike, and Darius take stock in the team, zeroing in on the team's approach to prioritizing health over continuity and urgency, and how Anthony Davis' play is symbolic of the current morass the team is stuck in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ramping Up
April 30, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutesWith LeBron James' return getting closer by the day, the prospect of the Lakers getting back to full strength is becoming more a reality. Pete, Darius, and Mike break down how his return can help reorient this team from a mental approach and preparedness perspective, particularly on defense when playing with both AD and Drummond. Later, the team discusses potential playoff matchups and how the prospect of AD playing more center in those matchups than he has during the regular season can bette...
Changing Lanes
April 29, 2021 19:05 - 52 minutesThe Lakers lost to the Wizards to end their road trip with a disappointing 1-3 record, showing a noticeable lack of urgency and engagement along the way. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the current state of the team and how much LeBron's impending return will help this team get back on track from the standpoint of focus and showing more desperation as the regular season nears its close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Darius Is Irritated
April 27, 2021 18:20 - 54 minutesThe Lakers got back on track by beating the Orlando Magic on Monday, getting the best game from AD since his return and a great closing kick from Dennis Schröder to seal the win. However, the game also highlighted some of the issues the team is trying to manage as they wait for LeBron to get back from injury while also trying to ramp up as the playoffs get closer. Pete, Mike, and Darius debate how much those issues will matter once LeBron does return and how much benefit of the doubt this Lak...
Building Continuity
April 26, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutesThe Lakers dropped their 2nd consecutive game vs. the Mavericks on Saturday in one of the more frustrating games of the year. Rather than dive into the specific details of that game, however, Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out to discuss the big themes of continuity and chemistry of this current Lakers group and how, with only 12 games left in the season, the Lakers can move forward together to ramp up for the playoffs while still trying to get AD back to full speed and waiting for LeBron to get...
AD's Return
April 23, 2021 07:35 - 41 minutesAnthony Davis returned to the Lakers starting lineup after missing the previous 30 games. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both the rust and flashes of brilliance he showed in his first game back, their first impressions of his pairing with Andre Drummond, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Adjusting to AD
April 22, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesAnthony Davis will return to the Lakers lineup soon and with that there are a lot of questions about the adjustments the rest of the team will need to make to having him back in the lineup. From how the AD/Drummond defensive pairing will work, to how lineups with two bigs will function offensively with reduced spacing, to how Drummond's skill set translates to a change in role, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down what getting AD back means for his teammates and how they envision his teammates a...
The Matchup vs Utah
April 21, 2021 07:00 - 38 minutesThe Lakers split a two game set against the Jazz and,even in less than ideal circumstances, got a very good look at a potential playoff opponent. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down what a potential matchup between these teams could look like, debating how much what the Jazz do well on offense can give the Lakers issues defensively, how crucial a role AD would play in the series, why the size of Utah's guards matter, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...
Standing Out vs Fitting In
April 19, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesIn part two of their discussion on Anthony Davis' impending return, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the balance between his individual dominance and what the team needs, how he can develop chemistry with Schröder and Drummond, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AD On the Wayyy
April 16, 2021 20:30 - 38 minutesA depleted Lakers roster lost to the hated Celtics, although not before our South Bay guys made it interesting in the 4th, but that was not the big news of the day. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the impending return of Anthony Davis, the challenges he faces while rounding into form, and its ramifications on the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Decisions, Decisions
April 15, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutesThe Lakers better-than-expected road trip revealed many positives about the team's progression and their collective ability to play through adversity, but many of the games also exposed some flaws that should not be ignored. From Dennis Schröder's turnover problems to some defensive lapses from Andre Drummond, Pete, Mike, and Darius debate how meaningful some of these deficiencies are when placed into the context of the Lakers playoff goals and the pending return of LeBron and Anthony Davis. ...
Successful Road Trip
April 14, 2021 22:25 - 53 minutesThe Lakers finished their 7-game road trip with a 4-3 record, and in the process learned a lot about themselves -- both positively and in some areas of potential concern. In part one of our look at the current state of the Lakers, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss Markieff Morris' strong play and push for inclusion in the rotation even after LeBron and AD return. Then later, the guys get into how Talen Horton-Tucker's refinement offensively and reduction of mistakes defensively have stood out as...
Blowout in Brooklyn
April 12, 2021 07:00 - 1 hourThe undermanned Lakers came away with a surprising 126-101 victory in Brooklyn on Saturday. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the culture of detail and defense that the team has established, what to take away from the game as a possible Finals preview, and the instant impact of Andre Drummond & Ben McLemore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Look at the Playoff Picture
April 09, 2021 19:30 - 52 minutesHow much should the Lakers be worried about the standings? Are they at risk of landing in the play-in game? Do they actually matchup better with the teams at the top of the conference, making the seedings less important? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer those questions and more when they dive deep into the West standings and examine the race towards the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ben McLemore Signs w/Lakers
April 08, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutesBen McLemore has joined the Lakers after being bought out by the Houston Rockets. What does he bring to the team and what will his potential role be? Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the signing and how they envision McLemore fitting into a roster that has the ingredients to amplify his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. Later, the guys wonder what types of lineups McLemore fits into best and whether they envision him being anything more than a bit player on a roster that already has a lot ...
Marc Makes His Case
April 07, 2021 19:45 - 54 minutesThe Andre Drummond signing, then injury, thrust Marc Gasol into the spotlight and he has responded with his best stretch of games this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Gasol's recent play and how his game vs. the Raptors symbolized the changes he's made in his approach and the results those changes are yielding. Later, the guys discuss Gasol's role once Drummond returns and why the onus will be on Frank Vogel to keep Gasol involved while balancing that vs. the real need to assimilate Dr...
Drummond's Debut
April 01, 2021 23:25 - 1 hourAndre Drummond made his Lakers debut, but a toe injury and a loss to the Bucks dampened what began as an exciting night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they saw from Drummond before being forced from the game with injury, how the pros and cons of his game shone through, and what it could mean for his immediate and long term role for the team. Then later, the guys discuss Marc Gasol's seeming removal from the rotation and how they envision Vogel deploying him in the future. Learn more ab...
How Drummond Fits In (Pt. 2)
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesIn part two of a two-part series, Pete, Darius, and Mike have a spirited conversation on how Andre Drummond fits in with the Lakers, concentrating on his defensive fit. How does Drummond fit into the Lakers' "No roller behind" defensive strategy? What Western Conference team is the Drummond signing bad news for? How will Drummond fit into the front court rotation & how will it affect the other front court players, especially after AD returns? The guys discuss all that and more. Submit your...
How Drummond Fits In (Pt. 1)
March 29, 2021 19:45 - 36 minutesIn part one of a two-part series, Pete, Darius, and Mike have a spirited conversation on how Andre Drummond fits in with the Lakers. How much value does his exceptional rebounding actually provide? Why is he such a poor finisher around the rim, and how much of that will change alongside LeBron? How does he fit in before LeBron & AD return from injury? The guys discuss all that and more. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. ...
No Moves at the Deadline
March 26, 2021 20:55 - 1 hourThe Lakers lost a winnable game to the 76ers, causing some frustration and triggering more questions about how this team can stay afloat while LeBron and AD recover from injury. Add in the non-moves at the trade deadline and Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and the next steps for the Lakers as they navigate this upcoming stretch of games in which they’ll need to get some wins to keep pace in the conference. Then later, the guys hash out their disagreements about Danny Green in the wake...
Trade Deadline
March 24, 2021 20:30 - 47 minutesThe Lakers head into Thursday's NBA trade deadline down their two superstars and losers of three straight games. Will their current circumstances impact how aggressive they are on the trade market? What are the team's biggest needs? Are there even any realistic changes the team could make via trade? Pete, Darius, and Mike answer these questions and more on the eve of the deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hold it Down
March 22, 2021 19:40 - 1 hourLeBron James has gone from the top of the MVP race to out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, joining Anthony Davis on the sideline in street clothes. How do the Lakers compensate for their missing superstars? Is it even possible? Pete, Darius, and Mike brainstorm potential solutions, keying in on Talen Horton-Tucker and how the goal should just be staying afloat until the roster is made whole in a few weeks. Later, the guys discuss KCP's play this year and what they'd like to see from him...
LeBron's MVP Case
March 19, 2021 19:15 - 58 minutesLeBron James led the Lakers to their 4th straight victory on Thursday night, with 37 points in a 116-105 victory over Charlotte. In this episode, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the multitude of ways that LeBron has helped the team navigate a difficult season, including how he's been the skeleton key that's unlocked the Lakers' pick & roll game post All-Star break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers Dominate the Warriors
March 16, 2021 18:50 - 48 minutesThe Lakers won in dominating fashion on Monday night, beating the Warriors in all facets of the game. Pete, Darius, and Mike breakdown the win, looking specifically at the team's mental engagement and the performance of the bench by highlighting Kyle Kuzma's all-around performance and the growth he's showing this year. Then later, the guys discuss KCP's strong game and why his effort and focus are so important to his individual performance and can serve as a barometer for how well the Lakers ...
Maximizing Montrezl
March 13, 2021 20:40 - 1 hourThe Lakers came out of the All-Star break with a grind-it-out win over the Pacers, showing an adaptability down the stretch to seal the victory. Pete, Darius, and Mike use Montrezl Harrell's play as a jumping off point to discuss the win and how some of the defensive questions about him were answered with tweaks that enhanced his effectiveness to help get the win. Later in the pod the guys talk about the Lakers halfcourt offense and how that same sort of adaptability can help in the short ter...
1st Half in Review
March 04, 2021 22:35 - 1 hourWith the Lakers heading into the All-Star break and the first half of the season concluded, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of their big picture takeaways from the team's first 37 games. From Dennis Schröder's positive impact on both ends of the floor to Anthony Davis' injury, the guys dive into the highs and lows to this point in the season and what it all could mean moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Start Your Engines
March 01, 2021 19:30 - 48 minutesThe Lakers got back to their winning ways over the weekend with strong showings against the Blazers and Warriors. Pete, Darius, and Mike broke down what drove those wins, focusing on LeBron's defensive engagement and Dennis Schröder's return helping to jumpstart the team's offense and, in turn, energizing LeBron. Later in the pod the guys talk more about the team's shift in defensive aggressiveness and how that propels the Lakers transition game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...
Marc & Trezz
February 26, 2021 04:20 - 57 minutesWith Anthony Davis out, the Lakers center rotation of Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell must take on even larger roles on both sides of the ball. Through the prism of the game vs. the Jazz, Pete, Mike, and Darius look at what's working and what's not with both players and discuss some potential ways Frank Vogel can account for some of each players' limitations to optimize them until Anthony Davis returns and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Second Half Schedule
February 24, 2021 20:25 - 48 minutesThe remainder of the Lakers regular season schedule has been released and Pete, Mike, and Darius are here to break it all down. From the potential to come out of the All-Star break strong to the 7-game road trip that defines April to the back-to-back heavy May, the guys offer their thoughts on what stands out and what approach the team may take down the stretch as they prepare for the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Short Term, Long Term
February 21, 2021 23:30 - 1 hourThe Lakers dropped their 2nd straight game, falling to the Heat in a Finals rematch that saw both teams compete hard but struggle offensively. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game, focusing on some of the progress the Lakers made defensively and how some of their tweaks offensively worked and where they still fell short. Later, the guys debate more changes that can be made to improve the offense and then forecast the 2nd half of the schedule and whether the losses that the team is suffe...
Brooklyn's Blowout
February 19, 2021 21:25 - 1 hourWith Anthony Davis already out injured, losing Dennis Schröder to the NBA's health and safety protocols shortly before the game proved a bridge too far for the Lakers, who fell to the Nets on Thursday night. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss what went wrong for the team defensively in the loss, while also offering some potential silver linings for future matchups vs. Brooklyn. Later, the guys talk about the team's offensive woes without both AD and Schröder, and brainstorm ways for the team to g...
ADjustments
February 17, 2021 21:20 - 1 hourThere is no "replacing" Anthony Davis, but the Lakers are going to need to try to do just that with him out injured through at least the All-Star break. Pete, Darius, and Mike explore what steps the team can take with AD out, using the win over the Timberwolves as a template for success and looking specifically at Marc Gasol, KCP, and Markieff Morris as key players in this upcoming stretch of games. Later, the guys talk about Thursday's matchup vs. the Nets and how they see that game shaking ...
Drive
February 12, 2021 22:40 - 47 minutesWith a revamped roster around LeBron and Anthony Davis, the Lakers half-court offense is structurally different this season compared to last. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into one of the key changes this season by examining the team's dribble penetration, and more specifically, how Dennis Schröder's integration to the offense is going and how his specific strength of attacking the basket fit into the Lakers half-court approach. The guys also highlight how Marc Gasol's passing and how Talen Hor...
Juice
February 10, 2021 00:35 - 1 hourIn their second straight overtime game, the Lakers pulled out a win over the Thunder while Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso sat out with injury. Pete, Darius, and Mike breakdown how, after being thrust back into the rotation after not playing for 4 games, Wes Matthews stepped up to help the Lakers win the game and how these minutes reaffirm the team's depth. Then later, the guys talk about LeBron's big minutes in recent games and striking the right balance between ensuring he's not being overbur...
Checkpoint
February 08, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutesThe Lakers are 1/3 of the way through the regular season after an ugly win against Detroit on Saturday night. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike review the team's performance vs. their expectations, and look at the rest of Western Conference through a similar lens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What a Second Half!
February 05, 2021 09:55 - 1 hourPete, Mike and Darius discuss the Lakers' dominant second half performance in their 114-93 win over the Denver Nuggets, areas where the team can continue to improve on offense, and give props to THT, Kuz, and Trezz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices