Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball
796 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 950 ratingsDedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball. Hosted by Pete Zayas, Darius Soriano & Mike Trudell.
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Episodes
Spam Your Advantage
October 27, 2023 17:45 - 45 minutesThe Lakers got their first win of the season over the shorthanded Suns with a furious 4th quarter comeback led by LeBron and Anthony Davis, along with great defensive support from Christian Wood. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the frustrating early parts of the game, the Lakers spamming their physical advantages late, AD's 4th quarter, and Wood's defense on Kevin Durant and his defensive rebounding. Then later, the guys discuss the growing pains the team is showing offensively and they debate...
Pass the Ball
October 26, 2023 17:53 - 43 minutesThe Lakers are back in action against the Suns on Thursday night and will need to make improvements offensively from their loss vs. Denver to get a win. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore some of the team's struggles offensively, discuss areas where they hope to see improvement, and then forecast how those adjustments can manifest vs. the Suns in looking forward to Thursday night. And then later, the guys discuss the Suns injury issues and how that could impact the game on both sides of the ball....
Measuring Stick
October 25, 2023 21:52 - 45 minutesThe Lakers lost to the Nuggets on opening night in a game that felt like a continuation of their playoff series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, including the team's struggles offensively when LeBron was off the floor, AD's scoreless 2nd half, LeBron's reduced minutes, and the Nuggets general connectivity and chemistry compared to the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Opening Night Preview
October 23, 2023 18:21 - 44 minutesOpening night is nearly here and the Lakers begin their season with a rematch of the Western Conference Finals vs. the Nuggets. Pete and Darius preview the game, focusing on how the Lakers offensive shifts to more five-out looks can help them vs. the Nuggets defense, the challenges of their own transition defense vs. Denver, and the ever present problem of defending Jokic in the halfcourt. And then later, the guys discuss the mindset of the players heading into this game and how D'Angelo Russ...
End of Preseason
October 20, 2023 17:58 - 43 minutesThe Lakers closed out their preseason with a loss to the Suns on Thursday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, the strong performances from LeBron and Anthony Davis in the 1st half, the challenges the team faced with their bench groups, and how much of a stepping stone this game really was for the regular season opener next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lineups & Rotations
October 19, 2023 00:21 - 46 minutesAs the Lakers head into their final preseason game on Thursday night, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's attempt to balance building continuity with managing players' minutes this preseason, Jarred Vanderbillt's health, who the fifth starter should be, and the battle for minutes and the challenge of building out a rotation with as much talent as this team has. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tall & Skilled
October 16, 2023 18:01 - 39 minutesThe Lakers’ rotational players have been more dominant on offense than last year, while having significantly more length on defense than last season. The guys discuss the tall & skilled nature of the roster, how that helps unlock AD’s perimeter game, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Win in Anaheim
October 12, 2023 15:39 - 38 minutesWith LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves all sitting out, the Lakers got strong performances from D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent (among others) to take down the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, looking at the strong night from the guards, Taurean Prince making his case to start, Christian Wood's work on the backboards, the team's defensive performance, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dress Rehearsal
October 10, 2023 18:28 - 40 minutesWith LeBron and Austin Reaves making their preseason debut, the Lakers beat the Nets on Monday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Taurean Prince getting the start, Austin and D'Angelo Russell's hot shooting, and Jaxson Hayes' making his mark. And then later, the guys discuss their first impressions of LeBron and AD continuing to look fantastic on both ends of the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Impressions
October 09, 2023 18:48 - 41 minutesThe Lakers dropped their preseason opener to the Warriors on Saturday night, falling 125-108 in a game that got away from them in the 2nd half. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the contest, focusing on Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell's strong showing, some of the schematic changes the team flashed offensively, the play of Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes in the competition for the backup Center spot, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...
2023 Preseason Preview
October 07, 2023 00:28 - 42 minutesThe Lakers open their preseason with a game against the Warriors in San Francisco on Saturday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their expectations heading in, how LeBron sitting out impacts their view of the game, how they evaluate back of the rotation players in these games, and who of the new players they're most interested in watching and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Training Camp 2023
October 04, 2023 18:30 - 44 minutesThe Lakers opened training camp on Tuesday and the reports coming out of day one are encouraging and full of spirited optimism. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the first day of practice, with a focus on Anthony Davis taking on more responsibility, how LeBron looks physically, Jalen Hood-Schifino getting some shine, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Media Day 2023
October 03, 2023 06:22 - 42 minutesWhether it was the general sense of optimism, the appreciation of continuity, the championship aspirations, or the commitment to doing the work to get there, the Lakers media day was filled with many through lines from all the players. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the first media session of the season and what stood out most to them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jrue to Boston
October 02, 2023 17:30 - 28 minutesMike and Darius react to the trade that sends Jrue Holiday to the Celtics, diving into Jrue going East and not improving any of the Western teams, Boston getting stronger but at a compromise to their depth, and the state of the top-tier contenders and how the Lakers matchup after this deal (and the Dame trade). And then later, the guys wonder about Portland's long term plans and whether any additional trades could impact the Lakers chances in the West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
2023 Season Intro
September 29, 2023 17:55 - 44 minutesOn Thursday afternoon, Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham spoke to the media in the lead up to Lakers training camp opening next week. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the press conference, focusing on the general heading coming into training camp, expectations for Anthony Davis coming off his summer of work, the versatility of the roster and how that impacts lineups and schemes, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dame to Milwaukee
September 28, 2023 16:54 - 28 minutesPete & Mike react to the big Damian Lillard trade and how they believe it will affect the Blazers, Bucks & Suns, as well as how they see it affecting the balance of power in the Eastern and Western Conferences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
End of Summer
September 27, 2023 18:01 - 44 minutesIn the last podcast before the regular season revs up, Pete, Darius & Mike answer more of your mailbag questions: what 3 stats they look at in a box score, Darius' choices for Filipino food, dream guests for the pod, new guys who will bring leadership to the Lakers, the last time they played pickup basketball & MORE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Worries & Weaknesses
September 25, 2023 18:18 - 42 minutesHow concerned should we be about the Lakers center depth and defense when Anthony Davis is out or if he misses games? Is the Lakers point of attack defense good enough? Have the Lakers done enough this offseason to better match up against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in a mailbag edition of the LFR Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Coach Ham
September 22, 2023 18:04 - 41 minutesAfter a season of instability and change challenged Darvin Ham in ways few first time head coaches have had to deal with, he enters this season with much more stability, a talented roster, and championship aspirations. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how last season's run impacts what we know about Ham's approach and how they think it applies to this season, the potential for diversity in the team's defensive schemes, the endless lineup possibilities Ham will have at his disposal, and much mor...
DLo
September 20, 2023 17:46 - 45 minutesD'Angelo Russell's re-signing may not have inspired the same enthusiasm from fans as when the Lakers brought back Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura, but D-Lo's return is nonetheless significant. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Russell's place on this roster, the many ways his contributions and skill set elevate the team, and where some of the concerns about his style of play still exist — particularly in the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Vando's Extension
September 18, 2023 18:42 - 43 minutesThe Lakers and Jarred Vanderbilt have agreed to a contract extension, building on their continuity from last season and keeping another young player in-house for the coming season and beyond. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the deal and how it reinforces the shift in approach towards team building the team has taken from past years. And then later, the guys discuss Vando's role on the upcoming team, debate his status as a starter vs. a reserve, and discuss the ways in which the shooting talent...
Crowded West
September 15, 2023 18:50 - 43 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius begin to map out the tiers of the Western Conference to determine where the Lakers fit and which teams they envision rising and falling. And then later, they discuss where Austin Reaves fits into larger conversations about the better players in the league, and how the specifics of his game impact where he should be ranked against his peers and some more well established names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hunted on Defense
September 13, 2023 18:11 - 39 minutesAustin Reaves had a fantastic overall showing for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, but was also targeted defensively by multiple teams as the tournament wore on. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how this approach could impact Austin's season with the Lakers, and how concerned they are about the different ways teams could try to attack him. And then later, the guys discuss the general defensive approach of team, and what adjustments could be in store to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of...
FIBA World Cup
September 11, 2023 18:50 - 45 minutesTeam USA failed to medal at the FIBA World Cup in the Phillippines after a tough loss to Canada in the bronze medal game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the issues with the team, the continuity challenges the US roster faces, the job Steve Kerr did as head coach, and much more. Then later, the guys debate what the 2024 Olympic team could look like and discuss the report that LeBron could return to Team USA for one final chase of the gold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
New Squad
September 08, 2023 18:40 - 43 minutesWith the Lakers roster now set, Pete, Mike, and Darius take stock in the team and discuss their overall feelings about the roster, whether there are still any needs, and the potential tradeoffs between their offensive ceiling and their defensive floor. And then later, the guys discuss two-big lineups, Anthony Davis' defensive versatility, and how expanding his offensive game can translate to success on both sides of the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christian Wood
September 06, 2023 21:01 - 44 minutesThe Lakers have signed Christian Wood to fill out their roster and add to their big man depth. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Wood's immense talent, his fit on this roster, why he was available this late in the free agency period, and the general risk vs. reward of his acquisition. Then later, the guys begin to break down potential lineup options for Wood and how he might fit next to LeBron and/or Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Longest Reign
September 01, 2023 17:36 - 45 minutesWith LeBron going into his 21st season, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the unprecedented level he continues to play at, how the roster construction could lead to a shift in his offensive approach, how much LeBron's role could end up being a function of age vs. his own approach to games vs. the roster, and much more. And then later, the guys debate the appropriate defensive ask for LeBron at this stage of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Captain America
August 29, 2023 17:44 - 42 minutesAs Austin Reaves continues to shine for Team USA, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how his play at the World Cup could inform what his usage and offensive role looks like for the Lakers this upcoming season. Then later, the guys discuss Gabe Vincent, his game, and how he might slot into a Lakers roster that is much different than the one he played on in Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Having Options
August 25, 2023 21:53 - 42 minutesPete and Darius discuss the Lakers overall depth, their open 14th roster spot and how the choice made in filling that spot impacts the optionality Darvin Ham has for different lineups. And then later, the guys debate Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt as potential starters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Gang's Back
August 21, 2023 18:47 - 48 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius discuss Austin Reaves' strong play with Team USA in the lead up to the World Cup, his continued growth as a player, and why his defensive versatility will be key to the Lakers ceiling. Then later the guys discuss Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish as "second draft" prospects and where both can fit in, both from a tools and role standpoint, on this roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-2024 Lakers Schedule
August 18, 2023 18:27 - 42 minutesDarius & Mike break down the Lakers 2023-2024 schedule, taking into account the in-season tournament, the road heavy start, how their feelings about the schedule changes based on how they view about the team, the extended stretch with little travel for the team & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin's Team USA Summer
August 04, 2023 19:38 - 40 minutesAustin Reaves' inclusion on Team USA's World Cup roster is a great recognition of his rising status in the NBA and a reflection of his well rounded game. Mike and Darius discuss Reaves' summer to this point, the opening of Team USA's camp this week, where he might fit into the World Cup rotation, and their general expectations for how this experience will serve him heading into training camp and his third NBA campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Money Talks
July 28, 2023 19:01 - 42 minutesPete & Mike discuss the shifting economics of the NBA brought about by the new CBA, with Anthony Davis' potential extension on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Vando Paradox
July 24, 2023 06:40 - 38 minutesJarred Vanderbilt helped catalyze the Lakers’ turnaround with his defense and infectious energy - but played fewer minutes as each playoff series progressed. Pete & Darius discuss why Vando is an important player on the 23-24 Lakers, how the stars can help him help them, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Bigs
July 18, 2023 06:45 - 43 minutesPete & Mike discuss reports that the Lakers want to add another big, what skill sets they want from a big & the possibility of the team using more two-big lineups. Later, Mike breaks down the in season tourney & how different teams might approach it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summer Hoops
July 17, 2023 06:45 - 47 minutesAs the Lakers wrap up summer league play, we have gotten good looks at several of the team's young prospects and learned more about their strengths, weaknesses, and where they continue to grow towards becoming real contributors at the NBA level. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they've seen so far, diving into Max's growth as an on-ball player, Jalen Hood-Schifino's work in the P&R and how it contrasts to his challenges in isolation vs. switches, Maxwell Lewis' intriguing skill set and the...
Old Faces, New Places
July 14, 2023 19:33 - 48 minutesHow much does the Bradley Beal trade and the addition of several good players on minimum contracts elevate the Suns in the West? How does losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green affect the Nuggets? Will Chris Paul on the Warriors actually work? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these topics, and take detour to talk about the Celtics' identity shift, when they dive into a busy offseason around the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023 Offseason Pt. 2
July 11, 2023 06:44 - 44 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius continue their analysis of the Lakers free agency signings, looking more closely at Cam Reddish as an upside play and how Taurean Prince fits into the rotation as a combo forward whose spot up shooting can complement both LeBron and Anthony Davis. Then later, the guys start to discuss the team's defensive potential with this new group, including Jarred Vanderbilt's role in the rotation and whether the team could switch more with their new personnel. Learn more about yo...
2023 Offseason Pt. 1
July 07, 2023 19:31 - 44 minutesThe Lakers did well for themselves in free agency, bringing back their priority targets to build continuity and adding some outside talent to bolster a core group that went to the Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the team's signings, focusing on Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell's returns and Gabe Vincent's addition as another skill guard. Then later the guys discuss the Jaxson Hayes signing and the potential roster hole of needing another big. Learn more about your ad cho...
2023 Free Agency Preview
June 27, 2023 19:27 - 1 hourThe Lakers head into free agency with restricted free agents they would like to retain, unrestricted free agents who were key contributors and could be back, and players with contract options for next season that need resolving before July 1st. Whether it's Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley, or Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Schröder, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the many different decisions the Lakers have in front of them for free agency and how th...
2023 Draft Recap
June 23, 2023 18:53 - 43 minutesThe Lakers came out of Thursday's NBA draft with guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and wing Maxwell Lewis with their 17th and 40th picks. Pete, Mike, and Darius are joined by special guest Jacob Rude to discuss Hood-Schifino's time at Indiana University, his offensive and defensive skill sets, how quickly he can adapt to the pro game, and much more. Then later, the guys discuss Lewis' offensive skill set, his reps as an on-ball player, and how his shooting numbers can translate to the NBA in an offen...
Eve of the Draft
June 21, 2023 18:55 - 39 minutesThe Lakers head into Thursday's draft with the #17 and #47 picks, and a world of possibilities staring them in the face. Will they select someone at both picks? Will they trade down? Are there potential trades to make that could net them a current NBA rotation player? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these scenarios, the team's general philosophy heading into the draft, the benefit of the doubt this front office has when making draft picks, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
2023 Draft Preview
June 19, 2023 06:30 - 57 minutesPete is joined by special guest Mike Garcia, as they discuss the many prospects available for the Lakers to take in the first round at 17 and in the second round at 47 in what many consider to be a deep draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Looking Forward
June 15, 2023 19:23 - 47 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius are back to discuss the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA championship and how that win informs their thought process on what the Lakers need to do to take the next step. Then later they discuss Austin Reaves' and Rui Hachimura's free agency and their positions next to LeBron and AD as core players and their initial thoughts on team building around needs and most desired positions to fill in the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celtics in Cancun
May 30, 2023 17:18 - 38 minutesThe Celtics were blown out at home in Game 7 of the ECFs by Miami, ending their season. Pete and Mike discuss their demise and then preview what the Lakers can learn from the upcoming NBA Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
End of the Ride
May 23, 2023 15:06 - 45 minutesThe Lakers battled valiantly and fought to the bitter end, but their season was ended by the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and reflect on the series in general, hitting on Jokic and the Nuggets great showing, LeBron's huge performance in Game 4, and much more. Then later, the guys discuss Darvin Ham's first playoff run and begin to think about some of the questions facing this group heading into the offseason. Learn more abo...
Game 2 vs. Nuggets
May 19, 2023 07:48 - 42 minutesThe Lakers let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers as a huge 4th quarter from Jamal Murray and the Nuggets got them a win in a game the Lakers controlled for the better part of three quarters. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron and AD's offensive nights and how their defensive workloads impacted their shooting, Austin and Rui's big games, Murray's huge 4th quarter, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers Nuggets Game 2 Preview
May 18, 2023 19:24 - 42 minutesWill the Lakers carry over their in-game adjustments on defending Nikola Jokic from Game 1 into Game 2? What kind of different looks could be on the table and how does Anthony Davis adjust to these different responsibilities? Can the Lakers sustain their offensive output against the Nuggets' defense? Will the Lakers change their starting lineup? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in their Game 2 preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Game 1 vs. Nuggets
May 17, 2023 07:13 - 45 minutesA great Nuggets 1st half was met with a furious 2nd half comeback from the Lakers, but it was Denver's shotmaking and a great Nikola Jokic performance that prevailed to give them the Game 1 victory. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers 1st half struggles in transition defense and on the backboards, Jokic's strong game, the Lakers finding their own offense with LeBron and Anthony Davis getting the shots they wanted, and what stood out to them from the team's comeback. Then later, the guys...
Nuggets Preview Part 2
May 16, 2023 06:05 - 42 minutesIn the second part of their Western Conference Finals preview, the guys discuss a classic matchup between two Hall of Fame big men in their prime, and how both Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic pose unique challenges for each other. Later, they discuss how Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility matches up with LeBron, the downsized bench units of each team, potential opportunities in the pick and roll game, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices