Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball artwork

Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

807 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 950 ratings

Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball. Hosted by Pete Zayas, Darius Soriano & Mike Trudell.

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Episodes

3-2 Road Trip

January 03, 2023 18:55 - 42 minutes

The Lakers closed out their road trip with a win in Charlotte, led by another masterful LeBron James performance. Pete and Darius discuss the Hornets game, but also the road trip overall, highlighting LeBron's play, how he's scoring so well, and examining some of the differences they're seeing compared to earlier in the season. Then later, the guys discuss how the Lakers have adjusted without Lonnie Walker available and why Troy Brown and Patrick Beverley have benefitted individually and help...

ATLien

January 02, 2023 20:09 - 44 minutes

The Lakers had an eventful weekend when LeBron James celebrated his birthday with a breathtaking performance against the Hawks and set themselves up for a potential winning road trip if they can get a victory in Charlotte on Monday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron's performance, appreciating the level he's still able to reach in his 20th season, and then get into some of the ways the team supported him defensively and with different lineup types in Atlanta. Then later the guys discuss t...

On the Road w/ Billy Mac

December 30, 2022 23:00 - 30 minutes

In a special bonus podcast, Mike speaks with special guest Bill “Billy Mac” MacDonald about the Western conference landscape, Anthony Davis, & life on the road as part of the Lakers’ broadcasting team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38 Special

December 30, 2022 20:57 - 46 minutes

Happy Birthday LeBron James! On the day that LeBron celebrates his 38th birthday, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the incomparable level of production he's bringing in his 20th season, the prospects of him keeping up this level of play for seasons to come, and whether him playing this well creates urgency for the Lakers to improve the team this season — particularly in the wake of his comments after the Heat game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Streetfighters

December 29, 2022 20:46 - 42 minutes

The Lakers were competitive in their loss to the Heat, but were outdone by Miami's physicality on the backboards and in ball pressure that led to easy baskets on putbacks and off turnovers. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers can better deal with physical perimeter teams and how Juan Toscano-Anderson's 4th quarter play offers hints at potential solutions and his specific role in finding more success in small-ball lineups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Textbook

December 28, 2022 19:53 - 44 minutes

The Lakers snapped a 4-game losing streak with a surprisingly sharp performance vs a streaking Orlando team with a huge size advantage. Pete & Mike discuss how the Lakers used their speed, team rebounding, and transition to get an unexpected wire-to-wire win, then preview tonight’s game vs Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darvin's Options

December 27, 2022 20:06 - 44 minutes

From injuries, to trade rumors, to general roster imbalances, Darvin Ham has faced a multitude of challenges in his first season as a head coach. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they've learned about his coaching philosophies through it all, how they've been surprised, what challenges will continue to test him and the potential solutions he can seek out. Then later, the guys discuss Tuesday's game against an Orlando team that will test the limitations of the Lakers' roster.  Learn more ab...

Code Red

December 26, 2022 19:39 - 40 minutes

The Lakers lost a pair of games in frustrating fashion over the weekend, dipping to 7 games under .500 in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Anthony Davis injury update that preceded those games, how the roster limitations in AD's absence are playing into the team's struggles, and why morale and belief in themselves are both much needed and in short supply and what the implications are of that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christmas Weekend

December 23, 2022 19:14 - 37 minutes

Pete & Mike reminisce about past Lakers showcases on Christmas and preview the upcoming game against Charlotte, with the latest on Austin Reaves' and Russell Westbrook's availability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shorthanded

December 22, 2022 19:25 - 44 minutes

The Lakers lost to the Kings on Wednesday night in a game that reminded of too many other nights over the past three seasons where injuries and player availability left the team without enough talent to win. Pete and Darius have a therapy session of sorts, discussing the Lakers recent run of injuries, the roster building philosophies that make dealing with these challenges harder, and how they think it should impact the team's approach to the trade market over the next couple of months.  Lear...

Max

December 21, 2022 20:54 - 43 minutes

Pete & Mike preview tonight’s game vs the Sacramento Kings, before turning their focus to Max Christie’s development, as he enters the Lakers rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Questions

December 20, 2022 20:01 - 46 minutes

As the Lakers adjust to life without Anthony Davis, a greater emphasis will be placed on the strengths and weaknesses of their big men and how to best support them on a roster without a lot of size. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel, and Damian Jones by focusing on what each player provides and doesn't, and what role they envision is best for all three. The guys also discuss where LeBron fits into the "big man" rotation, particularly on defense.  Learn more about yo...

Stay Afloat

December 19, 2022 20:16 - 45 minutes

The Lakers won a pair of games over the weekend, but lost Anthony Davis to a right foot injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss losing AD and how to navigate the road ahead without their All-NBA big man, diving into what the asks are on LeBron and where (and how) the secondary players can fill in to support LeBron and help the team stay afloat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Window of Opportunity

December 16, 2022 19:39 - 42 minutes

The Lakers have a couple of games left in their tough December schedule, before they enter a stretch of 10 straight games vs teams hovering around .500 or worse. The guys discuss the Western Conference picture as the Lakers try to make their move in the standings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rollercoaster

December 14, 2022 19:43 - 46 minutes

The Lakers lost another wild game down the stretch, blowing a 13-point lead after a brilliant 31-5 run brought them back against the hated Celtics. The guys discuss the late-game collapse, the defense’s ability to catalyze a run, and how the team’s end of game struggles illuminate the roster’s needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Old Rivals

December 13, 2022 18:50 - 38 minutes

The Lakers and Celtics write the latest chapter of their rivalry tonight, at a difficult point in both team’s schedules. The guys discuss how the Lakers can capitalize on Boston’s depleted frontcourt, the complications their wings present for a Lakers team without many forwards, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Split Personality

December 12, 2022 19:16 - 45 minutes

After splitting their games in Philly and Detroit, the Lakers ended their road trip 3-3 while showing all that they're capable of being in both good and bad ways. Pete and Darius discuss how the road trip impacted their views of the team to this point and what they believe are some of the biggest target areas for improvement in any potential trade. Then later they discuss Austin Reaves' bounce back games to close out the road trip and how his ability as an on-ball player can be utilized more....

Numbers Game

December 09, 2022 20:58 - 45 minutes

What lineups best support LeBron in his 20th season? Should the team be playing bigger more? Who should be the team's starting five? What stands out about lineups with Anthony Davis and Russ? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when they dissect the Lakers early season lineup data to look for trends and make determinations about which groups are most helping the team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zone Up

December 08, 2022 18:16 - 39 minutes

The Lakers played the Raptors without Anthony Davis and LeBron and lost handily, but there's still lessons to learn from games like that. Pete and Darius discuss the game, diving into the team's zone defense, how it looked against Toronto, and how it can be useful in the future. Then later, the guys talk Austin Reaves' recent stretch of up and down play, what might be causing it, and his general role on a team with so many guards who can handle the ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Tall Task

December 07, 2022 19:43 - 39 minutes

With Anthony Davis only playing 8 minutes due to the flu, the Lakers lost a tough game to the Cavs on Tuesday and head into Toronto on a back-to-back shorthanded to play to the Raptors. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to Cleveland, preview the Raptors game, and discuss some of the team's on-again-off-again shooting struggles and potential ways to address them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Picture

December 06, 2022 19:41 - 42 minutes

The Lakers face a tough back-to-back against Cleveland & Toronto, and will be doing so without Wenyen Gabriel, who will be out at least a week with a sprained shoulder. The guys discuss the team’s frontcourt options, Dennis Schröder’s effectiveness in a new role, and what they have their eye on in tonight’s matchup vs the Cavs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Golden Weekend

December 05, 2022 06:40 - 47 minutes

The Lakers went 2-0 to start their road trip over the weekend, winning a high level game vs. the Bucks on Friday and then thrashing the Wizards on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games through the prism of Anthony Davis' dominance, from him scoring 44 and 55 points to the elite rebounding and defense, and the inspiration he's providing his teammates by the levels he's reaching during this run of elite play over his last 10 games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Long Road Trip

December 02, 2022 20:42 - 44 minutes

The Lakers head into their 6-game road trip playing some of their best basketball of the season, but against a difficult slate of opponents. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Friday's game against the Bucks, why the ask on LeBron is so big in this game, how the potential return of Khris Middleton can impact the matchup, and how this game -- and this road trip in general -- are a test for Austin Reaves and his minutes played. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Spirits

December 01, 2022 20:34 - 45 minutes

Pete & Darius take stock about how they feel about this Lakers team after 20 games, focusing on the games of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James & Austin Reaves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What We Need

November 30, 2022 19:21 - 46 minutes

As the Lakers are set to play their 20th game of the season tonight against Portland, they know much more about what does and doesn’t work on the roster than they did when the season began. The guys discuss how watching the team play has changed their view of what types of players they’d like to pursue in a trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Collapse

November 29, 2022 18:39 - 42 minutes

A buzzer-beating 3-pointer capped off a 17 point collapse by the Lakers on Monday night, dropping them to 7-12 on the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to the Pacers, including another 4th quarter in which Anthony Davis wasn't involved enough offensively, LeBron's struggles to get him and the team quality looks down the stretch, and the general disappointment of the team not playing hard enough to get a win they should have had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

Get a Rhythm

November 28, 2022 19:07 - 44 minutes

Winners of four of their last five games, the Lakers are finding their rhythm as a team and it's showing up in multiple areas on both sides of the ball. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this idea, focusing on the team's improved shooting from beyond the arc, everyone's understanding of where their shots will come from offensively, and how this all relates back to the reps they're getting together and the level to which the team's stars are playing. Then later the guys discuss some areas that st...

Ramp Up

November 25, 2022 19:32 - 39 minutes

The Lakers upcoming December schedule is road heavy and unforgiving. Before that stretch, however, they face the Spurs twice, and then return home to face Indy and Portland. Mike and Darius discuss those next 4 games, how Patrick Beverley's suspension impacts the rotation for those games, and debate what type of record the team needs over that stretch. Then later they get into the importance of the December schedule and why LeBron's hoops IQ will play as much a part in his and the team's succ...

Progression

November 23, 2022 19:19 - 42 minutes

The Lakers dropped a tough game against the Suns on Tuesday, snapping their 3-game winning streak in the process. Mike and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Anthony Davis continuing his run of dominant play, the team's early-season shooting struggles returning, and Patrick Beverley's ejection. Then later, the guys discuss the possibility of LeBron returning, Troy Brown's recent shooting slump, and the lineup decisions Darvin Ham is facing as his roster comes back to full health. Learn more...

Wild West

November 22, 2022 18:26 - 45 minutes

The Top 10 seeds in the Western Conference are separated by 2 games, and every team has at least 6 losses. The guys discuss the ever-shifting standings, how the 5-10 Lakers have drawn closer to the pack, and preview tonight’s game vs Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Straight

November 21, 2022 18:44 - 37 minutes

After a weekend of victories over the Pistons and Spurs, the Lakers have won 3 games in a row and are showing more signs of learning what type of team they are and how to be successful. Pete and Darius discuss how Anthony Davis' dominance has been in the middle of it all, how Lonnie Walker's shot creation late in games has stood out, and why Austin Reaves' increased offensive involvement has not only supported AD's play but shown why he should receive these opportunities to create shots movin...

Birthright

November 17, 2022 17:59 - 45 minutes

What is your Lakers fandom origin story? Who's your favorite former Laker who's still in the league (and why is it Alex Caruso)? Do the Lakers still have a chance at the playoffs? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when they are joined by special guest Jomi Adeniran to talk all things Lakers past and present.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dennis & TB

November 16, 2022 18:24 - 42 minutes

With Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant set to return, Darvin Ham will have decisions to make on how he shifts his rotations in order to accommodate them -- or if he does so at all. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the skill sets of both players, how they envision them fitting into the rotation, and how the limitations of each player battles against the different looks both can offer a team still seeking the right player combinations to be the best team they can and greater than the sum of their...

Building Bridges

November 15, 2022 19:05 - 40 minutes

How can the Lakers continue to prioritize Anthony Davis offensively when the team is fully healthy? What is LeBron's role in getting him involved? How much of it falls on Davis and how much of it will be tied back to his ability to make jumpshots? Can Dennis Schröder's return help balance out lineups better to help towards this goal, even if it comes at the expense of Patrick Beverley? Pete, Mike, and Darius contemplate these questions and more in their discussion on maintaining the superstar...

AD's Weekend

November 14, 2022 19:55 - 42 minutes

The Lakers weekend didn't go exactly was well as was hoped, but a win against the Nets on Sunday ended their 5-game losing streak and offered some guideposts for how the team can play moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win over the Nets, focusing on Anthony Davis' dominant performance, Lonnie Walker and Austin Reaves' strong showings, and how Darvin managed Russell Westbrook's minutes. Then later, the guys discuss how the pending return of LeBron and the rest of the lineup get...

Get It Back

November 11, 2022 19:38 - 41 minutes

LeBron James is out with a groin injury and the Lakers head into a weekend with winnable games against the Kings and the Nets before several days off to get healthy and refresh. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the matchup with Sacramento, focusing on Anthony Davis and how he can be deployed against the Kings frontline. Later, the guys discuss the western conference standings, the Lakers place in them, and the urgency this moment requires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices....

Losing Spirit

November 10, 2022 19:08 - 44 minutes

The Lakers fell to the Clippers last night in a game that followed similar trendlines to their previous losses. Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out from that game to discuss some of the root causes of those trends, the overall mindset of a team that continues to lose games in the same way they have been and how that can impact morale. Later, the guys discuss LeBron's groin injury and how him potentially missing time opens opportunities to fill the leadership void and whether those best suited to ...

The Next Ten

November 09, 2022 20:24 - 42 minutes

The Lakers have started the season 2-8 against a difficult schedule, but their next stretch of 10 games offers more opportunities to stack wins and improve in the standings. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this stretch, what they'd like to see, and even offer thoughts on what record they'd like to see in those 10 games. Then later, the guys discuss the specifics of Wednesday's game vs. the Clippers, provide injury updates, project how the lineups could play out, and talk about what they think ...

Bad Hand

November 08, 2022 19:45 - 42 minutes

The Lakers were able to get Anthony Davis going, but the Jazz's shot making combined with more 3rd quarter struggles to sink the Lakers and drop them to 2-8 on the season. Pete and Darius discuss the game vs. the Jazz, focusing on how a game like that one might affect morale and the longer term implications of a team with bigger goals, but that hasn't yet been able to find its footing. Then later, the guys discuss how small tweaks in lineups and the potential returns of Thomas Bryant and Denn...

Unlocking AD

November 07, 2022 19:43 - 44 minutes

After an 0-2 weekend with losses to the Jazz and the Cavs, and with another game with the Jazz on Monday night, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the team's issues offensively, how Anthony Davis' lack of 2nd half production is playing a part in them, and some ways in which the team can try to sustain AD's first half success through the entirety of the game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keep It Going

November 04, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutes

The Lakers have a pair of games this weekend and will look to keep their momentum going after winning back to back games. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Friday's matchup with the Jazz, looking at how gameplans are adjusted vs. teams without a top-tier star, what defensive matchups to lookout for, and how the Lakers rotation settling into a more predictable pattern can help guys find their footing and build continuity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers Win Thriller

November 03, 2022 17:55 - 41 minutes

After taking a big lead in the 3rd quarter and then giving it all back in the 4th, a Matt Ryan buzzer-beating 3-pointer forced overtime and the Lakers were able to pull out a thrilling win vs. the Pelicans on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Darvin Ham's great play call and how he is getting the most out of this group, Russell Westbrook's continued strong play off the bench, and how Anthony Davis' elite defensive play has catapulted the Lakers to the 2nd b...

Nash Fired

November 02, 2022 17:50 - 40 minutes

The Nets are embroiled in controversy and drama simply by employing Kyrie Irving, but magnified that further on Tuesday by firing Steve Nash and by, reportedly, targeting Ime Udoka to replace him. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the events in Brooklyn and why their struggles are of an entirely different type than the Lakers'. Later, the guys preview Wednesday's game with the Pelicans, discussing the matchup issues they pose and why Anthony Davis is so important vs. them. Learn more about your ...

Natural Fits

November 01, 2022 17:36 - 32 minutes

The Lakers entered training camp with several players of comparable talent levels competing for roles. Pete and Mike discuss who amongst them has had chemistry with the Lakers stars, and who is still trying to find their footing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Win

October 31, 2022 06:50 - 42 minutes

The Lakers won their first game against the Nuggets on Sunday night, showing good resolve over the course of the game to hold on. Pete and Darius discuss how Russell Westbrook's pace and spirit sparked the team all night and how Anthony Davis' two-way stardom served as an anchor for the team's success on both sides of the ball. Then later, Mike joined the show to discuss LeBron's big second half and how the team finally hitting their outside shots was so important to giving them the life they...

Now & Later

October 28, 2022 05:30 - 42 minutes

Sitting at 0-4, the urgency for the Lakers to improve feels more pressing by the day, and a Russell Westbrook trade still presents the best option to shakeup the roster in ways that can lead to that improvement. Pete, Mike, and Darius debate how much they think the team's current record impacts the team's negotiating position, how much each of them value planning for the future vs. improving this season's team, and what factors they think should carry the most weight when making decisions abo...

0 - 4

October 27, 2022 18:23 - 42 minutes

The Lakers loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday reinforced some of the bigger picture challenges the Lakers are facing this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius use the specifics of the Nuggets game to zoom out and take a more holistic view of the team and discuss LeBron's role offensively with Russ out, the asks the team is putting on Anthony Davis, and how the continued shooting woes of the role players ultimately reflects the talent on the middle and back-end of the roster.  Learn more about your ad...

League Pass Nuggets

October 26, 2022 17:47 - 43 minutes

Can the Lakers defense hold up against a Nuggets team that is working to reintegrate Jamal Murray and Michael Porter back into the lineup? If Russell Westbrook sits out, who should start for him and how does it impact the team's rotation? How can Kendrick Nunn get back on track? Mike and Darius answer these questions and more when they preview Wednesday's game against the Nuggets. Then later the guys go around the NBA and discuss teams that have surprised them in the first week of the season ...

Guard Up

October 25, 2022 17:49 - 43 minutes

The Lakers are a disappointing 0-3, but their defense has been the exact opposite of that, ranking #2 in the NBA on that end so far. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers have been playing so well defensively, highlighting LeBron and Anthony Davis' efforts on the back-line and the guards' efforts to pressure the ball, force difficult shots, and create turnovers. Then later, the guys talk about Patrick Beverley's role in setting the tone for the perimeter defense and how playing smalle...

Small Step

October 21, 2022 17:56 - 44 minutes

The Lakers fought hard and played well defensively, but their outside shooting struggles continued in their loss to the Clippers on Thursday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game, focusing on how the Lakers strong defensive effort and forcing turnovers was great, but not enough to counter the lack of shot making from the backcourt. Then later, the guys discuss Russell Westbrook's overall game, Anthony Davis' scary fall and subsequent back issue, and some 2nd half lineup tweaks tha...

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