Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball
808 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 950 ratingsDedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball. Hosted by Pete Zayas, Darius Soriano & Mike Trudell.
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Episodes
Natural Fits
November 01, 2022 17:36 - 32 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesSitting 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 minutesThe 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 minutesCan 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 minutesThe 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...
Gut Punch
October 24, 2022 05:55 - 41 minutesThe Lakers lost a gut punch game against the Blazers on Sunday night, proving unable to hold on late as their offensive struggles continued and a couple of key defensive possessions didn't go their way. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Russell Westbrook's questionable shot selection in the final minute, how the Blazers' defensive strategy down the stretch flustered the Lakers offense, and how Anthony Davis' 5th foul impacted the Lakers late game defense. Then later, the gu...
Small Step
October 21, 2022 17:56 - 44 minutesThe 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...
Too Short
October 19, 2022 18:40 - 43 minutesThe Lakers opened their season with a loss to the Warriors, showing some of the limitations of their roster while also having several of their role players underperform in ways that go beyond those limitations. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the team's lack of shooting and how the Warriors' vaunted 3rd quarter run put the game away. And later, the guys discuss some of the positives the team showed while also zooming out for more big picture analysis of the roster and the...
Opening NIght
October 18, 2022 18:26 - 38 minutesOpening night is finally here and the Lakers will face off against the Golden State Warriors. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game, focusing on how the Warriors getting their championship rings could impact their level of play, what the best defensive matchups are for the Lakers and why playing smaller creates an Andrew Wiggins problem, and how the Lakers success on offense comes back to Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Western Conference Preview
October 18, 2022 03:30 - 51 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Western Conference heading into the regular season and project who will win the most regular season games. Can the Warriors use their championship to springboard back to the top? How far will the Suns drop off? Are the Clippers and the Nuggets in the same tier as the Warriors or do they still have to prove they're healthy enough? What about the Grizzlies and the Mavs? The guys go through the entire conference answering these questions and projecting where ea...
First Checkpoint
October 17, 2022 05:35 - 40 minutesPreseason is over and the Lakers are preparing for opening night while dealing with some injury uncertainty and without getting a lot of minutes from their main players together during the exhibition games. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this lack of continuity, speculate on what the starting lineup will be heading into the season, and how the potential absences of Russell Westbrook and Dennis Shröder impacts the asks on LeBron and Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
4-Guard Lineups
October 14, 2022 07:00 - 37 minutesPete & Mike discuss the Lakers' 4-guard lineups, what they've learned since the beginning of training camp, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flashback
October 13, 2022 07:13 - 42 minutesIn a game that was being billed as a dress rehearsal for the regular season and one in which the Lakers had nearly their entire rotation available to them, the team lost to the Timberwolves on Wednesday while playing one of their poorer games of the preseason. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the team playing all six of their guards and some of the challenges that came from those rotation choices. Then later, the guys talk about LeBron and Anthony Davis' strong offensive games an...
How Schröder Fits
October 12, 2022 11:30 - 38 minutesOn Monday, Dennis Schröder met with the media for the first time since signing with the team in free agency. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Dennis' comments, specifically looking at how his relationship with Darvin Ham can impact general vibe of Dennis' return. Then later, the guys dive into whether they have concerns about Ham being able to maintain buy-in from a deep guard rotation, and further discuss how they see Dennis' offensive game fitting in this return stint vs. his first go-round w...
Built to Run
October 11, 2022 18:07 - 37 minutesWith Darvin Ham stating he's strongly considering starting Anthony Davis at Center, Pete, Mike, and Darius further discuss how that could look practically, what the best lineup could look like if they do go in that direction, and how much it plays into the identity Ham is trying to establish as a team built to run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AD the 5?
October 10, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutesThe Lakers got their first win of the preseason, beating the Warriors on Sunday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on why Anthony Davis' big night offers hints him playing more Center, Kendrick Nunn's scoring continuing to impress, and how Lonnie Walker's defensive competitiveness is making an impact. Then later, the guys discuss Matt Ryan's big shooting night and his chances of landing a roster spot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Camp Battles
October 07, 2022 17:37 - 43 minutesWho has been the Lakers best center through three preseason games? Does Wenyen Gabriel's play impact how the big man rotation plays out? After Lonnie Walker's debut, how does he project to fit into a rotation that already has a lot of guards? And will that be impacted even more with Dennis Schröder's pending return? Pete and Darius debate these topics and more as they explore the Lakers camp battles for roles and rotation minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...
Carry Over
October 06, 2022 19:14 - 38 minutesThe Lakers may not have beaten the Suns on Wednesday night, but they won the competitive portion of the game between the starting groups, took good steps forward as a group, and got strong individual performances from several players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the progress made by the team on both sides of the ball, LeBron's strong night, Austin Reaves showing why he's such a valuable role player, Wenyen Gabriel making his case to remain in the rotation, and the added dimension Kendrick ...
Game the System
October 05, 2022 18:14 - 39 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius discuss Pat Bev's penchant for drawing a favorable whistle, the value and limitation of that, the impact of the change in the Take Foul rule on the Lakers, and what they're looking forward to in tonight's game vs. Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Preseason is Here
October 03, 2022 06:22 - 39 minutesThe Lakers open their preseason Monday in a game vs. the Kings. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their expectations heading into the game, their excitement around learning more about Darvin Ham's coaching style, and why Kendrick Nunn's defense and status as a starter intrigue them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Year 20
September 30, 2022 06:55 - 43 minutesNo player who has played as long as LeBron James has been asked to carry the load that he will be this year. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what is fair and not fair to expect out of James heading into his 20th season, the evolution of his offensive approach and how that might impact his effectiveness, and whether they think he'll end up doing more as an off-ball player and big man on a very guard-heavy roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Camp Begins
September 28, 2022 18:18 - 40 minutesLakers training camp has opened and the vibes after the first day indicate a refreshed attitude and early buy-in to Darvin Ham's philosophies and expectations. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these first impressions and deciphering how real they might be, why building on any initial positivity is so important for a team without continuity, and how our first hints at the team's schematic approach can align with the roster that's been built. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
Media Day 2022
September 27, 2022 05:49 - 43 minutesThe Lakers media day did not offer the enthusiasm of a team that knows today it is a contender, but instead was somewhat subdued while still offering glimmers of what they hope to become if they can come together, buy in, and believe in their ability to play winning basketball. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the general vibe of the day, how much the non-trade of Russ impacted that vibe, and what some of their own expectations are as training camp opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Good Faith
September 23, 2022 18:21 - 38 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ime Udoka's year long suspension from the Celtics. Later, they answer more listener questions in the lead up to training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers Tax
September 22, 2022 18:05 - 39 minutesThe Utah Jazz have reportedly traded Bojan Bogdanovic to the Pistons and, in the process, cut off another potential avenue when seeking a Russell Westbrook trade. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the trade between the Jazz and the Pistons, breaking down why a deal like this might not have been available to the Lakers and whether they think there's a "tax" the Lakers pay in negotiations with other teams around the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Built for Speed
September 20, 2022 04:45 - 42 minutesThe Lakers don't have a lot of wings on their roster, but after signing Dennis Schröder they have several good guards who can all play fast and can defend the perimeter with quickness and range. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's commitment to speed, how they can leverage it on both sides of the ball, and some of their concerns of how that speed can be countered with size by good teams. Then later, the guys discuss how much better defensive talent at the guard spots can translate to re...
Schröder Returns
September 19, 2022 05:51 - 40 minutesThe Lakers surprised everyone when they came to a free agent agreement with Dennis Schröder over the weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the signing from all angles, focusing on how Schröder can help the teams on both sides of the ball, how his presence impacts Russell Westbrook, and why this signing only further highlights the Lakers hole on the wing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fast Breaks, Transition & What Ifs
September 15, 2022 18:41 - 42 minutesIs it a flaw for the Lakers to focus so much on transition as a key part of their offensive success? How can the Lakers adequately space the floor with their lack of shooting? Will the presence of a lob threat help? Is there a path for Cole Swider to play or will his defense hold him back? What is the greatest "what if" moment in Lakers history? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions, and many more -- including who would be better in a job swap between Mike and Pete -- in the latest LF...
Guard Rotation
September 14, 2022 17:57 - 33 minutesShould Austin Reaves be considered for the starting lineup? Is it possible that Russell Westbrook begins the season coming off the bench? How should the Lakers guard rotation shake out and how much does this time before training camp starts help inform those decisions? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions in their discussion about the Lakers backcourt and who might have the leg up with training camp only a couple weeks away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...
AD at the Wing
September 13, 2022 18:37 - 46 minutesThe Lakers will rely on Anthony Davis' versatility more than ever this season, particularly his skills on the perimeter when slotted into one of the forward positions. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss where on the court AD will play offensively, how much he'll post up, and how his much his aggressiveness and playing on the move can impact his success. Later, the guys discuss AD's defensive value on the wing and why this roster requires him to defend on the perimeter more. Learn more about your ...
Possible Starters
September 12, 2022 18:19 - 42 minutesWith two weeks until training camp starts, a recent report places Kendrick Nunn and Damian Jones into the Lakers starting lineup this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this group, debate whether this reflects current circumstances or if it can be more lasting, and whether their own starting 5 would differ. Then later, the guys get into who should be a part of a larger 10-man rotation, why the team's forward depth is again a question mark and whether it can be mitigated through style of p...
Who Guards Who?
September 08, 2022 17:57 - 44 minutesThe 2022-23 Lakers have a markedly different composition than last season's team. The guys discuss the defensive structure of the team, with an emphasis on which types of players their best defenders can guard, and the distinctions between Frank Vogel's defense and the principles that Darvin Ham may be bringing from Milwaukee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pat Bev Intro
September 07, 2022 18:31 - 42 minutesThe Lakers introduced Patrick Beverley on Tuesday, with Darvin Ham and Russell Westbrook in attendance. The guys discuss their on-site interactions with Pat Bev, the value of staying in the moment, an intriguing mix of personalities on the team, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rotation Thoughts
September 06, 2022 17:12 - 42 minutesOn the day that the Lakers are set to introduce Patrick Beverley, Pete and Mike discuss his place in the starting lineup, a crowded Lakers backcourt, the shift to a bigger style of play, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mitchell Traded
September 02, 2022 18:35 - 42 minutesDonovan Mitchell has reportedly finally been traded to...the Cleveland Cavaliers??? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this turn of events and analyze the deal from both the Jazz and the Cavs perspectives. Later, the guys get into how this deal impacts the Lakers, their hopes of improving their team this offseason, and whether it makes it more or less likely they make a trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Door #2
August 31, 2022 19:07 - 49 minutesWhile the Lakers have reportedly been trying to trade Russell Westbrook, they have also been signaling they are fine bringing him back to (at least) start the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the potential of a Russ return and dive into the argument for why a trade might not happen. Then later, the guys debate whether Patrick Beverley -- and his confrontational leadership style -- could actually have a positive impact on Westbrook next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
Penny Wise
August 30, 2022 18:00 - 42 minutesAs the NBA calendar transitions towards September, the question of whether the Lakers are going to make another move persists. Pete, Mike, and Darius debate what factors should be considered when thinking about deals, whether the front office can wait things out longer or if they need to make the best deal it can now, and why LeBron's ability to still be the best player on a title team might be an open question and the determining factor in what kind of trade the team should be considering th...
Talen & Stanley
August 29, 2022 18:58 - 42 minutesTalen Horton-Tucker did not develop into the player envisioned while with the Lakers, but he remains an intriguing prospect whose path towards helping the Jazz feels much less complicated than it would have been for the Lakers this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Talen's game, the conflict between developing him towards his individual strengths vs. what the Lakers team needed from him, and how his contract was the backdrop to it all. Then later the guys discuss Stanley Johnson's growth...
Pat Bev
August 26, 2022 18:07 - 49 minutesThe next domino of the Lakers season has fallen, with the Lakers trading Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson for old nemesis, Patrick Beverley. The guys discuss the experience of cheering for a player you used to hate, how Beverley imbues his teams with urgency and competitive spirit, his role on the Lakers, and some of his limitations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celebrating Kobe Day
August 24, 2022 18:10 - 49 minutesMike and Darius celebrate Kobe Day by reliving one of his great performances as a player, and stroll down memory lane to discuss Kobe's clutch coming out party: Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Connectors
August 22, 2022 18:28 - 42 minutesIn an NBA where star players have the most value and whose impact is felt most, it's the connective players who help elevate stars through their feel for the game and ability to extend advantage that often have more value than their salary would indicate. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers pivot towards more of these player types this season than last, and why Troy Brown Jr.'s potential to fill this type of role on both sides of the ball could be instrumental in the team's success this...
LeBron Extends
August 18, 2022 18:32 - 40 minutesThe Lakers and LeBron James have come to terms on a contract extension that will keep him on the team for at least the next two seasons, and potentially a third. Pete, Mike, and Darius react to this news and discuss it from all angles, including whether it made sense to do the deal now instead of waiting until next offseason and how much this impacts the urgency for the Lakers to make a win-now trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Schedule Release
August 17, 2022 19:00 - 44 minutesDo the Lakers have their hardest schedule in recent memory? What's up with all the holiday road games? Is there a stretch of games that stand out as particularly important? Can the team set the right tone to start the season vs. a slate of difficult opponents? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when they break down the Lakers schedule from every angle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Legacy
August 12, 2022 18:09 - 41 minutesWith a new show about the Lakers set to debut on Monday, Pete and Darius discuss Legacy and Winning Time, and how they capture the Lakers story in different ways. Later, Mike joins and the guys roast him for being late and his speedy answer to which actor he'd want to portray him in a series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
All About AD
August 10, 2022 18:51 - 39 minutesWith LeBron James and Darvin Ham reportedly agreeing that the offense should run through Anthony Davis more often, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what this could look like schematically, how much the load AD carries on defense will impact his ability to have this type of role on offense, and how much LeBron's own game -- as he ages -- impacts what AD's role on both ends should be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kobe + Pau + Lamar
August 08, 2022 18:59 - 45 minutesPete, Darius & Mike reminisce about how Kobe, Pau & Lamar came together and break down why that brand of basketball was so beautiful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lonnie Walker IV
August 04, 2022 06:26 - 42 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius take a closer look at Lonnie Walker IV's game, including his natural fit in uptempo lineups, how playing with LeBron & AD might impact what he's asked to do, and the defensive issues that will likely impact his playing time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bill Russell
August 01, 2022 19:36 - 45 minutesPete, Mike, and Darius discuss the life and career of the incomparable Bill Russell in the wake of his passing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nunn & THT
July 29, 2022 19:45 - 47 minutesCan Kendrick Nunn be the skill guard the Lakers need? Does Talen Horton-Tucker have the defensive ability and offensive upside needed to play in lineups with LeBron and Anthony Davis for longer stretches? Will either even be on the team next season and, if so, should they be counted on to produce to the level the team will need? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both Nunn and THT's future with the team and all the variables at play for them to be viable rotation players. Then later, the guys div...