Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

Latest Episodes:

How Much Defense Is Enough? Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

After remaking their roster this offseason, the Lakers added many talented players -- but ones whose skill sets skew more towards offense. Under head coach Frank Vogel, however, the Lakers have won with a culture of defensive intensity and commitment. Do the Lakers have enough defense this season? Can Anthony Davis and LeBron continue to set the tone on that end? Can Russ turn his focus up to be better? Will this team simply care enough to defend hard if they're as good on offense as they expect to be? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when examining the Lakers defensive potential.

Sacrifice Aug 12, 2021

Show notes

When the Lakers introduced many of their newly signed free agents, a common theme among several of them in their comments was the need to sacrifice so the team could be at their best. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the idea of sacrifice in the context of this year's team and discuss how that idea could mean different things for different players. Later, the guys look at the roster construction of the team and discuss if there are skills or a specific player type missing and whether they think the front office will try to address any outstanding needs.

Who Should Start? Aug 11, 2021

Show notes

We know LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are going to start for the Lakers, but who will join them? Will Anthony Davis start at Center? Is Marc Gasol and his spacing be the best option for this group or would Dwight Howard's rim protection and physicality prove the better choice? At shooting guard, will Kent Bazemore or Wayne Ellington get the nod? Is THT in the mix there? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all these questions and more as they try to put themselves in Frank Vogel's shoes.

Whole New Team Aug 10, 2021

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In what seems like a yearly tradition for the Lakers under Rob Pelinka's stewardship, the team's roster was almost completely turned over, headlined by a trade for Russell Westbrook and signing an entire new group of high profile role players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all the changes, focusing on the team's clear shift towards offensive minded players, what they expect from Russell Westbrook, and what role players intrigue them the most.

Farewell to the Champs Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Via trades and free agency, the Lakers have not only added several high level contributors who they hope to win a championship with, they said goodbye to several key players from the 2019-20 title team. Pete, Mike, and Darius say goodbye to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Caruso by talking about their contributions to the Lakers over the years and their favorite moments from those player's time with the team.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK IS A LAKER Aug 07, 2021

Show notes

Before the other Lakers' free agent signings, Pete, Darius & Mike react to Russell Westbrook being a Laker, talking about how Westbrook playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, how much Russ will have to adapt to the team as opposed to how much the team will have to adapt to Westbrook, slotting, how Westbrook will amplify AD, Russ being a floor raiser, how Russ will benefit LeBron, spacing & shooting, and Westbrook's prior struggles in the playoffs.

Summer League Preview Aug 03, 2021

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The Lakers begin summer league play in the California Classic on Tuesday, giving fans their first opportunity to watch undrafted free agents Austin Reaves, Joel Ayayi, and Chaundee Brown get their first action for the team. Mike Garcia rejoins Pete, Mike, and Darius to discuss these prospects and what to expect from them in these games as summer play begins. Later, the guys discuss how valuable summer league can be for evaluating young players and whether these games can be a springboard for future success with the Lakers.

Three Stars Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

A draft day report that the Lakers will add a 3rd star to flank LeBron James and Anthony Davis shook up the league, and has implications both towards how the team will play next season and how the rest of the roster can and should be constructed. Pete and Darius discuss the new direction the team is taking, how much of a call back to their championship season the rumored move is, and debate what player types and skills the front office should target when building out a contending team around three star players.

Lakers Draft Preview: Hidden Gems Jul 28, 2021

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In part 2 of their discussion on 2021 NBA draft prospects who could help the Lakers, Pete, Darius, and Mike Garcia take a look at players who might be less ready to contribute next season but who offer real upside or are hidden gems Lakers fans should be aware of. From playmaking guards to lob-catching bigs to 3-and-D wings, the guys go on a deep dive of players who the team could target at pick #22 or could take later in the draft if they trade down.

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Lakers Draft Preview: Ready to Contribute Jul 27, 2021

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With the 22nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers select....? That is the question we're all trying to answer and to try and sort through all of the potential options, Pete and Darius are joined by Mike Garcia to break down the most rotation ready prospects who could be available when the Lakers are on the clock. From Chris Duarte to Jared Butler to Trey Murphy III and Kessler Edwards, the guys discuss players who have the potential to play a real role on next season's Lakers.

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