Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

After 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 more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D'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

The 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 the team added can benefit Vando and the lineups he plays in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, 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

Austin 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 potential bench units.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 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

The 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

With 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

As 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

Pete 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

Pete, 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

Darius & 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 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

Pete & 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

Jarred 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

Pete & 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

As 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 realities of his learning curve at this level, the offensive pop of both D'Moi Hodge and Colin Castleton, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How 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

Pete, 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 the salary cap and spending will impact those choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 offense like the Lakers run.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete 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

Pete, 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

The 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

The 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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers fell to the Nuggets in Game 3, falling behind 0-3 in their series in the process. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Denver's excellent overall play from Jamal Murray's first half scoring binge to the shot making of their role players in the 3rd quarter to Nikola Jokic's strong 4th quarter. Then later, the guys discuss Anthony Davis' bounce back game, Austin Reaves' great night, LeBron's overall floor game, and D'Angelo Russell's ongoing struggles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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

Will 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

A 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 discuss the adjustment of having Rui Hachimura defend Jokic and discuss the Lakers' guard play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 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

In part 1 of their series preview on the Lakers matchup with the Nuggets, Pete, Mike, and Darius take a closer look at the Lakers themselves, doing a self scout to identify trends, potential rotation options, and keying in on personnel groupings that have worked so far these playoffs and could continue to work vs. Denver.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are going to the Western Conference Finals! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers took down the Warriors in Game 6, focusing on LeBron finding that extra gear, Anthony Davis' two-way impact, Austin Reaves' shot making and buzzer-beating heave, and the rotation adjustments from Darvin Ham that unlocked the Lakers defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into Game 6 at home against the Warriors with an opportunity to close out the reigning champs and advance to the Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the sustained physical and mental energy required to win this game, the nature of this being a contest won by the "superstars" on both sides, and why the tactics on both sides of the ball still matter in a series where the adjustments have helped both sides claim victories.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost Game 5 to a determined Warriors team who was able to score effectively, make a strong push at the end of the first half, and limit the Lakers offense enough to get a comfortable victory. Pete and Darius discuss the Warriors leaning more on Wiggins and Draymond as scorers, the battle between the Lakers guards on offense vs. the Warriors ball pressure defense, and LeBron's importance as a shapeshifting big forward moving into Game 6. Then later, the guys offer their views on refereeing and its impact on the game, and AD's health coming off the hit to the head he took in Game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

he chess match continues at Chase Center tonight, with the Warriors as heavy favorites in Game 5. The guys discuss LeBron picking his spots at opportune times, the importance of the Lakers guards in mid range, potential adjustments to the ball screens for Steph, AD finishing 19th in voting for All-Defense, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Behind a 4th quarter comeback that featured a huge performance from Lonnie Walker IV, the Lakers beat the Warriors in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Lonnie's big night, LeBron's matchup hunting, Anthony Davis continuing his elite two-way play, and the slew of adjustments from both coaches that led to a classic of a playoff game and a Lakers win.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers blew out the Warriors in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their playoff series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on Anthony Davis' dominant defense, D'Angelo Russell's shot making, Lonnie Walker's reinsertion to the rotation, and other strategic adjustments Darvin Ham and his coaching staff made. Then later, the guys hit on LeBron James' play and how his effort and two-way play were critical in getting the victory.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Golden State responded in Game 2 with a superb performance in the 2nd and 3rd quarters that turned a 7-point Laker lead into a 30-point deficit going into the 4th. The guys discuss their clever adjustments, the Lakers lack of force, a quiet night from AD, adjustments for Game 3, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What sort of adjustments can we expect when the Lakers and Warriors face off in Game 2? Will the Warriors play and, potentially, start the game smaller? Will they put the ball in Steph's hands more? How can the Lakers get a more efficient scoring night from LeBron? Pete and Darius discuss these questions and more in their preview for Thursday's game. Then later, Mike is joined by none other than Lakers radio announcer and his former radio co-host (and father of Klay), Mychal Thompson to discuss Mychal's unique perspective on this series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices