The Lakers get their starting center as DeAndre Ayton signs a 2-year, $16.6M deal with a player option. The guys react to the news, discuss how it gives more context to DFS’ departure, the team’s much higher ceiling, the inevitable frustrations with Ayton, and more Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom Fo...
Jul 03, 2025•47 min
Free agency is in full swing and while other teams have been very active, the Lakers have made just one signing in former King and Grizzlies wing Jake LaRavia to a two-year deal, but also have lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets. Pete and Darius break down the relative inaction from the team, discuss the DeAndre Ayton buyout that seemingly has the team in a holding pattern, what free agents are still out there for the Lakers to go after, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www...
Jul 02, 2025•38 min
The Lakers have more certainty with their own free agents as LeBron James has opted into his contract for next season while Dorian Finney-Smith has opted out of his deal. Pete and Darius discuss both decisions, including what kind of deal they would offer DFS now that he's on the open market, how LeBron's decision impacts the Lakers flexibility heading into free agency, how they interpreted Rich Paul's comments about LeBron's decision and his potential future with the Lakers, and much more. Supp...
Jun 30, 2025•40 min
Mike Garcia hops on the pod to react to the Lakers moving up to draft the athletic Adou Thiero, one of the draft prospects that Mike had ranked highly on his draft board. Then, Pete & Darius discuss the events of the night, their impressions of Thiero & much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilm...
Jun 27, 2025•40 min
Pete and Darius discuss Wednesday's 1st round of the NBA draft and how the trades and picks made by the Suns and Blazers could impact the Lakers search for a center this offseason. And then later the guys react live to the news that the Lakers have traded for the 45th pick while also discussing several prospects still on the board heading into Thursday's 2nd round. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s You...
Jun 26, 2025•42 min
Pete and Darius answer listener questions about the Lakers, including changes they'd like to see made by the new ownership group, what schematic changes they'd like to see JJ Redick implement next season, what they think Austin Reaves' ceiling is, what made young Kobe so special, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.pla...
Jun 25, 2025•42 min
The OKC Thunder are the new NBA Champions, but while their parade happens the NBA's transaction cycle is already heating up. Pete and Darius discuss the Thunder's clinching win in Game 7 and how Tyrese Haliburton's devastating injury impacted their view of the game. And then later, the guys dive into the Kevin Durant trade to Houston and how the Daniel Gafford extension in Dallas and the Jrue Holiday trade to Portland might or might not impact the Lakers offseason plans. Support Pete here: Patre...
Jun 24, 2025•43 min
Pete and Darius are joined by Mike Garcia to discuss the NBA Draft, specifically looking at center prospects and whether the Lakers can find someone to fill their need for a big on draft night. And then later, the guys broaden their discussion second round sleeper targets who could be available when the Lakers make their selection at #55 overall. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.y...
Jun 20, 2025•51 min
The NBA Finals are going to a Game 7 after the Pacers blew out the Thunder in Game 6. Pete and Darius react to the game and how Indy stayed alive. And then later the guys continue to discuss the Lakers sale and debate what changes to expect and on what timeline after the sale goes through. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.pla...
Jun 20, 2025•42 min
Mark Walter is set to be the new controlling owner of the Lakers, as the Buss Family agrees to sell all but 15% of their share of the team. The guys react to the stunning news, the team’s $10B valuation, the ways that deeper pockets can help the organization grow, and how some of the biggest benefits may not cost a dime. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom ...
Jun 19, 2025•40 min
OKC won Game 5 with a decisive 4Q push, and are now one game away from an NBA title. The guys discuss Jalen Williams’ 40-point game, how OKC has moved their stars off the ball to free them up, Haliburton’s quiet game and possible injury, and more from Game 5, along with thoughts on Gary Harris & KD rumors. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Play...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min
Trade season has already begun with the deal that sends Desmond Bane to the Magic while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four 1st round picks go to the Grizzlies. Pete and Darius discuss the deal, how a deal like this could impact the Lakers and their pathway to making deals, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the NBA Finals after the Thunder pulled even in Game 4 and look to seize full control back in Monday's Game 5. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/la...
Jun 16, 2025•42 min
Pete and Darius discuss Dorian Finney-Smith's decision to have ankle surgery, what it means that it came at this point in the offseason, how it might impact the free agency decision of his player option, and more. And then later, the guys discuss DFS' role on this roster as a culture setter and locker room presence, how he played this past season, and what they hope to see from him next year on both sides of the ball. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Cof...
Jun 13, 2025•36 min
The Pacers have done it again, winning Game 3 of the Finals to take a 2-1 lead over the Thunder. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the fantastic performances put together by both sides, the Pacers' great bench play, Haliburton's best game of the series, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom...
Jun 12, 2025•41 min
Recent champions have followed a recent formula of having an elite offensive player flanked by a high level defensive roster — a trend the Thunder are trying to continue. Pete and Darius discuss how the Luka Dončić led Lakers can try to follow this same path and what that means for the rest of the current roster and who to target this offseason. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.yo...
Jun 11, 2025•41 min
How would you evaluate Austin Reaves outside of the context of the roster, his contract, or even what his future fit might be next to Luka Dončić? How would you look at his growth as a player, his individual strengths and weaknesses, and what he needs to improve on? What about the schemes that fit him best on both sides of the ball? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more in their discussion of what they've seen from Reaves over the last several seasons and how he played this past year. ...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min
Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers did it again with another 4th quarter comeback and game winning bucket to steal Game 1 of the Finals from the Thunder. Pete and Darius break down the game and discuss OKC's lineup change to start the game, the Thunder's pressure defense and Indy's adjustments to it later, the Pacer's role players stepping up, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: htt...
Jun 06, 2025•40 min
The NBA Finals begin on Thursday night and Pete and Darius breakdown the matchup between the Thunder and Pacers and discuss what they think some of the biggest keys are for both teams, including Pascal Siakam's ability to score when cross matched against OKC's guards, the number of defensive matchups the Thunder can throw at Tyrese Haliburton, both team's comfort playing the other team's style, and much more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: http...
Jun 05, 2025•41 min
In a somewhat surprising decision, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday fresh off a trip to the conference finals. Pete and Darius react to the news, discuss the merits of making this change now, discuss the shrinking windows to contend under this collective bargaining agreement, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the offseason dominoes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokoumnpo and how the Lakers can be opportunistic in trades even if they don't get the star in the de...
Jun 04, 2025•42 min
Pete and Darius discuss how the Lakers go about building around Luka Dončić can't just about finding players who can compensate for the things he doesn't do as well, but instead should be about finding players who build on all the ways that he is already great in order to magnify those traits and lift the entire team. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pet...
Jun 03, 2025•43 min
The Pacers are going to the NBA Finals after beating the Knicks in Game 6 over the weekend. Pete and Darius discuss Indy's run to the Finals, how their transition game reminds them of a couple of old Lakers teams, how the Pacers have built around their best player and the lessons the Lakers can take from them, and much more. And then later, the guys begin their preview of the Finals by giving their initial thoughts on how the Pacers and Thunder matchup. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.pa...
Jun 02, 2025•40 min
Pete and Darius debate how big a leap the Lakers could take by adding a center in free agency vs. making a larger trade for one. Are the free agent bigs good enough, or would it make more sense to trade for one? And how does the team's penchant for playing small-ball groups play a factor in these decisions? The guys dive into these questions and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://...
May 30, 2025•39 min
The Thunder are heading to the Finals after dismantling the Wolves in their Game 5 matchup and blowing them out to win the series 4-1. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the differences in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 's and Anthony Edwards' offensive approach, what comes next for the Wolves, and where this series result leaves the Lakers as the team who got blown out by Minnesota who got blown out by OKC. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buyme...
May 29, 2025•40 min
With the Thunder and Pacers both one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, Pete and Darius discuss both teams' drive and commitment to build on their post season runs last year to advance further, and relate that to the Lakers need to replicate that sense of purpose next season and what that will entail for them. From LeBron's and Luka's leadership, the JJ Redick's approach, and how roster change relates to everyone rowing on the same direction towards being a contender. Support Pete here: Patr...
May 28, 2025•40 min
After making his 21st consecutive All-NBA team with a 2nd team nod over the weekend, LeBron James is in the midst of an offseason where his pending contract option could have huge ramifications both for him and the Lakers. Pete and Darius discuss LeBron's momentous All-NBA achievement, but then discuss reports that he will likely opt-in to his contract next season and the implications it has for the Lakers in their pursuit of building a title contender. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.pa...
May 27, 2025•40 min
Before there was a LeBron, Luka, or an Anthony Davis, there were the "Baby Lakers" -- a group of young draftees and G-League finds the team developed at the tail end and in the aftermath of the Kobe Bryant era and into when the team signed LeBron. Pete and Darius discuss this group of past players, how each of the conference finals teams has one of these former Lakers on their roster in a contributing role, and why as the team begins to build around Luka Dončić this sort of success from the draf...
May 23, 2025•42 min
With the conference finals underway, Pete and Darius discuss the Pacers' incredible comeback vs. the Knicks in game 1 and the Thunder's win over the Wolves, diving into Indy's clutch play, Nesmith's NBA Jam moment, OKC's defense, and much more. And then later, the guys debate foul hunting, NBA officiating, the psychology of physicality, and more. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.y...
May 22, 2025•42 min
Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2025•41 min
Pete and Darius discuss whether the Lakers can find low salaried rotation players who can also be long term fits, how acquiring them can be challenging under this collective bargaining agreement, why neither of them are eager to trade Dalton Knecht for these reasons, and much more. And then later, the guys dive into specific players who they like and would target for the Lakers. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmr...
May 20, 2025•41 min
With the Celtics and the Nuggets both getting eliminated from the playoffs, Pete and Darius take a moment to reflect on the fall of a couple of Lakers rivals. And then later the guys take a look at the four conference finalists, the types of rosters they possess, and whether the Lakers are in position to replicate those builds of if they'll need to approach things differently. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroo...
May 19, 2025•44 min
