Raj Chipalu joins Pete to discuss the Lakers win over Portland, first impressions of Dorian Finney-Smith, Max Christie’s emergence, and what Raj has noticed while covering Bronny, Olivari, and the South Bay Lakers. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTub…

The Lakers had a measuring stick game against the Cavs and fell short, dropping their final game of 2024. Pete and Darius react to the game, giving the Cavs their just due as an offensive juggernaut, but also speaking to what they liked from the Lakers end and what their first reactions were to Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton getting their fir…

The Cavs bring the league's best record with them to Los Angeles to face off against the Lakers in the final game of the calendar year. Pete and Darius talk about the challenges Cleveland brings to the matchup, what they hope to see from Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton who are expected to be available in this game, and what they think the Lake…

Should Dorian Finney-Smith replace Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup? How does trading for DFS impact the LeBron-led bench groups that have struggled this season? And now that D'Angelo Russell is gone, how does Austin Reaves' role change and what are his next steps to further develop in the lead guard role that he's played so well as in the last…

The Lakers made a trade, sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three 2nd round picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Pete and Darius react to the deal by saying goodbye to D-Lo, looking at how Finney-Smith fits on defense, and then beginning to explore lineups and the shift in identity this deal furthers. Sup…

The Lakers swept their two-game road trip in Sacramento, beating them again on Saturday behind another strong defensive performance. Pete and Darius discuss the win, focusing on LeBron's great night overall — especially on defense — and how his recent uptick in defensive intensity is helping to shift the team's identity. And then later they get int…

In the first of their back-to-back matchups, the Lakers beat the Kings with a strong defensive performance that continues the recent upward trend of the team performing better on that side of the ball. Pete and Darius discuss the game through that defensive lens, highlighting Anthony Davis' incredible night blocking shots and controlling the glass,…

Who should the Lakers actually target via trade? How willing should they be to trade future draft picks to facilitate deals? What is the team's biggest need and what type of move seems most likely to happen? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more in part three of their guide to the trade season. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patr…

Who will actually be available at the trade deadline? Pete & Darius build out and discuss the merits of a list of potential Lakers targets in Part 2 of their guide to trade season. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.…

With most of the league becoming trade eligible on December 15th, the window for making deals is officially open. In part one of their comprehensive look at what the Lakers should do in advance of the trade deadline, Pete and Darius look at the long term strategy of the team, how much they should value their tradable future draft picks, the differe…

After dropping a game to the Wolves on Friday, the Lakers got LeBron back and got a great win over the Grizzlies, featuring a dominant game from Anthony Davis and a great defensive effort from Max Christie. Pete and Darius discuss the weekend's games, highlighting LeBron's return, Max's night defending Ja Morant, the difference Austin Reaves makes …

The Lakers are back in action against the Timberwolves on Friday and then face off against the Grizzlies on Sunday. Pete and Darius discuss the team's weekend matchups, looking at the games through the lens of playing offense through Anthony Davis by diving into how it's working, where it can improve, and much more. And then later the guys discuss …

Are the Lakers load managing LeBron James? Pete and Darius react to the report that LeBron is likely to sit out Friday's game vs. the Timberwolves coming off his excused absence from Wednesday's practice. And then later they discuss how the team can compensate for LeBron sitting out games and how to account for his absence on both sides of the ball…

Pete and Darius answer listener questions in the latest mailbag edition of the LFR Podcast. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

The Lakers split a pair of weekend games, playing better but losing in frustrating fashion to the Hawks and then getting a much-needed win against the Blazers in a game LeBron sat out. Pete and Darius discuss the games, focusing more on the win vs. Portland and the team's shift in defensive strategy, the strong games from D'Angelo Russell and Rui H…

The Lakers got blown out again, this time at the hands of the Miami Heat in another embarrassing road loss. Pete and Darius discuss the loss and the tailspin the team is in, and then offer ideas as to how they can get things back on track. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/la…

Jarred Vanderbilt will remain out into January after developing swelling in his knee during the rehab from his offseason foot surgeries. Pete and Darius discuss this latest health development, what it means to the Lakers chances in the short and long term, how it should impact their willingness to make roster improvements sooner than later, and muc…