The Lakers wrapped up their weekend with a hard fought win against the red-hot Knicks and have a chance to go 4-2 on their road trip if they can beat the Hornets on Monday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game vs. the Knicks, the starting lineup shift, and the upcoming week the team is facing with the trade deadline on the horizon and the Kobe statue ceremony later this week. And then later the guys discuss AD being named to the All-Star team and express their thoughts on some of the pushback to the Lakers getting two representatives in the game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Without LeBron and Anthony Davis available, the Lakers went into Boston and played with effort, energy, and determination to beat the Celtics to get one of their best wins of the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the total team effort to get the win, how Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes set the tone, Austin Reaves stepping up as a scorer and on-ball player, D'Angelo Russell's passing, Rui's critical 4th quarter offense, and much more.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After another defeat to the Hawks and heading into a big game against the Celtics, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the state of the Lakers, their spirit and competitiveness, their struggles on defense, Jarred Vanderbilt's offensive improvements, and the idea and value of spacing when building out lineups. And then later, the guys dive into the matchup with the Celtics and challenges they pose for the Lakers defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got run off the floor by an energized Rockets team that took advantage of a combination of tired legs and low effort from a team that played a double overtime game just a couple days prior. Pete and Darius discuss the game and what went wrong, discuss the ongoing defensive struggles of the team's smaller lineups, and how the team needed more from their bench groups from an effort and energy standpoint. And then later, the guys express their concern for Tuesday's game vs. an explosive Hawks offense that will again test the Lakers perimeter defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won an instant classic in double overtime against the Warriors on Saturday night in another epic duel between LeBron James and Steph Curry. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the game, the excitement in the building, LeBron's great play, D'Angelo Russell's strong 4th quarter and OT play, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the closing lineup that included Jarred Vanderbilt and whether that group should play more and, even, start games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday the Lakers beat the Bulls on the strength of a hot-shooting night across the roster, but in particular from D'Angelo Russell. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, the run that D-Lo is on, the emergence of Vanderbilt on offense and the aggressiveness he's showing on that end, and much more. And then later the guys discuss some of the defensive challenges the team is facing, potential ways to mitigate them, and how those can go hand in hand with some of the growth the team is making on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the landscape the Lakers are looking at in regards to their own roster and the internal analysis of whether to make a deal and, if so, what kind to make vs. how other teams around the league might be looking at the what the Lakers could be offering and whether that squares with making a deal at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played well and fought hard in the 2nd half, but still fell short to a red-hot Clippers team. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, how the Lakers felt LeBron's absence on both sides of the ball, the continued strong play of D'Angelo Russell, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss the small forward position and how it plays a critical part in the Lakers team building efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost a bad game to the Nets on Friday, but then proceeded to blowout the Blazers on Sunday. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss their frustration with the Nets loss, the differences they saw vs. the Blazers, their thoughts on the starting group with Rui Hachimura, and the different identities the various lineups offer the coaches. And then later, the guys get into the vibes of the team and try to separate fact from fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into a weekend of winnable games vs. the Nets and Blazers, but must bring the appropriate amount of seriousness and execution to those matchups or risk giving back the progress they have made recently. Darius and Mike preview both contests and then take a look at the team's potential to climb up the standings as a couple of teams in front of them in the west face some challenges in their own schedules.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers blew out the Mavericks with a strong second half showing, moving back to .500 in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, breaking down improvements they're seeing offensively from the team as a whole, Anthony Davis' centrality to the offense and his improvement handling double teams, and the difference they're seeing in D'Angelo Russell's and how his feel for the offense has really helped. Then later the guys discuss Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbit both looking like their old selves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the halfway point of the season the Lakers are 20-21 and in 10th place in a crowded and competitive Western Conference. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the standings, break down the different tiers, and debate potential risers, fallers, and where the Lakers fit into the mix. And then later, the guys look at the rest of January as a critical part of the Lakers schedule and discuss what a target record is for them to make a push in the standings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split their weekend games against the Jazz and Thunder, showing progress offensively in both games and instituting a starting lineup shift in the win vs. OKC. Pete and Darius discuss the games, what improvements they're seeing offensively, the challenges the new starting group is having on the backboards, the implementation of a zone defense from the bench groups, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got blown out by the Suns, and the loss brought back familiar questions about the team. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the current state of the Lakers and how they see the results on the court relating back to process, cohesion, execution, schematic and rotation decisions, and the makeup of the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers won a nailbiter against Toronto. Pete & Mike discuss this, Anthony Davis' offensive dominance, lineups that worked in the game, Austin's role in the starting lineup, D'Angelo Russell's importance to the team, & preview the upcoming game against the Suns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers made some roster moves, waiving D'Moi Hodge and Alex Fudge from their two-way contracts and signing forward Dylan Windler and point guard Skylar Mays to replace them. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these moves, with a look at how the Mays addition impacts rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino and allows him to get more minutes in the G-League for reps and court time as part of his development. And then later, the guys discuss the team's ongoing pursuit of workable lineups -- particularly the groups that play with LeBron and AD, which have not been as productive this season as in year's past.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had another eventful weekend, losing to Memphis on Friday but getting a much needed and quality win against the Clippers on Sunday to snap their four-game losing streak. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss those games, diving into the Lakers defense vs. Memphis, LeBron's strong all-around play vs. the Clippers, how the bigger lineups and defensive switching helped contain the Clippers offense, Christian Wood's play next to LeBron, D'Angelo Russell's return, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss Jarred Vanderbilt's play on both ends and some of the changes in how he's being used offensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers looked dispirited and discombobulated in a 110-96 home loss against a Miami team that was sharp & cohesive despite Jimmy Butler’s absence. Pete & Mike discuss the Lakers’ offensive confusion vs Miami’s zone, the turnovers and missed 3’s that resulted, and some of the options on the table as the team searches for answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers enter 2024 looking for consistency and a foundation they can build on to carry them through a pivotal, home-heavy January that can make or break their season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this stretch of games, how instability has contributed to the team's struggles to this point, and the importance of finding a rotation and strategic approach and sticking with it to get the most out of this stretch. And then later the guys discuss the team's offensive approach, the benefits and challenges of building offenses that revolve around LeBron, and how playing through Anthony Davis can help this team find their stride on that end of the floor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out 2023 with back-to-back losses vs. the Wolves and Pelicans that dropped them back down to .500 on the season. Pete and Darius discuss the nature of those games, but zoom out to take a bigger picture look at the team's struggles on offense, the structure (or lack thereof) the team plays with on both sides of the ball, how that lack of structure impacts the role players, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Anthony Davis currently the NBA's best American player? The question might seem far-fetched at first, but when considering his offensive production and DPOY level defense, his case is much more realistic. With AD on a tear this month and having an incredibly impactful season on both sides of the ball, Mike and Darius discuss the state of his game, his place in the league, and debate where he sits amongst his American peers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers recent lineup change remains a work in progress, with questions remaining on how to navigate not only the new personnel groupings but the strategic shifts within them. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the updated starting five, the team's new switching defense, how to account for Austin Reaves within these schemes, why the Celtics and Thunder were test cases for playing top offenses with this style, and much more. And then later the guys discuss how the offense is impacted by the change and strategies that they can use to account for the spacing challenges of the new group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers made a big lineup change, moving Jarred Vanderbilt to the starting five in place of D'Angelo Russell and then promptly split their weekend games with a win over the Thunder and then a Christmas Day loss to the Celtics. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the details of the lineup shift, the schematic changes that came with it, and discuss how it played out in both games -- particularly the loss to the Celtics. Then later, they debate whether more changes are needed as the team searches for long term solutions on both sides of the ball.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite a strong effort from Anthony Davis and one of the better games from the team of late, the Lakers still lost to the Timberwolves on Thursday night for their fourth consecutive loss overall. Pete and Darius discuss the game, but also dive into some of the larger trends of late, including Austin Reaves led lineups, D'Angelo Russell's offensive floor, Cam Reddish's decision making, Rui bouncing back, and the proclivity to play smaller lineups.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost their third consecutive game and fourth out of five overall in Chicago on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the state of the team, debate how much fatigue (in its many forms) are affecting the team right now, and explore how the shift towards more skilled offensive lineups has not delivered the sought after results of improved shooting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers struggled to score efficiently and were beaten in the paint and the backboards by the Knicks, leading to their third loss in their last four games. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the Lakers recent stretch of play, Rui's role and the team's general physical and mental fatigue in the aftermath of their run to the IST title.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One-third of the way through the season, the Lakers’ backup bigs have provided mixed results. The guys discuss the team’s defensive issues at the 5 when AD isn’t on the floor, some of the potential solutions on the roster, and why Gabe Vincent’s imminent return presents Darvin Ham with interesting decisions going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got a dominant performance from Anthony Davis and took a big lead vs. the Spurs, and then were able to hold on for the win after a furious 4th quarter comeback led by Victor Wembanyama fell short at the end. Mike and Darius discuss AD's great game and what's gone into the scoring run he's on, what impressed them about Wemby's game on both ends of the floor, and much more. And then later, the guys touch on Taurean Prince's hot shooting and how LeBron's pending return could impact Friday's rematch in San Antonio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off their IST title over the weekend, the Lakers lost a tough game to a hot-shooting Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, how Dante Exum's shooting made the Lakers defensive coverages pay, how the Lakers persevered and made it competitive with strong performances from Anthony Davis and LeBron, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss D'Angelo Russell's tough night, AD and LeBron's leadership this season, and preview the Wednesday's game against the Spurs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament Champions! In part two of their discussion of the Lakers run to the IST Title, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the win over Pacers, focusing on the team's defensive approach to slowing Indy's transition game, how they tweaked their pick-and-roll coverages vs. Tyrese Haliburton. Anthony Davis' amazing two-way performance, the deliberate and relentless way the Lakers attacked the paint offensively, LeBron's overall brilliance, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament Champions! In part one of two pod of their discussion of the Lakers run to the IST Title, Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out to look at the tournament as a whole, what stood out to them about the Lakers approach to the games, and how LeBron and AD's leadership set the tone for the team's play throughout the tournament. And then later, the guys discuss how the Lakers used the IST as both a way to help them develop and grow their identity and style of play, and also as an experience tool for some of their younger players.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dominated the Pelicans on Thursday night to advance to the In-Season Tournament championship game. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how they did it -- from LeBron setting the tone and brilliant offensive performance to the team's overall defensive effort led by the team's wings but anchored by Anthony Davis. And then later, the guys discuss the matchup with the Pacers in Saturday's championship game and the challenges Tyrese Haliburton and their offense will pose for the Lakers defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers take on the Pelicans on Thursday night in the In-Season Tournament semifinals taking place in Las Vegas. Pete and Darius preview the game on both sides of the ball, and discuss the difficulties of matching defending the Zion and Brandon Ingram duo, how the Pelicans bench shooting can impact the game, how the Pelicans defend Anthony Davis, how the Lakers skill guards will deal with New Orleans' ball pressure, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an exciting quarterfinals of the In Season Tournament, Lakers gutted out an exciting 106 to 103 win over the Suns. Pete & Mike discuss Anthony Davis' all-encompassing defense, LeBron's dominance, how the Lakers' season-high 21 offensive rebounds led to the Lakers having 27 more offensive possessions, Jaxson Hayes backing up AD at center and his ability to guard the perimeter, the guard rotation, the Lakers' jump shooting woes & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got some perimeter defensive reinforcements against the Rockets on Saturday and got a good win fueled by a huge 2nd quarter run. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on the team's defensive approach and how improved perimeter pressure led to the team playing more in transition offensively. Then later, the guys discuss Max Christie's emergence as a rotation player and how his play and Rui Hachimura's pending return could impact rotation decisions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out their road trip with a double-digit loss to the Thunder and a 2-2 record on their trip. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss, how injuries and the schedule contributed to the game, and much more. Then later, the guys take stock in the team through 20 games and discuss what they've learned about what is working, what is not, and what the specific injuries the team has suffered have taught them about this roster.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A game after the Lakers got blown out in Philly, they delivered a beatdown of their own in a demolition of the Pistons on Wednesday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on D'Angelo Russell's hot shooting night and Anthony Davis' dominance in the paint on both ends. And then later, the guys discuss D-Lo's season through the prism of his good game, and then offer some thoughts on the team's matchup with the Thunder to close out the road trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got blown out by 44 points in Philly on Monday night, undone by a barrage of made threes and their own offensive struggles coming to a head. Pete and Darius discuss the game, including the ongoing 1st quarter struggles, the differences in shooting and offensive approach between the teams, and the overall gameplan defensively vs. Philly. Then later, the guys discuss LeBron's post-game comments about things needing to change, Anthony Davis' jump shooting, and how to properly contextualize the team's issues through the lens of injuries vs. what they're doing schematically offensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers started their road trip with a strong win over the Cavs and head into Philly for another tough matchup against the 76ers and reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win over the Cavs, some of the structural improvements the Lakers are making on offense, Anthony Davis dominance in Cleveland and whether he can carry that over to his matchup with Embiid and the specific challenges he poses on both sides of the ball.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers blew out the Jazz Tuesday night and look like a team that is finding their stride on both sides of the ball. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the team is coming together, their shift to a more aggressive defense, how losing Cam Reddish might impact that aggressiveness, and forecasting what the team can do on defense once Cam and Jarred Vanderbilt are both available. Then later, the guys preview Wednesday's game vs. the Mavericks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won a pair of games this weekend, with LeBron scoring 35+ in both of them. Pete & Mike discuss his timeless game and how it’s evolved as he’s gotten older, before getting into some of the offensive struggles of the second unit, and why emphasizing the post game may be critical for the Lakers going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 In the first of a series celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the 2009 title team, Pete & Mike are joined by 2x Lakers champion Josh Powell to discuss his experience on that team, the intensity of their practices and overall approach, what it took to grind his way onto an NBA roster after going undrafted, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers did not come out ready to play against the Kings and got blasted Wednesday night, falling behind by 20 points in the 1st quarter and never being able to fully dig themselves out of the hole. Pete and Darius discuss the role LeBron and Anthony Davis played in the slow start, LeBron's great play after that, AD's physical struggles during the game, and the ways the Kings took advantage of the Lakers' individual and collective defense. And then later, the guys discuss possible in-house solutions for how to support AD in more physically taxing matchups.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers shot the lights out and thrashed the Grizzlies in one of their best offensive performances of the season Tuesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, highlighting the historically great shooting night the Lakers had, some shifts they've made offensively that have helped generate those shots, and how Anthony Davis' dominance on defense helped shut down the paint on the other end. Then later, the guys highlight what they're seeing from Cam Reddish on both sides of the ball and a big defensive tweak that has upped the team's aggressiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had an eventful and successful weekend, winning games on Friday and Sunday vs. the Suns and Blazers to get back to .500 on the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the weekend's events, diving into both wins, the starting lineup change, Anthony Davis' strong play to close out Portland, D'Angelo Russell's passing, Austin Reaves and Cam Reddish adapting to their new roles, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers wrap up their road trip in Phoenix on Friday night and enter the game in real need of a win against a backdrop of frustrations, injuries, and a winless record on the road. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the vibe around the team and why waiting on better player health to solve all their issues would be a mistake. Then later, the guys discuss the matchup with the Suns, who will be without Devin Booker, but will have Bradley Beal back to test the Lakers defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Without Anthony Davis (among others), the Lakers got blown out in Houston by the Rockets on Wednesday night. Pete and Darius discuss the loss, but also break down how the game highlights larger structural issues with the team's offense that are not necessarily just about injuries and who is or is not available to play.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The shorthanded Lakers fell by single point to the Heat on Monday night, losing not only the game, but Anthony Davis to a hip spasm in the 3rd quarter and D'Angelo Russell to an ejection for arguing with the referees. Still the Lakers hung tough, and missed a shot at the buzzer that could have won the game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, diving into the team's injury issues, the improved effort and attentiveness on the backboards, Austin Reaves back to being Austin, the LeBron and Christian Wood pairing offensively, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers surrendered 36 second chance points in a blowout loss on Saturday, a franchise-high for Orlando. The guys discuss the reasons behind this recurring issue, why the short term solutions may be different than the long term ones, and why LeBron is a central consideration in addressing the defensive glass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are on the road for their first extended trip of the season, beginning in Orlando for a rematch with the Magic. Mike and Darius discuss the current state of the team heading into these games, including health updates on Gabe Vincent (among others), the impact injuries are having on the rotation and the success of some of the big lineups being used as a result, and AD's continued dominance defensively. And then later, the guys discuss a preview of the Magic game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Down four rotation players, the Lakers came back from another big first half deficit to take a late game lead vs. the Clippers, nearly gave it away at the end, but then held on in overtime to get the victory. Pete and Darius discuss the up, down, and up again nature of the game, highlighting LeBron's great scoring night, another impressive AD performance, a 2nd half offense surge from the guards, going big defensively (and then later not) and why that mattered, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves finally finding his rhythm and the adjustments made that helped him do it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won a slog of a game vs. the Magic on Monday night, getting great games from Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell, along with another good Christian Wood performance on defense and the glass. Pete and Darius discuss the game, what's working for the Lakers on defense, their continued challenges offensively, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost in overtime to the Kings in frustrating fashion on Sunday night and, in the aftermath, Darvin Ham said he planned to look at his rotations and fine tune things. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, the starting lineups struggles, the issues on their defensive glass, and much more. And then later, the guys dive into the team's lineups, what's working, what isn't, what they would like to see changed. Lastly, the guys discuss Austin Reaves' struggles to start the season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got their first win of the season over the shorthanded Suns with a furious 4th quarter comeback led by LeBron and Anthony Davis, along with great defensive support from Christian Wood. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the frustrating early parts of the game, the Lakers spamming their physical advantages late, AD's 4th quarter, and Wood's defense on Kevin Durant and his defensive rebounding. Then later, the guys discuss the growing pains the team is showing offensively and they debate how to better integrate Austin Reaves on that end of the floor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are back in action against the Suns on Thursday night and will need to make improvements offensively from their loss vs. Denver to get a win. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore some of the team's struggles offensively, discuss areas where they hope to see improvement, and then forecast how those adjustments can manifest vs. the Suns in looking forward to Thursday night. And then later, the guys discuss the Suns injury issues and how that could impact the game on both sides of the ball.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost to the Nuggets on opening night in a game that felt like a continuation of their playoff series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, including the team's struggles offensively when LeBron was off the floor, AD's scoreless 2nd half, LeBron's reduced minutes, and the Nuggets general connectivity and chemistry compared to the Lakers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Opening night is nearly here and the Lakers begin their season with a rematch of the Western Conference Finals vs. the Nuggets. Pete and Darius preview the game, focusing on how the Lakers offensive shifts to more five-out looks can help them vs. the Nuggets defense, the challenges of their own transition defense vs. Denver, and the ever present problem of defending Jokic in the halfcourt. And then later, the guys discuss the mindset of the players heading into this game and how D'Angelo Russell's play looms large as a potential pivot point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out their preseason with a loss to the Suns on Thursday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, the strong performances from LeBron and Anthony Davis in the 1st half, the challenges the team faced with their bench groups, and how much of a stepping stone this game really was for the regular season opener next week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers head into their final preseason game on Thursday night, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's attempt to balance building continuity with managing players' minutes this preseason, Jarred Vanderbillt's health, who the fifth starter should be, and the battle for minutes and the challenge of building out a rotation with as much talent as this team has. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers’ rotational players have been more dominant on offense than last year, while having significantly more length on defense than last season. The guys discuss the tall & skilled nature of the roster, how that helps unlock AD’s perimeter game, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves all sitting out, the Lakers got strong performances from D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent (among others) to take down the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, looking at the strong night from the guards, Taurean Prince making his case to start, Christian Wood's work on the backboards, the team's defensive performance, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron and Austin Reaves making their preseason debut, the Lakers beat the Nets on Monday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Taurean Prince getting the start, Austin and D'Angelo Russell's hot shooting, and Jaxson Hayes' making his mark. And then later, the guys discuss their first impressions of LeBron and AD continuing to look fantastic on both ends of the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their preseason opener to the Warriors on Saturday night, falling 125-108 in a game that got away from them in the 2nd half. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the contest, focusing on Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell's strong showing, some of the schematic changes the team flashed offensively, the play of Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes in the competition for the backup Center spot, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers open their preseason with a game against the Warriors in San Francisco on Saturday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their expectations heading in, how LeBron sitting out impacts their view of the game, how they evaluate back of the rotation players in these games, and who of the new players they're most interested in watching and why.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers opened training camp on Tuesday and the reports coming out of day one are encouraging and full of spirited optimism. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the first day of practice, with a focus on Anthony Davis taking on more responsibility, how LeBron looks physically, Jalen Hood-Schifino getting some shine, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it was the general sense of optimism, the appreciation of continuity, the championship aspirations, or the commitment to doing the work to get there, the Lakers media day was filled with many through lines from all the players. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the first media session of the season and what stood out most to them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Darius react to the trade that sends Jrue Holiday to the Celtics, diving into Jrue going East and not improving any of the Western teams, Boston getting stronger but at a compromise to their depth, and the state of the top-tier contenders and how the Lakers matchup after this deal (and the Dame trade). And then later, the guys wonder about Portland's long term plans and whether any additional trades could impact the Lakers chances in the West.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday afternoon, Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham spoke to the media in the lead up to Lakers training camp opening next week. Pete, Mike, and Darius offer their takeaways from the press conference, focusing on the general heading coming into training camp, expectations for Anthony Davis coming off his summer of work, the versatility of the roster and how that impacts lineups and schemes, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Mike react to the big Damian Lillard trade and how they believe it will affect the Blazers, Bucks & Suns, as well as how they see it affecting the balance of power in the Eastern and Western Conferences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the last podcast before the regular season revs up, Pete, Darius & Mike answer more of your mailbag questions: what 3 stats they look at in a box score, Darius' choices for Filipino food, dream guests for the pod, new guys who will bring leadership to the Lakers, the last time they played pickup basketball & MORE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How concerned should we be about the Lakers center depth and defense when Anthony Davis is out or if he misses games? Is the Lakers point of attack defense good enough? Have the Lakers done enough this offseason to better match up against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in a mailbag edition of the LFR Podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

The Lakers took Game 1 vs. the Warriors to steal home court advantage with a dominant game from Anthony Davis and a great defensive effort in the face of a three-point barrage from the Warriors. From AD's big night and two-way impact to Jarred Vanderbilt's defense, and the late game run that the Lakers had to survive, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all the angles of a great team win win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In continuing their preview of the Lakers vs. Warriors 2nd round series, Pete and Darius turn their focus to the Lakers offense vs. the Warriors defense. From navigating the Warriors switching defense to leveraging their size in transition and on cuts to how the Lakers can create advantage in the P&R, the guys hit several keys to the Lakers being able to keep pace on offense. Then later, the guys discuss the Rui Hachimura and Dennis Schröder's roles on both ends, and get into the importance of D-Lo and Austin Reaves' offensive games vs. the Warriors defensive guards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are fewer higher profile matchups that could happen than Lakers vs. Warriors in the playoffs. Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their 2nd round preview with a look at both teams, how much to take away from their regular season matchups, their general impression of the series, and then begin their deep dive on the series with a look at the Lakers defense vs. the Warriors offense. Then later, the guys discuss some rotation questions and who might find themselves in or out when the series begins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies with a 40-point thrashing in Game 6 to advance to the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs. Pete, Mike, and Darius celebrate the win and discuss the buzz in the arena, how locked in the team was, Anthony Davis' defensive brilliance, LeBron's fantastic two-way play, D'Angelo Russell's offensive explosion, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into Game 6 at home with a chance to closeout the Grizzlies. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what it will take to get there on both sides of the ball, focusing on attacking the Grizzlies switches, what they expect to see from LeBron offensively, and how Austin Reaves' defense on Desmond Bane has put him in the crosshairs on both sides of the ball. Then later, the guys discuss their concerns with the Lakers legs, how the energy from the crowd can help, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite a choppy start and a subpar game from LeBron, the Lakers got Game 5 within a point in the third quarter, behind defensive adjustments and a flurry by D’Angelo Russell. But a 26-2 run that began the moment AD went to the bench put the game out of reach for Memphis, taking the series back to LA for Game 6. The guys discuss LeBron’s tough night, the bench groups that got steamrolled, the adjustments the Lakers made to help get AD going, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are back on the road and have a chance to close out the Grizzlies in Wednesday's Game 5. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the effort it will take the Lakers to win the game, potential options to get Anthony Davis going offensively, and how the Lakers can counter the adjustments Memphis used to get Desmond Bane going in Game 4. Then later, the guys discuss the other Western Conference series, diving into Warriors/Kings and offer some thoughts on a looming Nuggets/Suns series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Led by a 20/20 night from LeBron James and great all around team effort, the Lakers won an OT thriller vs. the Grizzlies to take a 3-1 lead in their 1st round series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, hitting on LeBron's big buckets to force overtime and then seal the game in OT, D'Angelo Russell's big shots in the 4th quarter, Dennis Schröder's defense, and all of Austin Reaves' timely plays. Then later, they guys discuss Anthony Davis' role in the Lakers' defensive identity on a night he struggled on offense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fueled by a dominant 1st quarter where they outscored Memphis 35-9, the Lakers took a 2-1 series lead with a big win over the Grizzlies Saturday night. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Anthony Davis' defense and the adjustments made to get him going on offense, LeBron's strong game, and what we can take away from some of the lineup tweaks during the non-AD minutes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After dropping Game 2 in Memphis, the Lakers are looking to wrestle control of the series back in a critical Game 3 on Saturday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on potential adjustments to the rotation and X's and O's, the boost of the home crowd, and where the advantages are for LeBron and Anthony Davis vs. this Grizzlies defense and the ways to get them going — especially AD.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost Game 2, never getting traction offensively vs. a locked in and desperate Grizzlies team. Pete and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the Grizzlies' adjustments defensively, Anthony Davis' struggles to hit shots amidst their defensive pressure, D'Angelo Russell's quiet game, and how Ja's absence impacted the Grizzlies' offensive approach and success rate. Then later, the guys discuss some of the Lakers' 2nd half adjustments, including LeBron in the post and Darvin Ham going to a shortened rotation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into Game 2 with momentum, and facing off against the Grizzlies team that is banged up and dealing with uncertainty around Ja Morant's availability while desperately in need of a win to even up the series. Pete and Darius discuss the importance of the Lakers bringing the right mentality to tonight's game and why it can be the determining factor in who wins. Then later the guys discuss the Western Conference playoffs to this point, offering their takeaways through two games of the Kings/Warriors and Suns/Clippers series.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it was the Lakers' focus on transition offense, LeBron's work on the defensive glass, or D'Angelo Russell's shot making and passing, Pete and Darius discuss some of the positives that stood out to them on their rewatch of the Lakers Game 1 win. Then later the guys discuss ideas on how to manage the non-Anthony Davis minutes to better hold up defensively as the team prepares for Game 2.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Behind a 29-point effort from Rui Hachimura, a masterful closing stretch form Austin Reaves, and a brilliant defensive game from Anthony Davis, the Lakers went into Memphis and beat the Grizzlies to take a 1-0 lead in their first round series. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, diving into AD's defensive performance, LeBron's defense and deference on offense down the stretch, and the major performances from Austin and Rui.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With game one of the Lakers series vs. the Grizzlies starting on Sunday, Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the series in full and discuss some of the keys for the Lakers success and points of concern on both sides of the ball.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers open their playoffs in Memphis with game 1 this Sunday. In part one of their playoff preview, Pete, Mike, and Darius do more of a "self scout" to examine the team on both sides of the ball as they head into this series. Whether it's LeBron's defense in the non-Anthony Davis minutes, the importance of D'Angelo Russell's play and limiting turnovers on offense, or how much the time off before the series matters, the guys break down their initial thoughts on the team and their keys to what is important from the Lakers perspective before the series starts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are going to the playoffs! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers win over the T'Wolves to lock into the 7th seed, focusing on Minnesota's fast start and great first half, the Lakers 2nd half defense, the balance between LeBron and AD's offensive games and usage, and how Dennis and Rui provided huge lifts off the bench.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers face the Timberwolves in Tuesday's play-in game for the chance to claim the 7th seed and advance to the playoffs. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game, focusing on the Wolves' compromised defense and potential for improved offense with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels out, how LeBron and Anthony Davis can set the tone offensively, how the minutes when AD rests are pivotal to the outcome, and why LeBron's defense will be so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out their season with consecutive wins to finish 7th in the West and set themselves up to host a play-in game on Tuesday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's final games, the importance of LeBron ramping up and finding his jumper, the difficulties of playing high-stakes games vs. the types of teams the Lakers faced, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recurring theme over the last month-plus, the Lakers head into their most important -- and final -- weekend of the regular season where all the playoff seeding and play-in implications will be settled. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the different scenarios, express how they think the Lakers should be approaching these final games, and then preview Friday's matchup with the Suns and Sunday's game vs. the Jazz.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost to the Clippers on Wednesday night, dropping a game that had real postseason implications. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the decision for LeBron and Anthony Davis to play on the 2nd night of a back to back, the rest disadvantage faced as a result of both team's schedules heading in, and some of the key takeaways from LeBron's 2nd half and the bench struggles. Then later, the guys talk about trimming the rotation as the team preps for the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers survived the storm in icy Utah to beat the Jazz in OT with both LeBron and Anthony Davis playing heavy minutes to get them there. Pete and Darius discuss the win and how the angst the game inspired has been ever present over these last few weeks. Then later, the guys break down the matchup with the Clippers, giving their opinions on whether LeBron and AD should play, and what the matchups could be if they don't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Optimism abounds as the Lakers seek their 7th win in 8 games against Utah tonight, but the new roster still has plenty of room to grow and little time to do so. Pete & Mike focus on Rui Hachimura’s developing grasp of his role after two stellar performances, before turning their attention to the many potential playoff scenarios in the Wild West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers swept their weekend games vs. the T'Wolves and Rockets, led by a dominant Anthony Davis, LeBron James controlling the tempo, and contributions from all across the roster. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games, focusing on AD's great play and how the combination of the roster depth and LeBron's ability to slot guys into the right roles is raising the ceiling of the team. Then later, the guys discuss their general feelings on the team heading into the final week of the season and the potential to climb further in the standings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into another weekend of important games, starting on Friday night with a contest vs. the Timberwolves and the chance to jump into the 7th spot in the West. Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers bench rotation and the search to find the right groupings vs. Minnesota and for the remaining games on the schedule, and then they preview the T'Wolves game by breaking down the matchups and highlighting the keys to getting a win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers debuted their new starting lineup and systematically took out the Bulls with a high-powered offense that capitalized on their many mismatches. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on how LeBron and Anthony Davis' mismatches in the post set the tone for the team's attack, the way Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell's skill games worked in tandem with their superstar teammates, and how the complementary nature of the new starting group streamlined their continuity. Then later, the guys discuss LeBron's evolving game offensively and begin to preview Friday's matchup with the Timberwolves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are back in action against the Bulls, looking for revenge after losing to them on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game, focusing on D'Angelo Russell's likely return, how the new starting lineup with LeBron also back can work, the best way to attack the Bulls' defense, and the role Anthony Davis can and should play offensively.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a major surprise that defied initial timelines, LeBron James returned to the lineup on Sunday and played 29 minutes vs. the Bulls. Pete and Darius react to LeBron's return, discuss the benefits of the timing of his comeback and how he can help this team defensively. Then later, the guys discuss the shape the offense can take with LeBron back and D'Angelo Russell to soon follow, the importance of LeBron and Anthony Davis' jump shooting, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost handily to the Bulls on Sunday, dropping them back to below .500 in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went into the loss, highlighting the 2nd quarter bench group that struggled on defense and the backboards, the decision to play smaller by removing Rui Hachimura from the rotation, and another game in which Anthony Davis' shot attempts were too low.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers finally reached the .500 mark on the season, with a spirited win over OKC. The guys celebrate reaching the landmark while discussing AD’s 2-way dominance, Lonnie Walker IV’s important contribution, and how they’re turning defense into offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their chase to get to and then go above .500 on the season, the Lakers head into another weekend of important games with the Thunder on Friday and the Bulls on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their general state of mind around the team as they head into these games, and how LeBron's potential return plays a part in that. Then later, the guys discuss the matchup with OKC and how Anthony Davis looms large on both sides of the ball towards getting a win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers handled business against a depleted Phoenix team to secure an important win. The guys discuss Austin Reaves joining the starting lineup, how he helps AD and DLo, AD’s big second half, and Jarred Vanderbilt’s best game in a while. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers enter the last 10 games of the regular season likely needing 6+ wins to secure a spot in the play-in. Pete & Mike preview tonight’s game against a Phoenix team they’re on a long losing streak against, before turning their attention to the bigger playoff picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From pairing Anthony Davis with Wenyen Gabriel to the virtues of the Lakers new three-guard alignment featuring D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder, and Austin Reaves, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some recent developments that have been working for the Lakers and why. Then later, they get into some of the things that have not worked as well and how LeBron's eventual return impacts their view on whether change is needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split their weekend set of games with a gut-wrenching buzzer-beating loss to the Mavs and a hard-fought win over the Magic. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into where their heads are at coming out of the games, focusing on their frustrations around effort, focus, and energy, and the general state of Anthony Davis' game on both ends of the floor as the stakes of the games keep going up. Then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves' big night vs. the Magic and his continued growth offensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The weekend ahead features a crucial matchup vs a hobbled Dallas Mavericks team tonight, followed by a potential trap game vs Orlando on Sunday. Pete & Mike preview the games while discussing the opportunity that a weakened Western Conference has presented them with - if they can seize it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Houston prevented the Lakers from reaching .500 on Wednesday night, taking full advantage of a team lacking in size and athleticism. Pete & Darius discuss how not having available 5’s distorted the game, the tradeoff between force & skill on the perimeter, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers blew out the Pelicans with a monster 1st half performance that was fueled by a barrage of made three pointers and a dominant Anthony Davis. Pete and Darius discuss the game, diving into how the Lakers got it going offensively, the importance and craft of D'Angelo Russell as a scorer and passer, a rotation wrinkle from Darvin Ham, and another good night from Rui Hachimura. Then later, the guys preview Wednesday's game against the Rockets in the Lakers push to get to .500 on the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the Lakers identity on both sides of the ball? Should they still be playing zone with their bench groups? Can Anthony Davis bounce back offensively against the Pelicans? And how much of that will depend on D'Angelo Russell? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and much more as the Lakers head into New Orleans for one of their most important games of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split their weekend of games, earning a good win vs. the Raptors on Friday and then losing a tough one vs. the Knicks on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games, diving into D'Angelo Russell's seamless return, Anthony Davis' offense, how the difference in starters vs. bench production showed up in both games, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers woke up just 1.5 games back of the 6th seed, with games against Toronto & New York coming up this weekend. Pete & Mike discuss the golden opportunity the team has, DLo’s potential return, the matchups with the Raptors & Knicks, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From day one of being hired, and all the implications of the change and disruptions he would need to oversee and manage, Darvin Ham has had one of the more challenging first year head coaching seasons in memory. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Darvin's season to date, the praise he deserves for connecting with the players to get the most out of them, the critiques he's taken for lineups and adjustments, his schematic shifts as his roster has changed, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In another dominant performance from Anthony Davis, the Lakers beat the Grizzlies to move into the 9th spot in the Western Conference on the same night they retired Pau Gasol's jersey. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on AD's big night on both sides of the ball, Austin Reaves continuing to up his usage and show off his playmaking, and how the team's defense has carried them since the trade deadline. Then the guys discuss Pau Gasol's jersey retirement and the fondness they have for him as a player and a person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the night the Lakers will retire Pau Gasol's jersey, the Lakers face the organization that traded him to L.A. when the Grizzlies come to town. Mike and Darius preview the game, focusing on defending Memphis without Ja Morant and how to get AD going vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. Then later, the guys discuss the standings implications of the Grizz game and take stock of the play-in chase by diving into how the Blazers, Pelicans, Jazz, Thunder, and Lakers' motivations, injury issues, and schedules shape their path towards the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split a weekend of tough games, falling to the Timberwolves on Friday before beating the Warriors on Sunday afternoon, but were carried offensively by Anthony Davis in both games with 38 and 39 point performances. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss AD's play in both games, Darvin Ham's comments and adjustments from Friday to Sunday, Austin's on-ball work as a shot creator, and Troy Brown Jr.'s strong play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers enter a crucial 5 game home stretch. Pete, Mike & Darius discuss the keys to tonight's game against the Timberwolves & then preview the Warriors game, where Steph Curry reportedly will make a return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Without LeBron, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell, the Lakers got a much needed and important win over the Thunder on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and highlight the individual performances that carried the team, including Dennis Schröder's big second half, Austin Reaves' near perfect shooting night, Rui Hachimura's defense and rebounding, and Troy Brown's hot shooting and hard nosed defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost a hard fought game vs. the Grizzlies, where turnovers and a dynamic 3rd quarter from Ja Morant did them in. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, the asks made of Anthony Davis on both sides of the ball, and how the rest of the team tried to pick up the slack with LeBron out. Then later, the guys react in real time to the news that AD will not play vs. the Thunder and debate how the game might go with the Lakers as shorthanded as they will be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With yesterday's reports that LeBron James' right foot injury will likely result in an extended absence from the team, Pete & Mike discuss who they believe might step up in LeBron's stead, how the starting & bench lineups will be impacted, the importance of Anthony Davis & discuss the upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers executed the largest comeback in the NBA this season, beating the Mavericks after trailing by 27 points in the first half. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game by looking at the Mavs early hot shooting, Jarred Vanderbilt's great 3rd quarter and defense on Luka, the Lakers beginning their comeback by playing with force, and Anthony Davis' big night.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus pod! Mike and NBA/NFL/MLB executive Dr. Robby Sikka, formerly VP of Basketball Operations and Player Wellness, and the VP of Basketball Performance and Technology for the Minnesota Timberwolves, dig into the evolution of player health, discussing, among other things, how increased size and strength, plus position-less basketball, have impacted injuries. They also look at how opponent load management could impact the Lakers playoff push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers relied on their depth to beat the Warriors on Thursday night, getting big scoring nights from Malik Beasley and Austin Reaves while LeBron and Anthony Davis did more of the little things to fill in the gaps. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, how a shooter of Beasley's caliber helps the team's half-court and transition offense, and how the new depth of the team is adding their respective strengths to what the Lakers already did well. Then later, the guys discuss Sunday's matchup with the Mavericks and how the new revamped rosters from both sides might impact the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers returned to the practice court on Wednesday and provided insight into their thought process and approach towards this last stretch of the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers goals for their final 23 games and how realistic it is to keep up the intensity and focus required to reach those goals. Then later, the guys break down what they'll be watching for in Thursday's matchup with the Warriors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers return to practice on Wednesday, with plenty of work ahead to reach their playoff aspirations. Pete & Mike discuss the team’s next steps, with a focus on D’Angelo Russell’s role and the return to a more conventional style of play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-Star weekend is over and the Lakers have what LeBron James described as 23 of the most important regular season games of his career ahead of them. The guys take a renewed look at the team after some time away, including the many boxes checked at the trade deadline, Vanderbilt’s defense, and LeBron’s leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers reached the all-star break with a tantalizing win, but have plenty of work to do to make a playoff push. Pete & Mike discuss the mostly favorable schedule ahead, the differing identities of the new starting and bench units, and recent signs that AD is rounding into form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got LeBron back, unveiled a new starting lineup, and promptly dispatched of the Pelicans with a double-digit victory in a game that neither LeBron nor Anthony Davis had to play more than 30 minutes. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the instant chemistry of the starting group, Jarred Vanderbilt's defense, and Malik Beasley's lasers. Then later, the guys discuss Mo Bamba's debut and how a rough shooting night shouldn't overcome his defensive potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron’s likely return tonight vs New Orleans, the Lakers will have their new roster intact for the first time. Pete & Mike continue their discussion on the busiest trade deadline in team history, and how keeping it simple and familiar can help amidst heavy roster turnover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got buried by a barrage of Blazers' three pointers on Monday night in a game that hurts them in the standings. Pete and Darius discuss the game, but dive into more big picture ideas around the team's rotation, missing LeBron, and whether the lack of time this group has to gel can be countered with schematic and rotation choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got a much needed win vs. the Warriors on Saturday as several of their newly acquired players made their debut after the trade deadline. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and offer their first impressions of the new guys, in particular how D'Angelo Russell offers a stylistic shift for the team's offense and how Jarred Vanderbilt's two-way, all-court game is already making an impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, Darius, and special guest Joey Ramirez discuss LeBron James becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer. From the raw stats of how he's getting his baskets in his 20th season to the nuance of how he beats defenses to the evolution of his offensive arsenal, the guys break down all aspects of LeBron's scoring greatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After trading away Russell Westbrook on Wednesday, the Lakers had an active trade deadline on Thursday, adding a deal that exchanged Patrick Beverley for Mo Bamba as well as sending out Thomas Bryant for multiple 2nd round picks. Pete, Mike, and Darius react to the Lakers' moves, discuss the shift in personality and in potential style of the team, and highlight some of the players that intrigue them most on the remade roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers entered a new era with an old friend when they traded Russell Westbrook for former Laker D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt, executing a three-team trade with the Timberwolves and Jazz. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the trade from every angle and offer their thoughts on the fit, the machinations of the deal, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer, but the Lakers lost the game playing lackluster defense while not showing a lot of collective energy or effort. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game -- from the atmosphere in the building and LeBron playing to the moment to the general defensive struggles and how much Anthony Davis and some of the smaller lineups that were played contributed to those challenges.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Reaves is set to return from injury, which is both a welcomed addition to a team that has missed his specific skill set and another variable to a rotation that will now be as crowded as it has been all season. Pete, Mike, and Darius talk about Austin's return, how his minutes should shake out, and who might find themselves with a reduced role as he rejoins the rotation. Then later the guys discuss Anthony Davis' progress since he returned from his foot injury and some schematic decisions that can get him on track and back to the level he was pre-injury.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a weekend of trade speculation and the possibility he would end up on the Lakers, Kyrie Irving is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the details of the trade, how the Nets priorities are made clear in the package they received in the deal, and where those priorities differed from the reports of various Lakers offers. Then later the guys discuss where the Lakers go from here with the trade deadline only a few days away.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers rallied late to beat the Pacers, coming out on top after an uneven game where their effort and energy level was not as good as Indiana's. Pete and Darius discuss the game, how Patrick Beverley's defense was critical to the team's 4th quarter push, LeBron and Anthony Davis taking over late, and much more. Later, the guys discuss the pending return of Austin Reaves and what they hope happens in the lead up to the trade deadline.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trade rumors have swirled around the Lakers since the beginning of the offseason, and now the trade deadline is just one week away. The guys discuss how their views on trades have changed since the offseason, how the team’s cap space this summer has changed with the acquisition of Rui Hachimura, and the ultimate goal of a 9-man playoff rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers beat the Knicks on Monday night in a game that both frustrated and illuminated some important ideas about what direction this team can go in. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win in New York by digging into Russ' strong overtime, the big starting lineup and how Troy Brown's play as a bigger guard brought his role into greater focus. Then later, the guys discuss Rui Hachimura's overall game and how his defense and play in transition look like they can have a lasting impact.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers struggled on offense vs the Brooklyn Nets without LeBron & AD. Pete & Mike discuss how the team can get bogged down against switching defenses, and how being more intentional with their post offense can allow them to attack in a different way. Then, they take a look at the Western Conference standings and have a big picture discussion on the climb the Lakers must make. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another missed call at the end of regulation led to a Lakers OT loss in Boston on Saturday, continuing a pattern of obvious, late-game officiating mistakes. The guys vent about the refs before turning their attention to the team’s more self-inflicted struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and special guest Mychal Thompson sit down in Trudell's Boston hotel room to discuss Mychal's memories of playing - and beating - the Celtics, the greatness of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron closes in on the scoring title, why Mychal microwaves fish, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From watching him come of age and mature in the NBA, to his influence on the league and their personal and professional lives, and everything in between, Pete, Mike, and Darius reflect on Kobe Bryant three years after his tragic passing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won a mostly poorly played game against the Spurs on Wednesday night, but the bigger news was Anthony Davis returning to the lineup after missing the last 20 games with his foot injury and Rui Hachimura making his Lakers debut. From the immediate impact AD had on the Lakers defense to Rui's ability to shoot over the top to some of the rotation questions adding two forwards back into the mix will inspire in future games, Pete, Mike, and Darius tackle the games of both players and discuss where things can go from here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Clippers once again beat the Lakers with a dominant shooting performance, controlling the game from the beginning. The guys discuss why the Lakers’ base defense is vulnerable to jump shooting, the potential return of AD and debut of Rui Hachimura vs the Spurs, and why tonight’s starting lineup will be an indication of the team’s direction going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Rui Hachimura as he joins the Lakers, and reflect on a pair of improbable comeback wins this weekend vs Memphis and Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have agreed to a trade with the Washington Wizards for combo forward Rui Hachimura. Pete and Darius react to the trade and offer their initial thoughts on how Hachimura's addition can help the Lakers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have an 8-9 record since Anthony Davis went down, finding ways to tread water and stay in the hunt for a low-end playoff spot in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how they've done it, the importance of the LeBron and Russell Westbrook duo during this stretch, what it means as the team gets healthier in the coming weeks, and how it should inform what the team does at the trade deadline.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the aftermath of another hard fought Lakers' loss, Mike and Darius look at the Western Conference standings through the lens of risers and fallers over the last 15 games, and how that might impact who the buyers and sellers are at the trade deadline. From OKC and Utah to Phoenix and the Clippers, the guys look at injuries and player availability while questioning what organizations will decide to do as they jockey for positioning in the standings, and how much preseason expectations will play a part in their approach. Then later, the guys discuss Wednesday's Anthony Davis status update and his progress towards a return from his foot injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After starting the season 2-10 the Lakers have quietly been one of the best offenses in the league. A key driver of their success has been their pick-and-roll heavy attack led by multiple combinations of both ball-handlers and screeners. From Russell Westbrook's passing and ability to play in a crowd to LeBron's dual threat as both a screener and a setup man, Pete and Darius break down what they've seen and why it's worked so well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers snapped their 3-game losing streak with a win over Houston in a game without much defense. The guys discuss the balance between LeBron’s rhythm and rest, Thomas Bryant’s defensive struggles, and Wenyen Gabriel’s growing role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a game it feels like we've seen many times before, the Lakers lost in crunch-time when they weren't able to convert on their final offensive possession. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the recurring themes of these losses, focusing on Russell Westbrook's role, how much injury and skill-player absences matter, and whether additional shooting would help alleviate some of the spacing issues LeBron is facing at the end of close games.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost a heartbreaker of a game in double OT to the Mavs on Thursday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius react to Luka's big shots, LeBron's (and the team's) crunchtime struggles, the Mavs' defensive approach and the resulting Lakers shooting woes, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have lost several games this season because their closing lineup struggled to close out the other team and a big path to improving in the team's final 41 games will come down to making strides with the closing group. Pete and Darius discuss some of the team's issues closing out games, Russ' role in helping and hurting those groups, and what is needed to get more out of those lineups. Then later, the guys discuss the upcoming homestand and preview Thursday's game against the Mavs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you been surprised by LeBron's level of play so far this season? How have the Western Conference standings impacted your outlook on the Lakers being able to get to the playoffs and make a run if they do get there? After starting out horribly, the Lakers outside shooting has normalized -- but do they still need one high level shooter to push their offense to the next level? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more as they continue to reflect on the Lakers at the halfway point of the season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers reached the halfway point of the season with a 19-22 record through 41 games. Pete and Darius reflect on what they've learned about the team, what's different than they thought it would be, how they value some of the role players on the roster, and what they think the needs are moving forward to build on the identity and improvements the team has made over the last 20+ games.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won in convincing fashion vs Atlanta and again in a shootout in Sacramento this weekend, and when the dust settled they had a 5-game winning streak and just a game back of the 6th seed. Pete and Mike discuss the fast-paced, high motor style that’s becoming the team's identity, the invaluable contributions of Dennis, Russ, and TB, and the emerging chemistry between Russ and LeBron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are dealing with injury issues heading into a weekend back-to-back against the Hawks and the Kings. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the injuries impact the lineup decisions Darvin Ham will have to make, what they expect from LeBron in his return to the lineup, and get into some of the details of the matchup vs. the Hawks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A shorthanded Lakers team beat the Heat for one of their best wins of the season Wednesday night. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the game, focusing on Dennis Schröder's big night, Thomas Bryant's resilience and his big 4th quarter, and why the mentality and makeup of this group of players is proving so endearing to fans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are in the midst of a stretch of games where they face a team they recently played, in their current form without Anthony Davis. The guys discuss what the Lakers can learn from last week’s game that can be applied to tonight’s matchup vs Miami, the value of strength & athleticism, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out their road trip with a win in Charlotte, led by another masterful LeBron James performance. Pete and Darius discuss the Hornets game, but also the road trip overall, highlighting LeBron's play, how he's scoring so well, and examining some of the differences they're seeing compared to earlier in the season. Then later, the guys discuss how the Lakers have adjusted without Lonnie Walker available and why Troy Brown and Patrick Beverley have benefitted individually and helped the team play more conventional lineups as a result of his absence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had an eventful weekend when LeBron James celebrated his birthday with a breathtaking performance against the Hawks and set themselves up for a potential winning road trip if they can get a victory in Charlotte on Monday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron's performance, appreciating the level he's still able to reach in his 20th season, and then get into some of the ways the team supported him defensively and with different lineup types in Atlanta. Then later the guys discuss the matchup with the Hornets and why the Lakers are positioned to get a win to close out their trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special bonus podcast, Mike speaks with special guest Bill “Billy Mac” MacDonald about the Western conference landscape, Anthony Davis, & life on the road as part of the Lakers’ broadcasting team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Birthday LeBron James! On the day that LeBron celebrates his 38th birthday, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the incomparable level of production he's bringing in his 20th season, the prospects of him keeping up this level of play for seasons to come, and whether him playing this well creates urgency for the Lakers to improve the team this season — particularly in the wake of his comments after the Heat game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were competitive in their loss to the Heat, but were outdone by Miami's physicality on the backboards and in ball pressure that led to easy baskets on putbacks and off turnovers. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers can better deal with physical perimeter teams and how Juan Toscano-Anderson's 4th quarter play offers hints at potential solutions and his specific role in finding more success in small-ball lineups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers snapped a 4-game losing streak with a surprisingly sharp performance vs a streaking Orlando team with a huge size advantage. Pete & Mike discuss how the Lakers used their speed, team rebounding, and transition to get an unexpected wire-to-wire win, then preview tonight’s game vs Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From injuries, to trade rumors, to general roster imbalances, Darvin Ham has faced a multitude of challenges in his first season as a head coach. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they've learned about his coaching philosophies through it all, how they've been surprised, what challenges will continue to test him and the potential solutions he can seek out. Then later, the guys discuss Tuesday's game against an Orlando team that will test the limitations of the Lakers' roster.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost a pair of games in frustrating fashion over the weekend, dipping to 7 games under .500 in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Anthony Davis injury update that preceded those games, how the roster limitations in AD's absence are playing into the team's struggles, and why morale and belief in themselves are both much needed and in short supply and what the implications are of that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Mike reminisce about past Lakers showcases on Christmas and preview the upcoming game against Charlotte, with the latest on Austin Reaves' and Russell Westbrook's availability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost to the Kings on Wednesday night in a game that reminded of too many other nights over the past three seasons where injuries and player availability left the team without enough talent to win. Pete and Darius have a therapy session of sorts, discussing the Lakers recent run of injuries, the roster building philosophies that make dealing with these challenges harder, and how they think it should impact the team's approach to the trade market over the next couple of months.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Mike preview tonight’s game vs the Sacramento Kings, before turning their focus to Max Christie’s development, as he enters the Lakers rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers adjust to life without Anthony Davis, a greater emphasis will be placed on the strengths and weaknesses of their big men and how to best support them on a roster without a lot of size. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel, and Damian Jones by focusing on what each player provides and doesn't, and what role they envision is best for all three. The guys also discuss where LeBron fits into the "big man" rotation, particularly on defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won a pair of games over the weekend, but lost Anthony Davis to a right foot injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss losing AD and how to navigate the road ahead without their All-NBA big man, diving into what the asks are on LeBron and where (and how) the secondary players can fill in to support LeBron and help the team stay afloat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a couple of games left in their tough December schedule, before they enter a stretch of 10 straight games vs teams hovering around .500 or worse. The guys discuss the Western Conference picture as the Lakers try to make their move in the standings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

December 15th is the unofficial opening of trade season as nearly all the players who signed contracts this offseason become trade eligible. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the trade landscape for the Lakers (and across the league) by discussing how leverage, reports and media leaks, team's self-evaluations, and being able to convince the other side to make a deal all collide to determine whether or not a deal might get made and, if so, on what timeline.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost another wild game down the stretch, blowing a 13-point lead after a brilliant 31-5 run brought them back against the hated Celtics. The guys discuss the late-game collapse, the defense’s ability to catalyze a run, and how the team’s end of game struggles illuminate the roster’s needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers and Celtics write the latest chapter of their rivalry tonight, at a difficult point in both team’s schedules. The guys discuss how the Lakers can capitalize on Boston’s depleted frontcourt, the complications their wings present for a Lakers team without many forwards, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After splitting their games in Philly and Detroit, the Lakers ended their road trip 3-3 while showing all that they're capable of being in both good and bad ways. Pete and Darius discuss how the road trip impacted their views of the team to this point and what they believe are some of the biggest target areas for improvement in any potential trade. Then later they discuss Austin Reaves' bounce back games to close out the road trip and how his ability as an on-ball player can be utilized more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What lineups best support LeBron in his 20th season? Should the team be playing bigger more? Who should be the team's starting five? What stands out about lineups with Anthony Davis and Russ? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when they dissect the Lakers early season lineup data to look for trends and make determinations about which groups are most helping the team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played the Raptors without Anthony Davis and LeBron and lost handily, but there's still lessons to learn from games like that. Pete and Darius discuss the game, diving into the team's zone defense, how it looked against Toronto, and how it can be useful in the future. Then later, the guys talk Austin Reaves' recent stretch of up and down play, what might be causing it, and his general role on a team with so many guards who can handle the ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Anthony Davis only playing 8 minutes due to the flu, the Lakers lost a tough game to the Cavs on Tuesday and head into Toronto on a back-to-back shorthanded to play to the Raptors. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to Cleveland, preview the Raptors game, and discuss some of the team's on-again-off-again shooting struggles and potential ways to address them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers face a tough back-to-back against Cleveland & Toronto, and will be doing so without Wenyen Gabriel, who will be out at least a week with a sprained shoulder. The guys discuss the team’s frontcourt options, Dennis Schröder’s effectiveness in a new role, and what they have their eye on in tonight’s matchup vs the Cavs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers went 2-0 to start their road trip over the weekend, winning a high level game vs. the Bucks on Friday and then thrashing the Wizards on Sunday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games through the prism of Anthony Davis' dominance, from him scoring 44 and 55 points to the elite rebounding and defense, and the inspiration he's providing his teammates by the levels he's reaching during this run of elite play over his last 10 games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into their 6-game road trip playing some of their best basketball of the season, but against a difficult slate of opponents. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Friday's game against the Bucks, why the ask on LeBron is so big in this game, how the potential return of Khris Middleton can impact the matchup, and how this game -- and this road trip in general -- are a test for Austin Reaves and his minutes played. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Darius take stock about how they feel about this Lakers team after 20 games, focusing on the games of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James & Austin Reaves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers are set to play their 20th game of the season tonight against Portland, they know much more about what does and doesn’t work on the roster than they did when the season began. The guys discuss how watching the team play has changed their view of what types of players they’d like to pursue in a trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A buzzer-beating 3-pointer capped off a 17 point collapse by the Lakers on Monday night, dropping them to 7-12 on the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to the Pacers, including another 4th quarter in which Anthony Davis wasn't involved enough offensively, LeBron's struggles to get him and the team quality looks down the stretch, and the general disappointment of the team not playing hard enough to get a win they should have had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winners of four of their last five games, the Lakers are finding their rhythm as a team and it's showing up in multiple areas on both sides of the ball. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this idea, focusing on the team's improved shooting from beyond the arc, everyone's understanding of where their shots will come from offensively, and how this all relates back to the reps they're getting together and the level to which the team's stars are playing. Then later the guys discuss some areas that still need improving, particularly transition defense and how some of those struggles relate back to the style the Lakers play on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers upcoming December schedule is road heavy and unforgiving. Before that stretch, however, they face the Spurs twice, and then return home to face Indy and Portland. Mike and Darius discuss those next 4 games, how Patrick Beverley's suspension impacts the rotation for those games, and debate what type of record the team needs over that stretch. Then later they get into the importance of the December schedule and why LeBron's hoops IQ will play as much a part in his and the team's success as his individual production will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped a tough game against the Suns on Tuesday, snapping their 3-game winning streak in the process. Mike and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Anthony Davis continuing his run of dominant play, the team's early-season shooting struggles returning, and Patrick Beverley's ejection. Then later, the guys discuss the possibility of LeBron returning, Troy Brown's recent shooting slump, and the lineup decisions Darvin Ham is facing as his roster comes back to full health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Top 10 seeds in the Western Conference are separated by 2 games, and every team has at least 6 losses. The guys discuss the ever-shifting standings, how the 5-10 Lakers have drawn closer to the pack, and preview tonight’s game vs Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a weekend of victories over the Pistons and Spurs, the Lakers have won 3 games in a row and are showing more signs of learning what type of team they are and how to be successful. Pete and Darius discuss how Anthony Davis' dominance has been in the middle of it all, how Lonnie Walker's shot creation late in games has stood out, and why Austin Reaves' increased offensive involvement has not only supported AD's play but shown why he should receive these opportunities to create shots moving forward. Later, the guys discuss LeBron's pending return and the most important factors to consider when reintegrating him back into the lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into a weekend of games after a scheduling quirk gave them 4 days off since their last game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers used that time off to prepare for their upcoming stretch of games, how LeBron's level of engagement seems to be trending up, and how it all relates back to Anthony Davis' recent play. Later the guys dive into the specifics of the matchups vs. the Pistons and Spurs and what the keys to winning will be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is your Lakers fandom origin story? Who's your favorite former Laker who's still in the league (and why is it Alex Caruso)? Do the Lakers still have a chance at the playoffs? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more when they are joined by special guest Jomi Adeniran to talk all things Lakers past and present.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant set to return, Darvin Ham will have decisions to make on how he shifts his rotations in order to accommodate them -- or if he does so at all. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the skill sets of both players, how they envision them fitting into the rotation, and how the limitations of each player battles against the different looks both can offer a team still seeking the right player combinations to be the best team they can and greater than the sum of their parts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can the Lakers continue to prioritize Anthony Davis offensively when the team is fully healthy? What is LeBron's role in getting him involved? How much of it falls on Davis and how much of it will be tied back to his ability to make jumpshots? Can Dennis Schröder's return help balance out lineups better to help towards this goal, even if it comes at the expense of Patrick Beverley? Pete, Mike, and Darius contemplate these questions and more in their discussion on maintaining the superstar level production AD has shown in recent games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers weekend didn't go exactly was well as was hoped, but a win against the Nets on Sunday ended their 5-game losing streak and offered some guideposts for how the team can play moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win over the Nets, focusing on Anthony Davis' dominant performance, Lonnie Walker and Austin Reaves' strong showings, and how Darvin managed Russell Westbrook's minutes. Then later, the guys discuss how the pending return of LeBron and the rest of the lineup getting healthy can impact a rotation in much need of different looks to better match up with opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James is out with a groin injury and the Lakers head into a weekend with winnable games against the Kings and the Nets before several days off to get healthy and refresh. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the matchup with Sacramento, focusing on Anthony Davis and how he can be deployed against the Kings frontline. Later, the guys discuss the western conference standings, the Lakers place in them, and the urgency this moment requires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers fell to the Clippers last night in a game that followed similar trendlines to their previous losses. Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out from that game to discuss some of the root causes of those trends, the overall mindset of a team that continues to lose games in the same way they have been and how that can impact morale. Later, the guys discuss LeBron's groin injury and how him potentially missing time opens opportunities to fill the leadership void and whether those best suited to fill it are capable of doing so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have started the season 2-8 against a difficult schedule, but their next stretch of 10 games offers more opportunities to stack wins and improve in the standings. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this stretch, what they'd like to see, and even offer thoughts on what record they'd like to see in those 10 games. Then later, the guys discuss the specifics of Wednesday's game vs. the Clippers, provide injury updates, project how the lineups could play out, and talk about what they think can work schematically on both sides of the ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were able to get Anthony Davis going, but the Jazz's shot making combined with more 3rd quarter struggles to sink the Lakers and drop them to 2-8 on the season. Pete and Darius discuss the game vs. the Jazz, focusing on how a game like that one might affect morale and the longer term implications of a team with bigger goals, but that hasn't yet been able to find its footing. Then later, the guys discuss how small tweaks in lineups and the potential returns of Thomas Bryant and Dennis Schröder can positively impact the team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an 0-2 weekend with losses to the Jazz and the Cavs, and with another game with the Jazz on Monday night, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the team's issues offensively, how Anthony Davis' lack of 2nd half production is playing a part in them, and some ways in which the team can try to sustain AD's first half success through the entirety of the game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a pair of games this weekend and will look to keep their momentum going after winning back to back games. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Friday's matchup with the Jazz, looking at how gameplans are adjusted vs. teams without a top-tier star, what defensive matchups to lookout for, and how the Lakers rotation settling into a more predictable pattern can help guys find their footing and build continuity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After taking a big lead in the 3rd quarter and then giving it all back in the 4th, a Matt Ryan buzzer-beating 3-pointer forced overtime and the Lakers were able to pull out a thrilling win vs. the Pelicans on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Darvin Ham's great play call and how he is getting the most out of this group, Russell Westbrook's continued strong play off the bench, and how Anthony Davis' elite defensive play has catapulted the Lakers to the 2nd best defensive rating in the NBA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nets are embroiled in controversy and drama simply by employing Kyrie Irving, but magnified that further on Tuesday by firing Steve Nash and by, reportedly, targeting Ime Udoka to replace him. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the events in Brooklyn and why their struggles are of an entirely different type than the Lakers'. Later, the guys preview Wednesday's game with the Pelicans, discussing the matchup issues they pose and why Anthony Davis is so important vs. them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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

The 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 needed to close the game out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sitting 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 about how to handle a Russ trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can 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 when flipping channels on League Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 smaller has impacted the team's rebounding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 guys discuss Troy Brown's season debut and how his presence in lineups as another capable wing helped the Lakers on both ends.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 that foreshadow how this team can be more successful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 challenges at hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Opening 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

Pete, 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 each team lands on the eve of opening night.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preseason 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & 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

In 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 and touch on Lonnie Walker's performance before leaving the game with a sprained ankle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 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 with the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 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

The 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

Who 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/adchoices

The 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 Nunn adds to the team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, 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

Pete & Mike give their first impressions of the Lakers first preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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

No 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

Lakers 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, 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

The 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

The 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 rebounding and how much that matters if they want to be a good transition team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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

Is 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 LFR Mailbag.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should 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/adchoices

The 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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

The 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

The 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

On 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

Donovan 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

While 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 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 the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talen 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 last season and what they see as his path forward in the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 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

Mike 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

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

The 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

Do 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

In adding Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones this offseason, the Lakers hope to get a massive boost in both production and quality depth at the Center position compared to last season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both bigs as value additions who can be high reward players, debate who projects to be the best fit as a starter, and wonder whether Jones will end up shooting 3's this season. Then later, the guys offer their thoughts on both bigs' defense and whether one stands out above the other at that end of the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 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

With 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

Pete, 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

Pete, 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

Pete, 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

Can 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 dive into the most recent Kevin Durant trade rumors and debate whether the Celtics should be looking to trade for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Juan Toscano-Anderson or Stanley Johnson be the combo forward who slots between LeBron and Anthony Davis in a Lakers closing lineup? Do either have the full offensive skill set? What about the defensive versatility? Can both even play in the rotation if the Lakers start AD at power forward? Pete and Darius answer these questions by breaking down Stanley and JTA's games, the Lakers forward position in general, and some of the challenges of investing in this part of the roster when your best players already play those positions.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin Reaves was one of the few bright spots from last season's Lakers. Can he continue his development and make a leap towards being an even better rotation player next season? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Austin's importance to next year's team, what position he is and why his versatility matters to the roster, and whether he should be considered for the starting lineup. Later, the guys discuss the challenges of breaking into the lineup as an undrafted player and whether they think that will impact Austin's role next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do the Lakers actually need to trade Russell Westbrook? Are there scenarios in which he could return and help the Lakers on the court? What are the variables at play when considering a trade? Pete and Darius discuss and debate whether Russ returning next season is viable, whether a threshold exists in a potential deal, and how the futures of LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Darvin Ham all impact what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From increased player movement to the more openness of players discussing their mental health challenges and everything in between, the nature of player happiness and its impacts on the NBA have become more and more important in recent years. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these topics, how they've evolved over the years, and how they see them impacting the league today and moving forward.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Kevin Durant actually get traded? Can a Donovan Mitchell trade be the domino that triggers more deals around the league -- including a potential Lakers trade? Pete and Darius discuss how KD's trade request reminds them of Kobe asking out in 2007, Mitchell's status in the league and how a Knicks deal could work, and why the Lakers might be lurking in the background of these bigger potential deals as hopeful beneficiaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How valuable is your future 1st round pick? This is a question the Hawks and T'Wolves just answered for themselves by making blockbuster trades for win-now players and one the Lakers will need to answer as they explore their own roster construction heading into next season. It's also a question the Pelicans, Jazz, and Thunder will need to answer in their own way as they stockpile future picks in the hopes of drafting their next great player. Pete, Mike, and Darius have an open ended discussion about how to value these picks moving forward and what infrastructure the Lakers have in place to help build out a contending team while accounting for the value of future picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What move this NBA offseason has stood out the most? Did the Wolves trade for Rudy Gobert or the Hawks trade for Dejounte Murray push them into the next tier? Does the Celtics trade for Malcom Brogdon or their signing of Danilo Gallinari make them favorites? What does losing Jalen Brunson mean to the Mavericks? How have the 76ers moves impacted their title chances? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and many more as they review the many moves of this NBA offseason so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did we learn from the Lakers summer league offense and how it might translate to what the team does when the real season begins? Whether it's needing a shooting big man, how offensive floor spacing helps transition defense, or why big man mobility is so useful, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they've learned about what the Lakers want to do offensively and how some of their roster moves facilitate them doing it. Then later, the guys discuss the rule change around the "take foul" and whether they agree with the change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers leadership reportedly insist they're still not done building the roster for this upcoming season, but the summer continues to move forward and any reported potential roster moves appear to be more rumor than reality. Pete and Darius discuss the limbo the team (and its fans) find themselves in and what it means to navigate this part of the offseason that still has this much uncertainty. Later, the guys discuss the different options the team has for next season's roster and whether they think last season's performance impacts wanting a roster built around 3 stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Summer League winds down, Pete and Mike discuss what Cole Swider and Scotty Pippen, Jr bring to the table, the case for Jay Huff to get one of the two-way contracts, and how Javante McCoy has impressed as a scorer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer League is here! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Vegas Summer League experience, and delve into the details of Max Christie's game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike discuss the implications of Anthony Davis' likely move back to the 4, what the Lakers need from their starting 5 if he does, the crowded battle in the backcourt, the importance of Juan Toscano-Anderson's role, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers introduced their five newest members on Wednesday as the moratorium lifted. Pete, Mike, & Darius give their thoughts on the team's emphasis on youth and athleticism, Walker's unexpected addition, the promise of the Bryant/Jones duo, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike discuss their hopes and expectations for free agency in the last pod until the moratorium lifts next Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What type of center should the Lakers target in free agency? Is shooting or defense more important? Does he need to be a lob threat? Should the team try to sign more than one big man? How much does LeBron's minutes at center and Anthony Davis' minutes at PF impact these decisions? Mike and Darius answer these questions and many more as they continue to preview team needs and roster building as the Lakers get ready for free agency.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's free agency week and the Lakers have several decisions to make, starting with their own guys who can hit the market on June 30. Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their discussion focusing on Malik Monk's pending free agency. How much should the Lakers value him? Can he play a big role on a title contending team? What kind of contract should he get? Then later, the guys discuss Austin Reaves and Stanley Johnson's team options and how the Lakers should value them, plus whether any of the other vets from last year's team should return next season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers traded into the early second round, drafting Max Christie with the 35th pick. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss his short term limitations, long term potential, the team’s philosophical shift toward player development, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darvin Ham has reportedly added several assistant coaches to his coaching staff, including Chris Jent, Jordan Ott and Schuyler Rimmer. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the hires, what they think the challenges Ham will face as a first time head coach for the Lakers, the importance of retaining Phil Handy, and the general role assistants play on an NBA staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As rumors emerge that tie the Lakers to potentially available star players around the league, Pete and Darius discuss the team’s history of three star builds, and compare it to their other options this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Although the Lakers have no draft pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Lakers are reportedly interested in buying a second round pick and struck gold in undrafted free agency with Austin Reaves last year. Pete is joined by Mike Garcia to discuss hidden gems who could be available in the draft & how they specifically could help the team: Julian Champagnie, Jabari Walker, Keon Ellis, Trevion Williams, Quenton Jackon & David Roddy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA season is over and the NBA championship was claimed by the Warriors (and not the Celtics). Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Warriors win and what stood out to them on their run through the Western Conference. Then, the guys discuss their individual histories of rooting against the Celtics and how Boston's run to the Finals impacted their general NBA fandom this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the midst of draft workouts and free agency forecasts, decisions on how to build the next Lakers roster are on the front of our minds. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how to build out a roster when accounting for Russell Westbrook's potential return, debating what traits and positions to value, why catering to Russ has its benefits and its pitfalls, and why the answers the team seeks will likely be found on the wing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extrapolating from what they've learned from these playoffs and last season, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss and debate what the team needs from Anthony Davis, his offseason, his shooting and what types of players the Lakers need to support Davis best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Warriors took a 3-2 lead over the Celtics, riding their home crowd to a crucial win in game 5 Monday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius break it all down and discuss Andrew Wiggins' big game, overcoming Steph's shooting struggles, the Celtics' fatigue, and Jordan Poole's shot making. Then later, they offer thoughts on what they expect to happen in Thursday's game 6. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius & Mike continue their conversation regarding Coach Ham, delving into his comments about building running habits, what that means for the Lakers' spacing, the defense that catalyzes that style the 4 out 1 in system, and Russell Westbrook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Through three games, the Celtics have taken a 2-1 lead over the Warriors in the Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the themes of the series to this point, what's surprised them about both teams, why Steve Kerr's lineup choices need refining, and what they expect from the Warriors in game 4.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part 2 of their discussion of Darvin Ham's introductory press conference, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ham calling Anthony Davis "the key" to the Lakers success next season. They break down the importance of Davis' availability, why his fitness level and approach to his physical build matters, and how the Bucks schemes on both sides of the ball can inform how Ham might deploy Davis next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers formally introduced Darvin Ham as their head coach on Monday and he offered insights into some of his philosophies and, just as importantly, gave us a first glimpse of his presence and leadership qualities. In the first of 2 episodes, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Ham's intro presser, what stood out to them, and what his comments about Russell Westbrook tell us about Russ' potential future on the team and expectations for what his role will be if he is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have hired Darvin Ham as their new head coach. Pete, Mike, and Darius react to the news, discuss the qualities they see both in Ham and in a successful head coach, and detail the stakes Ham walks into coaching this specific Lakers team. Later, the guys discuss what they'd like to see in Ham's coaching staff and the value the right assistants can bring.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Boston's defense hold up mentally vs. the Warriors offense? Can the Warriors maintain their rhythm and technical precision in the face of the Celtics physicality? Can the Celtics defend without switching? Can the Warriors offense create the spacing it needs while still playing their big lineups? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and also dive into the Celtics offense vs. the Warriors defense, each team's depth, and even offer some predictions in their preview the NBA Finals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they’ve learned while watching the 2022 playoffs and how those lessons can be applied to the next Lakers roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Celtics held on to defeat the Heat in game 7, advancing to the NBA Finals in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Celtics win, the Heat's ability to rally late and keep the series competitive, and the general ingredients the Celtics needed to advance through the East by beating the teams they did. Later, the guys give their initial thoughts on the Finals and how the Celtics matchup with the Warriors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Warriors have advanced to the Finals and the Celtics are looking to do the same with the Heat on the ropes heading into game 6. Mike and Darius discuss the Warriors win, why they feel good for Klay Thompson and compare the Warriors backcourt right now vs. what it was when the team was winning titles. Then later, they handicap the Heat's chance to extend the series and debate how Anthony Davis matches up vs. the defenses of the Warriors and the Celtics we've seen these playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boston broke a defensive struggle open with a offensive burst in the second half that Miami couldn't match. Pete and Mike discuss how Boston's collective force has worn the Heat down, how that led to Miami's atrocious shotmaking, and how the attrition of the last couple of seasons should inform how the Lakers build their roster moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Heat didn't bring their offense to game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and were promptly destroyed by a desperate Celtics team, who evened the series at 2 games a piece. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the demolition, focusing on Jimmy Butler's health, Bam's offensive struggles, and the Celtics defensive game plan to limit Miami's half-court offense. Then later, the guys discuss the status of the Lakers coaching search and what they like about Darvin Ham's candidacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miami and Golden State showed off their mastery of basketball theory in a pair of Game 3 wins this weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the nature of making quick decisions under pressure, and how that's impacted the Conference Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boston made quick work of Miami on Thursday, dominating multiple facets of Game 2. Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss the impact of Smart & Horford's return, Lowry's absence, Boston's remarkable shotmaking and improved offensive execution, potential adjustments for Miami, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A cold shooting night from the Mavs and a focused second half on both sides of the ball from the Warriors led to a Golden State blowout win in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, highlighting Kevon Looney's defensive importance, Luka's turnovers, where the Warriors offense created advantage, and how the Mavs couldn't capitalize on their shot quality. Then later, the guys talk about the Lakers roster and how the playoffs are influencing their thoughts on what kind of frontcourt partner LeBron James and Anthony Davis need moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miami struck first in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, on the strength of a dazzling 39-14 third quarter. Pete and Mike discuss the impact of Smart, Horford, and Lowry's absence, how Miami will test the ball-handling and decision making of Tatum and Brown, and preview the matchup between Dallas and Golden State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2022 NBA playoffs reached its halfway point with a pair of Game 7 blowouts that put Boston and Dallas in the Conference Finals. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how a vast difference in shot quality led to the end of the road for Milwaukee, Phoenix's unearned hubris, how Dallas wore them down, and the Deandre Ayton dilemma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miami punched their ticket to the Conference Finals in a game where their superior conditioning overwhelmed the exhausted 76ers. Pete and Mike discuss the role of endurance in basketball, how that should factor into the Lakers' next roster, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A pair of Wednesday game 5's couldn't have been more different, with the Bucks furiously coming back late to steal a game vs. the Celtics while the Warriors barely showed up and got trounced by the Grizzlies. Mike and Darius discuss both contests, highlighting Giannis' status as the best player in the NBA and Jrue Holiday's clutch defense, and questioning whether the Warriors should start to worry as Steph and Klay struggle against a Grizzlies team leveraging their size and athleticism advantages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The #1 seed in each conference dominated their Game 5 matchups, giving Miami and Phoenix a 3-2 series lead. Pete and Mike discuss Miami's ability to shapeshift, Deandre Ayton's importance, Luka falling a little too in love with his stepback jumper, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a pair of pivotal game 4's on Monday night, the Warriors came back late to take a 3-1 lead over the Grizzlies while the Celtics used a big night from Al Horford to outlast the Bucks to tie up their series at two games a piece. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both games, focusing on how the Grizz, minus Ja Morant, changed their identity to scrap with the Warriors and how the Bucks continue to miss Khris Middleton and how that's impacting Giannis. As a bonus, the guys also discuss whether Rudy Gobert could really "lock up" Shaq.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In both conferences the #1 seeds went from up 2-0 in their respective 2nd round series to tied at 2-2 heading back home. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the things that stood out them over the weekend, including how much the "make or miss league" saying held true for both series, whether the Heat are in trouble now that Joel Embiid is back and Kyle Lowry is struggling after his return from his hamstring injury, and if Luka and the Mavs have cracked the code vs. the Suns or if Phoenix will get back on track now that they'll be back at home for game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are reasonable expectations for Anthony Davis next season? What young players can make an impact on next year's roster? If the Lakers do trade Russell Westbrook, what types of players should they target in a deal? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in the latest edition of the LFR Podcast mailbag.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As reports of Phil Jackson's role in the Lakers coaching search emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius continue their conversation on what the team needs from their next head coach, and the implications and degree of Jackson's involvement. Later, Pete reveals who he'd most like the team to reach out to for an interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As rumored candidates emerge, Pete, Mike, and Darius begin their conversation about what they’re looking for in the Lakers next head coach. What are the common mistakes that teams make during coaching searches? What are the challenges that are unique to coaching the Lakers? Why were previous coaches successful? The guys discuss these topics and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2nd round of the playoffs kicked off with both road teams winning game 1 as the Bucks controlled their game vs. the Celtics and the Warriors won a thriller vs. the Grizzlies. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both games, focusing on how the Bucks defensive gameplan and ability to match up physically vs. Boston earned them advantages in ways the Celtics clearly weren't used to after their series vs. Brooklyn. Then later, the guys express their frustrations with the refereeing in the Warriors/Grizzlies game, talk Draymond's ejection, and their general first impressions of what looks to be a highly competitive series.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Suns were able to hold off the Pelicans on Thursday night, clinching their series on the strength of a classic Chris Paul game that showed off every tool in his bag. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss Paul's command of the game and how much the combination of his skill set and will to win set the tone not only in this game, but for the Suns this season. Then later, the guys discuss the Pelicans season and their foundation moving forward, plus what their emergence -- and a stronger western conference -- means for the Lakers next year and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both the Bucks and Warriors advanced to the 2nd Round of the playoffs, but not before the Nuggets made Golden State sweat on the strength of Nikola Jokic's game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Jokic's brilliance and durability while taking Denver as far as they could go, and preview a trio of intriguing Game 6's tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a trio of game 5s on Tuesday night, the Heat closed out the Hawks while the Suns and Grizzlies took 3-2 leads overs the Pelicans and Wolves. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss each game, debating how much of the Hawks struggles were their own limitations vs. the Heat's dominance, how much the Wolves' inexperience matters vs. guys not figuring out their right roles, and whether the Suns' adjustments put them back in the driver's seat for game 6 or if there's another turn this series can take back in New Orleans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matchup difficulties, Booker's injury, and a fearless Pelicans team have put the Phoenix Suns in an unexpectedly precarious position. Pete & Mike discuss this series and the Pelicans' chances going forward. Then in the final segment they debut Tru Stories, where Mike shares his experience of the night the Lakers won the 2009 NBA Finals in Orlando. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Games 3 and 4 of a playoff series have their own distinct personalities, giving both teams a chance to show whether they're truly in control and ready to advance or if a series is more even with no clear winner on the horizon. Pete and Darius discuss the weekend's playoff games and what stood out to them most, zeroing in on the Celtics/Nets series and why some of the struggles they're seeing in Brooklyn remind them of this season's Lakers. Then later, the guys talk about how injuries have become a major storyline in nearly every series and what teams have been able to manage them best so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the Lakers rely on Anthony Davis to be a good jump shooter? If not, how does that change the types of players they should put around him and LeBron James next season? When thinking about team building in the aftermath of this season with Russell Westbrook, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the decisions facing the Lakers, the value of shooting and skilled shot creators, and why defense still matters in the role players next to Bron and AD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hindsight can tell us a lot about how and why the Lakers failed this season, but it also can still inform what we think they could have been if injuries and other factors wouldn't have crippled them. Using the ongoing playoffs as a backdrop for what's working and what's not for contenders, Pete, Mike, and Darius reflect on this year's Lakers and project the roster that will need to be built this summer to discuss what the front office got right and what they need to change going forward. Later, the guys discuss how critical or not Anthony Davis' jump shooting is to building a Lakers roster that can contend for a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dominant performance by Brandon Ingram and a hamstring injury to Devin Booker have put Phoenix in a suddenly precarious position. Pete & Mike discuss how New Orleans' size and athleticism have caused Phoenix problems, how they value these attributes on a team built around LeBron & AD, Phoenix's options without Booker, the Grizzlies roaring back, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Jordan Poole all had brilliant performances on Monday night, leading to a trio of Game 2 victories. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the ideal role for small, scoring guards on contending teams, and how the Lakers should view them when building next year’s roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Opening weekend of the NBA playoffs is one of the best basketball weekends of the year. Pete and Mike recap parts of a busy, 8-game schedule, including a classic Game 1 between Boston & Brooklyn, Miami's excellence without a superstar, concern about Khris Middleton, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an amazingly disappointing season, needing to hire a new head coach, and facing pressure to get the organization back on track, Rob Pelinka has his most important offseason as a Lakers executive. Pete and Darius discuss the challenge Pelinka faces and why his ability to build consensus while also showing accountability will be key in whatever success he has. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the playoffs on the horizon, Pete, Mike, and Darius take one last look back at the regular season to discuss who they would place on the All-NBA team this year. Should we still have positional designations? Will Jokic and Embiid both make 1st team? How much does games played matter? Do LeBron and Kevin Durant slide down because of missed games? The guys answer these questions and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part 2 of their discussion on the Lakers firing Frank Vogel, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss where things went so wrong this year by reflecting on the shift in team building approach after the team's 2020 championship, how Vogel and Russell Westbrook never seemed to value the same things, and how the lack of alignment between the roster and Vogel's basketball philosophies led to a rigidity that could not be overcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a move that has been on the horizon for weeks, the Lakers parted ways with Frank Vogel on Monday, ending his tenure as head coach after 3 seasons. In part one of their discussion of the move, Pete, Mike, and Darius revisit the circumstances of Vogel's hire, how his philosophies as a head coach perfectly matched his 1st Lakers roster, and how it all came together in their run to a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many teams can actually win the NBA championship this season? Can the Grizzlies defy their experience level to make a deep run or even win the title? Will the Mavs frontcourt and wing depth hurt them vs. the other west teams? Is Brooklyn totally out of it, even with Kevin Durant? Who should be favored between the Suns and the Bucks? With the Lakers out of the playoff picture, Pete, Mike, and Darius turn their focus to who they think can actually win the NBA title by answering these questions and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers' playoff hopes faded into memory on Tuesday, effectively bringing a lost season to its conclusion. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's collapse, and how early mistakes and misfortunes led to the cascading series of events that doomed the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whenever a Lakers season disappoints, an offseason of rumor and drama surely follows. With the Lakers all by certain to miss the Play-In Tournament, Pete, Mike & Darius discuss lessons learned from previous tumultuous offseasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An inspired effort from a clearly hobbled Anthony Davis and a very efficient scoring night from Russell Westbrook weren't enough for the Lakers to hang in with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Sunday, all but ending the Lakers chances at the play-in game in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both the game and the season at large, breaking down how some of the positives weren't enough and the negatives were too much to overcome and how the losses piled up because of it. Later, the guys get into how expectations played a big role in the demise of the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers’ hopes of making the play-in took a nearly fatal hit as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Pete & Darius discuss the elements of a game that was a microcosm of a lost season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has the play-in tournament devalued the regular season? Can tweaks like a shorter regular season or fewer playoff teams make the regular season more competitive and interesting night to night? Does a team like the Lakers -- that is more than 10 games under .500 -- even deserve a chance at the post-season? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more as they debate the state of the regular season and how much it does (and does not matter) in today's NBA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Luka & the Mavs dismantled the Lakers, Pete & Mike briefly discuss the game, the toll that the lack of continuity has exacted upon the team over the years, the current picture in the West & the latest on AD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers' precarious position in the standings, Mike gives us up-to-the-minute news on Anthony Davis' return status. Then, he & Pete discuss how the Lakers' lack of size emphasizes AD's importance & how front court minutes might be affected, who to start alongside of AD, Melo's recent struggles & belief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost another gut-punch game on Sunday, falling to the Pelicans after surrendering a 20 point halftime lead in a brutal 3rd quarter, and then not having enough to fend off the charging Pelicans late. Pete and Darius discuss the loss, their frustrations in watching the team give up another big lead, and LeBron's struggles after spraining his ankle. Then later, the guys debate how much a game like this impacts their view of the team and whether this loss is a real setback or not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday's game vs. the Pelicans is not only important to the standings, but serves as a likely play-in preview. And with the team facing off another time in the next handful of days, Pete, Mike, and Darius examine the matchups on both sides of the ball, detailing why New Orleans' individual talent poses such a problem for the Lakers defense and how their paint-packing defensive approach can be countered by the Lakers improving drive-and-kick offense. Then later, Mike tries to stump Pete and Darius in another round of Lakers trivia. Game show music from Zapsplat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played the 76ers tough on Wednesday night, but without LeBron James the talent gap and Philly's defensive pressure were enough to keep the Lakers at arm's length. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on the Lakers' continued improvement offensively and what they're doing on that side of the ball that's working. Then later, the guys discuss Stanley Johnson's overall game, his skill as a passer, and why he and Wenyen Gabriel have made for such a fun pairing in recent games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it's the path through the play-in to qualify for the playoffs or in Wednesday night's game vs. the 76ers, the Lakers are going to have to deal with the goliaths of the NBA in important games the rest of this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers need to play against the game's best big men, why Anthony Davis is the best -- but not only -- solution, and why the speed and motor of Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel are so important in navigating these matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dominant LeBron game, an efficient and impactful Westbrook performance on offense, a hot shooting night from DJ Augustin, and a very well coached Frank Vogel game got the Lakers a big win in Cleveland. Is this team finding its stride? Has Russ turned a corner? How does LeBron continue to do this? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers win over the Cavs and try to answer these questions and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers spent their weekend playing 7 really good quarters of basketball over two games, but it was that final quarter that cost them a win in Washington. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers strong play over those two games, how they carried over their effort from the win in Toronto to the Wizards game, and how that 4th quarter in Washington was emblematic of what they've been all season. Then later, the guys discuss Westbrook and LeBron's dialed-in play, how much AD's return can uplift the team, and the correlation between status and lineup decisions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a long history of #1 overall picks and a current roster full of accomplished players who aren't used to being the underdog. Pete & Darius discuss the team navigating unfamiliar territory in a league that's relishing the opportunity to settle scores against them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a history of sudden falls from contention status, only to rise back up and vault themselves back into the conversation of the league's best teams in just as sudden a turn. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the team's struggles this season -- and their path back out of this hole -- can be informed by the past cycles this franchise has seen and how the lessons learned from this final stretch of games can also help guide their decision making moving forward.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost to the Raptors on Monday night in a game that was not as close as the final margin. Pete and Darius break down the game, focusing on how the Raptors small-ball lineups stood in stark contrast to how the Lakers micro groups and the advantages Toronto gained from their size discrepancy on the wings. Then later the guys discuss Wenyen Gabriel's fit on the roster and why they think he should play more, as well as their thoughts on Talen Horton-Tucker's recent stretch of games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vastly different opponents brought out two different versions of the Lakers this weekend. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how these games illustrated the benefits and limitations of microball, the team’s tendency to fold at the first sign of adversity, and the team’s lack of attention to detail in the drive & kick game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Eastern Conference gave us a good old fashioned rivalry game on Thursday night when the Nets and 76ers faced off in Philly, bringing all the drama of their trade deadline exchange along with them. Pete, Mike, and Darius use the Nets big win as an entry point to discuss a competitive East playoff race, who their favorites are, and why it feels like as many as 5 teams could end up winning the conference.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A theme of this Lakers season has been their inability to conjure the respect and motivation to play engaged basketball vs. teams that aren't very good or that have bad records. This showed up again on Wednesday night in an overtime loss to the Rockets. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the potential root causes of this approach the Lakers so often take, and how much responsibility LeBron does and should carry in games like the loss against the Rockets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How are the Lakers young players developing this season? How is it different trying to develop on a Lakers team, with LeBron James, and with championship aspirations? What growth have some of the Lakers young players made and in what ways has that met or exceeded expectations? Pete, Mike, and Darius look at Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, and Malik Monk's seasons to this point and try to answer those questions and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers competed well, but missing LeBron James -- and the subsequent lack of frontcourt size with him out -- did them in vs. the Spurs on Monday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how much the team's lack of size mattered, how this game showed the limitations of the team's talent and some of the players skill sets, and why it's important to compete the way the team did -- even in defeat. Then later, the guys reflect on Russell Westbrook's post-game comments regarding criticism crossing over into something beyond on-court critique. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James provided a masterpiece performance over the weekend, scoring 56 points to fend off the Warriors and get the Lakers a much needed win. Pete and Darius discuss LeBron's game and what stood out to them most. Then later, the guys explain why they believe the starting lineup from the Warriors game should continue to start going forward, and discuss the search for other small-ball lineups to deploy in the middle parts of the game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Losers of four games in a row and seven of their last eight, the Lakers are in a rut and need to dig themselves out of it. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the nature of being down the way the team currently is, why playing better can't just be about improving schemes or rotations, and how LeBron's leadership is needed now more than ever -- even if the asks being made of him aren't entirely fair considering the load he has to carry and the stage he's at in his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What team inspires the most confidence they can get through the west playoffs and compete for a title? The Suns? The Warriors? The Grizzlies? What about a lower seed like the Mavs or the Nuggets? Pete, Mike, and Darius break out their confidence meters to debate who they most believe in to make a deep playoff run from the west. Then later, the guys talk about their confidence in the Lakers and whether they still believe this group has at least a puncher's chance against any of the conference's top teams. Plus, Mike gives us another mystery game to close out the pod! Game show music from Zapsplat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played well on Tuesday night, but not enough to overcome some stagnant late game offense that ultimately cost them against the Mavericks. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on how the team's shortened rotation and smaller skewing lineups helped generate the pace and tempo they used to take their 4th quarter lead. Later, the guys discuss why Frank Vogel's ever-shifting lineups need to be resolved, and they attempt to dissect why the team goes on the scoring droughts they do.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have made some roster moves, waiving DeAndre Jordan, signing point guard D.J. Augustin to fill his roster spot, and adding forward Wenyen Gabriel on a two-way contract. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the games of both Gabriel and Augustin, focusing on their skill sets and what they add to the team, how both fit into different lineup types, and how much both should play once they settle in after signing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend, the Lakers suffered a hard-fought loss to the Clippers before a terrible and unacceptable lack of effort doomed them in a blowout loss to the Pelicans on Sunday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the games and how the loss to the Pelicans showed a group of veteran players resigned to their fate, and what that should mean moving forward. Then later, the guys discuss some potential lineup changes and the mindset shift that needs to happen in order to get something of value out of the final quarter of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have 24 games left to get the best out of their season and a narrow path forward after Anthony Davis' injury before the break. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron's mentality, how the team can use their lack of size to their advantage, and the many obstacles they will face along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers' supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the various responsibilities that the 3-8 spots fill on a good team, and why that portion of the roster has struggled this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-Star Weekend felt especially Lakers-centric as several franchise icons participated in the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team celebration and LeBron James' game winning fadeaway led his team to another victory in Sunday's game, all while his future in Los Angeles was speculated on after he openly spoke about what lies ahead for him after his current contract expires. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the weekend's events, offering their takeaways on LeBron's comments, what stood out to them about the game, and why how that game played out could be an analogy for what the Lakers were trying to do with this season's team. Then later, the guys discuss their favorite parts of the 75th Anniversary Team celebration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With news that Anthony Davis will be out at least a month with a mid-foot sprain, the Lakers will need to make a determination on how hard to push for their final 24 games considering their place in the standings and the talent available to them. Pete and Darius discuss the team's calculus night to night, why LeBron's mentality towards these games puts him in the middle of it all, and how much Russ' spirit and competitiveness can propel the team. Later, the guys talk about whether the team can compensate defensively with AD out and why the last time he was hurt needs to inform the lineup decisions to inspire better defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got a bittersweet win on Wednesday night when they beat the Jazz in a thrilling 4th quarter comeback, but lost Anthony Davis to a 2nd quarter ankle injury that projects to keep him out of the lineup for some time. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the night's events, the team's resilience in the face of another injury, how Russell Westbrook's spirited play impacted the game, and how the Lakers just seem to match up very well with the Jazz. Later, the guys discuss how the team can approach games without AD and why their experience in that setting can help them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers face the Jazz in their last game before the All-Star break and it's not a stretch to say this is a must-win game, not only for the standings but to keep the team's spirits up and to build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Pete, Mike, and Darius preview the game and discuss the standings, but not before Mike puts both his co-hosts through a gauntlet of questions testing their knowledge of Lakers history. Game show music from Zapsplat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves don't play the same style of game and both have had wildly different seasons in terms of expectations and their performance relative to them. But, as the Lakers head into the All-Star break, both project to be key performers and can build on a string of good performances -- particularly in their last game against the Warriors. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both THT and Austin, offering thoughts on the growth in each of their games, how they've been positive contributors of late, and what the next steps are to get the best out of both in the team's final 25 games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost another heartbreaker on Saturday, falling to the Warriors on a night that Klay got hot down the stretch and the Lakers stars weren't able to make the plays they needed to close out the game. But despite the loss, the Lakers showed a level of spirit and togetherness that will do them well if they can maintain it moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game in general, but also why, if the Lakers can just play like that, they'll get back on track and start to resemble a team that can strike fear into their opponents. Then later, the guys discuss some specifics of how the Lakers matchup with the Warriors and why Anthony Davis' play on offense will be the key factor when these teams play in the future. ReplyReply allForward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trade deadline came and went with the Lakers making no moves. Pete, Mike, and Darius, discuss the team standing pat, where the team goes for here, and the trades that did go down around the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers lick their wounds from another terrible loss, the trade deadline is also upon them. Whether they make a major roster change or not, the team -- from the front office to the coaches to the players -- must look themselves in the mirror and determine what type of team they're going to be and what their goals are, both in the short and the long term. Pete and Darius discuss what comes next for these Lakers, and riff on why this team is where it is and what they see as appropriate steps for them coming out of the trade deadline and the all-star break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the fallout from the Lakers definitive loss to the Bucks, delving into some of the postgame comments by LeBron & Russ and try to find a way forward for the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To switch or not to switch, that is the question....for the Lakers defense. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the Lakers defensive philosophies, how much they are (and aren't) switching, why the coaches might be making the decisions they are, and debate whether there really is an all-the-time solution defensively for these Lakers considering the limitations of their personnel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Through all the turmoil and disappointment so far this season, there is still one simple truth to these Lakers: when you have LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing like the superstars they are, they can give you a path to a win. Saturday's game vs. the Knicks was more evidence of that as they, along with Malik Monk's hot 2nd half, led the Lakers to an overtime victory. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss LeBron and AD's performance, highlighting Bron's return and the details of how his slow start was erased by his fantastic 4th quarter. Later, the guys dive into Russell Westbrook's poor game, his benching in overtime, and whether he can climb out of his recent funk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 The basketball gods found a new way to torment Laker fans last night as they lost to the Clippers in the final moments of a well-played game. In this episode, Pete & Mike discuss the Lakers comeback and why they came up short, the implications of Carmelo Anthony's injury, and the increasingly difficult path to the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A frustrating win is still a win, right? The Lakers certainly put that theory to the test in a squeaker of a victory vs. the Blazers that was more frustrating than fulfilling on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on how the team's strong start devolving into a mistake riddled, low effort performance irked them so much. Later, the guys find the bright side by focusing on Anthony Davis' determination to win the game down the stretch and what that means for the string of games without LeBron and, specifically, vs. the Clippers Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Because of injuries, the need for a point-of-attack defender, and his familiarity with Frank Vogel's defensive schemes, Avery Bradley went from waiver wire pick up on the eve of opening night to the Lakers' starting shooting guard this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Bradley's play this year, whether he should remain a starter, and, if not, what the other solutions on the roster are and what they'd choose to do.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got more bad news on the injury front with reports that LeBron's troublesome left knee will likely keep him out of Wednesday's game vs Portland and possibly beyond. in this episode, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the fallout of his absence, express frustration at the steady stream of injury issues over the last two seasons, and how Russell Westbrook's strong road trip gives the Lakers a way to win some games as they once again try to hold it down without one of their superstars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers road trip closed with two close losses over the weekend, both without LeBron James who continues to deal with swelling in his knee. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how missing LeBron impacted the games and how the loss to the Hawks highlighted the team's depth issues at forward, particularly on defense. Later the guys debate how much a better back end of the roster could help the Lakers tread water and how damaging it's been to not have additional frontcourt depth with LeBron and Anthony Davis missing so much time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a sore knee kept LeBron James out against the 76ers and then the Lakers lost by double digits in Philly, it's easy to be dispirited with where the team finds itself today. But, a dominant performance from Anthony Davis, even in a losing effort, inspires some hope that things might not be so bad. Pete and Darius discuss how they're feeling about the team coming out of the Philly game and how much AD looking how he did influences that. Later Mike joins the guys to riff on the All-Star voting results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius & Mike preview the Sixers game which will feature a white hot Joel Embiid and a prolific rebounder in Andre Drummond. They discuss whether they expect Dwight Howard to play, the Lakers' offensive rebounding issues, the importance of forging a team identity and some fun train facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis is back, Stanley Johnson started, Trevor Ariza didn't play, and the Lakers beat the Nets by keeping them at arm's length most of the night. Pete and Darius discuss the events of Tuesday night, drilling down into what stood out to them in AD's return and why his defensive performance is exactly what the Lakers needed from him. Later, the guys discuss Stanley Johnson's surprise shift into the starting lineup and how his energy and approach to defending Harden paid dividends later in the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday night when the Lakers face off against the Nets in Brooklyn. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what to expect from AD in his return, how the Lakers can integrate him into the lineup defensively, some of the lineup combinations they're most interested in seeing with him back, and why what the team has learned about themselves with AD out can inform the best ways to utilize him moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split a pair of games over the weekend, beating the Magic on Friday while losing to the Heat on Sunday. In both games, however, a consistent theme was the struggles of the current starting lineup. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss this new group of starters, their status as a placeholder group until Anthony Davis returns, and why Trevor Ariza's struggles stand out as worth monitoring in both the short and the long term. Later, the guys dive deeper into Ariza's game and wonder how long he should remain a starter with Stanley Johnson waiting in the wings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wouldn't be the Lakers if there weren't some drama too. This was true when Dr. Buss bought the team and it remains true today. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the team's history of managing the spotlight and accepting the drama that comes with playing for the Lakers and in Los Angeles, and also the benefits that come with it too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As has been all too common this season, the Lakers lost another game down the stretch -- this time against the Pacers and a red-hot shooting Caris LeVert who nearly outscored the entire Lakers team in the 4th quarter by himself. Pete and Darius discuss the game, using it as a microcosm for some of the Lakers larger issues and how the misalignment of players vs. scheme contributed to the team's defensive struggles down the stretch. Later, the guys discuss Russell Westbrook's late game benching and how they envision that getting resolved (or, not) as the team ventures out on a 6-game road trip.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With recent reports that Frank Vogel's job may be in jeopardy, Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss the relevant context that has led to to this point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers had one of their best wins of the year on Monday night, beating the Jazz with a combination of defensive execution and timely offense down the stretch. From Stanley Johnson's big night to LeBron's balanced floor game to some key lineup and tactical shifts from Frank Vogel and the coaching staff, Pete, Mike, and Darius breakdown the game and discuss why this type of bounceback performance should serve as the template for how this team can play moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers suffered a blowout loss to the Nuggets on Saturday and a day later LeBron James sent out a tweet apologizing to the fans and saying that they'll be better. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss to the Nuggets, but also LeBron's tweet and debate whether it's realistic to expect this version of the team to be better considering the talent and types of players they currently have on the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their loss to the Kings on Wednesday, some of the Lakers worst traits as a team were put on display. Pete, Mike, and Darius dissect the disappointing loss and explain where their concerns are and why the circumstances surrounding this game put an added level of importance on the team's resolve and resiliency heading into this next stretch of games against better opponents.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Russell Westbrook's ideal role on this version of the Lakers? How aggressive does he need to be? What should the team be doing to help him thrive on offense? Does that change when Anthony Davis comes back? Due to injuries and COVID absences, the first half of the season hasn't been as informative as we'd have liked, but we have a better idea of how to answer these questions than we did over the summer. Pete and Darius dive in on all things Russ and the path to getting the most helpful version of him and his game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have hit the halfway point of the regular season, so there's no better time to reflect on what has happened to this point in the year, how much we do and do not know about this team, and where we think they're headed. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of their big picture takeaways through the halfway point -- from the injuries to the shift towards small ball to the load LeBron has had to carry on both sides of the ball. Later, the guys dive into Russell Westbrook's play, both the good and the bad, and how Anthony Davis' looming return could impact it all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were mauled by the Grizzlies on Sunday night, showing both how good Memphis is as a team and how their specific personnel served as an antidote to many of the things the Lakers had been doing well in their win streak. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the limitations of the Lakers small-ball approach and how the team's sloppy execution did them in vs. a Grizzlies team that offers specific matchup busters and is playing high level basketball right now. Later, the guys discuss Anthony Davis and why some of the tactics the team used vs. Memphis would align much better with him on the court, and why the team is still using some of these schemes with AD unavailable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers playing more "microball" lineups that feature Russell Westbrook, should we worry they'll suffer the same fate as the 2019-20 Rockets? How much does this Lakers' season remind you of the cursed 2012-13 one? Where will Kendrick Nunn's minutes come from when he returns from injury? How does Anthony Davis fit into this new style of play? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in the latest LFR Podcast mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers embrace small-ball and centerless lineups, where does Dwight Howard fit into the rotation? And after playing very well in his last two appearances, should the Lakers try to find a consistent role for him? Pete, Mike, and Darius evaluate Dwight at this stage of his career, discuss why he's still a useful player on a team that's skewing smaller, and forecast where he might be most valuable in upcoming matchups. Later, the guys discuss the push happening in the bottom half of the West playoff bracket and why the Lakers recent run of good play needs to continue as the teams around them in the standings also find their stride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James and Malik Monk came up huge down the stretch of the 4th quarter in a come from behind win over the Kings on Tuesday night, giving the Lakers their 3rd straight win in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on Monk and LeBron's partnership and how Monk's offensive skill set allows him to thrive in the two-man game actions the team ran to close out the win. Later, the guys dive deeper into Monk's role and debate whether he should stay in the starting lineup when Anthony Davis returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Stanley Johnson's 10-day contract expiring on Monday and Avery Bradley's contract guarantee date approaching this week, the Lakers have some roster decisions to make. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Johnson's status and whether they expect him back on the team and then they get into Bradley's play of late and whether they'd guarantee his contract by this Friday's deadline. Later, the guys discuss what the roster still needs and what type of player they'd chase in advance of next month's trade deadline.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers were able to grind out a win vs. the Timberwolves on Sunday night, committing to playing their small-ball lineups even when they were struggling defensively and on the backboards. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Frank Vogel's choice to stay small, the significance of giving these groups a chance to succeed and fail on their merits, and how the blueprint of playing this style is coming together to put this team on a path to becoming the best version of themselves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers played a strong game vs. the Grizzlies, but weren't able to contain Ja Morant or hold on to a double digit 3rd quarter lead in a frustrating loss. Mike and Darius discuss the game, including LeBron's great night, where the game got away from the Lakers, and how both teams being shorthanded impacted the outcome. Later, the guys discuss Talen Horton-Tucker's recent struggles and anticipate how the return of Austin Reaves and Frank Vogel can help both THT and the team find their stride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers downsized their lineup and traveled to No Big Island on Tuesday night, ending their 5 game losing streak with a win over the Rockets in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the lineup shift and breakdown the positives they saw, particularly on offense. Later, the guys discuss Malik Monk's play and where he fits into the rotation when the team downsizes, some of ways the team has missed Frank Vogel, and why the idealized version of this team is a mix of playing the smaller lineups David Fizdale has prioritized with some of the defensive game planning and adjustments that Vogel brings as head coach. ReplyReply allForward Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the Lakers 16-18 start, unusual circumstances in the Western Conference have left the them within a game of the 5th seed. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the group of teams the Lakers will be competing with for playoff position, and the key stretches of the season that can help them get there. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stanley Johnson looked like a natural fit in his debut with the Lakers, as the team added both him and Darren Collison to 10-day contracts. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss why his synergy with the team makes sense, the continuing domination of the LeBron at the 5 groups, and how the Brooklyn game illuminated some of Russell Westbrook's worst attributes. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both the roster construction and circumstances of the season have lead LeBron James to play more and more as a big man. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss his continuing evolution as a player, and how the Lakers can continue to develop around LeBron's changing role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite a great effort from LeBron James, the Suns pulled away from the depleted Lakers in the 2nd half to hand them another defeat. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, including why even with so many players unavailable and the team expected to struggle, there were still reasons to be frustrated with how this game played out. Later the guys talk about finding the right balance between stars and role players in more lineups, and whether Trevor Ariza has shown enough since returning from injury to be moved into the starting lineup. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard are set to rejoin the Lakers after the team was reported to sign Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day contract and Mason Jones to a two-way deal. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss the impact of these reinforcements, more on how Trevor Ariza helps, and continue their discussion on how the team can get the most out of this stretch without Anthony Davis. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In only the span of a few days, the Lakers have lost Anthony Davis for at least a month to a knee injury, had several players go into the NBA's health and safety protocols, signed Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract via a hardship exception, and had Trevor Ariza return to the lineup in his first action of the season after ankle surgery in September. Pete and Darius discuss all this news, including their initial impressions of Thomas and Ariza, as well as how losing AD changes the asks on LeBron and how much more or less taxing it is for him to play more minutes as a "big" with the team going to more center-less lineups.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a 24 hours for the Lakers, who see Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley join Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker in the health and safety protocols, Malik Monk produce negative tests and be able to rejoin the team, and the signing of Isaiah Thomas as a backup guard with a hardship exemption. Pete and Darius discuss all the latest news, while also getting into how the team might approach the upcoming games this weekend with such a depleted team. Later, the guys dive into how Frank Vogel might handle the rotation and some specifics they're looking forward to in Friday's matchup with the T'Wolves.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Wayne Ellington knocked down a last second 3-pointer to force overtime and Austin Reaves hit a near buzzer beater 3 to close out the OT, the Lakers won a thriller of a game vs. the Mavericks on Wednesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all things from the game -- including Mike pinch hitting on the radio call -- to break down the team's resilience, Austin's big shot, why the LeBron at the 5 groups struggled, and why these types of games are giving the team the reps they need to keep improving.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA is under siege with new COVID cases and the Lakers are the most recent team to be impacted as Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk all enter the NBA's health and safety protocols. As we all hope for low impact cases, quick recoveries, and containment of the virus, the basketball will (for now) go on. With that, Pete, Mike, and Darius react to the news by first discussing THT's recent play and how much losing him hurts, and then exploring how to replace him in the starting lineup and why they'd all choose Austin Reaves. Later, the guys discuss Kent Bazemore and whether he too should get a chance in the rotation as another wing option to help supplement Monk's absence. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five years ago today, the Laker Film Room Podcast was born. Today, then, we celebrate the only way we know how: with another podcast. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss all things LFR podcast -- from the origin story of how it all came together to some of their favorite memories from doing the pod and everything in between. A special thanks to all of you who continue to listen and have supported us all these years.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers posted consecutive blowout wins over the weekend and LeBron James was the central reason why in both games. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Bron's resurgence and how it's come right as it's been most needed by both the team and, really, for himself. Later the guys talk about LeBron's improving health and how those have combined with schematic tweaks from the team to help him succeed.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After another disappointing loss on Thursday night, the Lakers have to take a long look in the mirror to determine what type of team they're going to be. Are they going to play hard every night? Are they going to commit to executing on both sides of the ball? Or, are they going to continue to cough up the ball on offense and only care half the time on defense? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the current state of the team and how the Grizzlies game was another example of the Lakers showing us all who they've been too many times this season. Later, the guys discuss the importance of accountability within the players and talk about tweaks that could help get the team back on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Mike discuss whether there is a paradigm shift in Coach Vogel's lineups, as evidenced by the win over the Celtics, discussing whether this Lakers' team can be a small ball team led by ball handling, as opposed to shooting. Later, they discuss whether this upcoming road trip can further galvanize the team, and Mike reminisces about a momentous road trip during his first year with the Lakers - culminating in Kobe scoring 61 at the Garden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers took down the hated Celtics on Tuesday night in what was likely their best performance of the season. Pete & Darius discuss a great night that featured AD's return to the 5, Russell Westbrook's contributions on both ends, LeBron setting the tone, and more. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Through a quarter of the season, the Suns and the Warriors have differentiated themselves as the class of the Western Conference and, really, as two of the best teams in the entire NBA. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what stands out to them about what those teams are doing, in what areas the Lakers currently lag behind them and how they can close that gap. Later, the guys discuss where the Lakers might have some advantages over those teams -- particularly in a playoff setting -- and whether the Lakers current structure and roster are well equipped enough to actually challenge both teams down the road.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete & Mike break down the Lakers' game against the Clippers on Friday, talking about the starting lineup, spacing, THT's effectiveness defending Paul George on defense, and much more. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got some unexpected good news on Thursday, with LeBron James returning from health and safety protocols earlier than expected and Trevor Ariza participating in his first practice of the season. In this episode, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss a rare bit of good fortune and the ramifications of Dwight Howard replacing DeAndre Jordan in the starting lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Malik Monk is proving to be exactly what the Lakers need as a backup guard who can change the game with his shot making and scoring ability. His 2nd half vs. the Kings, where he posted a +41 in the boxscore, attests to that. But, with LeBron James out, should Monk take on a bigger role and be moved to the starting lineup? If so, who should he replace? Is his defense good enough to play a bigger role? Does his positive on-court partnership with Russell Westbrook override whatever concerns exist? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Monk's overall game to this point in the season by digging into these questions and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dwight Howard was not expecting to play against the Kings on Tuesday night. Then, after only a few minutes into the game, Frank Vogel put DeAndre Jordan on the bench and turned to his future Hall of Fame big man for a defensive spark and energetic play. 35 minutes later, Dwight had scored 12 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and was a +27 in the boxscore. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Dwight's big night and him making his case to leapfrog Jordan in the Lakers rotation. Later, the guys discuss different lineup options that feature Dwight and the challenges Frank Vogel faces when trying to find consistency in veteran minimum role players. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much Center should LeBron play? Why have these lineups worked and how taxing are those minutes? What teammates fit best next to LeBron when he plays the 5 and can they survive defensively? With Frank Vogel saying he likes the looks of the lineups with LeBron at the 5 and committing to giving them more time, Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and explain why they're on board with this shift and why it makes sense for LeBron at this stage of his career.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are a .500 team through 22 games and a common theme in the contests they've won is that they have done a lot of the "little things" well. And, the opposite is very much true in the games they've lost. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore this idea of the little things and why the Lakers don't always commit to doing them, even though it clearly impacts winning and losing on a fundamental level. Later, the guys get into whether it's fair to ask LeBron and Anthony Davis to do more of these things in order to compensate for some of their teammates' inability to do them.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers loss to the Knicks followed a familiar formula where the team showed a real lack of urgency and an inability to muster the needed effort to compete and win during a key stretch of the game. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss this trend, why it happens, and how the team ultimately worked their way out of that funk to go on the run that got them back into the game vs. the Knicks. Later, the guys discuss Russell Westbrook's recent stretch of strong play and how both he and his teammates are adjusting to each other.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Injuries and early season struggles have led Frank Vogel to try a variety of different lineups as he searches for solutions. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss the hints and clues found in the resulting lineup data, including THT’s positive impact on an emerging Russ + AD group, the team’s surprising rebounding struggles when LeBron is on the floor, and more. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a day LeBron James got ejected for a flagrant 2 foul and the Lakers nearly found themselves in a brawl as a result, the team had a great comeback win over the Pistons. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game's events, including how Russell Westbrook put the team on this back in the 4th quarter, how Anthony Davis joined him, and how Frank Vogel made some strategic shifts to help his team along the way. Later, the guys get into what the larger takeaways from the game are and whether what the showed down the stretch can be lasting or not.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Lakers continue to start Anthony Davis at Center and, in general, shift towards lineups that only play a single traditional big man at a time, their defensive approach will need to continue to be refined and adapt to these new lineup types. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the evolving nature of the Lakers defense, using the success of the zone defense the team played against the Bucks as a jumping off point. Later, the guys try to determine what defensive approach can be best in the short and long term and how much it might need to change night to night and lineup to lineup considering the team's personnel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers may have lost to the Bucks, but the positive steps taken offensively and some of the adaptability they showed defensively were encouraging. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and, more specifically, why Russell Westbrook's decision making within offensive possessions was a key driver of the team's success on that end of the floor. Later, the guys discuss Talen Horton-Tucker's continued strong play in his return from injury and why both his offensive development and defensive tools were helpful against the Bucks and how they project to help the team long term. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a 5-game road trip about to begin and LeBron James returning soon, the Lakers are facing an important part of their schedule that Frank Vogel believes will be "good for the team." Pete and Darius break down the specific things they'd like to see improve on this trip and why playing with better pace and tempo are a key part of the identity the team is trying to form. Later, the guys discuss Anthony Davis' importance in the matchups vs. the Bucks and Celtics and why LeBron's return represents a line of demarcation for what expectations should be for the team's success. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers suffered another blowout loss on Monday night, falling to the Bulls in a game that saw the defense struggle to contain Chicago's dynamic guards and the offense sputter under the weight of active and creative double teams. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the game, highlighting some of the offensive struggles from the game and detailing why they fit into some larger issues on that side of the ball this season. Later, the guys sort through some of the things they'd like to see shift offensively, particularly now that Anthony Davis is playing so many minutes at Center. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got a much needed bounce-back win on Sunday vs. the Spurs and a major lineup shift combined with the return of Talen Horton-Tucker were big reasons why. Pete and Darius start out talking Kent Bazemore's DNP-CD, but then dive deep on THT's return, highlighting how well he played on offense, his improved defensive effort and execution, and how his play down the stretch really helped seal the win. Later the guys discuss Wayne Ellington's hot shooting night and why some of the little things on defense were so important when the team played their smaller lineups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After leading by 5 at halftime, the Lakers got blown out in the 2nd half by the Timberwolves, losing a game where they looked increasingly fatigued and without enough juice to run with a young opponent. Pete and Darius discuss the game and explain whether this was preventable or if it's just one of those nights that happens in the NBA. Later, the guys discuss what they learned about the Lakers in a week they went 2-1 and what to make of Kent Bazemore's recent struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won another thriller of an overtime game on Wednesday, beating the Miami Heat via a monster scoring night from Malik Monk and hot shooting from the rest of the team. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game through the lens of the Lakers long range specialists and how Monk, Carmelo Anthony, and Wayne Ellington are finding their stride with more opportunity to play. Later, the guys discuss the defensive ability of those three players and how Frank Vogel can strike the right balance of keeping them on the floor as shooters while protecting them on defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Westbrook had 5 turnovers in the 4th quarter of Monday's win over the Hornets and, while extreme, this represents some of the ball security struggles he's had this season so far. Pete, Mike, and Darius parse some of Russ' turnover issues with his general decision making as a lead ball handler and try to navigate what can and cannot change in trying to get better results without compromising the traits that make Westbrook the dynamic player he is.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers held on to outlast the Hornets on Monday night, earning a much needed win in overtime and stopping their 2-game losing streak in the process. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game by focusing on some of the more positive aspects they saw -- from the starter's first shift together to Frank Vogel's quick lineup shift in the 3rd quarter to AD's overall impact on a game when he wasn't his best physically. Later the guys get into some of the lineup qualities the team will need to help support Anthony Davis when he plays center and discussed some of the specifics of the plays he made late in the game that helped seal the win. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron James still out and the Lakers other injuries still very much impacting their ability to play productive lineups, what should our expectations of the team be night to night? Pete, Mike, and Darius try to answer this question, discuss how they're looking at this upcoming stretch of home games, and whether playing more lineups that lean towards offense could lead to smaller successes within any given game.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another LeBron James injury coupled with another loss to the Thunder have the Lakers frustrated and looking for solutions to a growing number of problems. Postgame, Frank Vogel said the Lakers must have "big picture patience and short term urgency". With that as a backdrop, Pete, Mike, and Darius look at the current state of the team and sort through their current level of expectations considering the state of the roster and the upcoming slate of games vs. tougher opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Lakers are at their best defensively, they're flying around the court, trapping, and really pressuring offenses into mistakes and misses. This style, however, isn't a sustainable approach over the marathon that is the NBA season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Lakers can play a more conservative brand of defense effectively, offer their own ideas of how to accomplish this, and question whether it's possible at all with the current injuries and roster construction.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers held on to beat the Rockets on Tuesday night in a wild ride of a game that, in many ways, represents the Lakers season to this point. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the performance against the Rockets, highlighting how well the team scored in the paint and what ingredients went into that success. Later, the guys get into more lineup questions and dive into why Carmelo Anthony's shooting and scoring prowess is making him a key ingredient in some of the team's best performing groups.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turmoil in Boston? That's a shame. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Marcus Smart's comments about teammates Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics struggles, and dive into why having big wings as your primary shot creators can have its limitations. Then, in moving onto more things they enjoy seeing, the guys go around the NBA to discuss Ja Morant's rise, the new look Bulls, and how the changes in how games are officiated is positively impacting the viewing experience. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With wins over the Cavs and the Rockets over the weekend, the Lakers look like they're in the early stages of figuring things out as a team. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of the things they're encouraged with after the two wins, zeroing in on better defensive effort and how the team's "small" starting lineup played against Houston. Later, the guys discuss Avery Bradley's play and how he symbolizes some of the strides the team has made defensively. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers fell apart, blowing a huge first half lead to lose their game vs. the Thunder. Pete, Mike, and Darius perform an autopsy on the game, offering their thoughts on what went wrong and why the team wasn't able to get things back on track once the Thunder started to make their comeback. Later, the guys discuss the team's defensive identity and how much of the team's struggles on that end of the floor is related to personnel vs. scheme vs. the mentality and focus of the players.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not all wins are created equal, and a come from behind win on the road, on a night the Lakers didn't have LeBron James and several other role players, with top flight performances from Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, counts a little bit more as a building block victory for this team. Pete and Darius discuss the win, highlighting Russ' big night and how the Lakers can try to bottle up some of what worked this game for when LeBron returns. Later, the guys discuss AD's big night on both sides of the floor as well as Malik Monk's huge contributions to the win. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA season is only a week old, but we've already been treated to some great individual performances and some teams looking to make more noise than preseason projections predicted. Pete, Mike, and Darius go around the NBA to talk about what they've liked so far this season, focusing in on some Western Conference teams and players who have caught their eye for better and, in some cases, for worse.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies for their first win of the season and Carmelo Anthony's big scoring night was a major reason why. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how Melo got it going, why the sets and lineups he's used in led to his success, and how he fits on this roster is coming into greater focus through three games. Later, the guys discuss Melo's defense and why the way Vogel schemes around him hint at the ways the team is best suited to play defense overall.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James said that Russell Westbrook, like himself and Anthony Davis, shouldn't be worried about "fitting in" on the Lakers, but instead, as one of the team's stars, he sometimes needs to "stand out" and just play his own game. Pete, Mike, and Darius explore the idea of how Russ can best be deployed in order to be most effective and Russ' own role in making that happen. Then later, the guys discuss the upcoming matchup with the Suns and offer predictions on how the game will go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Westbrook's struggles on opening night should not be surprising considering some of the lineups he played in and how much he was (or was not) set up for success. Pete, Mike, and Darius debate some of the lineup decisions made and whether catering more to Russ' style of play will better promote success or whether, due to injuries and roster construction, making those changes would just be setting the team up for different types of struggles where weaknesses from other players get exposed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their season opener to the Warriors 121-114 in a game that saw LeBron and Anthony Davis score and defend well, but none of their teammates really have a positive night on either side of the ball. Pete and Darius breakdown the game, focusing on LeBron and AD's strong nights, how the big starting lineup fared, some of the team's defensive struggles, and how injuries forced some really ill-fitting lineups onto the floor. Later, the guys discuss Russell Westbrook's rough night and how a convergence of his own limitations and the groupings he played with contributed to his struggles. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In forecasting how far the Lakers can go this season, it's best to first examine their position in the Western Conference relative to the rest of the teams. Pete, Mike, and Darius go through the entire conference, using a tiered system to analyze who are the conference's best teams and how the Lakers stack up against them, as injuries and uncertainty loom large for several of its best teams. Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers enter the 2021-22 season with high expectations, and with more questions than answers. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the upcoming season through the lens of what we know, what we don't, and how it all can come together on both sides of the ball under the guidance of head coach Frank Vogel and the team's star players.  Visit https://www.tickpick.com/lfr/ to save $10 on your first order of tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their preseason finale on Thursday night, but in the process gave us even more insight into the type of team they're trying to be and the preferred style they want to play. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how speed, tempo, and creating chaos are pillars of the Lakers approach and how well it's working so far. Later, the guys talk about LeBron's strong play, an improving Russ, and some of their final thoughts on the team now that preseason is over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers fell to 0-5 in the preseason after losing to the Warriors on Tuesday night, but all was not lost as we got our first glimpse at how the LeBron, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis trio looks on the court together. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their takeaways from those first minutes together, particularly the ramped up pace they played with offensively and some of the team's defensive challenges. Later, the guys discuss Carmelo Anthony's defense, offer some praise for Austin Reaves, and get into who the ideal 5th starter would be for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have been hit with the injury bug, losing Trevor Ariza and now Talen Horton-Tucker for extended stretches. With Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn also dealing with minor issues, the team's depth is further compromised, especially on the wing. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the ramifications of having these players out, particularly the impact on the defensive side of the ball. Later, the guys discuss what they hope to see in Tuesday's game vs. the Warriors when LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook will play together for the first time this preseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike discuss the Lakers' casual approach to preseason after a string of blowout losses, Russell Westbrook's early turnovers, and why coming changes in Tuesday night's game against the Warriors may fundamentally change how the team plays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Through their first two preseason games, the Lakers have had some rough moments defensively. Pete and Darius discuss some of the team's struggles and dive into ideas of how the team can improve on that end of the floor and embracing the work needed to perform as well as needed on that end of the floor. Later, the guys discuss the team's guard rotation, what their specific strengths are on defense, and how to leverage those so they can play meaningful minutes in high stakes games.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers' lack of size and defensive cohesion were evident in their blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns, particularly in the backcourt. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the guard rotation after Frank Vogel's pre-game comments about Kent Bazemore separating himself from his competition, before reacting to the news of Trevor Ariza's injury breaking in the middle of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pau Gasol announced that he is retiring from professional basketball, sparking an outpouring of love and sharing of memories from Lakers fans from around the world. Pete, Mike, and Darius join the chorus of those celebrating Pau by reminiscing about his NBA career, particularly his time with the Lakers and their run to three straight NBA Finals and winning of back to back championships. From Pau's brilliance on the court to his partnership with Kobe to his playoff performances in the 2009 and 2010 season, the guys share their favorite memories of one of their favorite Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From starting DeAndre Jordan next to Anthony Davis to playing lineups that featured multiple shooters who can struggle defensively, Frank Vogel put forward some lineup groupings in the preseason opener that could provide us some insight into his mindset about this season's Lakers. Pete and Darius discuss what, if anything, they learned from some of those groupings and then forecast what it might mean moving forward. Later, the guys discuss how the LeBron and Dwight Howard pairing could factor into bench units and whether Russell Westbrook's tendency to play in similar parts of the game as LeBron will influence what those bench groupings look like.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With both teams missing the majority of their superstar players, the Lakers and Nets opened their preseason on Sunday afternoon -- with Brooklyn winning after a 4th quarter runaway. But, even with so much talent in street clothes, we got some insights into how the Lakers want to play and some data points we can learn from moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, focusing on some of the lineup choices Frank Vogel made, how the team looked defensively, and how much we should take away from the shooting performances put on by Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do we expect from the Lakers as they head into their first preseason game? What will their defense look like? How do they translate the desire to play more in transition to actually executing that style of play? How will Frank Vogel scheme his team's half court offense to optimize the shot creation of his star players? Pete and Darius tackle these questions and more as they discuss what they're most looking forward to in the preseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the aftermath of their first practice of training camp, Frank Vogel said he wants the Lakers to be the best fast break team in the NBA this season. From Russell Westbrook's speed, Anthony Davis playing more minutes at the 5, and the subtle shifts in roster construction to accommodate the approach, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Vogel's premise and why it is (and isn't) a departure from past iterations of the Lakers under this head coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers Media Day has come and gone, and with it we got our first glimpse at the new look team all in the same room, offering us their thoughts and expectations for this upcoming season. From LeBron's comments about his partnership with Russell Westbrook to Carmelo Anthony telling us about why he joined the Lakers at this stage of his career to Frank Vogel talking about defensive expectations, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down what stood out most to them from an eventful day on the eve of training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With less than a week before Lakers training camp opens, what are you most curious about heading into the season? What is your biggest concern? What excites you most about this Lakers team? What do you think their biggest playoff challenge will be? Pete, Mike, and Darius tackle these questions and more as they offer their final thoughts on the team of what has been an adventurous and change-filled offseason.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James enters his 19th NBA season with a new superstar teammate to mesh with, questions about his durability and health after suffering a high ankle sprain last season, and the burden of remaining an elite player expected to lead his team to a championship at a point in his career most stars have already receded into the background as role players. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the challenges LeBron faces this season, what their expectations are for him, and how they expect the question of his partnership with Russell Westbrook will be answered once they're on the court together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis looks to have a bounce back season on a team where he’ll be more important than ever. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss his role on the reimagined Lakers roster, and what he must do to get back to championship form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike are joined by PD Web (Twitter: @abovethebreak3) to discuss Talen Horton Tucker's offensive and defensive development, going in depth into THT's progress on his jump shot, his spatial awareness and advantage creation skills on offense and defense, and why it might be important to view his development as 2 players: one who can help a team now with championship aspirations and one who can be featured with a bigger role as a 25 year old player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How competitive the NBA is and whether the teams we believe can be contenders or take a big leap forward, ultimately depends on whether the trajectory of players like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, or Nikola Jokic remain ascendant. Pete, Mike, and Darius go around the NBA to look at these players (and some other, former Lakers too!), to give their initial prognosis on whether they can be as good as they were last season and what that means for their respective teams.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have signed DeAndre Jordan, adding to their center rotation and, in the process, potentially revealing more about the proposed stylistic identity of the team. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the signing, focusing on how Jordan can help offensively, his defensive limitations and whether the Lakers can better compensate for them than the Nets did, and what role they envision him playing in the team's rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the period between when the Showtime Lakers ruled the NBA and the Shaq/Kobe Lakers ran roughshod over the league, there was the "LakeShow" teams that, while never competing for a championship, captivated the hometown fans with a brash and fun style of playing the game. While he was only on the team for a little over two seasons, Cedric Ceballos was instrumental in ushering in the LakeShow and helping set the foundation for the team that ultimately was able to lure Shaq from Orlando. Pete and Darius discuss Ceballos' game, his importance to those teams, and why that era of Lakers basketball offers a real nostalgia for them as fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God of the Sea, the Goddess of Love, the God of the Sky, etc. Basketball is no different. While some basketball gods are more powerful than others, various players, coaches, and other figures throughout the league’s history act as emissaries who illustrate a fundamental truth about the game. In the continuation of our series on The Basketball Gods, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the God of Vision: the transcendent Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and how he transformed the game for its next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Vogel has a well earned reputation as one of the game's elite defensive coaches. But the 2021-22 roster is more offensively minded than his previous Lakers teams. In this episode, Pete, Mike & Darius explore the adjustments Vogel can make to get the most out of this new look group on both ends of the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & Mike answer questions about the potential advantages & disadvantages of having someone like Marc Gasol on a team with Russell Westbrook, the culprit for the low number of lobs thrown to AD last season, whether THT should get some time at small forward, despite his weakness at guarding at that position, who would they say is the most important player to this team's success (outside of LeBron, AD & Russ), and whether this is the year that the Lakers can reduce LeBron's minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should we expect the Lakers to get off to a quick start and rack up wins to begin the season? What can we learn about this team by the time they take their first long road trip in January? Is there a month of the schedule that is most important to the team's success? Pete, Mike, and Darius try to answer these questions and many more when they take a deep dive into the Lakers 2021-22 schedule.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rajon Rondo is back on the Lakers! Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Rondo's return, reflecting not only on their feelings to see him added back to the roster after the up, down, and back up again first tenure with the team, but on the tangible and intangible qualities he brings in his 2nd stint. Later, the guys discuss Rondo's relationship with Frank Vogel and how they envision that impacting Rondo's playing time and Rondo's influence in the locker room.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers roster nearly complete, the question must be asked: What does this team still need? From a wing defender, to more youthful energy, to a more traditional power forward, Pete, Darius and Mike explore the Lakers roster and try to figure out if areas where the team is lacking and, if so, how much it matters on a roster that has LeBron and Anthony Davis as all court talents and Russell Westbrook intensity and competitiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius & MIke survey the new NBA landscape after most of the offseason has been completed, talking about which teams have improved, which teams they felt did not do enough, which teams around the NBA are title contenders, while engage in a spirited debate about how the Lakers would fare against them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the conclusion of Westbrook Week, Pete & Mike talk to ESPN's Royce Young, who has covered Russell Westbrook since he was drafted into the NBA, to discuss Russ as a young player, how he has been misunderstood as a player, how Russ has adjusted his game throughout the years, & how Royce sees Westbrook fitting in with the 2022 Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have the potential to be one of the most devastating transition teams in the league, and Russell Westbrook will be a major part of establishing that identity. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the specifics of Westbrook's skill as a transition player and how his ability meshes with LeBron and Anthony Davis'. Later, the guys discuss why pushing the pace needs to be a core part of their offensive approach and how hunting transition chances can help the team's half-court offense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis is the Lakers best defensive player and LeBron James has shown he can still be elite on that end, but with the amount of perimeter defensive talent that left the team, Russell Westbrook might just be the Lakers most important defender this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Westbrook's strengths and weaknesses defensively, why his flaws can be particularly problematic for this specific roster, and how his physical tools and ability to rebound are reasons for optimism. Later, the guys discuss how Russ plays into the "bigger, stronger, faster" approach to this roster and why that matters defensively.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If there's a reason to down on the Lakers' acquisition of Russell Westbrook, his poor outside shooting -- and proclivity to shoot those shots anyway -- is probably at the top of the list. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how much Westbrook's shooting struggles matter, whether they think he'll adjust his game and cut down on the number of jumpshots he takes, and what types of schematic adjustments they think can work to help Westbrook be an off-ball threat when defenses help off him.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are Russell Westbrook's strengths as a playmaker? Are there parts of his game as a passer and shot creator that are surprising? Should we be discounting his assist totals because his usage rate is so high? In the first episode of our Westbrook Week series, Pete, Mike, and Darius examine Westbrook the playmaker and what about that aspect of his game excite and concern them. Later, the guys get into how much LeBron may need to adjust in helping foster Russ' playmaking skills and how they envision Russ and Anthony Davis pairing performing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk, the Lakers signed two players who shot over 40% from behind the arc last season, but did so in very different ways. Pete, Mike, and Darius look at how the specifics of both players' shooting profiles can help the Lakers and how each one might excel within the types of offensive sets the team runs. Later, the guys look at each players' defensive utility and wonder if Frank Vogel will be able to mask their limitations enough for either to be a consistent rotation player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius & Mike talk about Carmelo Anthony's & Trevor Ariza's games & what they see is the best fit & role for them on the offensive & defensive ends of the floor for next season's Lakers team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kent Bazemore is a well-rounded player who doesn't do any one thing great, but does a lot of things well enough to impact the game in multiple ways. Will this type of versatility lead him to starting for the Lakers? Will changing from the ball-movement heavy Warriors system to the Lakers more star-centric, isolation and post heavy system hurt his productivity? What is his best defensive position? Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss these questions and many more when looking at how Bazemore fits on this Lakers team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yes, the Lakers now profess to have a big-3 of superstar talents, but newcomer Kendrick Nunn just might be the team's x-factor this season. Pete, Darius, and Mike dissect Nunn's game, looking at his strengths and weaknesses, how they believe he'll fit in on the team on both sides of the ball, and whether he could end up being a surprise starter if the Lakers pivot away from playing big to begin games as they have the last two seasons.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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.  Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This offseason will give us a lot of insight into how anxious the Lakers are to add a 3rd star to their roster in complement to LeBron and Anthony Davis while also informing us of the organization's willingness to pay and go deep into the luxury tax when building a championship roster. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into these topics by using some of the free agent and potential trade targets the Lakers have been linked to as a guide to what direction the team might go in.  Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many cultures throughout history believed that a collection of gods represented certain principles and governed specific domains accordingly. The God of the Sea, the Goddess of Love, the God of the Sky, etc. Basketball is no different. While some basketball gods are more powerful than others, various players, coaches, and other figures throughout the league’s history act as emissaries who illustrate a fundamental truth about the game. In the first episode of a series on The Basketball Gods, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the God of Power: the incomparable Shaquille O’Neal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bucks are the NBA champions, beating the Suns in game 6 on the back of a masterful 50 point, 14 rebound, 5 block performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pete, Mike, and Darius celebrate Giannis' performance to lead his team to the title and discuss why they're happy to see him, specifically, succeed in this way. Later, the guys debate what the Bucks title can teach us about roster construction and how it might impact the Lakers approach this off-season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last season the Lakers won a championship with a "bigger, faster, stronger" roster grounded in the talents of LeBron and Anthony Davis, but supplemented with role players who carried those same attributes. This season, the Bucks are on the verge of winning a championship using a similar formula. Pete and Darius use this idea to discuss what approach the Lakers should take to building their roster this offseason, specifically looking at whether more size in their backcourt is needed, debating what type of investment the team should make at Center, whether Talen Horton-Tucker can be a solution to the team's needs for more size and skill on the wing, and how seeking out more size comes with the potential of losing other valuable skills that help you win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After coming back from a 16 point deficit after the 1st quarter and then holding on vs. a late game Suns rally, the Bucks won game 5 and are only a win away from the NBA championship. Pete and Darius break down the game, keying in on Jrue Holiday's monster performance on both ends of the floor and how his "power" game as a guard epitomizes the Bucks' physical advantages taking their toll on the Suns as the series advances.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Kawhi Leonard's partially torn ACL and the anticipated time that Kawhi will be out in rehab after undergoing surgery to repair it, the seeding for the Western Conference is wide open. Pete & Mike discuss what teams they think will be on top of the West next season, as well as what team Pete thinks Lakers should be wary of as a potential contender as a Lakers' fan. They continue their discussion with a discussion of whether the NBA has tilted too far toward preferring skill over size, why Talen Horton-Tucker could prove to be crucial to the Lakers' offseason, a short tribute to how dominant Shaq was (also acting as a preview to an upcoming episode on Shaq), Mike's "update" on Darius's vacation 😂 & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bucks tied up the series on Wednesday night with an engaging game where the Suns led for the majority of the game. Pete & Mike talk about Milwaukee's adjustments that they employed in Game 4, Giannis's AMAZING BLOCK, why the Bucks' have a higher offensive floor in this series, and what adjustments Phoenix can make for Game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers have a long history of prioritizing talent, but that can result in quality players being unhappy with their role, minutes, and touches. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss the delicate balance between acquiring the best players available with and those who will fully buy in to their roles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest LFR Pod mailbag, Pete & MIke answer questions about what the Lakers can do (other than getting shooters) to improve their scoring, structural changes in the NBA that could be made to improve the league, soccer, building the team around AD or LeBron, favorite albums that came out after 2010, unsung heroes within the Lakers organization, and advice for people who are stuck in a rut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Mike discuss their different paths toward covering the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Phoenix Suns continued their torrid playoff run with a convincing Game 1 victory over Milwaukee. In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss Phoenix targeting Brook Lopez on switches, Phoenix’s adaptability, and the options Milwaukee has to counter their attack in Game 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA Finals bring two not so recent combatants to the field. Pete, Darius & Mike preview the matchup between the Suns and the Bucks, discussing how soon they expect to see Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in the series, the intriguing matchup between Deandre Ayton & Giannis, the Bucks' unique ability to guard Chris Paul & Devin Booker, Paul's & Booker's effectiveness against the drop, Milwaukee's ability to switch 1 through 5, the coaching matchup & the "brains versus the brawn" matchup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In losing game 6 at home, the Clippers have been eliminated from the playoffs and the Suns are going to the NBA Finals. From Chris Paul's big night to Pat Bev's dumb shove and ejection, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game and try to put it all into the broader context of how injuries and availability have played such a huge role in how we've experienced these games as fans. Also, the guys get into the Clippers position as rivals to the Lakers as LA's other team and how this series, if at all, colors their view of that franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After finishing 24th in offensive rating this past season, we can all agree that the Lakers need to improve on that end of the floor next year. Actually doing it, however, is easier said than done. Would hiring an offensive minded assistant coach actually help? Do the Lakers simply need to improve their offensive talent? Should the team focus more on optimizing Anthony Davis instead of LeBron? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more in breaking down the different approaches the team can take when trying to improve offensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a win or go home situation for the Clippers in game 5, Paul George's big night extended the series and has the chance to give his team life as they head back to Los Angeles for game 6. Pete, Mike, and Darius break it all down and discuss how George was able to get it going, Chris Paul's struggles, and how much this game was determined by the Clippers focus and determination to not fold or real tactical advantages from playing smaller. Later, the guys look ahead to game 6 and wonder if Paul George has another big night in him as the pressure starts to build. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Jason Kidd reportedly going to the Mavericks as their new head coach, the Lakers are in line to hire a new assistant under Frank Vogel. What are some of the qualities the team should look for in replacing Kidd? Like they did with Kidd, should the Lakers look for a former head coach to join Vogel's staff? How important a factor should improving on offense be when making a decision on an assistant coach? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more, while breaking down Kidd's time with the Lakers and how his tenure with the team ended up being way less controversial than it looked like it might be when he was hired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does it feel seeing Phoenix as a favorite to make it to the NBA finals, knowing that the Lakers were up 2-1 in the first round series before injuries derailed them? What are the guys' thoughts on the Lakers using their draft pick at 22 to fit a need on the team? What is the most underappreciated Lakers title team? Which role player from a previous championship roster would the guys like to see on the most recent Lakers team? What would the guys recommend a listener do with an autographed copy of a Red Auerbach autobiography? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these questions, and more, in the latest edition of the LFR Pod mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last team to beat the Suns in a playoff game was the Lakers in game 3 of their 1st round series. Even without Chris Paul for the last two games, the Suns togetherness and chemistry has carried them to 9 straight playoff wins and a 2-0 series lead over the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. From Booker's ascension to Ayton's postseason leap, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss how the Suns just keep winning. Then later, a rant on officiating and the NBA's replay system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the same vein of discussion that continues the earlier episode on how bigs have fared in these playoffs, Pete & Mike discuss what is the ideal split for AD to play at the center position as opposed to the power forward position, whether the pendulum can swing too far in the NBA regarding the current preference for perimeter shooters over bigs in the paint, and the importance of surrounding AD with other bigs for vertical spacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both the Jazz and the 76ers were eliminated much earlier than both had hoped and the limitations of star players Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons, respectively, contributed mightily to those losses. Pete, Darius, and Mike look at both players through the prism of playoff vs. regular season basketball to discuss how they, and their teams, move forward in trying to account for those weaknesses while still being contenders, if it's possible at all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know that shooting is a key ingredient to playing winning basketball in the modern NBA. However, how critical was the Lakers fall-off in 3-point accuracy to their 1st round playoff exit and did the playoffs reveal certain truths about the quality of shooters the Lakers have? How much should the team prioritize shooting, particularly in relation to how much the team values strong defensive players, when building out their roster this offseason? Would a shooting big man or a point guard with better 3-point range and accuracy help this team more? Pete, Mike, and Darius debate these questions and more when looking back at the Lakers season and forward into next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Drummond. For many Lakers fans, just hearing his name inspires a visceral reaction and triggers strong opinions about how much his mid-season acquisition created a chain reaction in the team's center rotation that negatively impacted the course of the season. After getting a half-season's look at the former all-star, Pete, Mike, and Darius try to decipher how much of that is fair, how much is scapegoating Drummond for things that really aren't his fault, and whether they see him as a long term fit for the team going forward.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From KD's incredible game 5 performance to give the Nets a 3-2 lead over the Bucks to Kawhi Leonard's knee injury to Chris Paul entering into the NBA's health and safety protocols, the NBA news cycle exploded in the last 24 hours. Are the Nets clear favorites now? Can the Clippers win this series even without Kawhi? What does losing Paul mean to the Suns and can they compensate? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer all these questions and more as they tour the NBA landscape.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Dennis Schröder had some really strong stretches in his debut season with the Lakers, but his playoff struggles after AD's injury highlighted some of the weaknesses in his game at the most inopportune time. Pete, Darius, and Mike evaluate the ups and downs of the Dennis experience and try to put his season into context while debating whether his player archetype is the right fit as the 3rd wheel next to the Lakers two superstars.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should the Lakers "run it back" next season? How does the front office balance evaluating players on their individual merits vs. how those players could have performed in better defined roles if the team had stayed healthy? Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss these questions and more in their first look at the Lakers heading into the offseason. Later, the guys discuss the playoff series between the Jazz and Clippers, debating Donovan Mitchell's value vs. that of Rudy Gobert while also looking at how much missing Mike Conley really matters in the face of the Clippers playing smaller.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After losing game 6 to the Suns, the Lakers season is mercifully, yet prematurely, over. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the season ending defeat and reflect on a team that, due to many factors, was never able to find its footing and ultimately fell in the 1st round to an excellent Phoenix team. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With AD and KCP questionable to play and the Lakers coming off a blowout game 5 loss, things are not looking good for game 6. From what lineups should play to how the team's leaders need to instill a sense of belief that they can win, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the most important factors the Lakers need in their favor to push the Suns to a game 7. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A disappointing lack of resolve after an early Suns' run led to a Lakers' blowout loss in game 5. With the team on the brink of elimination as they head back to Los Angeles, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went wrong in this game and their general frustration with how little fight the Lakers showed as things snowballed against them. Later, the guys discuss if there are any reasons for optimism and whether they believe the Lakers can bounce back to win game 6. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Anthony Davis not likely to play due his strained groin he suffered in game 4, the Lakers are facing an uphill battle that will necessitate several adjustments for Tuesday's critical game 5. Should Marc Gasol start? Should the Lakers play more 3 guard lineups? How can the Lakers optimize Dennis and LeBron? Pete, Mike, and Darius explore these questions, and more, in looking ahead to how the Lakers can try to take control of the series back from the Suns. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A late Lakers rally dashed, an Anthony Davis groin strain, and a gritty Suns defensive performance have leveled this series at 2-2. As we look ahead, all eyes are on AD's injury, but the Lakers 4th quarter push should not be ignored as LeBron James readies himself and his team for a crucial game 5 on Tuesday. Pete, Darius, and Mike break down all of game 4, focusing in on the team's 2nd quarter struggles, what adjustments the Suns made to get better offensive looks, why Marc Gasol's minutes were so impactful, and how the Lakers approach for game 5 can be informed by their comeback that fell short. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers showed flashes of dominance in the third quarter of their 109-95 win in Game 3, giving them a 2-1 series lead. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss LeBron and AD's takeover, the smothering defense of the starting lineup, and more, as Mike drops in at the end from Staples Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers winning game 2 to even their series with the Suns, they have now established a gameplan that is not only proven to work, but one Frank Vogel and his staff can use as the foundation for the team's approach moving forward. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what parts of the game 2 formula worked well and should stick, what didn't and shouldn't, and what individual adjustments the players can make in their own approaches that can help the team win a critical game 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got the split they wanted in Phoenix by beating the Suns in a thrilling game 2 to tie the series as things shift back to Los Angeles. From Anthony Davis' aggressive play to Dennis Schröder's big offensive night to LeBron's incredible shot making down the stretch and everything in between, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss every angle of the Lakers' big win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The beauty of the playoffs are in the adjustments teams make from game to game. And trailing the Suns 1-0 in the series, adjustments are in order for the Lakers. How can they get Anthony Davis going? What are the optimal lineups to create the offensive spacing needed to get LeBron the space he needs to get downhill on drives and to work in the post? How can the Lakers slow down the Suns in their on and off-ball screen actions for Booker and Chris Paul? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these questions and more in their look forward to game 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their playoff opener vs. the Suns in frustrating fashion, with their offense stumbling and their defense showing just enough cracks to allow the Suns to control the terms of engagement all game. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what went wrong on both sides of the ball, particularly with Anthony Davis who really struggled offensively and was never able to get into the flow of the game. Later, the guys discuss what they expect in game 2 and what types of adjustments they'd like to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers second half surge to beat the Warriors in the play-in game propelled them into the 7th seed and a 1st round playoff series vs. the Suns. From how the Lakers can slow down Chris Paul and Devin Booker, to who defends Anthony Davis and LeBron, to DeAndre Ayton's status as an X-factor and everything in-between, Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into the matchup from every angle to break down how they see the series playing out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How effective can Andre Drummond be against the Suns? Should we be concerned about Dennis Schröder after his struggles vs. the Warriors in the play-in game? What are Trez and THT's value in the Suns' series? Pete, Darius, and Mike tackle these questions, and more, in the latest edition of the LFR Pod mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers beat the Warriors 103-100 in the Play-In Game to secure the 7th seed, which culminated in a one-eyed, dagger 3 from LeBron James to win it. In this episode, Pete and Darius discuss an emotionally exhausting, instant classic, as Mike joins them halfway through the pod, live from Staples Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers and Warriors will face off in the play-in game in a matchup between tested champions. In this episode, Pete, Mike, & Darius discuss how the Lakers can best leverage their size advantage, the team effort it will take to contain Steph Curry, and the self-inflicted mistakes that the Lakers need to avoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers finished the season on a 5-game winning streak, and a matchup against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors awaits in the Play-In Tournament. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss their levels of confidence in the team as they begin the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who are the Lakers best bench options in a potential playoff series vs. the Suns? If the Lakers end up in the play-in game, should Frank Vogel change his starting lineup to better matchup and go all out for the win? What Lakers championship team is your favorite? Pete, Darius, and Mike answer these questions, and more, in this Mail Bag edition of the LFR Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dennis Schröder posted to social media telling us he's on the verge of returning. And while the team is still being cautious with LeBron James' ankle, he should be back soon too. The prospects of the Lakers having their "full squad" back together offers excitement, but also poses interesting questions the coaching staff has not had to answer or navigate in a long time. From reconfigured rotations, to how the team reintegrates Dennis and Bron, to how AD's play takes on even more importance, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what this team could look like as they head into the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Wes Matthews tip-in to force overtime, some inspired defense by Anthony Davis, and a Talen Horton-Tucker step back 3 in the final minute of OT lifted the Lakers to a much needed victory over the Knicks on Tuesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the win and highlight how THT's performance was the quintessential performance from him after being thrust into the role of primary ball handler vs. an excellent defense. Later, the guys discuss what THT's playoff role might be with LeBron and Dennis on the verge of returning to the lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis is playing great and the Lakers look to be getting back on track, but the West playoff seedings remain bunched up with several scenarios still in play with less than a handful of games remaining. Are the Lakers going to end up in the play-in games or is the 6th or 5th seed still possible? If they do make the play-in, how would a potential matchup with the Warriors go and should the Lakers worry about Steph and company? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer these questions and more as the Lakers enter their final week of the regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis caught a lob pass for a reverse dunk and emphatically screamed "I'M BACK" to punctuate an absolutely dominant performance that propelled the Lakers to a win over the Suns on Sunday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss ramifications of AD getting back to playing at an All-NBA level, why Alex Caruso's growth as an offensive threat were so important in this win, and why KCP's defensive effort vs. Devin Booker could be meaningful should these teams meet down the road in the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers fell to the 7th seed after losing to the Portland Trailblazers on Friday night, but also saw Anthony Davis touch superstardom for the first time since his return from injury. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss AD's encouraging step forward, a long-awaited lineup adjustment, and how the team built positive momentum on a night where they fell to their lowest point in the standings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron's injured ankle will keep him out of the Lakers next two games -- and maybe even longer. How concerned should we be? What can the Lakers do to compensate for his absence or, when he does return, a more physically limited LeBron? Pete, Darius, and Mike provide perspective on what steps the team can take moving forward. Later, the guys discuss Marc Gasol's strong game vs. the Nuggets and what that could mean for his place in the rotation as the team adjusts to life without LeBron and Dennis Schröder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers next stretch of games features a slew of playoff ready teams who offer the opportunity to get a good picture of how resilient the Lakers are and what approach they will take in getting ready for the playoffs (or, if things break against them, the play-in). Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how they think the team will respond to this stretch and what changes to approach they'd like to see the team make defensively and with the rotation to get on track and prepare for the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers not playing well is now an ongoing theme, with their latest effort against the Raptors only deepening their recent tailspin. Pete, Mike, and Darius take stock in the team, zeroing in on the team's approach to prioritizing health over continuity and urgency, and how Anthony Davis' play is symbolic of the current morass the team is stuck in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With LeBron James' return getting closer by the day, the prospect of the Lakers getting back to full strength is becoming more a reality. Pete, Darius, and Mike break down how his return can help reorient this team from a mental approach and preparedness perspective, particularly on defense when playing with both AD and Drummond. Later, the team discusses potential playoff matchups and how the prospect of AD playing more center in those matchups than he has during the regular season can better position the team for success, even if it means displacing talented players like Drummond, Harrell, and Gasol in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost to the Wizards to end their road trip with a disappointing 1-3 record, showing a noticeable lack of urgency and engagement along the way. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the current state of the team and how much LeBron's impending return will help this team get back on track from the standpoint of focus and showing more desperation as the regular season nears its close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got back on track by beating the Orlando Magic on Monday, getting the best game from AD since his return and a great closing kick from Dennis Schröder to seal the win. However, the game also highlighted some of the issues the team is trying to manage as they wait for LeBron to get back from injury while also trying to ramp up as the playoffs get closer. Pete, Mike, and Darius debate how much those issues will matter once LeBron does return and how much benefit of the doubt this Lakers team should get when they're the defending champions, but also depending on a lot of new players who have not had a lot of time to play together this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their 2nd consecutive game vs. the Mavericks on Saturday in one of the more frustrating games of the year. Rather than dive into the specific details of that game, however, Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out to discuss the big themes of continuity and chemistry of this current Lakers group and how, with only 12 games left in the season, the Lakers can move forward together to ramp up for the playoffs while still trying to get AD back to full speed and waiting for LeBron to get back from his own injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis returned to the Lakers starting lineup after missing the previous 30 games. In this episode, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss both the rust and flashes of brilliance he showed in his first game back, their first impressions of his pairing with Andre Drummond, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Davis will return to the Lakers lineup soon and with that there are a lot of questions about the adjustments the rest of the team will need to make to having him back in the lineup. From how the AD/Drummond defensive pairing will work, to how lineups with two bigs will function offensively with reduced spacing, to how Drummond's skill set translates to a change in role, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down what getting AD back means for his teammates and how they envision his teammates adjusting to their evolving roles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers split a two game set against the Jazz and,even in less than ideal circumstances, got a very good look at a potential playoff opponent. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down what a potential matchup between these teams could look like, debating how much what the Jazz do well on offense can give the Lakers issues defensively, how crucial a role AD would play in the series, why the size of Utah's guards matter, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of their discussion on Anthony Davis' impending return, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the balance between his individual dominance and what the team needs, how he can develop chemistry with Schröder and Drummond, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A depleted Lakers roster lost to the hated Celtics, although not before our South Bay guys made it interesting in the 4th, but that was not the big news of the day. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the impending return of Anthony Davis, the challenges he faces while rounding into form, and its ramifications on the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers better-than-expected road trip revealed many positives about the team's progression and their collective ability to play through adversity, but many of the games also exposed some flaws that should not be ignored. From Dennis Schröder's turnover problems to some defensive lapses from Andre Drummond, Pete, Mike, and Darius debate how meaningful some of these deficiencies are when placed into the context of the Lakers playoff goals and the pending return of LeBron and Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers finished their 7-game road trip with a 4-3 record, and in the process learned a lot about themselves -- both positively and in some areas of potential concern. In part one of our look at the current state of the Lakers, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss Markieff Morris' strong play and push for inclusion in the rotation even after LeBron and AD return. Then later, the guys get into how Talen Horton-Tucker's refinement offensively and reduction of mistakes defensively have stood out as real progress in his overall development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The undermanned Lakers came away with a surprising 126-101 victory in Brooklyn on Saturday. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike discuss the culture of detail and defense that the team has established, what to take away from the game as a possible Finals preview, and the instant impact of Andre Drummond & Ben McLemore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much should the Lakers be worried about the standings? Are they at risk of landing in the play-in game? Do they actually matchup better with the teams at the top of the conference, making the seedings less important? Pete, Mike, and Darius answer those questions and more when they dive deep into the West standings and examine the race towards the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben McLemore has joined the Lakers after being bought out by the Houston Rockets. What does he bring to the team and what will his potential role be? Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the signing and how they envision McLemore fitting into a roster that has the ingredients to amplify his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. Later, the guys wonder what types of lineups McLemore fits into best and whether they envision him being anything more than a bit player on a roster that already has a lot of wings in the rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Andre Drummond signing, then injury, thrust Marc Gasol into the spotlight and he has responded with his best stretch of games this season. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss Gasol's recent play and how his game vs. the Raptors symbolized the changes he's made in his approach and the results those changes are yielding. Later, the guys discuss Gasol's role once Drummond returns and why the onus will be on Frank Vogel to keep Gasol involved while balancing that vs. the real need to assimilate Drummond and give him real opportunities to prove his worth for the stretch run and playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Drummond made his Lakers debut, but a toe injury and a loss to the Bucks dampened what began as an exciting night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss what they saw from Drummond before being forced from the game with injury, how the pros and cons of his game shone through, and what it could mean for his immediate and long term role for the team. Then later, the guys discuss Marc Gasol's seeming removal from the rotation and how they envision Vogel deploying him in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of a two-part series, Pete, Darius, and Mike have a spirited conversation on how Andre Drummond fits in with the Lakers, concentrating on his defensive fit. How does Drummond fit into the Lakers' "No roller behind" defensive strategy? What Western Conference team is the Drummond signing bad news for? How will Drummond fit into the front court rotation & how will it affect the other front court players, especially after AD returns? The guys discuss all that and more. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part one of a two-part series, Pete, Darius, and Mike have a spirited conversation on how Andre Drummond fits in with the Lakers. How much value does his exceptional rebounding actually provide? Why is he such a poor finisher around the rim, and how much of that will change alongside LeBron? How does he fit in before LeBron & AD return from injury? The guys discuss all that and more. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers lost a winnable game to the 76ers, causing some frustration and triggering more questions about how this team can stay afloat while LeBron and AD recover from injury. Add in the non-moves at the trade deadline and Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game and the next steps for the Lakers as they navigate this upcoming stretch of games in which they’ll need to get some wins to keep pace in the conference. Then later, the guys hash out their disagreements about Danny Green in the wake of him torching them in his return to face his former team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers head into Thursday's NBA trade deadline down their two superstars and losers of three straight games. Will their current circumstances impact how aggressive they are on the trade market? What are the team's biggest needs? Are there even any realistic changes the team could make via trade? Pete, Darius, and Mike answer these questions and more on the eve of the deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James has gone from the top of the MVP race to out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, joining Anthony Davis on the sideline in street clothes. How do the Lakers compensate for their missing superstars? Is it even possible? Pete, Darius, and Mike brainstorm potential solutions, keying in on Talen Horton-Tucker and how the goal should just be staying afloat until the roster is made whole in a few weeks. Later, the guys discuss KCP's play this year and what they'd like to see from him during this upcoming stretch of games while Bron and AD are out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James led the Lakers to their 4th straight victory on Thursday night, with 37 points in a 116-105 victory over Charlotte. In this episode, Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the multitude of ways that LeBron has helped the team navigate a difficult season, including how he's been the skeleton key that's unlocked the Lakers' pick & roll game post All-Star break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers won in dominating fashion on Monday night, beating the Warriors in all facets of the game. Pete, Darius, and Mike breakdown the win, looking specifically at the team's mental engagement and the performance of the bench by highlighting Kyle Kuzma's all-around performance and the growth he's showing this year. Then later, the guys discuss KCP's strong game and why his effort and focus are so important to his individual performance and can serve as a barometer for how well the Lakers are playing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers came out of the All-Star break with a grind-it-out win over the Pacers, showing an adaptability down the stretch to seal the victory. Pete, Darius, and Mike use Montrezl Harrell's play as a jumping off point to discuss the win and how some of the defensive questions about him were answered with tweaks that enhanced his effectiveness to help get the win. Later in the pod the guys talk about the Lakers halfcourt offense and how that same sort of adaptability can help in the short term with AD out and what it can mean for the full group once AD returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers heading into the All-Star break and the first half of the season concluded, Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss some of their big picture takeaways from the team's first 37 games. From Dennis Schröder's positive impact on both ends of the floor to Anthony Davis' injury, the guys dive into the highs and lows to this point in the season and what it all could mean moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got back to their winning ways over the weekend with strong showings against the Blazers and Warriors. Pete, Darius, and Mike broke down what drove those wins, focusing on LeBron's defensive engagement and Dennis Schröder's return helping to jumpstart the team's offense and, in turn, energizing LeBron. Later in the pod the guys talk more about the team's shift in defensive aggressiveness and how that propels the Lakers transition game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Anthony Davis out, the Lakers center rotation of Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell must take on even larger roles on both sides of the ball. Through the prism of the game vs. the Jazz, Pete, Mike, and Darius look at what's working and what's not with both players and discuss some potential ways Frank Vogel can account for some of each players' limitations to optimize them until Anthony Davis returns and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The remainder of the Lakers regular season schedule has been released and Pete, Mike, and Darius are here to break it all down. From the potential to come out of the All-Star break strong to the 7-game road trip that defines April to the back-to-back heavy May, the guys offer their thoughts on what stands out and what approach the team may take down the stretch as they prepare for the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dropped their 2nd straight game, falling to the Heat in a Finals rematch that saw both teams compete hard but struggle offensively. Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the game, focusing on some of the progress the Lakers made defensively and how some of their tweaks offensively worked and where they still fell short. Later, the guys debate more changes that can be made to improve the offense and then forecast the 2nd half of the schedule and whether the losses that the team is suffering now will impact the push for a good seed come playoff time. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Anthony Davis already out injured, losing Dennis Schröder to the NBA's health and safety protocols shortly before the game proved a bridge too far for the Lakers, who fell to the Nets on Thursday night. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss what went wrong for the team defensively in the loss, while also offering some potential silver linings for future matchups vs. Brooklyn. Later, the guys talk about the team's offensive woes without both AD and Schröder, and brainstorm ways for the team to get productivity on that end of the floor in non-LeBron minutes for the upcoming stretch of games before the All-Star break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no "replacing" Anthony Davis, but the Lakers are going to need to try to do just that with him out injured through at least the All-Star break. Pete, Darius, and Mike explore what steps the team can take with AD out, using the win over the Timberwolves as a template for success and looking specifically at Marc Gasol, KCP, and Markieff Morris as key players in this upcoming stretch of games. Later, the guys talk about Thursday's matchup vs. the Nets and how they see that game shaking out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a revamped roster around LeBron and Anthony Davis, the Lakers half-court offense is structurally different this season compared to last. Pete, Mike, and Darius dive into one of the key changes this season by examining the team's dribble penetration, and more specifically, how Dennis Schröder's integration to the offense is going and how his specific strength of attacking the basket fit into the Lakers half-court approach. The guys also highlight how Marc Gasol's passing and how Talen Horton-Tucker's driving ability impact the team's heavy focus on attacking the paint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their second straight overtime game, the Lakers pulled out a win over the Thunder while Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso sat out with injury. Pete, Darius, and Mike breakdown how, after being thrust back into the rotation after not playing for 4 games, Wes Matthews stepped up to help the Lakers win the game and how these minutes reaffirm the team's depth. Then later, the guys talk about LeBron's big minutes in recent games and striking the right balance between ensuring he's not being overburdened with how important getting reps with him are for the team's new additions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are 1/3 of the way through the regular season after an ugly win against Detroit on Saturday night. In this episode, Pete, Darius & Mike review the team's performance vs. their expectations, and look at the rest of Western Conference through a similar lens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike and Darius discuss the Lakers' dominant second half performance in their 114-93 win over the Denver Nuggets, areas where the team can continue to improve on offense, and give props to THT, Kuz, and Trezz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers wrapped up their 7 game road trip with a 5-2 record and win over the Hawks on Monday. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win through the lens of Frank Vogel's rotation decisions and the lift the team is getting from a newly formed group of playmakers and hustle guys flanking LeBron. Later in the pod the guys preview the Nets/Clippers matchup, giving their thoughts on both teams and how they look as contenders in comparison to each other and the Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

oh, the celtics lost?... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the Lakers too reliant on LeBron James? Is there any way to muster joy while playing in your 5th city in a 7 game road trip on the 2nd night of a back to back while in a pandemic? How can the team get Dennis Schröder back on track? Should Frank Vogel tweak the rotation? Pete, Mike, and Darius tried to tackle these questions, and more, as they reflect on the Lakers' back to back losses against the 76ers and, in their worst game of the season, the Pistons on Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers kept their undefeated road record intact with a win over the Cavs on Monday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on LeBron James' 46 point scoring outburst and his dominant 4th quarter to close out the game. Later, the guys show more appreciation for LeBron's season so far and discuss the upcoming game vs. the 76ers, including breaking down some of the matchup questions around how the team matches up with Joel Embiid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices