Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball

With the reports that a Giannis trade is close that he will either end up in Boston or Miami, Pete and Darius discuss the rumored trade packages from each team, which one they prefer, how the Lakers could fit into any of these deals after the fact, and more. And then later the guys discuss the early free agency deals the Suns, Hawks, and Thunder have made and how those could impact the Lakers as we inch closer to the draft and free agency.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

...

After focusing on the Lakers trying to get the best top-end talent in free agency, Pete and Darius pivot to discuss how the Lakers can build out the depth on this team, what traits they’re looking for in role players, why players on minimums and lower value deals are so important, how the draft plays into this idea, and much more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a C...

Pete & Darius discuss the team’s most important offseason in years, amidst reports that they’ve been targeting this summer as their chance to put a title team around Luka.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com

After additional reporting on the ongoing contract discussions between Walker Kessler and the Jazz, Pete and Darius continue their discussion on the Lakers possible interest in the big man as their center solution in free agency. And then later, the guys check in on the Giannis trade chatter around the league and where the Lakers could fit into all the moving parts, if at all. 

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pet...

With reports that Walker Kessler is frustrated with how his contract negotiations have been playing out with the Jazz, Pete and Darius discuss the possibility of the Lakers acquiring the restricted free agent, why the Jazz’s roster and payroll could allow him to change teams, whether a trade or free agent signing would be more realistic, and much more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee...

The New York Knicks are the 2026 NBA champions! Pete and Darius reflect on how they did it, their path to building out this roster and the takeaways from building through trades, Brunson’s brilliance and being the exception to the rule of small guards leading title teams, Mike Brown’s role in getting this team over the top, and much more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee...

With reports that the Brooklyn Nets are gearing up to offer Austin Reaves a 4-year max contract this offseason, Pete and Darius discuss Reaves’ pending free agency and the possibility he gets a max offer from another team, what they would do in the Lakers shoes if presented with the opportunity to match that kind of deal, the team building realities that would come with paying Reaves a max deal, and much more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patr...

Behind the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, the Knicks stole Game 4 from the Spurs to take a 3-1 lead in their race to the championship. Pete and Darius discuss how the Knicks did it, how the Spurs helped them, why Jalen Brunson’s mid-game heroics were so crucial, OG Anunoby’s late game brilliance, De’Aaron Fox and Wemby’s second half struggles, and much more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’...

What if the Lakers targeted an elite shooter to slot next to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves? What would that roster build look like? Would they have enough defense to be a real contender? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more when they discuss two high-level shooting forwards as a different summer pathway the team could explore when trying to build a contender this offseason.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

The Spurs struck back to make it a series, winning Game 3 of the Finals in New York. Pete and Darius discuss the details of the game and what stood out to them most in the Spurs victory. And then later the guys continue their discussion on Rui Hachimura’s pending free agency by focusing on his defensive fit on the team, how his role and skill set don’t always align on that side of the ball, and how that may or may not change even if LeBron were not back next year.

.

Join Pete on O...

Pete and Darius continue their examination of the Lakers offseason priorities by discussing Austin Reaves’ and Rui Hachimura’s pending free agencies, whether both should be back, what their future salaries might be, and how the Lakers’ performance in the playoffs combined with the conference and NBA Finals impact the viability of building a contending roster around Luka with both Austin and Rui.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a C...

Mike Garcia joins Pete for part two of their draft preview, focusing on potential hidden gems in the second round.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com

Mike Garcia joins Pete to discuss the 2026 NBA Draft, with a focus on the Lakers 25th pick.
.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com

Pete and Darius discuss the how the Lakers offseason of optionality can allow them to pounce on opportunities to greatly improve as they arise, but also the anxiety that comes from so much uncertainty about next season’s roster and the work it will take to build a contender this offseason. And then later the guys discuss the Finals matchup between the Spurs and the Knicks and make their predictions on who will win.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Pa...

The Spurs are going to NBA Finals after knocking out the Thunder in Game 7 on the road. Pete and Darius discuss the game and then dive into what comes next for the Thunder heading into an offseason where they face payroll challenges and have several contract decisions to make on key rotation players.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete...

The guys discuss the Spurs/OKC series, draft lottery reform, and its impact around the league and on the Lakers.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com

The Lakers made a round of layoffs on Wednesday in their Business Operations. The guys discuss these cuts, the broader reorganization the franchise is going through this summer, the hiring of Rohan Ramadas, and more.

.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers needs at the Center position heading into the offseason. Are there targets in free agency they like? What about on the trade market? How much money should the Lakers be investing in the position? How much should Deandre Ayton’s performance this season and salary next season be a part of the team’s decision making? The guys dive into these questions and more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerf...

The Knicks swept the Cavs and punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, where they will await the winner of the Thunder/Spurs series. Pete and Darius discuss how the Knicks have run through the East so easily, what team building lessons the Lakers can learn from New York’s approach and with an eye on beating OKC and San Antonio, what comes next for the Cavs, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lake...

Pete and Darius discuss LeBron’s comments on the timeline for when he will decide on his playing future and whether it could be on a team besides the Lakers, and break down how any stretching of that timeline could impact his return to the team and his salary. And then later, the guys discuss what replacing LeBron could look like and break down the different approaches of chasing a star player vs. complementary role players.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Pa...

Pete and Darius start their year in review series by looking at JJ Redick’s 2nd season as Lakers head coach, where they thought he excelled, where he might have gone down the wrong path, how he optimized (or didn’t) the team on both sides of the ball, his communication, performance in the playoffs, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfil...

Pete and Darius go around the NBA to discuss the Knicks’ incredible comeback to force overtime and win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavs, the firing of Jason Kidd in Dallas, and do a check-in on the Minnesota Timberwolves as a potential key player in the offseason who could impact the trade landscape the how the conference unfolds next season.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coff...

On the heels of an instant classic Game 1 of the conference finals between the Thunder and the Spurs, Pete and Darius discuss how San Antonio was able to take the game in double overtime, the ways Victor Wembenyama’s presence impacted the Thunder’s lineups, how the guards and big-man rotations from both teams can inform the Lakers team building, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee...

The biggest question of the Lakers offseason relates to LeBron James’ future, whether he’ll be back with the team, decide to move on, or even retire. Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers approach to the LeBron question, the variables involved with a possible return to the team, why the Lakers internal decision making matters more than ever in their relationship with LeBron and what comes next, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerf...

Pete and Darius continue their discussion on the different approaches the Lakers can take this offseason, what they view as the team’s top priorities, the different avenues cap space can open up for them, why optionality matters but isn’t a plan on its own, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Y...

Pete and Darius react to Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick’s media availability, including Pelinka’s comments about team needs, roster building strategies, and more. And then the guys offer their first thoughts on the Lakers offseason, including possible targets and player archetypes they believe are most important after the team’s loss to the Thunder.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: ht...

In a hard-fought game that came down to the final possessions, the Lakers were not able to fend off the Thunder and were eliminated from the playoffs in Game 4. Pete and Darius discuss how it all went down, the resiliency the team showed, what the key takeaways are for the team after a game and series like this, the growth from Austin Reaves over the course of the series, what stood out from LeBron in what could be his final game as a Laker, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside...

Game 3 followed the same script as the previous two, with the Lakers playing well in the 1st half, only to have the Thunder come roaring back in the 2nd half to win big. Pete and Darius discuss how it went wrong for the Lakers again, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton’s individual struggles, the duality of Austin Reaves and LeBron’s performances, JJ Redick playing whack-a-mole, Adou Thiero’s turn in the rotation, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/pe...

Austin Reaves bounced back and LeBron was again impactful, but the Lakers dropped Game 2 by double digits after leading at halftime and into the 3rd quarter to fall behind 0-2 in the series. Pete and Darius breakdown how the Lakers got their lead, how the Thunder were able to seize control back, Reaves’ strong performance, the struggles of the Lakers bench vs. OKC’s reserves, the controversy around the referees, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

The Lakers will try to bounce back against the Thunder in Thursday’s Game 2 and get that coveted split on the road. Pete and Darius discuss adjustments that could help them do it, looking at how to get more production from Austin Reaves and the rest of the guards, dealing with the Thunder bench and the different style of play they present, shifts to the rotation and who to call on if Jarred Vanderbilt doesn’t play, possible solutions to slow down Chet Holmgren, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/b...

The Lakers fell to the Thunder in Game 1 of their 2nd round series, staying competitive for the first three quarters before succumbing to an OKC push that turned the game into a double-digit defeat. Pete and Darius discuss the details, from LeBron’s great game, how the Lakers defense helped slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s ability to punish the Lakers mistakes, Austin Reaves’ struggles, and much more more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreo...

In advance of Tuesday’s Game 1, Pete and Darius continue their 2nd round series preview between the Lakers and the Thunder. The guys break down some of their top-line items that give the Lakers the best chance to compete vs. OKC, what entry points the Lakers offense has against the Thunder defense, strategies to deploy against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defensively, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pe...

With the 1st round now in the books for every team, Pete and Darius take a quick trip around the NBA to reflect on the Celtics blowing a 3-1 lead to lose Game 7 at home to get eliminated and the rest of the Lakers rivals also being out of the post season. Then later, the guys begin their 2nd round preview by discussing the Lakers offense vs. the Thunder defense, why limiting turnovers is so critical, the best ways to utilize LeBron and Austin Reaves offensively, and much more

Join Pete on Offside! https...

The Lakers pulled off the upset behind a dominant defensive performance that held the Rockets to 78 points in Game 6. The guys discuss how LA’s preparation paid off, and the many stellar individual performances that contributed to the series win.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Fe...

On the heels of a great night of basketball that saw the Knicks advance, Philly beat Boston to force a Game 7, and the Nuggets get eliminated by Minnesota, the Lakers are back in Houston for Game 6, looking close out the Rockets. Pete and Darius discuss all the previous night’s action and what stood out to them most from those games and then dive into some possible adjustments on the table for JJ Redick, how the Lakers can try to crack the code on Houston’s defense, how they can better corral the speed of Reed Sheppard and the Şengün...

The Lakers lost their second straight game, dropping Game 5 on a night that Austin Reaves returned but the team’s offense still stalled out. Pete and Darius discuss the details of what happened, how Reaves and LeBron’s on-ball shot making was not there, Marcus Smart’s over-involvement offensively and his untimely turnovers, the rhythm Houston has found offensively, the challenges JJ Redick faces, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patr...

The Lakers have a chance to close out the Rockets in Wednesday’s Game 5. Pete and Darius offer their final thoughts on what the Lakers need to do to win, further discussing what Austin Reaves’ pending return can do for the Lakers offense, how to get LeBron going and whether a return to the post is in the cards, cracking the code of Houston’s switching defense, and why getting back to ball pressuring Houston’s offense could be a key to the game.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

<...

With the 1st round of the playoffs in full swing, Pete and Darius zoom out from the Lakers series to discuss their two other favorite watches so far: the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves and the Pistons vs. the Magic. The guys dive into both series, hitting on Orlando picking at Detroit’s limited shot creation, Jalen Duren’s struggles, the disappointing injuries in Minnesota, the Gobert vs. Jokic matchup, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete...

With reports of optimism about Austin Reaves returning for Game 5, the guys discuss the potential impact of his return, how they can reduce their turnovers, the adjustment to Houston putting Reed Sheppard on Rui, and more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom

Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom

For Feedback or Questi...

The Lakers lost their first game of the playoffs in Game 4 vs. the Rockets, sending the series back to Los Angeles well positioned with a 3-1 lead but still needing to regroup. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the Lakers problems with turnovers and offensive execution, Houston’s adjustments defensively, the Lakers challenges with Alperen Şengün, the growing bad blood in the series, and much more.

Join Pete on Offside! https://www.offside.gg/beta

LFR Store: https://cottonbureau.com/people/laker-film-room-podcast-store

Pete’s Patreon: https://www.pa...