In a somewhat surprising decision, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday fresh off a trip to the conference finals. Pete and Darius react to the news, discuss the merits of making this change now, discuss the shrinking windows to contend under this collective bargaining agreement, and much more. And then later the guys discuss the offseason dominoes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokoumnpo and how the Lakers can be opportunistic in trades even if they don't get the star in the deal. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius discuss how the Lakers go about building around Luka Dončić can't just about finding players who can compensate for the things he doesn't do as well, but instead should be about finding players who build on all the ways that he is already great in order to magnify those traits and lift the entire team.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pacers are going to the NBA Finals after beating the Knicks in Game 6 over the weekend. Pete and Darius discuss Indy's run to the Finals, how their transition game reminds them of a couple of old Lakers teams, how the Pacers have built around their best player and the lessons the Lakers can take from them, and much more. And then later, the guys begin their preview of the Finals by giving their initial thoughts on how the Pacers and Thunder matchup.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius debate how big a leap the Lakers could take by adding a center in free agency vs. making a larger trade for one. Are the free agent bigs good enough, or would it make more sense to trade for one? And how does the team's penchant for playing small-ball groups play a factor in these decisions? The guys dive into these questions and more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Thunder are heading to the Finals after dismantling the Wolves in their Game 5 matchup and blowing them out to win the series 4-1. Pete and Darius discuss the game, the differences in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 's and Anthony Edwards' offensive approach, what comes next for the Wolves, and where this series result leaves the Lakers as the team who got blown out by Minnesota who got blown out by OKC. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Thunder and Pacers both one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, Pete and Darius discuss both teams' drive and commitment to build on their post season runs last year to advance further, and relate that to the Lakers need to replicate that sense of purpose next season and what that will entail for them. From LeBron's and Luka's leadership, the JJ Redick's approach, and how roster change relates to everyone rowing on the same direction towards being a contender.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After making his 21st consecutive All-NBA team with a 2nd team nod over the weekend, LeBron James is in the midst of an offseason where his pending contract option could have huge ramifications both for him and the Lakers. Pete and Darius discuss LeBron's momentous All-NBA achievement, but then discuss reports that he will likely opt-in to his contract next season and the implications it has for the Lakers in their pursuit of building a title contender.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before there was a LeBron, Luka, or an Anthony Davis, there were the "Baby Lakers" -- a group of young draftees and G-League finds the team developed at the tail end and in the aftermath of the Kobe Bryant era and into when the team signed LeBron. Pete and Darius discuss this group of past players, how each of the conference finals teams has one of these former Lakers on their roster in a contributing role, and why as the team begins to build around Luka Dončić this sort of success from the draft and G-League can help the Lakers build out the depth they need to contend.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the conference finals underway, Pete and Darius discuss the Pacers' incredible comeback vs. the Knicks in game 1 and the Thunder's win over the Wolves, diving into Indy's clutch play, Nesmith's NBA Jam moment, OKC's defense, and much more. And then later, the guys debate foul hunting, NBA officiating, the psychology of physicality, and more.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius discuss whether the Lakers can find low salaried rotation players who can also be long term fits, how acquiring them can be challenging under this collective bargaining agreement, why neither of them are eager to trade Dalton Knecht for these reasons, and much more. And then later, the guys dive into specific players who they like and would target for the Lakers.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Celtics and the Nuggets both getting eliminated from the playoffs, Pete and Darius take a moment to reflect on the fall of a couple of Lakers rivals. And then later the guys take a look at the four conference finalists, the types of rosters they possess, and whether the Lakers are in position to replicate those builds of if they'll need to approach things differently.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off a season in which he showed good improvement defensively, refined his role offensively, and closed the playoff strong, Rui Hachimura had one of his better seasons. But, with the Lakers' need for a center and another defensive wing, could Rui's time in LA be coming to a close? Pete and Darius discuss Rui's future with the Lakers and all the factors at play that could impact whether he's with the team long term or not.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius continue their discussions on offseason planning and how the Lakers can best build around Luka Dončić by looking at the team's needs for another guard, specifically the type of point of attack defender and two-way perimeter player needed to slot between Luka and Austin Reaves. And then later the guys discuss specific names they would like the Lakers to target and speculate whether those teams would be willing to make a deal.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius discuss the Lakers pursuit of a long-term 2nd star to pair with Luka Dončić and what qualities they believe are most important in that player. And then later, the guys dive into some specific names they think could be available, whether they are worth targeting due to salary cap and roster building limitations, and how the salary cap and collective bargaining agreement impacts their view of what level of player qualifies as second star material.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many of the remaining playoff teams have multiple centers in their rotations and play two-big lineups as one of their key rotation looks. Pete and Darius use this as a springboard to talk about the Lakers need for not one, but two centers this offseason, what type of skill sets they want from these bigs, and how to best allocate both financial and trade assets in order to acquire these players.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the Lakers salary cap sheet look like next season? What about the year after that? How does LeBron's player option on his contract this summer impact the Lakers financial flexibility? Both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are eligible to extend their contract, how should the Lakers approach both? Pete and Darius answer these questions and more as they continue their evaluation of the Lakers as the offseason begins.  Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of their evaluation of the Lakers roster, the guys rank each player on the team as shooters, ball handlers, passers, finishers around the rim, and their overall IQ compared to their positional counterparts around the NBA. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part one of a two-part pod evaluating the Lakers roster, the guys focus on the athleticism of the team, ranking each player’s strength, speed, length, and leaping ability compared to their peers around the NBA. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete and Darius go around the league to discuss a fantastic start the 2nd round of the playoffs where the road teams have started 5-0 and include multiple huge comeback wins, and then take what they're seeing from these teams to highlight what is different from how the Lakers played in their lone series and what the team needs to do to take the next step as a contender. Support Pete here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lakerfilmroom Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lakerfilmroom Pete’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakerFilmRoom Pete’s Playback: https://www.playback.tv/lakerfilmroom For Feedback or Questions: lakerfilmroom@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices