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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.