Dan Hurley has decided he will stay at the University of Connecticut and not become the next Lakers head coach. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the news, offering their initial reactions, the vacuum of the news cycle and the public nature of the negotiations, and where the team goes from here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are reportedly interested in hiring UConn head coach Dan Hurley for their head coaching position. Mike and Darius discuss the report and offer their initial thoughts on Hurley as a candidate, the transition from college coaching the NBA, the nature of NBA reporting and news breaking, and much more. And then later, the guys offer their last thoughts on the NBA finals before Thursday's Game 1.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of the Lakers' mid-season moves catapulting them to the Conference Finals last season and the Mavs making a run to the Finals after making similar trades this year, Pete, Mike, and Darius explore team building through the lens of fit vs. continuity. They debate the types of role players that most help you win, striking the right balance between skill and playing with force, and how Anthony Davis' unique skill set matters when considering how to build out a roster around him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA Finals are set with a matchup between the Mavericks and the Celtics. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the series, highlighting the challenges both defenses will face defending elite perimeter talents, Kyrie Irving being an x-factor for Dallas, Boston's floor spacing and their bigs' ability to space the floor, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the different avenues to build out a roster for the 82-game grind of a regular season, examining the "2nd draft" strategy the team has used to acquire former lottery level talents, chasing size vs. going after guards and wings, the need for a backup big, and how rookies fit into this idea -- including the possibility of this year's #17 pick in the upcoming draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius use the Timberwolves Game 4 win over the Mavericks as a jumping off point to consider two-big lineups, how the Lakers can lean more into that identity next season, and why Jarred Vanderbilt's role in these types of lineups can be critical to their success defensively while also needing to be accounted for offensively by what schemes the team is running. And then later the guys pay tribute to Bill Walton in the aftermath of his passing away this week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Mike, and Darius check-in on the Lakers coaching search, discussing the candidacy of JJ Redick, why experience can come in many forms and to what degree lack of head coaching experience matters in this search, and what leadership qualities they're looking for in a candidate. And then later the guys discuss defensive philosophies and the importance of a candidate's approach on that end to their success in the Lakers job.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the Game 1's of the Conference Finals, highlighting the challenges the Mavericks posed on both sides of the ball for the Wolves and why, even in game they gave away, the Pacers have some positivity to build on vs. Boston. And then later the guys talk about LeBron and Anthony Davis being named to All-NBA teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss the conference finals matchups, the through-line between the different teams and the success they've had making it this far, the Wolves taking down the Nuggets, and their initial thoughts on who has the edge in each matchup.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Informed by the 2024 playoffs, Pete, Mike & Darius continue their discussion about Lakers roster building, centered around building an defensive identity, the importance of meshing that with the defensive scheme of the new coach, the best utilization of Lebron on defense in his 22nd season, acquiring a defensive swing man, how Jarred Vanderbilt fits into this, the importance of having more athleticism at the guard spot & more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices