The podcast discusses the Lakers' approach to the trade deadline, the importance of finding a player who can make a difference without jeopardizing the team's future, and the challenge of trading a player with underrated value. They also explore the impact of the play-in tournament on trade possibilities, the Lakers' position in the standings, and the need to balance short-term success with long-term value. Overall, the podcast offers insights into trade considerations, team-building strategies, and the potential impact of the trade deadline on the Lakers' performance.

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 podcast discusses recent roster moves by the Lakers, the impact on player development, and the need for effective lineups around LeBron and AD. They also analyze the importance of on-ball skills and dribble penetration, defensive performance, and the significance of combo forwards for the team's success.