One-third of the way through the season, the Lakers’ backup bigs have provided mixed results. The guys discuss the team’s defensive issues at the 5 when AD isn’t on the floor, some of the potential solutions on the roster, and why Gabe Vincent’s imminent return presents Darvin Ham with interesting decisions going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got a dominant performance from Anthony Davis and took a big lead vs. the Spurs, and then were able to hold on for the win after a furious 4th quarter comeback led by Victor Wembanyama fell short at the end. Mike and Darius discuss AD's great game and what's gone into the scoring run he's on, what impressed them about Wemby's game on both ends of the floor, and much more. And then later, the guys touch on Taurean Prince's hot shooting and how LeBron's pending return could impact Friday's rematch in San Antonio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off their IST title over the weekend, the Lakers lost a tough game to a hot-shooting Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the game, how Dante Exum's shooting made the Lakers defensive coverages pay, how the Lakers persevered and made it competitive with strong performances from Anthony Davis and LeBron, and much more. And then later, the guys discuss D'Angelo Russell's tough night, AD and LeBron's leadership this season, and preview the Wednesday's game against the Spurs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament Champions! In part two of their discussion of the Lakers run to the IST Title, Pete, Mike, and Darius break down the win over Pacers, focusing on the team's defensive approach to slowing Indy's transition game, how they tweaked their pick-and-roll coverages vs. Tyrese Haliburton. Anthony Davis' amazing two-way performance, the deliberate and relentless way the Lakers attacked the paint offensively, LeBron's overall brilliance, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers are the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament Champions! In part one of two pod of their discussion of the Lakers run to the IST Title, Pete, Mike, and Darius zoom out to look at the tournament as a whole, what stood out to them about the Lakers approach to the games, and how LeBron and AD's leadership set the tone for the team's play throughout the tournament. And then later, the guys discuss how the Lakers used the IST as both a way to help them develop and grow their identity and style of play, and also as an experience tool for some of their younger players.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers dominated the Pelicans on Thursday night to advance to the In-Season Tournament championship game. Pete, Darius, and Mike discuss how they did it -- from LeBron setting the tone and brilliant offensive performance to the team's overall defensive effort led by the team's wings but anchored by Anthony Davis. And then later, the guys discuss the matchup with the Pacers in Saturday's championship game and the challenges Tyrese Haliburton and their offense will pose for the Lakers defense.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers take on the Pelicans on Thursday night in the In-Season Tournament semifinals taking place in Las Vegas. Pete and Darius preview the game on both sides of the ball, and discuss the difficulties of matching defending the Zion and Brandon Ingram duo, how the Pelicans bench shooting can impact the game, how the Pelicans defend Anthony Davis, how the Lakers skill guards will deal with New Orleans' ball pressure, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an exciting quarterfinals of the In Season Tournament, Lakers gutted out an exciting 106 to 103 win over the Suns. Pete & Mike discuss Anthony Davis' all-encompassing defense, LeBron's dominance, how the Lakers' season-high 21 offensive rebounds led to the Lakers having 27 more offensive possessions, Jaxson Hayes backing up AD at center and his ability to guard the perimeter, the guard rotation, the Lakers' jump shooting woes & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got some perimeter defensive reinforcements against the Rockets on Saturday and got a good win fueled by a huge 2nd quarter run. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the win, focusing on the team's defensive approach and how improved perimeter pressure led to the team playing more in transition offensively. Then later, the guys discuss Max Christie's emergence as a rotation player and how his play and Rui Hachimura's pending return could impact rotation decisions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers closed out their road trip with a double-digit loss to the Thunder and a 2-2 record on their trip. Pete, Mike, and Darius discuss the loss, how injuries and the schedule contributed to the game, and much more. Then later, the guys take stock in the team through 20 games and discuss what they've learned about what is working, what is not, and what the specific injuries the team has suffered have taught them about this roster.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices