Laker Film Room - Dedicated to the Study of Lakers Basketball Blue Wire

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.