Mind the Game - Season 3, Episode 1

LeBron on Fitting in with Luka, Bronny's Development and JJ Redick's Culture
Released: November 28, 2025 | Host: Steve Nash | Guest: LeBron James

Episode Overview

The season premiere of "Mind the Game" dives deep into the ongoing evolution of basketball with LeBron James and Steve Nash. They unpack how experimentation, culture, and individual growth shape the NBA today. Central topics include LeBron's approach to his role with the Lakers, adapting to new team dynamics (notably with Luka Doncic and new additions), the impact and balance of G League stints, Bronny James’ continued development, insights into JJ Redick's coaching style, and a nuanced breakdown of tactical innovations like the Miami Heat's new "screenless" offensive system. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, comparisons between eras, and reflections on the pressures of modern NBA stardom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. On Embracing Humility: G League Practice & Development

• LeBron talks about choosing to practice with the South Bay Lakers (G League):
  • Sees it as an extension of his love for the game and a necessary buildup after injury.
  • Highlights the importance of embracing humility and not letting ego get in the way of improving one's game.

  “I just love the hoop… I was able to take advantage of it and just be super humbled about it.” — LeBron (02:43)

• Steve Nash underscores the value for all players, not just those rehabbing:

  "There shouldn't be any... you shouldn't feel a way about going down to play on the G league team, practice with the G league team, get reps. I just think that's really important for young players to hear." — Nash (04:17)

2. Changes in Player Culture: Social Media & Loss of One-on-One Battles

• Both reminisce on how, in their earlier NBA days, competitive one-on-one battles after practice were more common.
• Social media and constant cameras have made players more self-conscious, fearing public embarrassment and negative narratives.

  “...they play video games and then they read columns and they read comments, unfortunately... the more stuff that you read that's negative, the more it creeps into your mind…” — LeBron (05:50)

• Nash laments that young players miss valuable learning opportunities that come from being repeatedly challenged in private settings.
• LeBron shares an Olympic team story where Steph Curry played only defense in 1-on-1, demonstrating top players' embrace of roles in practice (08:03).

3. Fitting into the Lakers Offense & Team Adjustments with Luka

• LeBron describes himself as a "Swiss Army knife," able to fill any offensive role depending on who’s on the court and what is needed.

  “All I care about is winning. I’ll easily fit myself right on in and whatever capacity the team needs me to be in.” — LeBron (08:41)

• Highlights the importance of off-ball movement, cutting, slashing from the 45, and increased focus on shooting during his recovery.

  “With a great point guard like Luka… one of the best things I can do is slash in from that 45 degree, or roam behind the defense and catch lobs.” — LeBron (09:54)

• Talks up new additions (Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia) for their toughness and versatility:

  “Marcus having seven steals in a game… Da being dominant on the glass… Jake, who is number 12… guys know him now… proud of what the team has been doing.” — LeBron (10:58)

4. Bronny James: Navigating Development & Fatherhood

• LeBron shares deep pride in Bronny’s growth, referencing both his G League and Summer League experiences as key for confidence and adaptation to speed and strength at the next level.

  “The more and more time that you get, the better you get, the more and more of the nuances you get.” — LeBron (12:14)

• Explains his approach as both a father and leader—mentoring Bronny by providing guidance but also letting him face challenges independently.

  “I want him to walk through the fire as well. That’s gonna be the best teacher for him.” — LeBron (13:33)

• Nash notes Bronny’s humility and hard-working reputation amid heavy scrutiny.

5. JJ Redick’s Coaching Culture

• LeBron describes Redick as honest, direct, and passionate, with a culture built on clear, loving but stern feedback and high standards—a philosophy inherited from his mentors like Coach K.

  “He’s gonna tell you exactly how he feels if you’re not doing it right. But it’s going to be in a very stern but loving way.” — LeBron (15:15)

• Appreciates that Redick provides "the answers to the test," emphasizing transparency, accountability, and a no-excuses environment.

  “JJ is right to the point. No sugarcoating it. Listen, this is how we want to play.” — LeBron (15:55)

6. Nikola Jokic’s Historic Dominance

• The duo marvel at Jokic’s ongoing offensive brilliance.

  “Did they say in like the last five or six games he's shooting like 77% from the field?... This is everything. All three levels.” — LeBron (20:22) “He’s making a joke of the best in the world... He’s mastered the puzzle.” — Nash (24:46)

• Break down his playmaking, scoring versatility, and unique role as a center who can initiate the offense—leading to extraordinary on/off-court impact statistics:

  “There has not been a more dominant, complete player that I've played against in a sense of all the attributes… there’s nothing he cannot do on the offensive end." — LeBron (21:33)

• Touch on why his lack of flash (not jumping over defenders, not making sensational dunks) may cause fans/media to underrate him.

7. Miami Heat’s Experimentation: The ‘Screenless’ Offense

• Nash breaks down the Heat’s new pace-focused, screen-minimized, ‘wheel’ style offense (29:29–34:07):
  • Historical roots in D3 basketball and adaptations for NBA pace.
  • Players cut and shift in reaction to every drive, creating constant movement and difficult defensive assignments.
  • Eliminates most screens (17 per 100 possessions vs league average of 40+).
  • Works to maximize early clock opportunities, exploiting defenses before they are set.
• LeBron describes facing these experimental offenses and how it’s hard to prepare for them on short notice.

  “It takes a while for you to kind of get adjusted to it... For one game, you got to scout for... it's hard to catch up to.” — LeBron (32:03)

• Discusses Bam Adebayo’s growing range adding a new wrinkle for their five-out spacing, and Erik Spoelstra’s adaptability.

8. Copycat League & Barriers to Experimentation

• Both acknowledge that the NBA is slow to innovate—most teams copy what works for the elite franchises, mainly due to job security and time constraints.

  "Our league is a copycat league... in order for everybody to leave and go home, it's always gotta be one person that gotta stand up first, you know, and that's what our league is." — LeBron (39:21) “For a coach to say, ‘I'm going to have my star player… build new habits’, that takes guts.” — Nash (41:47)

• Coaches like Popovich and Spoelstra experiment more readily because of their job security.

9. Listener Q&A: Slowing the Game Down (Trickyleg234)

• Advice for young players who feel rushed:

  “My initial answer is it takes time... The more you play, the more reps, the more scenarios you see, the more it slows down.” — Nash (43:15)

  • Focus on skill development (handle, vision, physicality, balance).
  • Practice awareness in recurring game situations; simplify reads.
  • Accept and learn from failures—growth comes with experience.

  “There's nothing wrong with that. But it's not about the failure. Point is how do you come back?” — LeBron (44:47)

• Humorous note on listening to Sade to chill out (46:32).

Memorable Quotes

• On humility & G League:

  “I just love the hoop… I was able to take advantage of it and just be super humbled about it.” — LeBron (02:43)

• On player development:

  “If you're putting ego or perception in the way of getting better, it's at a disservice to yourself.” — Nash (04:17)

• On coaching culture:

  “JJ is right to the point. No sugarcoating it… I'm going to show you my reaction. It’s not to down you. It's about you to understand what we're trying to build long term.” — LeBron (15:55)

• On Bronny’s growth:

  “I want him to walk through the fire as well. That’s gonna be the best teacher for him.” — LeBron (13:33)

• On Jokic:

  “He’s making a joke of the best in the world… He's mastered the puzzle.” — Nash (24:46)

• On experimentation:

  "Our league is a copycat league, man... so many people are afraid to do certain different things, and then they see somebody do it and then it works." — LeBron (39:21)

Notable Timestamps

• G League Humility & Practice: 02:07 – 05:23
• Culture Shift/Tech and Loss of One-on-One: 05:23 – 08:41
• LeBron on Fitting in with Lakers and Luka: 08:41 – 10:58
• New Lakers Additions: 10:58 – 12:07
• Bronny’s Development: 12:07 – 14:40
• JJ Redick’s Coaching Culture: 14:41 – 17:44
• Nikola Jokic Dominance Discussion: 20:22 – 26:23
• Miami Heat’s ‘Screenless’ Offense Explainer: 29:29 – 34:07
• On Experimentation and Copycat League: 39:14 – 42:28
• Listener Q&A on Slowing the Game Down: 43:01 – 46:39

Conclusion

A rich and wide-ranging episode that blends storytelling, strategic analysis, and personal reflection. LeBron and Nash provide insight into the mindset required for greatness, the challenges and rewards of modern player development, the impact of culture and coaching, and the subtle tactical revolutions underway in today’s NBA. Season 3 starts strong, promising both fans and players alike a masterclass in the enduring beauty— and evolving science— of basketball.