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Mind the Game
LeBron’s Honest Assessment of the Lakers and The Most Intriguing Trade Deadline Moves
00:56:47
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- [00:01]
Host
Coming up on this episode of Mind the Game. Final calendar. Let's start with James Harden, Darius Garland.
- [00:09]
NBA Player/Analyst
Very intriguing.
- [00:09]
Host
I'm very interested to see what happens for the Lakers. Here we go. We're six seed.
- [00:14]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. For us to be, you know, I think 11 games, 12 games over.500 right now, top six seed in the West. I think it's pretty damn good under the situation that we've been in. But we got to keep going.
- [00:26]
Host
I. I have this play that happened the other day. You start to recognize the patterns. How much of that is you recognized beforehand or just, oh, I'm jumping this.
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NBA Player/Analyst
A lot of teams kind of run the same kind of sets.
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Host
Kind of like this football action.
- [00:38]
NBA Player/Analyst
It's football action, you know, to kind of confuse you. You know, getting guys going over the top underneath. And I'm seeing now out the corner of my eye that he's going to set a pin down for grime.
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Host
I read you stopped drinking. True story.
- [01:08]
NBA Player/Analyst
It's true story to when I stopped drinking. Okay. So I wasn't playing as obviously as the season started, you know, So I needed to give up something. Yeah, I gotta sacrifice something. And actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out. So I was like, okay, I wasn't playing. I missed, obviously. I. Well documented, missed the first 14 games of the season, wasn't playing in November, missed all of training camp, everything. So I was like, all right, I gotta do. I gotta take something out. I gotta sacrifice something, you know? And for the whole month of November, I was like, I'm gonna do no desserts and no wine, no liquor, no nothing for the whole month of November. And yeah, I did that. And I actually went all the way. Once I got to December, I was.
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Host
Like, oh, keep going.
- [01:59]
NBA Player/Analyst
I kept going. And I didn't have my first drink and my first piece of dessert until New Year's, New Year's night. So I ended up going basically two months.
- [02:09]
Host
That's pretty impressive.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, yeah, yeah. The chocolate chip cookie part with the ice cream is probably the hardest for me. Well, the wine too. Cause being not playing and being a little stressed, I maybe wanted a glass here, glass there. But it was good to give my body a break. And also to know that, like, you like to challenge yourself. We all like to challenge ourselves to know. Yeah, I love the challenge.
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Host
So, like, how much of it was for the health benefits? How much of it was. Cause I gotta focus on challenges.
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NBA Player/Analyst
A little bit of both. Like, I wanna focus on, like, challenge yourself. Cause that's two things that I love. I mean, you know, it's two of my vices, but to be able to. To know that you could tap into that. And also, like, you know, I was starting to round myself back into shape and, you know, doing things that I couldn't do throughout the summer because of, you know, the back issue and things of that nature. So wanted to kind of give myself the best opportunity to get back to, you know, doing the things that I need to do on the floor.
- [03:02]
Host
Well, kudos. I actually went dry for two weeks twice so far this year, which I think is the most I've ever done probably in my life. In my life. You know what? I saw this thing on X the other day where like, someone of a younger generation than us, obviously not too much younger than you, was like, yeah, I don't get it. I don't need to spend 80 bucks and wake up feeling like shit the next day. And then all these older dudes were chiming. He's like, that's cause you guys. Like, some of the comments I thought were great. That's cause you guys don't know how to do it. You gotta get your ass up and go to the gym the next day, sweat it out. And other guys are like, but that's. You guys don't understand. Like, you just sit on your phone or play video games online. He's like, you gotta meet people. You gotta go out, have fun. You gotta be the boys. So it's really interesting to me, like, this generational divide around drinking, because drinking numbers are plummeting, which is not a bad thing. That's not a bad thing. But the whole ceremony of having a drink, I think is something that is kind of indicative of where society's going and trying to find the right balance. Because it's not bad not to drink, but that bonding. How many times have you been with your teammates and it's taken you to.
- [04:09]
NBA Player/Analyst
Another level as far as just for sure, that's social. You and your teammates go out to dinner, and you guys have a nice dinner and have a nice glass of wine with it. A couple bottles of wine with it. It's like. And you start to see kind of. Sometimes you see the season kind of change because of that one dinner. You start getting stories out of guys that maybe wasn't as talkative in locker rooms or whatever the case may be, or on planes or on buses, and everything started to come out. You kind of have that type of camaraderie, kind of inside jokes.
- [04:43]
Host
And stories you always refer to.
- [04:46]
NBA Player/Analyst
Exactly.
- [04:46]
Host
Practices are shorter games. You know, like, that's. I mean, yeah. I mean, maybe I'm biased because that's the way I grew up playing and through the. Through the league. But it is interesting. I mean, these days, the wake. It's not their fault.
- [05:00]
NBA Player/Analyst
No.
- [05:01]
Host
You know, younger generation, they grew up with their phone. They grew up in a different way. So. And I appreciate it, but it's like. It's a different.
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Producer Jason
Definitely.
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NBA Player/Analyst
It definitely takes away the social aspect of it.
- [05:11]
Host
Different world. So my guy, Tyrese Halliburn. How'd we do here? Is he like, should I be nervous about my seat over here? Take my.
- [05:22]
NBA Player/Analyst
Take your man. I had to calm him down.
- [05:26]
Host
Pump the brakes.
- [05:27]
NBA Player/Analyst
Aren't you preparing to get back to your day job, like, your real day job? No, but he. Listen, we both know him very well. He's a student of the game. I think a lot of people, a lot of our viewers that watch my. In the game and even people that maybe don't watch it, that now were fans of Tyrese, they got an opportunity just to know, like, not only why, but how special he is and what he does on the floor and how it translated because of this and his love, like, his love for the game. You could hear it in his voice. You could hear it. His message. It was, you know, he's a great kid. It's my first time spending an extended period of time with him during the Olympics. Olympic trip. And definitely one of my favorite teammates coming out of that whole experience. Just a unbelievable kid, man. And I love everything that's coming his way. He's special.
- [06:17]
Host
So here we are, going into our 22nd All Star game. Congratulations.
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NBA Player/Analyst
I appreciate it. Appreciate it.
- [06:23]
Host
My brother, 22 all star games.
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NBA Player/Analyst
I just seen a clip earlier today, the first time. My first MVP in an All Star Game. Many, many, many.
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Host
How many all star MVPs?
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NBA Player/Analyst
Two.
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Host
Two? Yeah.
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NBA Player/Analyst
I think. Yeah. Maybe three. Yeah. I don't.
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Host
Yeah. I mean, how do you know?
- [06:45]
NBA Player/Analyst
How do you know? It's not like. But I did see the clip 20 years ago of me, you know, winning my first MVP. And 20 years ago, man, it's like, you know, how old's Bronny? He's 21.
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Host
21. So you've been in 20? There's 22 All Star Games.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. More than he's been here alive.
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Host
That's crazy, right?
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, it's super, man. It's super. Obviously humbling, and it's a blessing. And it's. I mean, there's so many words that try to describe it. It's like I obviously was never a goal of mine to be right. 22 all star appearance. Like, you know, I definitely wanted to be in the All Star Game growing up. I just, you know, watched the guys play and, you know, watch MJ and Penny, you know, and all the guys, Grant Hill and so many greats, you know. You know, when I was growing up, AI, all those guys cold. All those guys, you know, play. And it looked like so much fun, you know. And that was like the biggest stage, you know, you feel like a sense of like, I belong, you know, at this stage when you finally hit that floor with those guys. So I remember my first time being an all, like just in such awe, just being in the back with, you know, all those guys. You know, like I said, Vince and AI and Kobe and KG and all those guys. And, you know, now I'm that guy, you know, and seeing new, you know, All Stars, first year All Stars coming in, you know, this year. And for me to still be here is definitely super, like I said, super humbling. And I don't know, I'll probably have more words and more explanation behind it once I'm kind of done and I can look back on it like, wow, you did that at that time, like, but it is pretty cool.
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Host
Kareem had. Kareem had 19.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, 19.
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Host
So you're like, you're almost. You're lapping Kareem. That's crazy. Yeah, that's great. Well, congrats. I mean, well deserved. And I think you're right. Like, it does. There's a, like playing in All Star Games. I feel like there's also the historical element. Like you feel a connection to your childhood, but also like the history of the game and that in that moment in time, these are the best players in the league. So to feel that as a, as a young player in the league, I'm interested, you know, how you feel at this stage, right? Like you to play 22 all star games. At some point in there, it had to become like, deep breath, another All Star Game. But like, at this end of it, it's got to be. There has to also be. It comes back around.
- [09:08]
NBA Player/Analyst
No, no, for sure. There's definitely like, I would like to have that week right, you know, for my body, for my mind to kind of recalibrate, you know. Now the. We went through the marathon stage of the season. Now we're starting to get to the sprint. It's like the last 20 plus games before post season. And then once the Post season start, it's like it's 100 meter yard dash. We right at it. So you want any way you can find an opportunity to reset, you know, so there's a part of me, obviously, half of me, maybe a little bit more half, you know, that's like I wish I could have that full week, you know, but there's also the nostalgic side too and the humbleness and like the childhood that comes out of me like, wow, like bro, you're an all star again. Like, you know, you remember those times where you were. Like I said, I was watching it when I was a teenager or as a kid and just seeing the greats and seeing the lights and want to be a part of that moment, you know. So yeah, it's, I, I get both, you know, there's, you know, truth. You know, it could be two stories of a coin, but it could be truth to both. Like I said, both can be true at the same time and I get both feelings. So I'm definitely humbled and thankful that, you know, the coaches, you know, wanted me a part of this weekend. They saw that I was able to do steel at this point in my career. And, you know, I appreciate it for sure.
- [10:32]
Host
It's a beautiful thing. I got a question for you. This is, this is a. I don't know, you police me on this one. But like we changed the schedule, right? We started camp a little earlier. We have less back to backs. We. So now we don't have as many back to backs. The season's elongated a little bit, but we also, because we had more back to backs, you had more time off in between sometimes. Do you know where I'm going with this?
- [11:00]
NBA Player/Analyst
I do.
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Host
I wonder if we are in a better place now with less back to backs or if we're almost stuck in the middle. In the old days you might have four and five nights but you'd have two days off before and after and you'd have that time to rest.
- [11:13]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. I've always felt like the back to back is depending on if you're traveling compared to home or whatever the case may be. But I've always felt like the second night of a back to back, I always felt kind of better.
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Host
Right. Yeah, I can relate to that.
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NBA Player/Analyst
I will wake up extremely tired, you know, sleepy. I need more rest, but I felt in a better rhythm.
- [11:37]
Host
Yeah.
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NBA Player/Analyst
You know, that second night of a back to back and I've always, historically, if I look at my numbers, whatever the case may be that I know that's a Lot of numbers. But I've always felt better once I got on the floor. And also like you said, having those extra days, you know, after you get an opportunity to recoup, you know, that is something we need to track because right now we're, we're pretty much this. It's every other day, you know, it's every other day playing and if you playing it back to back then you're going to get one day off. Like we just got back from.
- [12:11]
Host
A.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Couple of weeks ago, we got back from an eight game road trip and we basically played every other day. We had one back to back in that eight game road trip and then we got back home basically after the a game, two week road trip. We got home Wednesday morning at like 3:30 in the morning, Wednesday and then we were back on the floor playing Thursday night, you know. So like you said back in our day, like you would usually get that one day you would get another practice day and then you wouldn't play, you know, maybe into that Friday. So.
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Host
Well that's actually another point in this is that you can't practice anymore.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Oh no, I don't remember last time we actually practiced. Right.
- [12:49]
Host
You can't. And that's also rightfully part of the performance teams now. You know, when I left the league in 2014, you know, your performance team was four or five people. Right now it's 10 people.
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NBA Player/Analyst
That's minimal too.
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Host
10. Yeah, plus and it's. Yeah, much better resumes and degrees and the wealth of knowledge of those 10 to 12 people. So they're gonna say no. Like we're shutting everyone down to the maximum they can between games. Whereas when you had two days off, you can come back in, we might play a 10 minute scrimmage, you know, get your legs going, work on something. So there is a, there is a give and a take in this. I wonder if the middle ground is. I'd love to hear your take on this is start camp even 10 days earlier and just take back to backs out. Right. If we're going to take them to limit them, can we start? Because you know like in our sport if you make the playoff, if you win the championship, you get July, August, September, you get over three months off.
- [13:48]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
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Host
Which is big compared to a lot of sports. If you don't make the playoffs, you get five months off.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Five months off.
- [13:54]
Host
So what's another 10 day or whatever? I'm making it up 10 days. Might be two weeks, might be a week and take out back to backs completely because right now we're kind of in that middle ground. We still have back to backs, but we, you know, almost never have two days off or much less regular and.
- [14:08]
NBA Player/Analyst
We'Re still having back to backs, you know, and it's less and we still have a lot of our guys still getting injured too. So like what we're trying to figure out, what is it, you know, and I don't know how guys feel about, you know, starting 10 days earlier, you know, you know, but if it does take out back to backs, I think a lot of guys kind of chirp on back to backs and never, I think the majority. You would say throughout your career and my career that people get a little annoyed at how many back to backs can be in a season. So if there isn't any back to backs and then we're able to get maybe two days in between games, how does it affect, you know, does it affect our game? Does it affect our players in a good way or a bad way? You know, that's a good thought. I don't know. I don't have the answer to that.
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Host
Or.
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NBA Player/Analyst
You know, for me, like, you know, obviously the game is so much different now and you have to kind of adjust to the game now. But like I looked at back to backs in four and five nights, like as a mental warfare 100%. If you looked on the schedule and you know, you played Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, you only had Wednesday off. You're like, okay, if I can just push myself through this, then, you know, once the post season starts, you get to the post season, you know, you're not playing back to backs.
- [15:22]
Host
Right?
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NBA Player/Analyst
You know, I know the games are a little bit more grueling and the games are a little bit more, you know, mentally draining. But if I can, you know, play four and five nights. I remember after the lockout, after 2010 or 2011, the lockout happened, there were times where we had to play back to back to backs, right? Yeah, I remember playing three games in a row, you know, when I was in Miami. So.
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Host
It'S a hard thing to know what the right thing to do. The game is changing, right? Like we do have to. There's more miles covered xo D cells.
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NBA Player/Analyst
That's the one thing the game has definitely changed.
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Host
More closeout, like everything you gotta do that. The wear and tear on the body.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Is different, Way different.
- [16:01]
Host
I do think though, like the science, I always lead with science, so I appreciate all our sports scientists and everything. But I do think like science is a consensus kind of in a way, whereas our league Is so random with the travel. Like, I felt the same way as you. I think I felt the challenge of a back to back. I felt four and five nights. Gotta show up on the fourth night, like as a leader of your team. But I do wonder, like, I feel like, is it because the game's different or did we build more resilient athletes without trying, you know, unintentionally, because there was a more grueling element and the game wasn't as fast, but the schedule was more grueling.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I mean, it's definitely a deeper, deeper conversation, deeper thought. I do feel like the athletes. The way I grew, I mean, the way I grew up, that you really. There was really no excuses. Right. You know, like, you know, we would. I mean, listen, when I was growing up, we practiced on, we practiced on every holiday. We didn't have no holidays off. You know, we played in all the games we had wasn't. We practiced every day. We practiced every day. And our coach always said if we practice hard, if we practice hard in practice, we go at it. And obviously, you know, this is high school. You can run for, you know, miles and miles and miles. But there's also a mindset too. Like, the games are gonna be so much easier. Like, if we could come here and execute and do the things at a high level and practice, then, you know, once the games come, it'd be a lot easier. I don't know. I think it goes back to like the first conversation that we started off today is like, you know, the difference between, you know, being on your phone all the time and actually going out and having social conversations and being social, you know, practicing and not practicing. Obviously we got these. I mean, I walked in the, I walked in the training room the other day after a game, you know, and I rarely, I have to like, really, really, like, be sore or whatever, but I rarely go into the training room and get like a leg flush after a game. We, I mean, we play like a lot of games and I went in there after the game, just get like a 20 minute flush before I started my ice and treatment and ever. Whatever. There's a. There's a lot of people in there. Listen, I was a little overwhelmed.
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Host
You said that nicely.
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NBA Player/Analyst
There's a fucking ton of people in there, man. It was like, it was like five guys. It was five guys on the team. It was like 25 people in the training, right?
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Host
Like seven doctors redesign our buildings.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, it's like seven doctors. Seven or eight doctors.
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Host
Yeah.
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NBA Player/Analyst
10 medical team staff, four or five massage therapists. Like, it was like 25. I was like, oh, man. And it was loud too, right? Like, I was like, I need my headphones.
- [18:55]
Host
It's like a clinic.
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NBA Player/Analyst
It was like a clinic. Like, I was walking into, like, the emergency at like, ucla.
- [19:03]
Host
The pit.
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NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. It was crazy.
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Host
Yeah. I don't know. Like, and it's not. This isn't a. At all. Our generation's better. I love where the game's at. I love this generation of players. It's just these questions are interesting because everything has changed so quickly, like, in our game. And I think we're thinking about it, but I still wonder, like, are we thinking about it the right way all the time? And there's no way to necessarily know that.
- [19:26]
NBA Player/Analyst
But I don't know if we. No one has the answer, obviously. Everything is kind of just like trial and error.
- [19:31]
Host
Trial and error.
- [19:32]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. Let's try to figure it out. Let's try to figure it out. And the athletes you get. I don't know how much more athletic your guys are going to get, but guys are going to get faster. They're more athletic and more, you know. So how do we continue to, you know, do the right things for, you know, our product to be available? That's most important, right? That's most important.
- [19:51]
Host
What's on the floor, Right?
- [19:52]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. What's on the floor?
- [19:53]
Host
Yeah. It's tricky, man. There's so many, so many questions that we don't necessarily know the answer, but trial and error is really the most fun way to attack it. And now over to our producer Jason for a word from one of our partners.
- [20:14]
Producer Jason
Thanks to DraftKings Sportsbook for sponsoring the show, folks. We're halfway through the NBA season and this is when basketball gets absolutely electrifying. We're seeing jaw dropping moments when a superstar takes over and flips the game on its head. With DraftKings Sportsbook, you get in on the action and supercharge that excitement. Right now, new DraftKings customers who bet $5 get $200 in bonus bets if their first bet wins. Minimum minus 500 odds required. Just download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up using the code Mind. Also, if sports betting isn't available in your state, don't worry. My cousins in Oklahoma can still get after it with DraftKings pick six and compete for cash prizes. There's something for everyone and the app is super easy to use. They even have tips and tricks on how to get started. I love using DraftKings to bet on games, but the parlays really up the experience. That's kind of my favorite thing to do. So download the DraftKings sportsbook app now and use code mined to bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. If your first bet hits DraftKings, the crown is yours.
- [21:20]
Host
As a little kid, my dad would take me to my grandparents home in North London where he grew up. I used to love walking from the house through the park to watch a Tottenham match. Soccer wasn't just a game in our family. It was everything. When you're there, you can really feel that passion, and it's contagious. You'd open a window and feel the excitement of match day and hear songs echoing through the stadium. Those trips shaped everything for me. My love of sport, family, tradition. Come to think of it, that house would have been perfect for hosting visitors on Airbnb during a big tournament. With the World cup coming this summer, fans from all over the world will be traveling to North America. And you can help create that magic I experienced as a kid in Tottenham by hosting your home on Airbnb. Why not earn some extra cash while making their trip unforgettable? Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much@airbnb.com host. For the Lakers. Here we go. We're six seed.
- [22:23]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [22:24]
Host
Okay, six seed. How we feeling here? You know, the west is incredible, man.
- [22:28]
NBA Player/Analyst
West is incredible. So many great teams. Obviously, you got the defending champions with okc. You. I mean, San Antonio's playing great ball. Houston is playing good ball. Denver, you know, Denver's playing good ball. Jokic is back. You know, Phoenix is playing good ball. You know, a lot of people didn't think we're gonna, you know, play good ball. They're playing good ball. We're playing good ball at times. But the number one important thing for us is back to our. Is health.
- [22:52]
Host
Yeah.
- [22:53]
NBA Player/Analyst
You know, we finally got healthy, you know, with AR coming back, and then Luka goes down with the hamstring. So, you know, that is gonna be the most important for our team. And it's kind of been like that for the last few years with our team. Like, we haven't been set up to the point where we have a lot of room for error or, you know, when one guy, like when 80 was on the team, if 80 goes down, it was like, shit, we don't have, you know, enough to kind of pick that up, you know, and Luka goes down, you know, shit, it's Luka. You know, AR was down. We had guys trying to. But it was Tough on. It was tough on us. So, you know, obviously, you know, Luka in the MVP race right now, you know, all star leading vote getter, leading the league in points, top two, three and assists. That's. We can't. No one's gonna replace that. But I think when I'm talking about, like, what for our team to be, it's not that trying to get his numbers. It's about how can we get enough minutes and chemistry on the floor and reps. Like, you know, okay, this is what our fourth quarter lineup looks like. This is, you know, how we end the quarters. You know, a lot of games are won, you know, in the last minute and a half of quarters. You know, how can you outscore the team? How can you give more possessions? So.
- [24:09]
Host
And rotations are always changing.
- [24:10]
NBA Player/Analyst
Rotations always changing. Yeah.
- [24:12]
Host
How do you work on it?
- [24:13]
NBA Player/Analyst
You know, that's. That's for us to be, you know, I think 11 games, 12 games over.500 right now. Top six seed in the West. I think it's pretty damn good under the situation that we've been in. But we got to keep going, you know, because the west, it changes every day.
- [24:27]
Host
Yeah, well, I don't want to drag us back into the schedule and load management, all that conversation. But, like, look at the west, like, if you ask me, who's the favorite, it all depends on health, right? Like, you know, Shay's out, J Dub's been in and out, obviously. Same, you could say with Hartenstein, Caruso, others, AJ Mitchell. So their health, they're not the same team if they're not fully healthy. Right? Denver, same right now. You know, and last year you could make an argument they were a championship team or a finalist. Aaron Gordon's hamstring, he's got his hamstring again. You know, Peyton Watson's out right now if the Jokic has been out. So, you know, health for them, too.
- [25:06]
NBA Player/Analyst
That'S the most important.
- [25:07]
Host
Right? You call, go down the line, though. Houston, Stephen Adams.
- [25:11]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [25:11]
Host
Difference maker on their team. Right. He's out. You guys just been up and down with health the whole year. So it's like that is the picture. I mean, and then if you look below you, like the Suns have been injured all year. Minnesota, Minnesota, they've been the healthiest team. Yeah, but they went from like an eight man rotation to a six man rotation. You know, losing Mike Conley, obviously, just kind of not playing as much. Nikhil not being there this year, I think it was a great pickup.
- [25:38]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [25:39]
Host
Yeah, that's a great pickup. For them to give him a little more depth. They've been healthy, but everyone else, like the dubs, like warriors, like that's still a team you don't necessarily want to play in the play in right. Stephen Curry can do magical things, but they've been injured so they're trying to find it. So again, it just goes to this thing and I don't feel like it was that way in, in the aughts, right tens that like the championship really came down to health as much as everything. So it is fascinating. But with you guys getting hopefully Luka back, the three main guys on the floor more, because it's also hard to know what you have rotation wise or role player wise, if you three aren't out there taking up the responsibility for them to really know how can they start their role is difficult when you guys aren't out there and they have to do more.
- [26:22]
NBA Player/Analyst
Right, right. Exactly, exactly. So, yeah, I mean that's the most important for us and I'm looking forward to, to the final stretch of us getting whole, hopefully, obviously, knock on wood, but getting whole, seeing what we got and I get, you know, kudos to our coaching staff. Have still been able to keep us afloat even through all the injuries. Everything that's going on playing in la, which is very difficult and challenging. Coaching in LA could be very difficult and challenging because the lights and coverage and everything is just different, you know, obviously. So looking forward to this final stretch.
- [26:51]
Host
Canard is a good pickup big time. You know, like you need shooting. Yeah, you need shooting, especially just that button you can push to give you guys space. Not just the points, but just give you guys space to operate. So I think that's, that's going to help. But again, like, you know, my whole thing for you guys, just defense, how are you going to defend top teams for longer stretches and that as you know, you need reps, you need reps to support each other, to know our guys are weak and strong. And so it'd be very fascinating to see when you guys get healthy, how you play more zone.
- [27:21]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, yeah, play more zone.
- [27:22]
Host
Which I like.
- [27:23]
NBA Player/Analyst
Which I like too.
- [27:24]
Host
Yeah, you know, figure it out. I think there's a lot of creativity to be had in zones as well. When you have guys with IQs. Can be fun.
- [27:30]
NBA Player/Analyst
I'm looking forward to it. Let's see what happens. See what happens.
- [27:32]
Host
Yeah. I have this play that happened the other day. It was probably a month ago now in Philly. It was the end of the game. I think you guys were up more. It was more than a possession game. It was like a four or five point game and you stole the ball, but it was something we've seen you do. They're down 4, 4 seconds left, so they need a bucket and they need one F. And you're kind of talking it out. You're playing center field here. You're noticing the pattern. You call for one switch with ar. You see them coming together and you see. And you go back to your football days. Talk us through that. Because you've done that before. You start to recognize the patterns. How much of that is you recognized beforehand or just, oh, I'm jumping this because I know what they're doing.
- [28:20]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. I mean, there's a couple set. A lot of teams kind of run the same kind of sets.
- [28:24]
Host
Kind of like this football, football action.
- [28:26]
NBA Player/Analyst
You know, to kind of confuse you, you know, getting guys going over the top underneath and they hope, they want confusion. And right now we are in our defense. Switch. We want to switch everything before and after.
- [28:40]
Host
Okay.
- [28:41]
NBA Player/Analyst
But we want to come together.
- [28:42]
Host
So just for, just for the viewer, switch before the ball is in, the.
- [28:47]
NBA Player/Analyst
Ball is in balance after.
- [28:48]
Host
Because sometimes we don't switch until it's in.
- [28:50]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, correct.
- [28:51]
Host
Just to make sure there's a. Everyone's on the same page.
- [28:54]
NBA Player/Analyst
Everybody's on the same page. So now we're in. Switch before and after. And I switched the first one with ar. Then me and Jake come together body to body with Joel. And I'm seeing now at the corner of my eye that he's going to set a pin down for. For Grimes. And I'm just jumping it. I'm literally jumping this right here. I see it, I recognize it, and I'm able to read it and jump it and I mean, obviously seal the game. So I mean, it's. To be honest, obviously, you never know what can happen in games like this.
- [29:28]
Host
Right.
- [29:29]
NBA Player/Analyst
We only have four. You know, we've seen guys foul, three point shooters goes in. And, you know, I was just happy I was able to make a play and kind of just, you know, seal the game at the end of that game.
- [29:40]
Host
And as an offensive coach, your man should have rim run that to make. Just to make you guys think about the switch. But when you, you recognize that he turned his back to you, you're like, oh, he's just going to scream. And it gave you the opportunity. I can jump early.
- [29:55]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yep, exactly.
- [29:57]
Host
But yeah, it's always fun to see the old heads.
- [30:00]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, that's the, that's the, that's the iq and you Know the experience. Yeah, the experience.
- [30:05]
Host
Seen it a million times.
- [30:06]
NBA Player/Analyst
Seen a million times. We said the best teacher alive is experienced experience.
- [30:09]
Host
And you also know like there's certain things they can't do right now.
- [30:12]
NBA Player/Analyst
Right.
- [30:12]
Host
So you've taken that out of your, you know, and so you're like, they can only do one or two.
- [30:16]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. You like, you thinking like, you know, what is there? You know, I'm asking our coaching staff and I'll also ask the like the, the table. How many timeouts they have.
- [30:24]
Host
Yeah.
- [30:25]
NBA Player/Analyst
You know, because there's certain plays that you can run and there's certain plays that you can't run. Depending on if you have a timeout or not. Gotta get it, you know, Gotta get it in or do. How many timeouts do we have? You know, if we give up a quick two. Yeah. Do I have the ability to, you know, advance the ball? You know, we call timeout. Advance the ball. Do they have. If they don't have a timeout, they're not going to have enough time to now get back and run a set. So like I'm thinking about all those, all those type of things and also what they could possibly. Wrong.
- [30:51]
Host
Yeah. It's also like if, you know, you have an extra timeout, they do score. You could take it out quick. Take a look even if you weren't designated, like I might have someone near or far and I can still call timeout. So all those things, those details at the end of games matter. Those are things that I think are hard in our league, you know, because of injury, because of practice floor timing.
- [31:12]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [31:12]
Host
Practice.
- [31:12]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, man. A lot of stuff that you learn, like you work on a lot of in game situation stuff at practice or at shoot around. Shoot arounds, you know, at shoot arounds. And like you said, it's all these games that's happening a lot of, you know, you're not able to like rep it. You're not able to rep it. So you're doing a lot of it.
- [31:28]
Host
On the fly in the game.
- [31:29]
NBA Player/Analyst
Five on zero.
- [31:29]
Host
Yeah. Five against coaches.
- [31:30]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yep.
- [31:31]
Host
You know, the pattern I fell into as a coach was our shooter rounds were practices, you know, not, not in effort but in concentration, you know, offensive breakdowns, defensive breakdowns and a game situation because you don't really have the time. You know, you're always, you're always moving, Planning your next getaway, looking for a new favorite vacation spot. There's one destination that I keep seeing popping up everywhere. Dubai. Let's say you want to spend your time relaxing at a nice resort or an even nicer beach, bonding with your loved ones. Dubai has something for everyone, regardless of your budget. And it's safe and secure, great for the whole family. Dubai is definitely on my short list of places to go. I'd love to go up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to get in the red dunes, or to take part in some of the water sport and enjoy that great weather. With so many activities to choose from, from discovering natural attractions and local culture to exploring luxury shopping options and nightlife, if you're a foodie, you'll find a diverse culinary scene filled with authentic cuisine and Michelin star restaurants. Dubai has it all. Sure, it's a little farther than, let's say, Europe, but when you fly Emirates, does it matter? Your Dubai trip starts the moment you board the aircraft. You'll fly better no matter which cabin you choose. And as the global airline partner of the NBA, they stream live NBA games. Plus you get access to player profiles, documentaries and more so you can keep up with what's happening in the league at 40,000ft in the air. How cool is that? Go to emirates.com to book your trip now. There's nothing like going from a relaxing airport lounge to an even more relaxing hotel. Followed by dinner, a concert and doing it all over again with the newly enhanced American Express Platinum card. Upping your travel game just got a whole lot better. With Amex Platinum, you can enjoy access to over 1550 airport lounges throughout the largest global lounge network as compared to other credit card companies. As of July 2025, lounge access means having a place to take it all in before you need to take off. With an array of premium travel, dining and entertainment benefits, all backed by American Express's award winning service. There's nothing like Platinum terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com with Platinum, So we just had a pretty slow and then, and then really busy trade deadline.
- [34:14]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, it was slow at first.
- [34:15]
Host
Right. Like it's one of those things, right. It's not until like, you know, leverage always comes when time runs out. Right. And everything started to happen here. So let's go through some of them because I think, I think there was some interesting trades. Let's start with James Harden, Darius Garland. Interesting for the Clippers. You know, I'll talk about them first. Like it was interesting because it, in hindsight it appears it was opportunistic. Like they didn't. They, they were the hottest team in the league. Yeah, they were like whatever 15 and 3 or somewhere near that at least before Something, obviously, James's extension was a factor, you know, moving forward. How did they want to do? They. They. They lost a guy who's still playing in an all star level, but maybe wasn't the future, and they got a guy 10 years younger. And then I think the Zubacz thing, which we'll talk about in a bit, was opportunistic, too. Like, they weren't planning this. It was just like, okay, the James situation came up, they made the move, they got younger there, start from the future, and then zoom watching. So I think let's park the clips for a minute. But for the Cavs, you know, I think this is potentially a difference maker.
- [35:19]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah. And they're going for it. Yeah, yeah, they're going for it. They felt like they needed, you know, another playmaker, someone that's been there, kind of been in this situation before, you know, and the added James, like you said, perennial all star who's still putting up all star numbers, gives, you know, Donovan Mitchell, another, like, ball handler guy who can make shots at the late in the game, but also like those. Those pickups that they got from sack as well, you know. You know, Schroeder, a former teammate of mine, you know, that's gonna compete every single night, and Keon Ellis, guy who's gonna compete, make shots. Like, those guys are gonna be, I think, really, really good for the teams. Right. You know, especially in the east, where it's a lot of, like, a lot of bulk, a lot of, you know, you know, a lot of, like, you got to have some dogs in there. So I think they added a lot.
- [36:10]
Host
Yeah, I think that's a great point about the two bench guys. Allison. Schroeder. Schroeder, obviously, you know, he's going to the hall of Fame.
- [36:16]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [36:17]
Host
You know, for not only having an NBA career, but what he's done with Germany.
- [36:20]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, for sure.
- [36:20]
Host
You know, world championship and the Olympic medal, European championships. So those. That's a guy who's pressure tested.
- [36:28]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [36:28]
Host
So you add that to your bench, which is great. Yeah, Yeah. I. I think there was something off with the Cavs, and I think it's hard to judge them because they were always injured, too.
- [36:37]
NBA Player/Analyst
Exactly. Getting back to our conversation, no Garland and Streuss. He hadn't played all that. Played all year as well.
- [36:43]
Host
Yep.
- [36:44]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah.
- [36:44]
Host
I feel like Strus, it's interesting. I know we know him as a shooter, but, like, he was the dog on that team. The guy that's going to stick his nose in there every night. And I think they Missed that a little bit personality wise. So yeah, I think that's a difference maker for interesting one in the west also was Jaren Jackson. You know, Utah finally kind of comes out from the bushes and says, all right, we're going to press play now and try to win. So give me your thoughts there on Jaren Jackson. Obviously, heavy picks. They got a young player in there as well.
- [37:18]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, man.
- [37:19]
Host
Clayton Jr. Yeah, yeah. But really this is them saying like, yeah, we'll give up some picks, we'll try to get an all star caliber player and.
- [37:27]
NBA Player/Analyst
Which they did. Which they did. I mean, you look at, you know, with him marketing two guys that's multi dimensional and both two guys that can also block a lot of shots. They have a lot of athleticism. You know, with the rookie Bailey, obviously Keontae George is playing exceptional basketball this year. You know, now you add Jaren Jackson, who's battle tested as well, been in playoff games. Of course they're trying to build something I think for the next couple years. Obviously, you know, they haven't played, you know how they would like to play. Obviously their big fellas been out all, pretty much all year. Walker Kessler's been out all year and.
- [38:04]
Host
He'S either free or restricted.
- [38:06]
NBA Player/Analyst
Free. Restricted. You may be restricted, but you can.
- [38:09]
Host
Imagine signing that front court of Lori Jackson Jr. That's length.
- [38:14]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, that's a lot of length. So it was, that was an interesting trade. I didn't see that. I didn't see that coming. There were talks of Jaren Jackson, you know, not being a part of the Memphis Grizzlies future, but I didn't see it being Utah going there and doing that. But you know, listen, Danny Ainge got a billion him between him and Presley, they got a billion first round picks, right? And picks locked up. So they could pretty much do anything. It's like they play Monopoly at this point.
- [38:40]
Host
It's like their own economy over there. Yeah, so I actually, I'm very intrigued and excited in a sense for Utah just to get going now, like just to try to see. And I think, I think a lot of that is George. You know, his development, them recognizing. They think they have an all star caliber player in the future.
- [38:57]
NBA Player/Analyst
He's playing some good ball, man.
- [38:58]
Host
Yeah, really good ball. Very talented. All right, now let's, you know this. Maybe we move into our Clippers slash indie talk with the Zubots trade. You know, Clippers are in this. I think they're in this. What are we doing now?
- [39:14]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, that's what it seems.
- [39:15]
Host
Test the Waters.
- [39:16]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, that's what it seems like. It seems like they're kind of like, what are we? You know, where are we, you know, with the franchise. I. Listen, I don't know if it's like Zubek like, still hates the Lakers because of the trade or whatever, but when he plays against us, man, good. He kicks our ass.
- [39:30]
Host
He's a really good player.
- [39:31]
NBA Player/Analyst
I mean, he kicks our ass, man. He's really. He's just. He's gigantic. And I don't think people, a lot of people understand how big he is. Great hands around the rim, great touch. You know, obviously he worked well with James. That could have been something too, because James playmaking ability, you know, they felt like once they got off James, they felt like, you know, maybe they could go get something for Zubak because they lose in the playmaking of James. I think it's a great pickup for Indy, especially going into the future. Obviously after losing. After losing Miles Turner, obviously to Milwaukee, you know, different. Two different players. But I think with Tyrese coming back at some point with Zhu, I think it's going to work well. I mean, Zoo works well with play making point guards or play making players, and Tyrese is one of our best playmakers in our game. Obviously, you've seen what Zoo was able to do the last couple years with James. So, you know, I think it's going to be a great pickup, you know, and kudos to Indiana, obviously. You know, Rick. Rick probably had a lot to do with it. You know, bring him in there. They saw his talent still young, you know, relatively. And I think it's going to be good. I think. I mean, I think Tyrese is going to love him.
- [40:34]
Host
Yeah, I like it. You know, not the. Not the spacer than Miles Turner was, but like, he's so good around the rim.
- [40:41]
NBA Player/Analyst
Right? So good.
- [40:42]
Host
He can play in the role. Just play in the short pocket. Great hands around the rim. But also rebounds.
- [40:47]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, can rebound. Extra possessions here for sure.
- [40:49]
Host
Defense defends the rim. So, yeah, I'm excited for Indy. I mean, man, let's just take another moment of silence for Indy. I mean, they're in game seven playing well and they lose ties. And that's basically what we've seen this year is a. Is a team that lost their. Their leader. So, you know, excited for them that there's like, oh, wow. They could really put. Put together.
- [41:15]
NBA Player/Analyst
I think it's gonna be. I think. I think they're gonna love. They're gonna love Zhu. He's a great player.
- [41:19]
Host
Great player. Agreed, Agreed. Okay, well, let's talk about the Washington Wizards.
- [41:24]
NBA Player/Analyst
Very interesting. Yeah, very interesting. I'm very intrigued and I'm very interested to see what happens and how this all comes about. Obviously next year kind of tours next year.
- [41:35]
Host
I don't know, Z's out for the rest of this year.
- [41:37]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I think 80's out. We could be. That's what the talks of. And I think it's already been said maybe that Trey is not going to play this year as well. But I'm interested to see, you know, what they do and how it all comes together, you know. You know, with AD obviously we know the talent level is out of this world and you know, Trey with his ability to play pick and roll game, his ability to shoot the ball, his lob threat, you know, I love the young kid from France that they have on their team too. We just played him. Sorry, sorry. We just played him two weeks ago. Great touch, great feel for the game. Love the kid. George as well, young kid, pretty good player. And then also the rookie kid that they got from Texas, Johnson, Trey Johnson. I think, you know, it's going to be tough. You know, every year they have some pieces and I'll. And I think for the first time in a, you know, few years we can say that Washington has grabbed some pieces. And so it's gonna be interesting to see what happens. It's gonna be interesting to see what happens and how they come together with a, with a training camp, maybe with offseason if they get guys get together. We'll see what happens with that. See how motivated, you know, Trey and AD is to prove, you know, Dallas and LA and Atlanta, you know, how. Yeah, listen, we know what we're capable of, but you know, every year is different. Yeah, you know, you got to look into the, you know, you look into the future, but look like they, they, those are two all stars.
- [43:07]
Host
You think that was opportunistic too, that they picked up Trey and AD like they weren't like, hey, let's grab these two all star types to go with our young crew. Or do you think it kind of fell in their laps and like thought about and said why not? Because the other part of this is that they're both extension eligible. So there's a big caveat in this whole thing.
- [43:29]
NBA Player/Analyst
So yeah, I think I would kind of lean more into it. Kind of fell in a lap, you know.
- [43:35]
Host
Opportunistic.
- [43:36]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I think they were. Yeah, I would say so. I would say so. I think there were so many rumblings around Trey over the Last couple years in Atlanta, you know, and where he could fit or does it fit, you know, in Atlanta. And I think, you know, Jalen Johnson's a surgeon and, you know, Nikhil and the way they was playing when Trey went down, I think Atlanta saw. Okay, maybe this is an opportunity for us to, you know, look more into the future or possibly, you know, see what we can get out of Trae. And they did that, you know, bringing in CJ and, you know, Corey Kisper. And I think, you know, with the whole AD thing, you know, just from outside people talking like, you know, Dallas obviously got the first pick and the rise, the quick rise of Cooper Flag and them kind of looking to their future as well, you know, kind of made, you know, them look for, you know, something with AD as well. So I think the wizard was, I guess, the perfect team to kind of just jump on that. And it was right, I guess, Right timing, I would say.
- [44:34]
Host
It's. I mean, on paper, Washington, it's interesting because, like, if you look at, you know, Trey's weakness would be defensive impact. But you have AD and you have SAR, you know, as your form 5, 5 and 4, however you want to slice it. SAR can stretch the floor. You know, AD obviously can roll and duck in and do all those things. They got some support and they got some wing size and length in defenders, too. So there's more support for him there. And you know, how brilliant he can be offensively. So it is interesting to see if they keep that thing together.
- [45:04]
NBA Player/Analyst
I think it's interesting to see it. I'm very interested to see how it come together. For sure.
- [45:08]
Host
For sure. How, like, the Celts have had an unbelievable year just playing great basketball. You know, a lot of unknowns with JT being out this year. Seems like their style of play, identity, winning the possession game, you know, playing, being undersized a lot of time, but making up for it in different ways. They add Vuch, Nikola Vucevic to their team. Like, what's your take on that? I mean, this is a team that's like, kind of like hanging around, sneaky, dangerous.
- [45:41]
NBA Player/Analyst
Sneaky, hanging around, dangerous. They just assigned JT to the main team. So it's looking like that he's kind of ramping up, you know, to possibly play this year, and they're not giving up on the season, which a lot of people was talking like, well, no, J.T. you know, Al Horford was gone. Jrue Holiday's gone. The championship team is gone. Well, they still have championship DNA. They still have guys on the Team that won the championship and they still got a championship coach. So, like, those guys are like, they use that as, like, motivation. You add Vuch, another guy that can. This is a team that over the last few years have led the league in three point attempts per game. And now you have Vuch, another stretch five, you know, that can stretch the floor, can catch the ball in short pockets. You can't really switch a lot of small guys on it because his ability to duck in and go, you know, over his right shoulder, left shoulder, you know, kind of punish you on that end. So. And a good passer and a very good passer as well, and a guy who just knows the game. So they're. They're not. They didn't throw in the towel on the season while everybody thought they were. They were like, no, we're not throwing in the town.
- [46:47]
Host
Well, to beat TBD on jt, Obviously, I do have concerns just because I want to see him play 10 years healthy from here on out. But, you know, if he's apparently getting close to playing, this is an interesting team because Jalen Brown's been unbelievable this year, playing an incredible level. Pritchard, White, they've all been outstanding. You go down the line and I think that Vuch gives them this optionality because Kate has been great. I think he's been a surprise to a lot of people both ends of the floor. He's been really impactful. And now they can go double big, you know, because Vuj can stretch a little bit like they did with Garza. So now they have Garza, Vuch and Keita. So this is interesting. And with or without jt, obviously, we all know how great he is. We don't know where he'll be with his game rhythm and how he fits to this current iteration in short time. Obviously, great players find a way. I am curious in the east, even without jt, like, how troubling they can be with their style of play.
- [47:49]
NBA Player/Analyst
And you know, when you got it, when you got to go to Boston for a playoff game, you know how hard it is to win in that building. The crowd is like, it's not. It's not many, you know, crowds in our game that kind of speaks fear into you. They just have that mentality. So that crowd is definitely a factor. So like you said, it's gonna be interesting, you know, with JT without jt, you know, be interesting to see what happens.
- [48:15]
Host
Yeah, it's going to be fun. The Thunder, you know, I thought this was interesting. You know, the. The Thunder, they have all these picks, right? They kind of fly under the radar, and then all of a sudden, out of the blue, they go and they grab Jared McCain. Yeah, I like this pickup for them.
- [48:29]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, me too.
- [48:31]
Host
You know, you got the picks, you got a team that the one thing they did not do in the playoffs last year was shoot the three ball very well. And they've had periods during this season where they didn't shoot it well. So to have that another option, another guy that can handle the ball a little bit, can make plays a little bit, but really can shoot the ball, stretch the floor, can really shoot the ball, I think that's a good move for them. You like it?
- [48:53]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I mean, I like it in a sense that when you're a champion and you're a championship team, I like how they're not satisfied with what they have, and they have a lot, but he's still not satisfied, you know, and the fact that he would still go out and see ways to improve his team, even though he still has a championship team caliber team, that just for a player, you feel so good about that, like, you know, the front office is still going out and seeing, okay, this is what we may not be so great at. Even though we have a championship team still, and even though we're number one in wins in the league, how can we still get better? So, you know, I like to pick up young kid, like you said, stretch the floor, add another ball handler, can still get to that point five mentality with what they do. And gonna be interesting, though. But he's a really good player.
- [49:41]
Host
Yeah, I like it. It's also interesting, you know, when they're talking about future and roster building. You know, they got. They got young guys still on rookie deals, and they got guys that have gotten their deals, you know, Caruso, Dorrit's. And so I think that gives them also options going forward to how they want to build their team. So I kind of get it on both standpoints for the now and for the future. All right, let's move on to the Pistons. They traded Jaden Ivey, you know, who was a lottery pick. Yeah. And who was playing well shooting the ball well for Kevin Herder. So interesting one, because I think this could be a good trade for both teams, potentially. I like Ivey. I think he came off a long injury and is starting to shoot the ball well. And. And Herter is a clever player. He can shoot, he can play off the. Off a closeout play him pick and roll kind of gives them more spacing, gravity, and and isn't. Isn't a, you know, a terrible defender, so.
- [50:34]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, yeah, I think it worked out for both teams. Yeah, you know, I think. I think Jaden, you know, obviously before the injury last year, but, I mean, shooting the ball exceptionally well, came back this year, obviously still working his way, you know, back. Explosive player. I think it's going to be. I think it's both for both teams. You know, it's both for Jaden to be able to go and now he can feel like, you know, even maybe get a little bit more responsibility and also for Detroit to get another guy that can. Can hit the three, you know, can make plays, that point five mentality as well. So I think it works out for both squads.
- [51:04]
Host
Yeah, Detroit's had a heck of a year.
- [51:06]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, they have.
- [51:07]
Host
They have unbelievable defense. And Cade, man, he's.
- [51:10]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, Cade is tough, man.
- [51:12]
Host
Makes all those guys better.
- [51:13]
NBA Player/Analyst
Kade's tough.
- [51:14]
Host
The Knicks picked up Alvarado, homegrown Brooklyn native. That's gonna give the Garden a boost. This guy, another tough, clever player, can give you a spark. I think that's. I like that.
- [51:28]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I like it. I like it. I mean, you know, everyone knows what he's about. Winning place, he's a winning player. And he's gonna bring energy, effort. Every time he steps on the floor. He's gonna give his body on, put his body on the line. The Garden's gonna love him. The fans are gonna love him. He's from there. So it's a perfect fit, I think. Perfect.
- [51:47]
Host
This one's interesting to me. Kristaps Porzingis for Jonathan Kaminga and Buddy Heald. I think Porzingis is a perfect fit for the wars. We just haven't seen a lot of them.
- [51:57]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I think that's, you know, we mentioned earlier health. Yeah, you know, health as well. And obviously Kristoff is definitely a perfect fit for Golden State. The way they play, their style of play. Perfect fit. Obviously, you know, his health is obviously most important when it comes to that. And I. Obviously, we know the saga, the drama, whatever the case may be, with the whole Kaminga thing and golden shit. I think it was only a matter of time, you would say, before they found him a new home and, you know, super talented kid. Obviously, we. We all know that with his ability, his athletic ability, you know, losing Buddy had to. Been tough on him, you know. Had to. Losing Buddy had to be tough on him. Just, you know, his speed and, you know, the way he plays and, you know, his shooting ability fits perfectly for Golden State. That we've seen over the last year and a half. But I think it's. Kaminga wanted a new destination. Golden State gave him a new destination. Porzingis is a perfect fit for Golden State. Just always about health.
- [52:52]
Producer Jason
Yeah.
- [52:52]
NBA Player/Analyst
You know, with Kristoff. So hopefully. Hopefully we see him out there.
- [52:57]
Host
And that's the tricky. Like, it's a roll of dice. Right. For both teams. Because I think if. If he's healthy, he doesn't get traded from Atlanta.
- [53:03]
NBA Player/Analyst
Correct.
- [53:03]
Host
Right. But because he's been in and out of the lineup and the dubs need help, you know, I mean, that's a. That's an interesting front court. Imagine if Jimmy was there. Big ifs here. But if Jimmy and Porzingis are healthy with Draymond, that's a heck of a frontal. But even, Even. Even Chris Staps and Draymond is a great lift. So interesting to see if he gets to play and he comes together. I like the Kobe White deal for the Hornets. The Hornets have played some of the best basketball in the entire league recently, and I think he gives them depth and shooting and. And some playmaking. So I'd love to hear your thoughts on.
- [53:40]
NBA Player/Analyst
Yeah, I don't know if it's a Laker thing once again, like, when guys play against us, but Kobe is one of those guys as well. When he sees us, bad boy, it seems like he doesn't miss. And. But like you said, he gives them another. Another ball handler, another pick and roll player, but another stretch guy that can shoot the ball. And I think the way they're playing, like you just said, they're one of the hottest teams along with the Clippers over the last month, you know, playing exceptional basketball. I think it gives them another dynamic piece. So, yeah, it should be good for them, man. Like, I just like the way they're playing. Like, you have. They have a lot of guys that can create shots, can make shots. You know, obviously, Melo, you know, you know, I mean, obviously, Knippo, we can talk about the rookie season that he's having. I mean, you know, you know, so Brandon Miller, like, you know, Miles Bridges, like, you know, these guys are. They're figuring it out. You know, they're figuring it out. And I would say Coach Lee got those guys playing the right way. He looks like he's holding them accountable, you know, and, you know, Adam, Kobe is definitely a good piece for him.
- [54:48]
Host
It's. It's impressive to see great coaches done a great job sticking with it. The. The hardest thing, I think, for them, again, we'll Bring it up is health. They haven't been healthy. Brandon Miller, Melo, they. They haven't had. But I think now that those three perimeter players with Khan, there's a stability there. You can see it's transforming Melo a little bit. Like he's trimming the fat in his game. He's playing more efficient at both ends of the floor.
- [55:12]
NBA Player/Analyst
They're winning. They're winning. He's seeing. He. I trust you. I think he's seeing, like, okay, the winning is starting to happen. So they're okay, I can. I can do this. Like, you know when, you know you're not winning and you know, you're like, okay, well, it doesn't matter if I change my game or not. When you're young, sometimes that's how you feel. But, like, I think the fact that they're winning, he's playing the way he's playing and those other guys are playing the way they're playing, I think it's giving him just a little bit more confidence to, like, believe in his teammates for sure.
- [55:38]
Host
And Diabate is an interesting pickup. Like, turning into a really good player for sure. Makes an impact at both ends. Yeah. And as we found out recently got some dog in him, which. Which I admire. So that. Always knew.
- [55:56]
NBA Player/Analyst
Mouse did. But, you know, good part of the.
- [56:00]
Host
Equation for me being a basketball player, an athlete. So, yeah, I mean, that's a. That's a great story. Really excited to see if they can. Where their season ends. Do they get into play and do they make it into the top six? But seeing them in a playing at least or playoff series will be fun because that's a team that's on the rise.
- [56:15]
NBA Player/Analyst
It will be. Will be fun.
- [56:17]
Host
Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks for watching. Mind the game. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Remember to, like, subscribe or follow wherever you're watching.