Is this LeBron’s final season?

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily (Jan 29, 2026)

Episode Theme: Is this LeBron’s Final Season?
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita
Guest: Dan Woike (The Athletic NBA reporter)

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on two main topics:

1. Big recent games – Notably Spurs vs. Rockets and Knicks vs. Raptors, discussing standout performances and team trajectories.
2. LeBron James’ Future – With guest Dan Woike, the show takes a deep dive into LeBron’s emotional night in Cleveland, the increasing speculation around his retirement, and how both personal and franchise dynamics are shaping his NBA finale.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spurs Defeat Rockets: A Statement Win in the West

Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita
Segment: [01:26] – [06:40]

• Spurs’ Comeback: The Spurs rally from a slow start, ultimately beating the Rockets 111–99.
  • "The Spurs were able to recuperate the second half...thank God for Victor Wenyama. Ended up with 28 and 16 for the night, 13 and 9 in that fourth quarter."
    — Zena Keita [03:09]
• Rockets’ Collapse and Weaknesses:
  • Lack of three-point shooting and offensive rhythm exposed, especially once the Spurs sagged off Amen Thompson and dared him to shoot.
  • Absence of Steven Adams (season-ending ankle surgery) hurt the Rockets on the offensive glass.
  • "They weren’t owning the offensive glass, so they weren’t getting those second chance points. It was a rough night for the Rockets."
    — Dave DuFour [02:34]
• Spurs’ Team Effort & Victor Wembanyama:
  Zena and Dave laud Wembanyama’s consistent dominance after returning from a knee injury, and the connecting play of Devin Vassell and the supporting cast.
• Defensive Grit:
  Special mention to Stephon Castle’s disruptive defense on Kevin Durant.
  • “I’m shocked that Steph Castle is able to guard a guy of Kevin Durant’s size so effectively.”
    — Dave DuFour [05:32]
• Knicks-Raptors Game Teaser:
  The segment closes with news of a big Knicks win over the Raptors.

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2. Knicks Beat Raptors: Toronto’s “Math Problem”

Correspondent: S (on-site report); Discussion with Dave DuFour & Zena Keita
Segment: [06:40] – [13:23]

• Game Summary: Raptors lead early but get “smoked” by the Knicks 100–92, falling apart in the second half.
• Raptors’ Weaknesses:
  • “The Raptors have a math problem. They’re near the bottom of the league when it comes to three-point attempts, near the bottom when it comes to three-point percentage.”
    — Zena Keita [07:44]
  • Fewer shot attempts and inability to capitalize on turnovers/transition offense.
  • Poor offensive ball movement and lack of diverse shot creation exposed in the second half.
• Physicality and Rebounding:
  Toronto is usually physical and controls the boards, but without Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks out-rebounded them; a major red flag.
• Coaching & Mindset:
  Raptors coach Darko Rajaković “likes to take pressure off the guys” and claims not to look at the standings until the All-Star break. Hosts express skepticism.
  • “He also said…he hopes that the big acquisition at the trade deadline is Jakob Poeltl. I’m sure he’s hoping it’s Giannis…”
    — Dave DuFour [09:02]
• Transition Struggles:
  Despite leading the league in transition frequency, Toronto ranks low in efficiency—pointing to overall offensive execution issues.
• Playoff Prognosis:
  Young roster, needs a point guard and a true center; current performance exceeding expectations, but a clear gap remains against elite teams.

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3. LeBron’s Emotional Return to Cleveland & the Retirement Question

Guests: Dan Woike with Dave DuFour, Zena Keita
Segment: [15:25] – [33:15]

LeBron’s Vulnerability and Lingering Uncertainty

• Tribute Video’s Impact:
  Cleveland’s elaborate tribute to LeBron before the game leaves him teary-eyed on the bench—“I’ve never seen LeBron sitting there in tears during a basketball game.”
  — Dave DuFour [15:36]
• Retirement Overtones:
  The moment felt potentially final:
  • “More so than ever, this really felt like: is this the last time he’ll ever play in Cleveland?”
    — Dan Woike [17:22]
  • “He spoke for 15 minutes post-game. Six minutes and you’re convinced he’s done. Six more, and you think he’ll be back. That is crazy.”
    — Dan Woike [21:59]
• Notable Quote:
  Asked about the end of his career and what defines ‘perfect’:
  • “What defines perfect? I don’t think that’s for every individual…whatever brings you the most happiness is what probably defines perfect for you individually…It’s not defined off wins and losses…It’s defined as what makes you happy in your last season.”
    — LeBron James via Dan Woike [25:45]
• Family and Legacy:
  LeBron’s remarks on his mother and son (Bronny), emotional touchstones during the night, and the possible poignancy of his final Cleveland appearance coinciding with sharing the court with his son.
  • “That’s an exclamation point on his longevity.”
    — Dave DuFour [22:30]
  • “Bronny being one of the most well-liked people inside the Lakers locker room and being a normal, good kid that people are genuinely rooting for…is a tremendous legacy as a parent.”
    — Dan Woike [23:52]
• LeBron’s Motivation:
  • “Why are you still playing?”
    “Because I want to squeeze every ounce of juice out of this orange.”
    — LeBron James via Dan Woike [21:30]
• No Clear Signal:
  Hosts and Woike conclude that there’s no clear direction on LeBron’s plans—he is reflective, driven by many factors (winning, performance, family, legacy), and deliberately keeping options open.

Lakers’ Internal Dynamics & Trade Deadline Outlook

• Organizational Kerfuffle:
  • Recent rumors about Buss family–LeBron friction have been “moved past,” says Woike [25:32].
• Bronny’s Future:
  LeBron’s happiness, not just family or personal accolades, will define his final act. The synergy or independence of father and son’s career arcs remains unresolved.
• Lakers at Deadline:
  • “They need to get better on the glass, need more athleticism, shooting would be great, and they want to do those things with limited assets and not a willingness to take on more money—it’s gonna be hard.”
    — Dan Woike [29:29]
  • “I’m not anticipating anything big.”
    — Dan Woike [30:06]
• Rebuilding Beyond LeBron:
  • “They’re building around Luka, not around LeBron.”
    — Dan Woike [32:29]
  • Explains lack of appetite for long-term contracts, with eyes on financial flexibility post-LeBron.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Rockets’ Offensive Shortcomings:
  “They weren’t owning the offensive glass…without Steven Adams, and they started out so well.”
  — Dave DuFour [02:34]

• On Raptors’ Three-Point Struggles:
  “The Raptors have a math problem. They’re near the bottom of the league when it comes to three-point attempts, near the bottom when it comes to three-point percentage.”
  — Zena Keita [07:44]

• On LeBron’s Emotional State:
  “I’ve never seen LeBron sitting there in tears during a basketball game. This is next level subterfuge and tactics by the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
  — Dave DuFour [15:36]

• On LeBron’s Retirement Mood:
  “Six minutes of his postgame and you’re convinced he’s done. The other six, you’re convinced he’ll be back...”
  — Dan Woike [21:59]

• On What’s ‘Perfect’ for LeBron:
  “I don’t think whatever brings you the most happiness is what probably defines perfect for you individually…it’s defined as what makes you happy in your last season.”
  — LeBron James via Dan Woike [25:45]

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Key Memorable Moments

• Victor Wembanyama’s commanding performance: 28 points, 16 rebounds—even while recovering from injury—reaches new consistency [03:09].
• Tribute video leaves LeBron in tears in Cleveland, the symbolic “bookend” of his career [16:02].
• LeBron reflecting on his mother and son both witnessing his NBA journey—poignancy to his legacy [18:02; 22:30].
• Postgame press conference ambiguity, with LeBron offering no clear hint at retirement decisions [21:59].
• Lakers’ trade rumors and long-term strategy—quiet deadline expected, future structured around Luka, not LeBron [29:29–32:29].

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Episode Flow at a Glance (Timestamps)

• 01:26 — Spurs vs. Rockets breakdown; Spurs' resilience, Rockets’ offensive woes
• 06:40 — Knicks vs. Raptors: math problem and lack of offensive variety
• 13:23 — Raptors’ outlook and needs
• 15:25 — LeBron’s Cleveland return: tribute video, emotion, and uncertainty about retirement
• 25:45 — LeBron’s definition of “perfect” ending (retirement reflections)
• 29:28 — Lakers’ trade deadline thinking and building for the future

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a conversational, insightful, and slightly cheeky tone, with the hosts blending analysis, on-the-ground reporting, and humor.

Example:

• “You’re the only person to think of Encino Man in 30 years.” — Dave DuFour [24:31]

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Final Thought

The episode uses two big recent games as a launchpad for broader discussions about roster building, team identity, and, most importantly, the emotional and practical factors likely to shape LeBron James’ final chapter—whenever it comes. If you missed it, you’ll be caught up on both the box scores and the behind-the-scenes mood in NBA land.

Transcript

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[Dave DeFore]

Good morning and welcome to the NBA Daily presented by Amazon prime for January 29, 2026. I'm Dave DeFore here with Zena Keda. Coming up, the spurs pick up a big win in the West. We talked to Dan Woicke about LeBron and we were wondering, is this his last season? Good morning, everybody. Good morning, Xena. How's it going?

[Host 1]

Always wonderful after you see a great night of basketball.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, it wasn't bad. I mean, listen, it's. The schedule is kind of up and down right now. There's the bad weather stuff affecting everything. But you know, we get a big Knicks Raptors game. We're going to talk to s in a minute. Cause he was there for, for that game. But first, before we get to that Houston, San Antonio, big Western Conference matchup and I have been doubting the Rockets. I spent the first two and a half quarters of this game being ready to eat crow on the show. Okay? And you know, look, they. We found out yesterday that Steven Adams had season ending surgery on on that left ankle that he injured. And this has been one of my big concerns about them. And every single one of my concerns about the Houston Rockets came to fruition the last 18 minutes of the basketball game. The spurs win 111 to 99 and largely Xena, because the Rockets don't generate enough threes, their offense doesn't have enough rhythm. Really when you're able to sag off Amend Thompson the way that the spurs were able to and just dare him to shoot, that worked. And without Steven Adams, they weren't owning the offensive glass, so they weren't getting those second chance points. It was a rough night for, for the Rockets, and they started out so well.

[Host 1]

They really did. And the spurs were able to recuperate the second half, which is huge considering the fact that they are. They weren't at home. They're still getting back to having Devin Biel back into the lineup. And they came in, you look, you were like, it looks like the athleticism for Houston and just the ability to create shots and hit them is going to outlast the Spurs. But thank God for Victor Wenyama ended up with 28 and 16 for the night, 13 and 9. In that fourth quarter, he really came alive, but it was a full, full team effort, incredibly balanced. You saw Devin Bissell doing what he needs to do, not only from a defensive end, but also just being able to organize this team, which is always great. Being able to allow Darren Fox and Stefan Castle and everyone to be in the right places out on the floor when you have him, he's such a connector for their different lineups. You saw Victor Wenyama be good all the way throughout a game, which is so huge, especially against an opponent like this. We've seen Victor Wembanyama be phenomenal, be absurd, make crazy plays, have crazy games, have crazy stat lines. But it's been a matter of can he do it consistently, can he do it back to back? And being able to do this against a team like the Rockets that technically not at full health, especially with Steven Adams out. But they had Tar Eason back, they had Jabari Smith Jr. They had the length. And Clint Capella is not a center I would scoff at so well.

[Dave DeFore]

Again, the first two and a half quarters, the offensive rebounding was there. I mean, look. You look at the box score, 17 to 8. Offensive rebounding advantage for the Rockets. The problem was that it dried up in the second half, right? Like it's just.

[Host 1]

And the Rockets went 1 for 6 from 3, right? And that was a change, right? We were in the first quarter. Like I was going to eat crow about the whole comment we keep making about the Houston Rockets can't shoot. Reed shepherd was out there shooting. Jabari Smith Jr. Was out there shooting. Albert Shingoon found a shot. I mean, it was just threes galore. It felt like in the first half and then all of a sudden you recognize and Realize, ooh, these are the Rockets we're talking about. And you realize how much, how much pestering Stefan Castle can do because he was on Kevin Durant, I was going to say Kevon Durant. He was on Kevin Durant like white on rice. It was annoying. He was in his jersey and then that. And you saw Houston resort back to what they do when defense picks up and physicality picks up. They go one on one a lot and that's when their offense kind of shut down.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, yeah, it was a, it was a rough night for him. But again, to mention Wemby one more time since that, that little knee injury that he picked up, you know, whatever that was, three or four weeks ago, he hasn't quite looked right. And I still think defensively it's not, he's not moving the way that, that we're used to, but 28 points, 16 rebounds, I mean, it's a big night for him. You mentioned Steph Castle. I, I, I'm shocked that Steph Castle is able to guard a guy of Kevin Durant size so effectively. You know, Wemby comes over and picks up the block at the end. Kind of steals his thunder a little bit down the stretch, but I mean, yeah, amazing defense.

[Host 1]

You don't get to that shot clock violation without Stefan Castle breathing down the neck or really up the jersey. If you're looking at height differential.

[Dave DeFore]

Kevin Durant also, the spurs guards, they've been struggling lately, but I think given getting Vesel back, you know, just kind of lets everyone play a little bit more of where they ought to be. Kelton Johnson also, by the way, been really good, really good.

[Host 1]

He should put on a post move clinic and I think he's underrated in that department. Like people.

[Dave DeFore]

I don't know if it's just cuz he's on the spurs or if it's like the number three, but man, he's starting to feel like Boris D to me sometimes. He's a little thick. Okay, and maybe that's part of it, but you know, there's something that, that is hearkening back to those DI years. Look, we got a big game in the EAs conference between the Raptors and the Knicks. So let's go to S and joining us where the Raptors got smoked by the Knicks. Although look, they tricked us in the first half. S as here after the Raptors lose to the Knicks. 1001992 Zeno. Look, we were, we were watching this, we're thinking, oh, the daily curse. We got two guests, there's no way. We're cursing both teams. And then, man, the bottom fell out for the Raptors.

[Host 1]

Voila. Don't ever doubt us, Dave. Don't ever doubt us.

[Host 2]

We're powerful.

[Dave DeFore]

What happened? Look, it was.

[Zena Keda]

It was a tale of two halves, and I think a lot of it came down to three point shooting. The Knicks were on fire in the second half, and I think a lot of that has to do with the volume that they get up.

[Dave DeFore]

Right.

[Zena Keda]

Like the Raptors deal with. I'll say it like this. The Raptors have a math problem. They have an absolute math problem there. Near the bottom of the league when it comes to three point attempts. Near the bottom of the league when it comes to 3 point percentage. And so when you're facing a team like the Knicks, that one likes to shoot a lot of threes and also makes a lot of threes, you end up being at a disadvantage already offensively. And, you know, turnovers didn't allow for the Raptors to get into their transition game as often as they'd like. But truthfully, this Raptors team definitely has a math problem, especially when it comes to playing teams that have very elite.

[Host 1]

Offenses like the Knicks.it felt like the Raptors came into this game with. With an agenda. Like the way they were playing defense in that first half, the way they came out the row and bows. It felt like they were playing to prove something. Did Darko or anyone talk about that pregame? Did you get that sense?

[Dave DeFore]

No, they.

[Zena Keda]

He likes to take pressure off of the guys so much. And basically every time I've asked him or another member of the media has asked him whether he cares about these matchups against the top Eastern Conference teams, and he's like, I don't even know where the Raptors are in the standings. He said he's not checking the standings until the All Star break, and I.

[Dave DeFore]

Don'T necessarily believe that. He also said that he hopes that the big acquisition that they get at the trade deadline is Yaka Pearl.

[Host 2]

Yeah, right.

[Dave DeFore]

I'm sorry, but I'm sure he's hoping it's Giannis. Come on, he is not. Listen, nice guy, Barrett. I appreciate how nice he's being.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah, yeah, of course. Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

I mean, listen, they are physical, though, to Zena's point. I mean, I. Not just this game, but especially I felt like in the first half of this game they were just overtly physical, like hit you in the face and look, to the Knicks credit, I thought they were going to fold. You know, when Toronto got out to that nice lead in the second quarter, we've seen the Knicks not be able to come back from that, especially here lately. The Knicks came out after halftime and it was just like a completely different world for the Raptors. So you say they have a math problem. They Also, they took 11 fewer shots. You can't, you can't lose at the three point line and not win in the turnover battle and on the offensive glass. So I think there's a, there's more than just the threes there and they, they typically are a little bit better on the glass. New York got to them though, and I think it's because of a, there was a lack of concentration in the second half. Mitchell Robinson didn't play in this game for the Knicks. There's no excuse. You're not allowed to lose the rebounding battle.

[Zena Keda]

No, yeah, you're right. And I think a lot of the, you know, the physical defense that you guys mentioned, they love to live in rotation. And so when you're in rotation, when you're switching a lot, you're not able to box out as often as you want to. Right. Those rebounds fly all over the place. And I think the Knicks were on it a little bit more than the Raptors are to the point about how physical they can be. If this Raptors team can't impose themselves physically on another team, it's a big disadvantage for them offensively. They just, much like the Rockets, right, that crash the offensive glass, that love to work in the mid range area. If the Raptors can't get off their game in the mid range area with Brandon Ingram and Scotty Barnes and then also win the physicality advantage, they just can't win games. It just, it's one of those things where the matchup is so, so much of a hurdle for them to come across that they can't do it.

[Host 1]

There's also the factor that they weren't able to get off of something that they've been struggling with, I think all season long, which is getting the ball to move to easy open shots. Like in the second half, you saw that exposed where the New York Knicks were able to find shots and also hit them, which we know that that's what they're capable of doing when their offense is rolling. But this is a problem, I think that Toronto has had pretty much all season is just not being able to create shots for each other, not only in transition. I mean, you think about the first half, the New York Knicks turned the ball over 10 times and the Raptors were only able to get two points off of that. Meanwhile, they turn the ball over eight times and the Knicks are able to get 15 points off of that. This is also part of the math problem, is that you can't have an offense that depends so much on Emmanuel Quickley getting to his spots, Bi getting to his spots, Barrett getting to his spots, and then once in a while, Scotty Barnes being able to roll and be wide open or being able to clean up the glass. Like their offense, offensive ball movement just really got exposed tonight or last night.

[Zena Keda]

I completely agree. No, I, I completely agree. They, they run in transition a lot. They're number one in transition frequency, but they're not that high up in transition efficiency. Like, they can't score that frequently in transition. And I think part of that is, yeah, it's shot making, it's three point shooting and not being able to, like, capitalize on those moments. The Raptors are now 19 against the top four teams in either conference. They've struggled to beat any of these good teams. And I think, you know, part of the conversation we've had as a group about whether this team is legit or not, I think it comes back to hurt them in these moments where they clearly are a little bit young, a little bit unproven, and these guys need to have some playoff experience to see what, what they're capable of moving forward.

[Dave DeFore]

They got to figure out the offense. They need some players. They need a point guard. I really think that they could use a center. I know Scotty Barnes has basically been their center the last, like 20, 25 games or so, but they, they could use a real center. If Yaka Purdle's not going to come back, I mean, they've got some moves, but for a young team, I mean, this is kind of, this is better than expected, in my opinion. Coming.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah, I agree.

[Dave DeFore]

So I'm not shocked that they're getting beat by good teams. Anyway, guys, stick around after the break. We got Dan Wike to talk about the Lakers getting blown out in Cleveland. LeBron I I. A little bit of emotional warfare there from the Cavs with that tribute video.

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[Host 2]

But for now, just relax.

[Dave DeFore]

The NBA Daily curse rambles on. We book Dan Woicke and the Lakers get blown out by 30. Now, Dan, look. Wasn't my fault, Dave.

[Host 2]

It wasn't your fault.

[Dave DeFore]

It's our fault.

[Host 2]

Okay?

[Dave DeFore]

And it's the Cleveland Cavaliers fault because I have a theory here about these tribute videos, and I think that they just wrecked LeBron James mindset by making him so emotional thinking about his career that there was no way he was going to have a good game. I mean, we had. I've never seen LeBron sitting there in tears during a basketball game. This is next level sort of subterfuge and, and tactics by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Host 2]

I like this theory. It would be a great, a great ploy when you do trip reviews to like, just have like, subliminal, like, really, really sad images. Like, just like show pictures of them.

[Dave DeFore]

With their children, you know, maybe a childhood pet.

[Host 2]

That's like cross the rainbow bridge or something like that.

[Dave DeFore]

Now we're going from, from bittersweet to morbid. Yeah. Okay. We don't need to get a wet cemetery on this. I won't touch that one. But this, this did it really. It stood out when you were watching the game at home, I'm sure they're in the arena. And then after the game, you know, LeBron's comments, which I'll let you get into, it seems like LeBron, look, obviously this is year 23. He's toward the end, but it does seem like this could be it. Like, is this going to be the last year of LeBron James career?

[Host 2]

I don't know. I don't think he knows. I don't think the fans know, which is why this was so emotional. Right? Because it like, more so than ever, like this really felt like, is this the last time he'll ever play in Cleveland? Like, and, you know, I think there was like an element of that energy in the build up to the game.

[Dave DeFore]

Right.

[Host 2]

And whether that was like, we put that into, like the ether around LeBron or whether it was, you know, something he was thinking about. He didn't talk after the game in Chicago, I would assume in part because you want to talk about this. You know what I mean? Didn't want to talk about returning to Cleveland and, like, the emotions that that went with that. I think he's been pretty honest about, like you said, Dave. I mean, like, he's 41 years old, right? Like, it's almost over one way or the other, right?

[Dave DeFore]

That's how I feel every day.

[Host 2]

Yeah, I. I thought. I thought what was fascinating tonight was his. I mean, his post game was the most interesting thing tonight.

[Dave DeFore]

My mom get to watch her son and her grandson play in the NBA.

[Host 2]

At the same time. Actually just started to think about how insane that is during the game. Like, there were like three moments really in total that I thought were sort of like the headline moments, right? The tribute video one which happens, weirdly enough, right after Luka Dodge falls off the elevated court that exists in Cleveland for some reason. So as Luca is limping to the locker room, the Lakers are forced to take a timeout to stop action, whatever. Then it's the first time out of the game the video plays and, you know, the crowd is. Is into it. LeBron is. Is very focused on it. And then, you know, he has to, like, cover his face with his jersey on the bench like that to me. And then eventually, as he gets up off the bench, has a tissue and like, legitimately wipes tears out of his eyes, that. I haven't really seen that level of emotion from him as a Laker, you know, I think that was as, like, in the moment, reflective as he's been, you know, and it was. They showed highlights from, you know, the fourth quarter he had against the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, where he was. I think he scored like 26 straight points or whatever. The number, like some absurd, like, absurd number, like, it's a real tent pole game for him. One of his best games in Cleveland. And then, then he walks up the court and wasn't done, by the way. Had to go back and do the jersey to the eye again. Both eyes allergies were bad. And then the, the third moment, which happened at the start of the game was he did his chalk toss, did the jersey. That's too small. He stretched it out. Normally he kind of hovers around mid court. He walked to the corner and, like, looked up into the corner. And after the game, I asked him, like, what were you looking for? Were you looking for the banner? Like, what was it? And it was his mother. He was looking for his mother, who was in a suite with family and friends and had that moment, too. And, like, really, like, each of these were very, like, deliberate. And he talked about after the game, like, I am present in the moment right now. These are like. Like, when they tell you you're getting married to, like, take, like, digital snapshots, like, in your brain, like, that type of thing, because it all goes by so fast. These were his snapshots. You could see it, right? And then after the game, like, basically when we asked him about it, he was like, I don't know if I'm ever gonna be back. That doesn't mean I'm not gonna ever be back, but I don't know. And, like, in total, he spoke for 15 minutes. If I had to, like, split it up, he probably answered 12 minutes of questions about, like, his retirement, his basketball, mortality, whatever. I would say six minutes of that. If you heard a very, like, prescribed six minutes, you'd be convinced he was done. And if you heard six other minutes, you'd be convinced he'd be back playing somewhere next year. And that is crazy. I know. He's calculating, and he's really good at this media stuff that can't be intentional. I think, like, it is both. Like, he got asked a question by a local reporter here about the lack of black NFL head coaches in this hiring cycle, and he started talking about Mike Tomlinson. And, like, in the middle of that answer, he talked about the joy he saw in Mike Tomlin's face when he watched his daughter doing gymnastics at Georgia. Right? Like, LeBron James has a daughter who plays volleyball.

[Host 1]

Volleyball, right, right.

[Host 2]

Like, but then I asked him, why are you still playing? And he's like, because I want to squeeze every ounce of juice, like, out of this orange. Like, what are those? Like, what do those two things tell you about retirement? The opposite. They tell you totally opposite things. And there was a lot of that post game, which was. I mean, I said it. I was like, if you want to make the argument for why LeBron's the greatest, he just talked 15 minutes about his retirement. I have no idea what he's gonna do. I have no idea, honestly.

[Dave DeFore]

I mean, listen, it was goat level stuff. Touching. It was touching to watch, you know, again, I mean, we've all. You know, I've watched his entire career. And the Cleveland thing, if it was. If this is a bookend on Cleveland, it ending with him getting to watch his son play in the game is also a little bit, like, when we think about LeBron and the whole legacy thing, like, that is also interesting because it really does. That's an exclamation point on his longevity.

[Host 2]

Yeah. I mean, I think on one way, right? Like, I mean, he played like trash. Like, this is the worst game he's had since he turned 41. One of the worst games he's had this season. By far the worst game he has had as an opponent against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Right. And if that was the way the story was going to end, it was kind of like, you know, the sad trombone, you know, you guess too much money in the price is right. So. Right. Like, that's like, kind of what it was. The brownie part of it, though, is like a nice reminder, right? Like. Like, this stuff is all bigger than us, right? Like, we are what we do, but, like, we're also like, what we leave in this world and what we put, like, forwards and stuff like that. And that's not to say it's always about, like, children or whatever and like the kids you have, but, like, you know, that's a huge part of it. And I think, like, for LeBron, right? Like. Like, I don't know how to say this. Like, I know people around the NBA and NBA fans, like, feel a certain way about Bronny James, like, Bronnie being like, one of the most well liked people inside the Lakers locker room and being like a normal, like, good kid that, like, people are, like, genuinely rooting for is a very real thing and is a tremendous legacy as a parent. You know, like, good on Savannah, good on Gloria, like, good on the people that, you know, good on LeBron when he was around in the summers and stuff like that, right?

[Dave DeFore]

Like.

[Host 2]

Like the people around Bronnie James, like, put him in a situation where he can handle a building full of people who want to see him as some sort of, like, sideshow or whatever it is. And like, he went out there today and performed, and that is like a fun. I like that as a bookend. Like, that is sort of like, as we talk about life and accomplishment, stuff like that. There are worse ways for chapters to end.

[Host 1]

And that's the thing that I keep thinking about is you just talked about, you know, wanting to squeeze the juice out of everything. It made me immediately think of Tom Brady. It makes me think of.

[Host 2]

Makes me think of Encino, ma'. Am. Sorry. That's an insane reference.

[Dave DeFore]

You're the only person to think of encino man in 30 years.

[Host 1]

Probably.

[Host 2]

Squeeze that. Cheers. Sorry.

[Host 1]

It's all good. It's all good. That is completely over my head, by the way. I'm not. I do not.

[Host 2]

I'll send a link.

[Dave DeFore]

That's a big Pauly Shore fee.

[Host 1]

No, it's not for me, but what is for me is, you know, Dan's pieces. And Dan, you just did a piece of. About this, like, I don't know what you would call it, kerbuffle in the Lakers organization. And I. You think about a beautiful end to this story, and, you know, LeBron riding out into the sunset. This feels like a record scratch in this story that's come out that you reported on this conversation around Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, and how LeBron was regarded with some of the decisions, et cetera. One, I'm curious, do we feel like the organization's moving past that from what you've gathered and what you've seen?

[Host 2]

No question. No question.

[Host 1]

Okay. Okay. And then two, does this have any. Is there any question about Bronny's next phase with the Lakers because of this conversation?

[Host 2]

Well, yeah. I mean, so I think I'd like to view these things as, like, separate events, obviously. Like, they share a name, they share DNA. So, like, they're. They're, like. Like, literally and figuratively connected. I want to read you this quote. Somebody asked him why today. Somebody asked him why it's so hard for guys to stick the landing when it comes to their retirement. He said, what do you mean, stick the landing as far as what? And the person said, end your career on a perfect note. That's what he said. I don't know. But what's perfect? What defines perfect? I don't think that's for every individual. I don't think. You know, I don't think whatever brings you the most happiness is what probably defines perfect for you individually. It's not defined off wins and losses or championship here and All Star here or whatever the case may be. I think it's defined as what makes you happy in your last season. That's what he said about that. Here's what's crazy. I don't really know what makes him happy at this stage. I think it's still winning.

[Dave DeFore]

Sure.

[Host 2]

I think part of it is performing. I think part of it is. Is like looking in the mirror and seeing the gray hairs in your Beard and, like, feeling your back ache and, you know, just like the general brain fog that comes with doing this, you know, 1600 some odd times or whatever the number is. Playing more season than anybody else, like, and being like, how much further can I push this? Right? Like, that's part of it, too. There isn't, though, like, this really clear, well defined, like. Like, this is what I want. This is how I'm gonna get it, and then I'll be done, which is like. I also think it's sort of perfect because, like, what, like, we're witnessing, right. Oh, God, I hate that I said that. We're seeing. We are seeing here in. Here in Cleveland. And really, every night he plays, we're watching a player do stuff that's never been accomplished in the NBA.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, he's someone.

[Host 2]

Yeah. As someone who tries to write about that, though, that's a tough story to tell because it's like. Think about it as like our frontiersman, right? Like the first person who stepped foot, like, out of the colonies. That was a super important step. Guess what was even more important? The next took, like, the next two you took, you know, And I don't know where it ends. I don't know. I think, like, I mean, I talked to a Lakers player today who said that he thought he's moving well enough to play two to three more years, for sure.

[Dave DeFore]

Listen, and he's smart enough, and with the way the league works, he's going to sell tickets. Even if he just signs for a team and says, hey, I'm going to play only home games and I'll play in the playoffs. I mean, he could do this for forever. Honestly, there's no rules in college basketball anymore. And I'm assuming he's got four years of eligibility.

[Host 2]

I like, what if he just went.

[Dave DeFore]

Just go cruise and win a National.

[Host 2]

Just goes to Ohio State.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. Why not Go to Ohio State, go to Duke, who cares? I mean, that would be it. They just allow anything.

[Host 1]

The millions he's made, it doesn't matter.

[Dave DeFore]

They don't care. It's all about the millions.

[Host 2]

They're going to have to have. Have this script at Spring Hill already, like, for like some zany LeBron back.

[Dave DeFore]

To school played by Michael B. Jordan, though we. Look, the reason why I know he didn't plan this stuff is because I've seen him act in movies. He's not that good of an actor. This was real. He was good.

[Host 2]

He's played himself. He's played himself twice.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, sure. But he's three times. I Don't think he's all right. Look, before we let you get out of here, because I, I don't know if we're going to talk to you until the trade deadline. Okay. Trade deadline's a week away. I'm hoping you're going to make the live stre that we're going to do on the YouTube channel next week.

[Host 2]

I think I can, I think I can pull that off.

[Dave DeFore]

Believe that. You're going to be booked.

[Host 2]

Soft commitment.

[Dave DeFore]

What are the Lakers doing? Just tell us right now. We don't want to wait.

[Host 1]

Dave. Dave.

[Host 2]

That is the question I asked myself. That's the question I asked myself, like throughout the second half tonight. Like, what are the Lakers doing? Yeah, I think they have four type of need areas, I would say that are like pretty obvious. They need to get better on the glass, they need more athleticism. Shooting would be great. And they want to do those things with limited assets and will, not a willingness to take on more money. So it's gonna be hard. It's like an uphill climb, right?

[Host 1]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

Basically impossible.

[Host 2]

Yeah, I mean, I'm not anticipating anything big. I don't know if I told you guys this the last time though, we talked about trades. I will tell you today, I've outed myself on other platforms about this. Last year, before the Luca Dodges trade, the night of the Luca Donches trade, LeBron James and I had a conversation in the locker room at Madison Square Garden. We were talking about the upcoming trade deadline and we had been talking about trades for, you know, about a week or so, maybe even longer, about like what the team needs, what can they actually accomplish, stuff like that. And I was of the belief that there really wasn't much out there for them, particularly at center. They've been looking for a center And I told LeBron that night, I really don't think you guys are doing anything. Maybe day Ron Sharp, maybe maybe we could get day round Sharp done. Otherwise I don't really see a deal. I was like, yeah, it's kind of my vibe too. And like within like 15 minutes after that, they traded for Luka Dotich. So maybe there's like some crazy like Giannis move up their sleeves or something like that. I don't believe it. I don't think they have the assets to get it done. Yeah, they haven't shown a real willingness to take on the kind of long term money that could put them into some other conversations for like players that would like seemingly check some of these need boxes. Right. Like, I mean I'm just making this up. Like, if you were like, I need a more athletic wing who can shoot threes and like incredibly like play point of attack defense, like you would maybe call Portland about Jeremy Grant. That's the type. You know what I mean? Like in a vacuum you would maybe do that. That's not the kind of contract that they want on the books. That's just not where they're at. Right. Their books are pretty clean next year in particular because of LeBron's contract coming off of them.

[Dave DeFore]

Right.

[Host 2]

You know, they have Austin Reeves on a really low cap hold. I believe they want to resign him. But they can like have some maneuverability in that sense. So I think taking on long term contracts, big money contracts, doesn't seem like it's really what they want to do. However, if there was a way to get a player that like checks like some of these boxes now and fits like their future timeline with their, like. I mean, Herb Jones is a name that's been mentioned.

[Dave DeFore]

Sure.

[Host 2]

I think he's not Murphy or something like that, but those guys aren't available. But like, they would, they would be like, they'd be willing to take on longer term deals for players that they would feel like. You asked earlier, is he like, have they moved on? Right? Like, and yeah. Or what do you guys ask it like? And it's like, yeah, this is how they. Yeah, this is how they moved on. Right. Like they are building around Luka. They're not building around LeBron, they're building around Luca. And so if you're a player that fits those boxes, I think they'll be in that. They'll be in those conversations. I'm anticipating a much quieter deadline than last year, but apparently I was anticipating Dayron Sharp last year, so who knows?

[Dave DeFore]

Hey, it's going to be day Ron Sharp this year. Maybe it's. Maybe that's.

[Host 2]

He would help.

[Dave DeFore]

That they make. He would help.

[Host 2]

I think, I think. I mean, look, that's a good name for them. I think there's real interest there. There might even be mutual interest. I don't know how much interest there is from the Dallas Mavericks to do a Laker trade to help the Lakers get better.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, I mean, I think they've got some bad.

[Host 2]

I would say I'd be a little leery of that.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, because you're not going to get a lot back in return. All right, guys, I'm going to read. Go and read Dan over at the Athletic. Thank you, Dan Woiggy, for hanging out with us. Thanks to Xena KEDA I'm Dave DeFore and this has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us. Cheers.

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