The Athletic NBA Daily – Slam N’ Jam: “Lakers in Trouble? + Bulls Need to Pick a Direction”

Episode Date: January 24, 2026
Hosts: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Spears
Guest: Darnell Mayberry (Bulls segment)

Episode Overview

This episode of Saturday Slam N’ Jam delivers a high-energy recap of the week’s biggest NBA stories, deep dives into advanced stats, laughter, and a spirited “Wheel of Fandom” with a focus on the Chicago Bulls. Key discussions include the Lakers’ ongoing struggles, the Bulls’ difficult crossroads at the trade deadline, and some wild statistical anomalies from around the league. Plus, an extended trivia section on the Bulls provides insight and humor.

Top Stories and League Rundown

(03:05 – 09:01)

• Jimmy Butler’s ACL Injury: A major injury to Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors (03:05). This ends his and likely the Warriors’ season unless trade magic strikes.

  • “In a game against the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler came down awkwardly on his right leg and tore his ACL, which will end his season and effectively end the Warriors season unless they are able to conjure up some magic at the trade deadline.” – Alex Spears (03:13)

• Jonathan Kuminga Trade Drama: Demanded out, but injured, and little market activity. Warriors joke-leak interest in Giannis and LeBron for maximum drama.

  • “In terms of demands, when you make a demand, there needs to be demand on the market.” — Alex Spears, quoting Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy (03:25)

• All-Star Starter Announcements:

  • In the West: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama get the nod.
  • LeBron not a starter for first time since 2004.
  • In the East: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brown (04:24).
  • Notable: Anthony Edwards and Wemby battle for final spot by fan vote. Edwards has a monster week but Wemby’s Spurs pull off thrilling wins.

• Statistical Oddities and Young Stars:

  • Emmanuel Quickley posts 40/10 on 85%+ shooting; SGA promptly does something similar.
  • Knicks drama after big loss and “players only” meetings.

Good, Bad, What? (Deep Dive Discussion)

(09:26 – 32:58)

Good

• Andrew (09:39):
  Isolation, Transition, Spot Up – Midseason Stat Leaders

  • Isolation: James Harden (42.5% of possessions). Most efficient: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (1.22 ppp), Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves.
  • Transition: Most frequently Giannis and Tyrese Maxey; most efficient: Franz Wagner, Norman Powell, and, surprisingly, Kawhi Leonard.
  • Spot-Up Shooting: Most attempts by Dylan Brooks; most efficient: Jalen Tyson, Moses Moody, Trey Murphy, and Russell Westbrook – a surprise.
  • “Russell Westbrook, the ninth most efficient spot-up shooter in the NBA this season for a putrid Sacramento Kings team. Shout out to Russell Westbrook.” – Andrew (13:35)

• Alex (14:22):
  Alperen Sengun’s Fearless Play vs. Wembanyama

  • Sengun attacks Wemby with confidence and humor; not afraid to look silly if it means challenging the rookie.
  • “He just does not seem to care that Wemby is 7’5. I love the way he started the game… he isn’t worried about failing. He’s gonna try stuff.” (14:31)
  • Sengun’s head-to-head stats vs. Wemby: 21/10/5 per game across 8 matchups.

Bad

• Andrew (17:06):
  Orlando Magic faltering without Jalen Suggs

  • All numbers point to the Magic drastically underperforming without Suggs, whose “outsized importance” is backed by advanced on/off statistics. “With Suggs, the Magic are +16.5; without, they collapse.”
  • “They just need this guy to stay on the court and be healthy because all the options that they're finding are not working.” (18:44)

• Alex (19:32):
  Lakers’ mediocrity and historic anomaly

  • 11-13 since Dec 1st, negative net rating, yet still above .600 due to earlier start — only the 1953–54 Knicks are a similar historical comp.
  • Lakers defense currently 28th since Dec. Weak rim protection: opponents shoot 72% at rim (only Utah worse).
  • “The Lakers stink and they're probably not going to be on this list with that great '54 Knicks team… The Lakers, they are my bad for being a historical curiosity for the time being.” (21:44)

What?

• Andrew (22:17):
  Charles Bediako’s NCAA-Jump-Back Saga

  • First college player trying to return after staying in the NBA draft and signing two-way deals, now tangled in NCAA eligibility drama.
  • “He made the mistake. He shouldn't have gone. If he would've just stayed at Alabama, he'd probably get a nice NIL deal…” (25:49)
  • Implications for future NCAA/NBA rules and the “permeability” between the leagues.

• Alex (28:16):
  Portland Trail Blazers’ January Surge

  • Unexpected: best record in January (9-2), driven by player returns (Jeremy Grant, Drew Holiday), Shaden Sharpe’s hot streak, and Caleb Love’s emergence.
  • “They're finally getting guys back. Sharpe is having one of the best shooting stretches of his career… Love has given this Blazers team a much-needed scoring boost off the bench.” (30:13)
  • Monday-morning optimism: Portland now feels like a lock for the play-in with actual playoff hopes.

Wheel of Fandom: Chicago Bulls Deep Dive (36:26 – 53:55)

Weekly Bulls Recap

(36:26 – 37:02)

• Bulls lose early in the week, then win three straight (incl. blowout of the Clippers and a clutch win over Timberwolves).
• Since December 12: Bulls are 13-8, 8th-best winning percentage in that span.
• “They’ve been pretty good. Since Dec 12, they’re 13-8... 16th offense, 20th defense.” – Alex Spears (36:32)

Interview: Joel Lorenzi, The Athletic – Bulls Beat Writer

(36:37 onwards)

Thriving Without Giddey

• Reason: Billy Donovan’s ability to squeeze wins out of flawed rosters, valuing players like Tre Jones.
  • “Billy Donovan just cares to win these December and January games, no matter what's at his disposal… Their system works to where you're probably gonna steal some wins.” – Joel (37:02)
  • Tre Jones and Jalen Smith highlighted as revival stories.

Modest Bouzelis’ Development

• Bouzelis receives more usage with injuries to other stars, and has shown improved transition scoring and finishing at the rim.
  • “There were clearly more reps of getting him downhill, getting him in comfortable spots… He was scoring at the rim at will.” – Joel (39:24)
• Billy Donovan’s “short leash” with young talent; player seems understanding.

Ayo Dosunmu’s Growth & Future

• Shot has improved; respected defender; upcoming free agency.
  • “Shooting a career best, I think 46 from three… He's developed into a real respectable shooter… I think it makes more sense to keep him.” – Joel (42:02)
  • Predicted market value: $18–20M/year.

Bulls Trade Deadline Outlook

• Kobe White will be discussed, but market for a “good first” is not robust.
• Unlikely to see a full rebuild; organization avoids the word and prefers to stay competitive.
  • “There's just a certain competitive fiber in the building that will not allow them to reach for a tank or rebuild.” (44:46)
• “Zion is probably the most realistic [trade target], just because he seems like the most tantalizing player of that bunch.”
• Front office feels urgency to “clear up” their league reputation for indecision but may only make minor retool moves.

Free Agency and Long-Term Vision

• Cap space could open, but little faith in free agency to dramatically change the team’s trajectory.
  • “I'm not sure there's anybody realistic in free agency that can change the narrative about them.” (52:43)
• Intriguing suggestion: Peyton Watson as a possible target, but restricted status complicates.

Trivia: Andrew vs. The Beat – Bulls Edition

(53:55 – 71:46)

• A rapid-fire, light-hearted Bulls trivia game with categories like:
  • Teams without a 20ppg scorer (55:02)
  • Bulls’ best two-man lineups
  • Bulls triple-double history since MJ
  • Guessing obscure stat leaders (e.g., Kevin Huerter dunk totals)
• Notable moment: Andrew sweeps the “no 20ppg” question (Kings, Wizards, Grizzlies) (56:55).
• Entertaining banter about Bulls history and development – recommended if you enjoy NBA-as-trivia-night storytelling.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Russell Westbrook… one of the most efficient spot up shooters in the league for a putrid Sacramento Kings team.” – Andrew (13:35)
• “There's just a certain competitive fiber in the building that will not allow them to reach for a tank or rebuild.” – Joel Lorenzi (44:46)
• “Billy Donovan is that manager, bro. He is trying to make Tre Jones and Kevin Herder like the guys who are gonna win them games.” – Joel Lorenzi (48:46)
• “The Bulls, they are my bad for being a historical curiosity for the time being.” – Alex Spears (21:44)
• “If you want to develop, Billy Donovan right now is benching the guy you want to develop at the end of games... I can just say they're not going to rebuild, at least not right now.” – Joel (50:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:05] – Weekly NBA News/Wild Stats Recap
• [09:26] – Good, Bad, What? Segment
• [17:06] – Magic without Suggs
• [19:32] – Lakers’ Anomaly Stats
• [22:17] – NCAA Roster Oddity (Charles Bediako Saga)
• [28:16] – Blazers’ January Surge
• [36:26] – Bulls Week Recap
• [36:37] – Bulls Interview with Joel Lorenzi
• [53:55] – Bulls Trivia (Andrew vs. The Beat)
• [71:46] – Next Week’s Wheel of Fandom Pick: LA Clippers

Tone & Style

• Insightful, fast-paced, and playful; lively banter between hosts, with deep but accessible basketball analysis.
• Frequent jokes and an inclusive family-friendly vibe (see the shout-out to 13-year-old listener Milo, 32:31).

Summary

Slam N’ Jam epitomizes everything that makes The Athletic's NBA coverage fun: a blend of big-picture thinking, granular stats, quirky history lessons, and real-time reactions to the week’s chaos. The Lakers are in a bizarre statistical valley, the Bulls are teetering (as always) between retool and rebuild, and the Portland Trail Blazers are unexpectedly surging. The episode features strong, data-supported opinions, a generous dose of dry humor, interactive trivia, and a must-hear segment on what might be the quirkiest NCAA eligibility saga in years.

Recommended for:

• NBA fans wanting high-level context and statistical breakdowns.
• Listeners curious about the inner workings and front-office frustrations of perennial “middle ground” teams like the Bulls.
• Anyone looking for basketball talk that balances informed debate with good-natured fun.