The Athletic NBA Daily – November 19, 2025

Episode Title: LeBron James makes season debut + Pistons win 10th straight
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni (referred to as Esperaheni)
Guest: Jared Weiss

Episode Overview

This episode breaks down a jam-packed night in the NBA, highlighted by LeBron James’s return to action in his 23rd season, the Detroit Pistons winning their 10th straight game, and the San Antonio Spurs pulling off a gutsy win without Victor Wembanyama. The conversation delves into game analysis, player performances, team trajectories, and notable NBA trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. LeBron James’s Season Debut & the Revitalized Lakers

Segment Start: 02:48

• LeBron’s Performance & Impact

  • LeBron returned to play for the Lakers, marking his 23rd season in the league.
  • “He had 11 points, had 12 assist, only one turnover...but really, I think the big thing is, especially that fourth quarter, he was dealing and the Lakers were running.” (Esperaheni, 04:02)
  • The Lakers noticeably increased their pace, running more in transition—18% of their plays, up 5% from their usual rate.
    • “LeBron was making them play a lot faster, especially in that second half when he finally got his legs under him.” (Dave DuFour, 04:38)
  • Showed chemistry with teammates: found Gabe Vincent for a corner three, worked well with DeAndre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.

• Fit with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves

  • Luka Doncic had another standout night: 37 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.
  • LeBron and Luka can form complementary lineups, with LeBron as a finisher and Luka as a creator.
  • Early signs suggest Austin Reaves will continue his development without being held back by the return of LeBron.

• Concerns & Challenges

  • Defensive lapses persist—Keonte George and Lauri Markkanen “cooked” the Lakers’ defense.
  • “My question for them moving forward is: how do they find enough defensive talent?” (Dave DuFour, 07:12)

2. Utah Jazz Surprises & Keonte George’s Emergence

Segment Embedded: 07:40

• Keonte George’s Breakout Game

  • George scored 33 points (5-of-13 3PT), showing surprising craft and shot-making.
  • “He kind of went off in this game...He’s not a great three-point shooter, but he’s letting them fly.” (Esperaheni, 07:41)
  • Jazz praised for their offensive scheme, with George and Markkanen acting as passing hubs.

• Bright Spots Amidst a Building Year

  • Jazz move to 5-8, appear competitive despite low expectations for the season.
  • George’s playmaking and developing mid-range game noted as key for his growth trajectory.

3. Detroit Pistons’ 10-Game Winning Streak & Player Development

Segment Start: 09:38

• Franchise Milestone

  • Pistons now 13–2, best start since 2005–06 and 1990–91.
  • “They’ve won 10 straight. When was the last time they were 13 and 2? ...the 2005, 2006 season.” (Dave DuFour, 10:04)

• Cade Cunningham’s Leadership

  • 25 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds in the latest win.
  • Showed strength and skill, especially finishing through contact.
  • Defensive versatility allows double-guard lineups: “One of the things with Cade, people underrate how good of a defender he is...He moves his feet, really good rim protector for his size.” (Dave DuFour, 11:11)

• Jalen Duren’s Leap

  • Averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds on 72% true shooting; elite rim protection.
  • “He looks like the shoo-in to be the Most Improved Player right now.” (Dave DuFour, 11:51)
  • Not just finishing—showing creation from the perimeter and midrange.

• Roster Building & Trade Scenarios

  • Speculation on trading for Lauri Markkanen to push Pistons into the Finals.
  • Pistons praised for their depth, assets, and flexibility: “They can make a trade and still have some flexibility to move without it.” (Dave DuFour, 13:40)

• Eastern Conference Landscape

  • With injuries affecting contenders like the Cavs and Knicks, the door is open for aggressive moves.
  • “This is a year where teams are going to take a swing. It’s open. Why not?” (Esperaheni, 14:24)

4. Spurs Get a Gritty Win Sans Wembanyama

Segment Start: 19:13 with Jared Weiss

• Victory Over the Grizzlies Without Key Players

  • Spurs missing Victor Wembanyama, Stefan Castle, Dylan Harper, and coach Gregg Popovich.
  • “This game felt like it was mostly the Spurs trying to wrestle Zach Edie...this was the Spurs defense showing that they have an identity beyond Victor.” (Jared Weiss, 19:57)

• Role Players Stepping Up

  • Luke Kornet “did a pretty good job on Edie”—despite Edie’s physicality.
  • Spurs finished on an 11–0 run led by Darren Fox and saw impressive late-game defense.
  • “If Kornett wasn’t out there doing his thing, Edie would have had like a 25–12 game and he would have beaten them.” (Jared Weiss, 21:10)

• Offensive Execution

  • Harrison Barnes assumed the closer role, scoring a key solo 9–0 run late.
  • “Harrison Barnes, AKA the closer, he was awesome to finish out this game.” (Dave DuFour, 21:42)
  • Barnes’s rapid decision-making (“point five” basketball) praised as veteran glue.

• Spurs’ Resilience Despite Injuries

  • Team shown to be deep and adaptive: “They have one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and we saw that in this game where they’re down half their rotation almost.” (Jared Weiss, 28:11)
  • Wembanyama’s calf strain likely requires load management; Kornet and Olynyk signings paying off.
  • Organization’s ultra-cautious approach with injuries ridiculed, but respected: “They see like a tiny little speck on the MRI; they’re like, shut it down. All the alarms go off.” (Jared Weiss, 28:34)
  • Wemby’s maturity, deliberateness, and press handling compared to stars like LeBron and Kobe.

5. The Memphis Grizzlies’ Challenges

Embedded: 24:15

• Point Guard Shortage & Execution Issues
  • Grizzlies “really devoid of point guard play” with Ja Morant out.
  • Lapses after time-outs point to systemic issues.
  • “You can’t go into a huddle, draw up a play, come out of it, and then not run that play. Like, that’s a coach’s nightmare right there...that’s a really bad sign.” (Jared Weiss, 24:55)
  • Cedric Howard emerging as a bright spot amidst transition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• LeBron’s Return Perspective:
  “He made his debut October 29, 2003. That’s so long ago...23 years later. LeBron James, by the way, looked great physically.”
  — Esperaheni (03:26)

• On Jalen Duren’s Growth:
  “He looks like an All-Star this year...That’s elite. He looks like an all star this year.”
  — Dave DuFour (12:35)

• On Harrison Barnes’s Veteran Role:
  “What are you talking about? He’s the glue. Like, he’s the one reliable veteran on this team...”
  — Jared Weiss (23:15)

• Wemby’s Poise with the Media:
  “He makes really good eye contact...he seems to get kind of lost in his answers, like he’s on an adventure to hear what he has to say. He really takes everything he does incredibly seriously.”
  — Jared Weiss (30:17)

• Spurs’ Approach to Injury Management:
  “They see like a tiny little speck on the MRI, they're like, shut it down, all the alarms in the building start going off...”
  — Jared Weiss (28:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• LeBron & Lakers Discussion: 02:48 – 07:40
• Utah Jazz & Keonte George: 07:40 – 09:38
• Pistons 10th Straight Win: 09:38 – 15:14
• Trade Market/Eastern Conference Landscape: 13:08 – 15:14
• Spurs’ Shorthanded Win/Grizzlies Struggles: 19:13 – 26:08
• Spurs Injury Update & Wemby Discussion: 26:08 – 31:50

Tone & Style

The tone is conversational, lively, slightly irreverent, and packed with basketball insight, player assessments, and light jokes. The panel’s friendly banter and basketball expertise make for a smooth, engaging summary of the night’s most important NBA developments.

Recommended for:
Basketball fans wanting a concise, insightful, and entertaining rundown of recent NBA highlights, player progress, and team outlooks, without needing to catch every game or listen to the full podcast.