The Athletic NBA Daily

Episode: Luka and Lakers advance in NBA Cup
Date: November 26, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: Law Murray

Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily spotlights the latest results and implications from the NBA Cup, particularly focusing on standout performances from Luka Dončić and the advancing Los Angeles Lakers. The crew dissects the night’s major games, what’s fueling the Lakers’ recent surge, the developing issues with the Clippers, and some intriguing emerging storylines across the league as the Cup heads into its knockout rounds. Beat writer Law Murray joins to provide in-depth context on the Lakers’ clinch and the Clippers’ unraveling.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cup Night Recap and Hot Starts

Timestamps: 03:38 - 07:15

• Only three NBA Cup games on the slate, as the league shifts focus for the upcoming knockout round.
• Wizards vs. Hawks:
  • Wizards exploded for 45 in the first quarter, capping off a blowout win. Atlanta’s lackluster effort was called out.
  • “[Atlanta] should feel embarrassed.” — Dave DuFour, 03:10
• Magic vs. Sixers:
  • Orlando posted 86 first-half points and demolished Philadelphia. The Sixers are struggling after a hot start.
  • Anthony Black had a breakout game (31 points, 4 threes). Orlando’s pace and energy stood out, especially while Paolo Banchero is out, which has oddly improved their offensive rhythm.
  • “Anthony Black... makes them run faster... That’s one of the best qualities that he has.” — Esfandiar Baraheni, 06:37

2. Orlando’s Unexpected Surge Without Paolo

Timestamps: 05:30 - 09:00

• Magic are 5-2 over their last seven without Banchero, ranking 2nd in offense in that stretch.
• The panel muses on how Paolo’s isolation-heavy style slows things, suggesting Orlando’s staff must find a way to leverage his strengths as a passer and keep the more dynamic ball movement going.
• “You need an inventive offense... One of the more underrated areas of Paolo’s game is the fact that he’s a really good passer.” — Esfandiar Baraheni, 08:39

3. NBA Cup Knockout Stakes & Dark Horse Hopes

Timestamps: 09:21 - 12:15

• Much excitement for Vegas and for certain teams to advance (Lakers, Raptors, Magic, Pistons).
• Panel notes Lakers and Bucks as serious Cup contenders.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return for the Bucks underlines the Cup's growing importance among star players.
• “The Cup just means more... these guys actually kind of care about this.” — Dave DuFour, 10:23

4. Spotlight: Lakers Cruise, Clippers Sputter

With guest Law Murray
Timestamps: 16:38 - 31:25

Lakers Look Legit

• Lakers clinched a knockout round spot after a “statement” win over the Clippers.
• Luka Dončić: 40-point game, 24 in the first quarter alone.
• Austin Reaves delivered in the clutch (18 in the fourth quarter), LeBron James is regaining form after returning from injury.
• Lakers’ top three (Luka, LeBron, Austin) are producing at an elite level, and the chemistry is tangible.
• Law Murray’s emphasis: Stop overanalyzing early metrics; the Lakers are good.
  • “The Lakers are a good team and people just need to stop getting too caught up in point differentials... Winning the game means more.” — Law Murray, 17:44/18:54
  • “I’ll take two or three close wins for every one time I get smacked. That’s a good week.” — Law Murray, 18:59
• LeBron’s “mini camp”/recovery process detailed — G League stint, time to ramp up before full return, which is rare in the NBA season.
  • “This isn’t a team where it’s just a matter of, oh, you got talent and you got good coaching. No—there’s not a lot of drama and BS on this team.” — Law Murray, 20:38

Clippers’ Crisis: Lack of a True #2

• The Clippers were outclassed in crunch time despite close three quarters — their roster limitations and lack of a clear secondary star were exposed.
• Kawhi Leonard isn’t lifting the defense; he’s not yet playing at the necessary “number two” level, and the team schematic flaws are glaring.
  • “The Clippers don’t have a third guy. And honestly, I’m not sure they have a second guy.” — Law Murray, 17:03
  • “It’s shocking that Kawhi Leonard is part of one of the very worst defenses in basketball right now, man.” — Law Murray, 25:38
• The Clippers’ rebounding and defensive slide is dramatic compared to last year; their “size upgrade” hasn’t panned out.
• Questions about fit (John Collins/Kawhi), poor rebounding, and the specter of future trades if things don’t improve by December.
  • “John Collins had an assist tonight—that’s the first as a starter in eight, nine games. You accidentally get assists all the time. It’s the NBA.” — Dave DuFour, 28:01
• Technical note: Law Murray briefly loses his video in comic fashion as the lights go out in his room:
  • “They just turned the lights off on Law... It’s going dark early on the Clippers, as it just went dark on Law Murray.” — Dave DuFour, 28:58

Strategic Uncertainty & Oklahoma City’s Watchful Eye

• Clippers are under pressure: no tanking incentive (OKC owns their picks), but the window is closing as most contracts—including Harden/Kawhi—expire next summer.
• “The window, as far as I’m concerned, shut in 2024. It’s going to be 2026 in, what, 35 days?” — Law Murray, 30:46
• If the Clippers’ pick lands number one, the historic significance of the SGA trade grows.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pie Debates (lighthearted banter at the top):
  “Pumpkin pie is the goat pie... It could be dessert, breakfast...” — Esfandiar Baraheni, 03:19-03:44
  “I think cheesecake is a pie... It looks like a pie. It’s controversial.” — Dave DuFour, 03:54

Key Timestamps

• 03:38 – Wizards’ first quarter explosion vs. Hawks
• 06:23 – Anthony Black’s breakout night for Magic
• 09:38 – NBA Cup knockout round anticipation, rooting for up-and-coming teams
• 11:01 – Tyler Herro’s impactful return to the Heat
• 16:38 – Transition to Law Murray (Lakers/Clippers segment)
• 17:06 – Law on the Lakers outpowering the Clippers in crunch time
• 22:58 – Law on the Clippers’ lack of a second option, Kawhi’s struggles
• 25:41 – Clippers rebounding/defense compared to last year
• 28:01 – John Collins’ shocking lack of assists as a starter
• 30:46 – The Clippers’ summer plans and looming contract situations

Final Thoughts

This episode dives deep into the NBA Cup’s immediate impacts, with a clear-eyed look at teams on the rise (Lakers, Magic) and steep decline (Clippers). The stakes for the next month are high and the hosts—true to the show’s dynamic, witty, and analytic style—bring both humor and sharp analysis to previewing the NBA’s Cup future.

Miss the episode? This summary has you covered with every crucial highlight, context, and quote!