The Bill Simmons Podcast: Ageless LeBron, Kawhi’s Crazy Career and NFL Draft Burning Questions With Zach Lowe and Peter Schrager

Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. NBA Playoffs: Lakers vs. Minnesota – Game Two Recap

Bill Simmons kicks off the episode with an in-depth analysis of Game Two between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. He highlights the Lakers' defensive prowess and sustained energy, attributing their victory to improved defense and key performances despite concerns about player minutes.

• LeBron James’ Outstanding Performance:

  At 15:30, Simmons praises LeBron, stating, “He was playing like it was a Game 7 when Minnesota was trying to come back near the end.” LeBron logged 39 minutes, demonstrating his enduring athleticism and leadership with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Simmons emphasizes LeBron's ability to adapt and remain a pivotal force on the court, comparing his evolution to legendary players like Magic Johnson and Karl Malone.

• Anthony Edwards’ Struggles:

  Around 17:00, the conversation shifts to Anthony Edwards, who had a subdued performance with 0 assists and 25 points. Simmons expresses skepticism about Edwards' readiness for taking on a more significant role in the playoffs, noting, “He might be two years away from me yet.” The discussion underscores the Timberwolves' reliance on Edwards to elevate their gameplay in subsequent rounds.

• Team Strategies and Future Implications:

  Simmons delves into the Lakers' strategic adjustments, comparing their current defensive setup to the Golden State Warriors’ emphasis on small-ball. He questions the sustainability of their approach, pondering if the Lakers can maintain a slight edge over .500 over three playoff rounds. The analysis concludes with Simmons predicting a potential game seven, favoring the Lakers but acknowledging Minnesota's resilience.

2. Kawhi Leonard’s Extraordinary Career

Zach Lowe, a mainstay from The Ringer, joins Simmons to dissect the unique trajectory of Kawhi Leonard’s career. Their conversation spans Kawhi’s multiple Finals MVPs, defensive accolades, and what-ifs surrounding his health and longevity.

• Kawhi’s Defensive Dominance and Career What-ifs:

  At 20:38, Lowe asserts, “He's a two-time Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year,” emphasizing Kawhi's role as one of the most impactful two-way players in modern basketball. Simmons adds, “Kawhi is the second biggest what-if career of all time,” comparing him to Bill Walton and pondering his potential Hall of Fame status if injuries hadn’t hampered his career.

• Statistical Brilliance in Playoffs:

  At 24:12, Lowe presents a compelling case using Player Efficiency Rating (PER), noting Kawhi’s 24.3 playoff PER, tying him with legends like Tim Duncan. “His playoff PER is higher than his regular season PER, which is a testament to his clutch performance under pressure,” Lowe remarks.

• Impact on Teams and Legacy:

  Discussing Kawhi's influence, Simmons states, “He might end up being like the best guy in the West for the next rounds,” highlighting Kawhi’s ability to single-handedly change the dynamics of playoff series. They reflect on Kawhi’s Finals performances and his consistent ability to rise to the occasion, making Kawhi an indispensable asset for the Los Angeles Clippers.

• Comparisons to Other Legends:

  The duo draws parallels between Kawhi and other basketball greats, debating his place among the elite. “Kawhi versus Durant,” Simmons muses, comparing their versatility and defensive prowess, while Lowe emphasizes Kawhi’s unique skill set that blends athleticism with strategic intelligence on the court.

3. NFL Draft Burning Questions with Peter Schrager

Transitioning from basketball, the podcast features Peter Schrager, an esteemed NFL analyst, to discuss the impending NFL Draft. Their conversation navigates through potential trade scenarios, standout prospects, and strategic picks for various teams.

• Shador Sanders and Team Strategies:

  At 65:19, Schrager addresses the buzz around Shador Sanders as a quarterback prospect. He critiques the notion of Sanders being a top-three pick, arguing, “He never was a top five pick before, and his stock hasn’t dramatically risen.” Schrager explores the Giants' dilemma in potentially trading up to secure Sanders, weighing the risks and benefits of such a move.

• Trade Dynamics and Team Needs:

  Around 74:22, the discussion delves into trade negotiations, particularly focusing on how teams like the Giants and Patriots might navigate their draft picks to acquire desired quarterbacks or defensive talents. Schrager shares insights on the complexities of team agendas and ownership influences in draft decisions.

• Emerging Prospects and Hidden Gems:

  At 79:00, Schrager introduces Gray Zabel, an offensive guard from North Dakota State, spotlighting him as an undervalued prospect. “Watch for Gray Zabel out of North Dakota State to suddenly be one of these guys who goes like 15, 17, 18, 19,” he predicts, suggesting Zabel's potential to surpass expectations despite limited visibility.

• Running Backs and Positional Value:

  Simmons and Schrager debate the strategic importance of drafting running backs like Genti, emphasizing their value in today’s NFL landscape. They compare the financial implications of securing top-tier running backs early versus investing in high-impact defensive players, with Schrager advocating for the long-term benefits of versatile and durable running backs.

• Draft Predictions and Team Moves:

  In the final segments, the conversation shifts to speculative predictions, including the Patriots potentially acquiring Will Campbell or Jalen Carter, and the Raiders' interest in standout defensive talents. Schrager underscores the unpredictability of the draft, noting, “This year, there's a lot of bottom-tier talent, but a few gems like Genti could redefine team rosters.”

Notable Quotes

• Bill Simmons on LeBron James:
  "He was playing like it was a Game 7 when Minnesota was trying to come back near the end." (15:30)

• Zach Lowe on Kawhi Leonard’s Playoff PER:
  "Kawhi's playoff PER is higher than his regular season PER, which is a testament to his clutch performance under pressure." (24:12)

• Peter Schrager on Shador Sanders:
  "He never was a top five pick before, and his stock hasn’t dramatically risen." (65:19)

• Bill Simmons on Kawhi’s Defensive Impact:
  "Kawhi is the second biggest what-if career of all time." (20:38)

• Peter Schrager on Gray Zabel:
  "Watch for Gray Zabel out of North Dakota State to suddenly be one of these guys who goes like 15, 17, 18, 19." (79:00)

Conclusions and Insights

The episode masterfully intertwines analysis of current NBA playoff dynamics with a retrospective and forward-looking examination of Kawhi Leonard’s storied career. Simultaneously, it transitions into the NFL Draft season, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of potential trades, standout players, and strategic decisions that could shape the upcoming NFL landscape.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of key NBA players, the intricate complexities of drafting in the NFL, and the overarching themes that define championship-caliber teams across both sports. The inclusion of expert opinions from Zach Lowe and Peter Schrager enriches the discourse, making it an essential listen for sports enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into basketball excellence and football strategy.