Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Segment: Hoops Tonight - Lakers-Clippers Reaction: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves trio finding a groove vs. Harden
Host: Jason (Hoops Tonight Host, The Volume)
Date: November 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Hoops Tonight focuses on the Los Angeles Lakers' 135-118 win over the LA Clippers. Jason deep-dives into the game’s flow, defensive adjustments, the evolving synergy between Lakers’ key stars—Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves—and the Clippers’ ongoing defensive woes, particularly against James Harden’s hot streak. The analysis centers on revealing trends, pivotal moments, and what the performance means for both teams moving forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lakers Game Flow & Net Rating Trends

[03:20 – 08:30]

• The Lakers' 13-4 record is impressive, but their overall net rating is "middle of the pack", not elite.
• They start games slowly on defense, using offense to keep up before tightening up in the second half—especially in the fourth quarter and in clutch scenarios.
• Clutch stats:
  • 2nd half: +5 per 100 possessions, 7th in NBA
  • 4th quarter: +7 per 100 possessions, 6th in NBA
  • Clutch games: 6-0 record, +30 per 100 possessions, 3rd best in league.

“They do not come out with a ton of intensity and play super passionate, energetic defense to start games... then consistently... late third quarter, they start to tighten the screws.”
— Jason (05:20)

2. Defensive Challenges: Dealing with Harden & Zubots

[08:30 – 11:00]

• Pre-game concerns included handling Ivica Zubac on the glass and slowing down a scorching James Harden (averaging 33+ points, shooting near 40% from three).
• Lakers succeeded in limiting Zubac’s impact (just 7 offensive rebounds for Clippers).
• Defensive struggle: Lakers tried forcing Harden right, but Clippers’ role players (John Collins, Chris Dunn, Nic Batum) capitalized on kick-outs.
• Harden was repeatedly able to get to his left—a problem, as “if you let him get to his left hand, it's a layup like every single time.”

“James Harden is in such a groove right now that if you let him get to his left hand, it's a layup like every single time.”
— Jason (10:16)

• Down the stretch, the Lakers began blitzing Harden, forcing the ball out of his hands and rotating well, especially with Harden off court (“Clippers units without Harden did not score well”).

3. Lakers’ Adjustments: Key Offensive Surges

[11:00 – 13:50]

• After a high-scoring first half (Clippers 66), Lakers locked in for the second (only 52 allowed).
• Luka Doncic: After a cold stretch and a season shooting under 30% on stepback threes, he went 7/12 from three in this game, showing "positive regression."
• Third quarter momentum swing: Luka increased rim pressure, getting easier looks, drawing defenders, and creating for Marcus Smart and others. This spurt shifted the momentum and set up the closing knockout run.

“Nice little flurry from Luka Doncic at the end of the third quarter that started the run for the Lakers.”
— Jason (12:35)

4. LeBron, Austin, Luka—Finding Their Groove

[17:46 – 22:30]

• The “LeBron–Austin” unit to start the fourth has been "one of the best units in the NBA over the last couple of years."
• LeBron’s efficient scoring (especially mid-range off Jackson Hayes screens) and Austin’s attacking drives blew the game open.
• Key chemistry: LeBron found Austin on a tight backdoor cut for a layup, showing elite two-man game.
• Most encouraging trend: When all three (Luka, LeBron, Austin) are on the floor, Lakers can run “spread pick and roll” and consistently find efficient shots, especially with Austin excelling on weakside catch-and-shoot or attacking closeouts.

“LeBron and Austin provide that little bit of scoring. You see that two man connectedness with them. LeBron hits Austin on a beautiful back cut along the baseline in a really tight window for another layup. They blow the game out to like 15-17.”
— Jason (18:54)

• Critical to contender status: Role players (specifically Austin and Luka) need to become as reliable on catch-and-shoot as LeBron and Rui.

“For this team to achieve the level of unguardability that they need to achieve to compete for a championship, they need every single sequence to end in the hands of a player who is going to consistently make you pay.”
— Jason (19:38)

• Jackson Hayes’ improved passing and vertical defense, plus the addition of Maxi Kleber, have greatly elevated the Lakers’ center rotation.

5. Spotlight on Team Trends, Notable Stats, & the Clippers’ Defensive Meltdown

[22:30 – 25:30]

• Clippers’ defense: 10 games allowing 120+ points in 18 games—didn’t reach 10 such games until the 65th game last year.
• Main culprit for Clippers’ struggles: team defense collapsing, not adjusting to the James Harden-led offensive engine.
• LeBron’s overall stat line: 25 pts (9-15 FG, 2-5 3pt), 6 rebs, 6 asts, +18 in 32 min, including strong second-half defense.
• LeBron has improved defensively after early struggles in the season and anchored key late-game stops.

“If LeBron can get to the point where he's routinely hanging out around that 25–6–6 kind of range, that's where we're starting to talk about a guy that's in the conversation for All-NBA.”
— Jason (25:02)

• Lakers' 3pt shooting: 13/29 (45%); key variable is whether Luka (on stepbacks) and Austin (catch-and-shoot) can continue to provide this “positive regression.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Lakers' clutch defense:
  “A lot of the pathway for the Lakers has been, they've been kind of a maddening, frustrating type of defense to watch. But then consistently, late third quarter, they start to tighten the screws.” (05:20)

• On Harden’s current form:
  “James Harden has been frying the entire NBA for like three weeks now... If you let him get to his left hand, it's a layup like every single time.” (10:16)

• On Austin Reaves' importance:
  “You need every single sequence. If it ends in a catch and shoot for LeBron, that's going to go in, right? ... But you need it to feel the same for an Austin catch and shoot...” (19:20)

• On LeBron’s evolving role and team direction:
  “LeBron is the hallmark... If LeBron continues to trend upwards and by the time we get to late January, he's still healthy... now, it becomes a much more complicated conversation.” (25:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:20] — Episode begins, Lakers’ net rating and season-long trends
• [05:20] — Clutch stats and defense tightening up late
• [08:30] — Game plan vs. Zubac and Harden; defensive rotations
• [10:16] — Struggles containing Harden, role players stepping up
• [11:38] — Lakers’ adjustment: blitzing Harden
• [12:35] — Luka Doncic’s late third-quarter uptick
• [17:46] — LeBron/Austin unit opens fourth quarter run
• [18:54] — LeBron finds Austin on key backcut
• [19:38] — On need for reliability from catch-and-shoot options
• [22:30] — Clippers’ defensive collapse, 120+ points stat
• [25:02] — LeBron’s contribution and All-NBA level play

Summary Table: Lakers vs. Clippers (Key Takeaways)

| Player | Highlights | Importance | |--------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Luka Doncic | 7-12 from three, late-game aggressiveness | Sparks third-quarter run, positive regression on outside shooting | | LeBron James | 25/6/6, +18, strong defense in 2nd half | Efficient scoring, late-game defense, leadership for win-now moves | | Austin Reaves | Impactful off-ball; catch-and-shoot, cuts | Crucial for “unguardable” offense when big three are on floor | | Jackson Hayes | Improved passing and defense | Center rotation is “much, much better than last year” | | James Harden (Clips)| Kept torching Lakers until Lakers blitzed | Clippers struggle without him on floor; current engine of their offense| | Clippers Defense | 10 games allowing 120+ points already | Team’s main flaw, fell apart compared to last year’s formula |

Final Thoughts

• The Lakers continue to follow an established pattern: sluggish starts, then timely, high-intensity defense late.
• The Luka–LeBron–Austin trio is developing a dangerous offensive dynamic, with steady improvements from supporting bigs.
• The Clippers’ defensive collapse is their primary issue, overshadowing even James Harden’s recent brilliance.
• For the Lakers, LeBron’s health and sustained high-level play may determine whether the front office pursues an aggressive win-now trade before the deadline.

[End of Summary]