The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hoops Tonight Episode: Reaction to LeBron vs. Brooks in Lakers-Suns, Joel Embiid BACK for 76ers? + New NBA Power Rankings Date: December 16, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode of "Hoops Tonight" provides a deep dive into major NBA matchups and narratives from the previous night, centering on the physical, dramatic Lakers-Suns game headlined by the LeBron vs. Dylan Brooks rivalry, a promising performance from Joel Embiid for the 76ers against the Hawks, detailed player and strategy analysis, and the week’s updated NBA Power Rankings. The host maintains a sharp, nuanced, and opinionated tone throughout, emphasizing the interplay between effort, physicality, and talent across the league’s top teams.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Lakers vs. Suns: Physicality, Margins, and the LeBron-Brooks Rivalry
Main Take:
The Lakers pulled out a hard-fought win over the Suns (minus Austin Reaves due to a calf injury), despite struggling on offense. The win was credited to their overwhelming physicality, rebounding, and defensive effort, which outpaced Phoenix all night.
Detailed Breakdown
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Offensive Struggles, Defensive Response (03:08):
- Both LeBron and Luka were off offensively (LeBron: 6 turnovers in Q1; Luka: 37% FG, 23% 3PT over 3 games, turnover-prone).
- Lakers’ lack of “juice” late, alongside Suns’ late push, made for ugly, grind-it-out basketball.
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Physical Dominance and "Marginal Wins":
- Lakers dominated with 24 offensive rebounds (leading to 25 second-chance points).
- 8 blocks, 13 steals—set the tone with energy and aggression on both ends.
- “They were the harder playing, more physically aggressive team all night long and it allowed them to win a game they almost certainly lose otherwise because of the issues they were having on offense.” (Host, 05:15)
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Free Throw Disparity, Officiating, and Mentality (06:15):
- Host dismisses blaming refs, highlighting that physical aggression typically earns the whistle.
- Example: Lakers vs. Spurs (Spurs +12 on FT), reinforcing the "aggression earns calls" narrative.
- “Focusing on officiating in addition to being a loser mentality, it honestly just misses the plot... The best thing you can do is bring the physical aggression to the game.” (Host, 12:10)
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Game-Ending Chaos and Missed Calls (09:40):
- The final 5 minutes were described as “a bloodbath,” with constant bodies on the floor and several missed calls both ways.
- “It was a shit show of physicality over the last five minutes, which is damn near impossible to officiate.” (Host, 10:30)
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Rotation Changes & Key Contributors (16:00):
- Jared Vanderbilt, Jake Laravia, and Gabe Vincent saw increased minutes with Reaves out. Notably, their defensive impact (steals, blocks, contesting shots) helped fuel a crucial 28-2 second-half run.
- “The quartet of Jared Vanderbilt, Jake Laravia, Gabe Vincent and Jackson Hayes...were all excellent on defense.” (Host, ~17:45)
- Suggestion: Vando deserves more minutes, especially if boosting defense is needed.
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Trade Deadline Implications:
- The host imagines the impact of acquiring a two-way wing who could provide both defense and passable offense, stating such a player would be “uniquely valuable” to the Lakers as currently constructed.
- “Imagine a universe where you’ve got a player that you’re playing 30, 35 minutes, who’s 6'8", got a big natural motor...but also knocking down catch and shoot.” (Host, ~20:10)
Notable Quotes
- “You need both. You need some more talent and you need the guys that you have to do a better job of competing in those areas.” (Host, 19:43)
- “No one is advocating for the Lakers to go give all of Austin’s minutes to defenders...” (Host, 21:05)
Timestamps
- Physicality & Margins Decide Game: 03:08–13:45
- Rotation, Defense, & Trade Needs: 16:00–22:00
2. Dylan Brooks vs. LeBron: ‘Aura Farming’ and Culture War
The Brooks-LeBron dynamic was called “over the top and kind of lame,” with Brooks accused of excessively milking the rivalry for attention rather than strictly for competitive basketball.
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Brooks’ Antics Hurting Suns:
- Repeatedly provoking LeBron (extra bumps, chesting, “aura farming”) detracts from his impact, drawing fouls, bench time, and in this case an ejection that heavily cost Phoenix.
- “It’s very clearly become something that’s more of a distraction for Dylan and taking away from some of the impact that he has on the game.” (Host, 23:10)
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Constructive Criticism:
- Brooks is acknowledged as a genuinely valuable player—he “would be literally perfect as the Lakers’ starting three”—but should focus more on actual basketball for team benefit.
Notable Quotes
- “You’re actually one of the better players in the league overall...you don’t need LeBron and his fame to elevate you anymore.” (Host, 22:32)
- “This kind of junk is actually getting in the way of his impact as a basketball player.” (Host, 23:18)
Timestamps
- LeBron-Brooks Rivalry: 21:55–23:30
3. 76ers vs. Hawks: Embiid’s Explosiveness & Encouraging Sixers Trends
Main Take:
Despite losing to Atlanta, the 76ers flashed serious upside due to Joel Embiid’s resurgence and their defensive improvement since mid-November.
Highlights
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Game Recap (26:48):
- No Tyrese Maxey for Philly. Hawks led most of the way but Sixers kept it close off the backs of Embiid and Paul George combining for 57 points.
- “Kind of a vintage Paul George game...if he’s got that kind of stuff going, he becomes basically impossible to guard.” (Host, 27:25)
- Hawks held on through late clutch plays: offensive boards, big threes (N. Alexander-Walker, Okongwu), and outstanding defensive stops from Vit Krejci.
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Player Trends & Analysis:
- Dyson Daniels is thriving by cutting down threes and focusing on the dunker spot, scoring efficiently via cuts and floaters (~30:00).
- Okongwu has added a three-point shot, making more this season already than last year.
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Encouraging Trends for Sixers (31:00):
- Since November 11, the Sixers are the 4th best defense in the NBA, drastically improved on the defensive glass, and look better offensively with an explosive Embiid.
- Tyrese Maxey is out, but Paul George and VJ Edgecomb have stepped up offensively.
- “This team does have a lot of upside because they’ve got so many dudes that can score. They have a strong defensive foundation.” (Host, 35:51)
- Health remains the big “if.”
Notable Quotes
- “If they can piece this all together...the Eastern Conference is wide open and this team does have a lot of upside.” (Host, 36:00)
Timestamps
- Game Breakdown, Philly Trends: 26:48–37:24
4. Spurs-Thunder: Wemby’s Game-Altering Defense & Strategic Takeaways
Main Take:
Victor Wembanyama’s defense against the Thunder was statistically game-breaking, almost single-handedly forcing OKC into inefficient, perimeter-heavy offense.
Key Stats & Analysis
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Rim Protection Impact (40:12):
- On-court with Wemby: Thunder managed just 2 “true” half-court makes at the rim in 21 minutes compared to their average of 9.
- OKC forced into season-high 26 off-dribble jumpers (only 9 made, 0.77 ppp).
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Defensive Strategy:
- Wemby allows guard defenders to pressure up, funnel dribble drives into the paint knowing he’s there to erase shots.
- Chet Holmgren’s spacing is the key counter—when he pulls Wemby out, OKC finds rare success at the rim.
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Rivalry Building:
- Spurs aren’t ready to beat OKC in a series yet, but intriguing tactical evolution is emerging; Spurs are forecast as Thunder’s biggest rival for years to come.
Notable Quotes
- “Victor literally broke the Thunder offense last night...a statistical representation of the dynamic I was talking about.” (Host, 41:30)
Timestamps
- Spurs-Thunder Analysis: 40:12–48:50
5. NBA Power Rankings (Quick Hits)
Take:
Short review of the host’s updated top-10, with focus on team trends, strengths and limitations:
Power Rankings — Top 10 Snapshot
(Timestamps for relevant teams)
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Oklahoma City Thunder (54:56)
- “Far and away the best team in the NBA…a tier by themselves at the top of the league.”
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Detroit Pistons
- League leader in paint scoring. Eight players in double figures vs. Hawks. Shot profile built on relentless rim pressure.
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San Antonio Spurs
- Host is “all in”—highest defensive ceiling outside of OKC; De’Aaron Fox has boosted their offense.
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New York Knicks
- “My pick to win the Eastern Conference if the season ended today.” Brunson thriving, offense up 5+ points per 100 from last year.
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Denver Nuggets
- Jokic dominant; key stats note improvement in bench performance.
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Los Angeles Lakers
- Praised for mental toughness and ability to respond after bad losses; still need more perimeter defense.
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Houston Rockets
- “Spread pick and roll” is unlocking half-court offense led by Kevin Durant.
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Minnesota Timberwolves
- Can’t beat good teams; defense craters when Gobert goes to the bench.
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Boston Celtics
- Struggled without Tatum/Giannis. Offensive peak under Missoula.
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Orlando Magic
- Plagued by injuries but showing improved offense and transition game.
Notable Quotes
- “San Antonio...have the highest defensive ceiling in the league outside of Oklahoma City because of Victor Wembanyama and their perimeter athletes.” (Host, 52:39)
Timestamps
- Full Power Rankings Segment: 48:55–57:00
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “It was a shit show of physicality over the last five minutes, which is damn near impossible to officiate.” (10:30, on Lakers-Suns finish)
- “Focusing on officiating...just misses the plot...bring the physical aggression to the game.” (12:10)
- “You’re actually...good enough [Dylan Brooks] that you don’t need LeBron and his fame to elevate you anymore.” (22:32)
- “This team [Sixers] does have a lot of upside...strong defensive foundation.” (35:51)
- “Victor literally broke the Thunder offense last night...statistical representation of the dynamic I was talking about.” (41:30)
- “Far and away the best team in the NBA...I have [OKC] in a tier by themselves.” (54:56)
Recap of Key Timestamps
| Segment | Start | End | |------------------------------|------------|------------| | Lakers-Suns Physicality | 03:08 | 13:45 | | Rotation & Defensive Adjust. | 16:00 | 22:00 | | LeBron-Brooks Rivalry | 21:55 | 23:30 | | Sixers-Hawks, Embiid Trends | 26:48 | 37:24 | | Wemby Defensive Impact | 40:12 | 48:50 | | Weekly Power Rankings | 48:55 | 57:00 |
Episode Tone & Takeaways
The host approaches the episode blending critical analysis, statistical backing, and candid, at-times irreverent commentary. Central themes include the importance of physicality and effort (“the margins”), the danger of distractions in player psychology (Brooks-LeBron), and the search for completeness in roster construction.
For listeners: This breakdown delivers a thorough, compelling portrait of where the NBA’s contenders stand, why certain teams are rising or floundering, and how narratives like LeBron-Brooks or Wemby vs. OKC represent larger shifts in basketball strategy and culture. Even if you missed the episode, you’ll catch all the essential points, drama, and informed hot takes.