The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hour 3 – Rachel Nichols Stops By The Herd
Date: November 6, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Rachel Nichols
Overview
This episode of "The Herd" focuses on some of the NBA’s hottest topics, with Rachel Nichols joining Colin Cowherd. The pair discuss the changing of the guard within the Lakers, the coaching impact of JJ Redick, LeBron's evolving role, the challenges facing young star Ja Morant, the influence of international talent in the NBA, and the Knicks' coaching situation. The banter is sharp, sports-nerdy, and insightful, providing listeners with honest perspectives on personalities, locker room dynamics, and league trends.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The JJ Redick Effect: Leadership and Chemistry in LA
(04:10 – 06:52)
- Colin lauds JJ Redick’s coaching, comparing him to Phil Jackson’s ability to maximize role players.
- Colin Cowherd: "He just squeezes the juice out of the B players." (04:34)
- Rachel breaks down Redick’s dual strength: technical X’s and O’s, and building team chemistry.
- JJ uses a Japanese method, “Pechakucha” (Rachel jokes: “Pikachu”), where players present slides about themselves to develop deeper bonds.
- Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton’s improvement is highlighted as evidence of Redick’s system.
- Rachel Nichols: “JJ’s kind of all-in-one... always got guys in the right place... The other aspect that’s like Phil Jackson is he does all of that sort of off-court chemistry...” (04:55)
- Analogy to Detroit’s 2004 Finals win: team chemistry can trump raw talent.
- Lakers’ locker room described as refreshed and genuinely connected.
2. Passing the Torch: LeBron’s Evolving Role
(06:52 – 08:39; 39:57 – 42:59)
- Colin observes LA’s long tradition of star succession, from Kareem to Lukas Doncic.
- Colin Cowherd: “The Lakers have always been the pass-the-torch franchise… every seven years.” (06:52)
- Discussion of LeBron’s “gravity” in the locker room, his current willingness to cede leadership, and how the franchise is preparing for a new era.
- Rachel Nichols: “LeBron has two and a half times the gravity of anyone else in that locker room… It is going to be different from when he is not… He is different.” (07:50)
- Barkley's take on aging LeBron is debated; Nichols and Cowherd insist LeBron is still highly effective.
- Marcus Grant: "Charles Barkley’s way... could not be more wrong… there’s zero evidence... he’s falling off." (39:57)
- Discussion on whether LeBron can thrive in a non-central role as Luka ascends.
- Marcus Grant: "Can LeBron thrive as ... an ancillary part? Nobody knows the answer..." (42:07)
3. International Influence: Mindset and Maturity
(08:39 – 09:57; 20:21 – 21:20)
- Colin and Rachel discuss the sophistication and maturity of international players.
- Rachel shares her conversation with Victor Wembanyama ("Wemby"), noting his adaptability, humility, humor, and the "next level" challenges he's experiencing in the NBA as defenders adjust to him.
- Rachel Nichols: "He said... the game is just faster right now." (09:19)
- Wemby jokes about “scaling up” in his second language, showing comfort and intelligence.
- Discussion of the NBA’s global talent: international stars aren’t just their country’s best—often, they're their region’s best, adding intensity to US talent development.
- Rachel Nichols: “We are getting… Slovenia’s best player... Serbia’s best player...” (20:55)
4. The Ja Morant Dilemma
(15:36 – 18:46)
- Colin and Rachel analyze Ja Morant’s on-and-off court struggles in Memphis.
- Morant’s energy and talent have faded amid personal turmoil and defiance toward team rules.
- Rachel suggests the Memphis franchise has finally put its foot down, holding Ja accountable in the interest of the team, not just the individual.
- Rachel Nichols: “What is good for Ja, in his mind, has not been historically what is best for the franchise. And finally... the franchise said, ‘we’re going to hold you in line..."’ (18:05)
- Trading Morant is unlikely: his local popularity is vital for Memphis’ attendance and arena negotiations.
- Rachel Nichols: “That’s an arena whose lease is up soon... I think they need to keep him there on the court..." (18:46)
5. League Dynamics: Talent, Status, and Roster Depth
(18:46 – 21:42; 43:05 – 44:38)
- Colin points out the NBA’s increased depth of talent—teams and fans won’t tolerate “diva” behavior or drama like in years past.
- Rachel agrees, noting that both American and international competition are pushing everyone’s standards higher.
- Discussion of draft depth: “now you go mid second round and... Bronny goes mid second and has actually looked good…” (19:45 – Colin)
- DeAndre Ayton’s change in attitude and performance under JJ Redick is examined; will he accept a diminished role as LeBron and others return?
- Marcus Grant: "Ayton last night got looks and touches. That’s not going to happen…" (44:33)
6. Knicks & Coaching Philosophy
(21:42 – 23:18)
- Colin questions the Knicks’ coaching shuffle—moving on from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown after their best season in decades.
- Rachel says the team is playing deeper into its bench, which could pay off in the playoffs. Brown brings emotional intelligence and teamwork, similar to Redick’s approach.
- Rachel Nichols: “Mike Brown is a great coach at getting guys sort of together and emotional...he turned that franchise around in that way.” (22:14)
- Success for Brown is measured at a championship level—an unforgiving bar.
7. Quick Hits: NFL and Broader Sports
(24:00 – 46:29; selected highlights)
- Panel discusses NFL trade deadline moves and the 49ers' defensive struggles (24:16).
- Broncos, Raiders, and other NFL teams’ late-game performances and divisional matchups (25:40).
- Quick conversations on CJ Stroud’s progression, quarterback value, and fantasy football tips.
- Takes on college football, the impact of coaching, and the unpredictability of weekly outcomes.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On JJ Redick and Coaching
- "JJ's kind of all-in-one. So JJ, in terms of X's and O's, he's just so excellent at putting a player in the exact position where he's going to succeed." – Rachel Nichols (04:55)
- "The Lakers have always been the pass-the-torch franchise... Kareem to Magic to Shaq to Kobe to LeBron to Luka." – Colin Cowherd (06:52)
-
On LeBron’s Locker Room Presence
- "LeBron has two and a half times the gravity of anyone else in that locker room." – Rachel Nichols (07:50)
- "Can LeBron thrive as an ancillary part? Nobody knows the answer to that." – Marcus Grant (42:07)
-
On Global Players in the NBA
- “It's like we send to a foreign league, we're sending you LeBron, right? So they're sending us their version of LeBron…” – Rachel Nichols (20:55)
-
On Ja Morant’s Situation
- "What is good for Ja, in his mind, has not been historically what is best for the franchise.” – Rachel Nichols (18:05)
- "That's an arena whose lease is up soon... Their attendance is extremely low. I think they need to keep him there on the court..." – Rachel Nichols (18:46)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- JJ Redick and Lakers Chemistry – 04:10 – 06:52
- LeBron and "Passing the Torch" – 06:52 – 08:39 / 39:57 – 42:59
- International Players/Maturity and Wemby – 08:39 – 09:57 / 20:21 – 21:20
- Ja Morant Drama & Memphis – 15:36 – 18:46
- NBA Depth and Attitude – 18:46 – 21:42 / 43:05 – 44:38
- Knicks Coaching Transition – 21:42 – 23:18
- NFL Quick Hits & Colin’s Takes – 24:00 – 46:29
Tone and Style
The episode is full of candid, playful, and perceptive sports analysis. There’s inside access to NBA locker room mentality, honest discussion of league and personality shifts, and no hesitation in voicing opinions. Rachel and Colin maintain a balance of expertise and levity, supported by strong real-world anecdotes and a willingness to challenge mainstream narratives.
This summary captures the heart of the conversation, preserving the lively tone while laying out the core content for anyone who missed the show or wants a quick deep-dive into the November 6, 2025, Rachel Nichols hour on The Herd.