What's Wright - Best Of - Lakers-Wolves predictions, Luka Doncic will “light up” Gobert + Nick’s NBA Awards

Summary

Podcast Summary: "What's Wright - Best Of - Lakers-Wolves Predictions, Luka Doncic Will 'Light Up' Gobert + Nick’s NBA Awards"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: What's Wright - Best Of - Lakers-Wolves Predictions, Luka Doncic will “light up” Gobert + Nick’s NBA Awards
• Release Date: April 19, 2025

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1. Lakers vs. Timberwolves Series Predictions

a. Julius Randle’s Playoff Performance

Nick Wright delves into the critical role of Julius Randle in the upcoming Lakers-Timberwolves playoff series. He scrutinizes Randle’s playoff history, highlighting his underwhelming performances:

• Nick Wright (02:10): “Julius Randle's playoff career is truly disastrous. And it's not overstated. It is what it is.”

Wright cites specific statistics demonstrating Randle’s inefficacy in past playoff games, emphasizing his low shooting percentages and inconsistent performances. He underscores that Randle must elevate his game for the Timberwolves to have any real chance against the Lakers.

b. Anthony Edwards’ Role and Defensive Challenges

The discussion shifts to Anthony Edwards, spotlighting his offensive prowess and defensive assignments:

• Nick Wright (06:21): “Anthony Edwards is going to average 30 in this series. Just so be it.”

Wright predicts that Edwards will be a dominant force, averaging 30 points per game. He raises concerns about the Lakers’ defensive strategy, particularly Edwards' frequent matchups against LeBron James and Luka Doncic, questioning the Lakers' ability to effectively contain him.

c. LeBron James’ Impact and Health

LeBron James' health and its implications for the series are addressed:

• Nick Wright (37:43): “One of the single most remarkable stats in basketball history, which is LeBron James. Teams have played in 287 playoff games. Of those 287, LeBron James has played in 287.”

Wright marvels at LeBron's unparalleled playoff durability and his critical role in the Lakers' strategy. He remains optimistic about LeBron's fitness, noting the importance of his eight days off before the series begins.

d. Luka Doncic vs. Rudy Gobert Matchup

A significant focus is placed on Luka Doncic's matchup against Rudy Gobert:

• Nick Wright (32:02): “So that is a rough spot for the Timberwolves to start with. You then add that the Lakers are getting they no longer have to deal with Playoff D'Angelo Russell, which is a disaster, and instead get to go against playoff Julius Randle, which is a different type of disaster.”

Wright predicts that Luka will "light up" Gobert, leveraging his history of outperforming Gobert in critical moments. He references Luka's past confrontations, asserting that Luka's offensive strategy will continue to pose significant challenges for Gobert.

2. Potential Luka Ant Rivalry

Wright explores the burgeoning rivalry between Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards, speculating on its future impact on the NBA landscape:

• Nick Wright (11:09): “So I'd love that. And I do think that they have personalities that would mesh for a rivalry.”

He anticipates that consistent playoff matchups will fuel a competitive rivalry, enhancing both players' profiles. Wright contrasts their current standings, suggesting that while Luka is on a path to multiple MVPs, Anthony Edwards is still developing into a league face.

3. NBA Awards Predictions

a. Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Wright presents his contentious views on the MVP race, favoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

• Nick Wright (17:32): “The only question for MVP is the fifth spot. One through four are pretty obvious. Shay is the league MVP.”

He critiques the current voting trends, arguing that statistical dominance and team success should weigh more heavily in MVP considerations. Wright contrasts his previous advocacy for Luka with his current support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emphasizing consistency in his evaluation criteria.

b. All NBA First Team and Other Awards

Wright outlines his selections for various All-NBA teams and other accolades:

• All NBA First Team:

  • Nick Wright (29:51): “I want my two guards to be Shay and Donovan, my two forwards, Giannis and Tatum, my center, Joker.”

• Defensive Player of the Year:

  • Nick Wright (29:59): “Evan Mobley is the defensive player of the year.”

• Sixth Man of the Year:

  • Nick Wright (29:59): “Malik Beasley is the sixth man of the year.”

• Clutch Player of the Year:

  • Nick Wright (29:59): “LeBron is the clutch player of the year.”

• Rookie of the Year:

  • Nick Wright (29:59): “Stefan Castle is going to be close to unanimous.”

Wright emphasizes a holistic approach, valuing both statistical performance and team contributions. He also touches upon the merit-based consideration for coaches, advocating for Udoka Dzima's recognition as Coach of the Year.

4. Playoff Betting Insights

Wright offers betting advice related to the Lakers-Timberwolves series, endorsing DraftKings as a sportsbook partner:

• Nick Wright (32:02): “The Lakers minus a game and a half at plus 1 20, I think is probably my favorite bet of this round of the playoffs.”

He recommends betting on the Lakers to win the series, citing their strategic advantages and star power. Wright expresses confidence in the Lakers’ ability to navigate the series in favor of an earlier conclusion, avoiding a seven-game stretch.

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nick Wright wraps up the discussion by reaffirming his predictions and the potential implications for both teams and individual players. He maintains a strong belief in the Lakers' championship prospects while acknowledging the Timberwolves' key players who must elevate their game to compete effectively.

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Notable Quotes:

• Nick Wright (02:10): “Julius Randle's playoff career is truly disastrous. And it's not overstated.”
• Nick Wright (06:21): “Anthony Edwards is going to average 30 in this series. Just so be it.”
• Nick Wright (11:09): “So I'd love that. And I do think that they have personalities that would mesh for a rivalry.”
• Nick Wright (17:32): “The only question for MVP is the fifth spot. One through four are pretty obvious. Shay is the league MVP.”
• Nick Wright (32:02): “The Lakers minus a game and a half at plus 1 20, I think is probably my favorite bet of this round of the playoffs.”

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Summary:

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Nick Wright provides an in-depth analysis of the Lakers versus Timberwolves playoff series, emphasizing the crucial roles of Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. He predicts that Anthony Edwards will dominate offensively while highlighting concerns about the Lakers' defensive strategies. Wright also explores the potential rivalry between Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards, forecasting its significance in future NBA matchups.

Furthermore, Wright shares his bold predictions for the NBA Awards, advocating for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP and detailing his selections for All-NBA teams and other accolades. He offers strategic betting advice for listeners, endorsing the Lakers as strong contenders to win the series.

Overall, Wright's comprehensive breakdown offers valuable insights for fans and bettors alike, combining statistical analysis with passionate commentary to forecast the outcomes of key NBA narratives.

Transcript

[Nick Wright]

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[Greg Rosenthal]

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[Nick Wright]

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[Daniel Jeremiah]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Greg Rosenthal]

The 40s and free agents podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered. Before your favorite team goes on the clock, we'll break it all down once all 257 picks have been made.

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

Welcome to the Best of the Week for what's Right with Nick Wright. The best takes and moments from this week on the show. Enjoy.

[Damanze]

Lakers have the second best odds in the west to win the title right now at minus 195. Anthony Edwards says he loves the position that the two.

[Nick Wright]

Hold on real quick. Hold on. They're the second best odds to win in the west. Win the title. Minus 195 in round one.

[Damanze]

In round one.

[Nick Wright]

You're fine.

[Damanze]

Go ahead and yeah, so Anthony Edwards says he loves where the Timberwolves are at right now and saying I love the fact that everybody wants the Lakers to win. That's how it's supposed to be. They don't want the Timberwolves to win and I get that. What. What is the key to this series?

[Nick Wright]

Well, the only chance the Timberwolves have is if Julius Randle for the first time in his career plays well in the playoffs and we've never seen that happen. So I, I'm, I'm going to pull it up. I'm looking down if you're watching on YouTube, because I'm pulling up on my phone. Julius Randall's playoff career is truly disastrous. And it's not overstated. It's not being unfair. It is what it is. It is. In 2021, in the first round against the Hawks. That's the famous Trey Young series. You see, oh, he was 18, 11 and 4. That, that's actually good. On 29% from the field. So his first playoff series ever, he was 29% from the field. Then two years later against Cleveland in round one, he was 14 and six a game. That was after an all NBA season on 33% from the field. And then, and they won that series. And then the next round against Miami, he was 18 and 10, which is much better. On 41% from the field, which is okay. In his playoff career is 28% from three. And then last year, obviously he was hurt for the playoffs and it didn't really seem like Knicks fans were all that bummed about it. And so he is yet to have a single great playoff series. And even if you go to individual playoff games, you are hard pressed to find more than one good one game. One last or two years ago against Miami, he was really good. He was 25, 12 and 8 on 44% from the field, which is about as good as you can hope for from him. But in his playoff career, and he has one other game against Miami where he was 20 and nine on 61%. But what's that joke everybody likes to make is shooting. He's shooting tour dates or whatever.

[Damanze]

Like he's, he.

[Nick Wright]

That thing.

[Damanze]

Three, 11.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. So in his career, in ascending order, he is in the playoffs from the field, 2 for 15, 3 for 15, 3 for 14, 6 for 23, 4 for 15, 3 for 10, 5 for 16, 7 for 20, 7 for 19, 8 for 21. And then five games, 40% from the field or better, 8 for 20, 8 for 18, 4 for 9. And then the two good games, 7 for 13 and 8 for 13.

[Damanze]

Go ahead and sweeten.

[Nick Wright]

So that's a 15 game playoff sample size. He's been good in two of them, so he's got to be. What are you laughing about? That I'm being too mean?

[Damanze]

No, no, no. After, after you said that, I just, I whispered go ahead and swing that rock, big dog. But I don't think I, I didn't hear it.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. So for real though. So that is. He's got to be good for them to have a chance. And by the way, going to be tough because he's going to be guard on the other end. He's going to be guarding LeBron James a lot.

[Laura Carenti]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

So he is the absolute key. Now, other than him, I am really interested in how much can Austin Reeves. How much energy can Austin Reeves make Anthony Edwards expend on the defensive end? Because I know there have been some thoughts that Ant is going to try to guard LeBron or Luca. That's a terrible idea. Ant's a very good defender, but he is simply too small for either one of those guys. Jaden McDaniels will spend a lot of time on LeBron and Luca. Julius Randle will spend some time on LeBron and Luca. NAS Reed might try. Dante's not going to be able to do it. But point is, Anthony Edwards is going to end up matched up on Austin Reeves a fair amount. Now, I don't think the Lakers have anybody who can slow down Anthony Edwards. Now, oddly, they did well against him in the regular season. But I would just go ahead and pencil in Anthony Edwards for 30 again. He's going to average 30 in this series. Just so be it. Can Austin make him have to defend enough and run around enough that he is a little tired on the offensive end at the end of these games? Because you do remember that I. Listen, I get it. You had to trade Luka Doncic cause he's an out of shape alcoholic. I understand, Nico, but it was Anthony Edwards, who might as well be chiseled out of granite, who said he was exhausted in the conference finals last year, not Luca. And so now it's a lot of time off and it's round one and there's a lot of days between the games. But how much energy can you make Ant expend on the defensive end? And then the only other real, the only way for, in my opinion, for the Timberwolves to have a real chance is if Lucas 3 is not falling. Cause if Lucas 3 is falling, then what you are going to see is LeBron really picking and choosing his spots in the first three quarters of these games and then taking over in the fourth. Something he has not had the luxury of doing much at all in his whole career, but certainly in his Lakers career. But you saw it in that Lakers Mavs game where LeBron, you know, hand off the joystick for the first three quarters, then best player on the court in the fourth quarter. You've seen it a few times this year. And so Julius Randle's gotta be good for them to have a chance. Nas Reed's gonna be super important. And I haven't even mentioned Rudy Gobert because here's the thing. I think Rudy's in a really rough spot here. It's not just that Luca has tortured him on multiple continents. It's not just that Luca hit the biggest shot of his career over him, but it's also that the Lakers want to play small. His offensive limitations will allow them to play small because they're not going to be able to just, you know, dump the ball down to go Bear and be like, hey, you have Dorian Finney Smith or Rudy Hachimura on you. Give us that sweet baby hook you've got. That's not going to be a thing. And defensively, we have seen if you play five out it, Rudy really, really struggles. If, and so I, I, I would guess that Ant is awesome and it doesn't matter all that much in this series. And I said it to you guys on Tuesday, I'll say it again. The Lakers minus a game and a half at plus 1 20, I think is probably my favorite bet of this round of the playoffs. All right, what else do you have on this series?

[Damanze]

Do you think this could be the start of a Luca Ant rivalry?

[Nick Wright]

So I'd love that. And I do think that they have personalities that would mesh for a rivalry.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

I do think that both of these teams, you know, they should meet in the playoffs consistently moving forward. I don't look at Ant yet as the caliber of player of Luca, and I don't think that there is much of an argument. What demase you don't see them as.

[Damanze]

The same caliber of player I get? Like Lucas, like slightly better.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. I look at Luke as a guy I expect to win multiple MVPs. That's, that's. There's only two other guys in the league in that caliber and they both already have multiple as far as prime guys, I mean, you know, in Giannis and Jokic, and I look at Ant as a guy who might win one, you know what I mean? So, like, I, if you set Luka career MVP's number at one and a half, I would immediately say over. And if you set Ants number of career MVPs at a half, I would say I need, like, I gotta really think about this so that, you know, that's the. And I think it's, I think it's an almost impossibility that Luca never wins. A league mvp and I think it's a coin flip event does so again it, we're in the margins here. But yeah, I do look like and I think a good evidence of that is if the Lakers had traded Anthony Edwards, Max Christie and a first round pick. I'm sorry, if the Lakers had traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first round pick for Anthony Edwards, we wouldn't two months later still be like that's the dumbest I've ever seen in my life. Is it because they want to move the team like we the you would have legitimately, you know, debates on each side like okay, who got better. Like does it make sense? And I understand for the way the Timberwolves are constructed, it wouldn't even make sense. But yeah, that's how I so and I, I, I really like it. But I think he needs to level up a tiny bit now. He's not as old as Luca, you know what I mean? He hasn't been in the league quite as long and so there is that. Go ahead.

[Damanze]

Do you. Well, were you done with the, with the first follow up? I was, I was going to ask if you see JJ Redick stock rising or how much you see it rising this off season.

[Nick Wright]

Well, it depends on the playoff run. I mean if they get bounced in round one, it won't people be like darvin Ham made conference finals his first year. But I, I think it's already pretty obvious that JJ Redick has done an excellent job as first year as Lakers head coach. Now we'll see how he handles the playoffs. I know there's some, in some circles there is a belief that the Lakers have been kind of using a playoff style defense in the regular season and to deal with their lack of size and that that might have been a mistake by JJ because now they're not going to have an extra gear and more people have seen it so they can prepare for it. I'm less concerned with that than others. But yeah, I think JJ has done an excellent job. I think that there was a legitimate argument to include him on coach of the year ballots this year. And so credit to JJ who people know I historically not the biggest fan of as far as a media presence, but he, he did a really Good job. The NBA 82 game grind is done and now the real fun begins. The NBA playoffs are here and it's time for all the high stakes drama, clutch moments and jaw dropping plays. Can't wait if you're looking to make the playoffs even more exciting. DraftKings sportsbook has you covered as an official sports betting partner of the NBA. From the playing games all the way through to the Finals, now's the time to back your favorite players and teams as they chase glory. All season long, DraftKings has been the go to spot for NBA player props. Pardon me, and that doesn't stop now. Want to make your playoff experience even more intense? Try placing a bet on your favorite player's performance. Will they drop 30? 40 more? Your call ready to place your first bet? Download help me out here. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app, lock in your bets and make this playoff run unforgettable. Something special for first timers. New DraftKings customers bet $5. Get $200 in bonus bets instantly. Make it a playoff run to remember with DraftKings. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use code WRIGHT that's code WRIGHT W R I G H T for new customers to get $200 in bonus bets when you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler in New York, call 877-8-HOPE NY or text Hopeny, which is 467369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 plus. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void In Ontario, bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources. C DKNG co bball Time is precious.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Greg Rosenthal]

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 20202025 NFL Draft.

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered. Before your favorite team goes on the clock, we'll break it all down. Once all 257 picks have been made.

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Laura Carenti]

This is Courtside with Laura Carenti, the podcast that's changing the game and breaking down the business of women's sports like never before. I'm Laura, the founder and CEO of Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Your inside source on the biggest deals, power moves and game changers. Writing the playbook on all things women's sports, from the heavy hitters in the front office to the powerhouse women on the pitch. We're talking to commissioners, team owners, influential athletes and the investors betting big on women's sports. We'll break down the numbers, get under the hood and go deep on what's next. Women's sports are the moment, so if you're not paying attention, you're already behind. Join me Courtside for a front row seat into the making of the business of women's sports. Courtside with Laura Carrenti is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to Courtside with Laura Carenti Starting April 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of I Heart Women's Sports.

[Nick Wright]

The so MVP to me is quite simple and I have been sorry Daniel. Really, I have found it unbelievable the number of people who have just decided all of the rules that I laid the groundwork for last year no longer apply. And so for me the only question for MVP is the fifth spot. One through four are pretty obvious. Shay is the league MVP. He's 33 a game on a 68 win team. Joker should be the unanimous second place MVP guy. He's 30 a game with a triple double carrying a team that is terrible defensively. Some of that's on him and just fired their coach. Giannis is third, Tatum is fourth and if you want to say Tatum's third, Giannis is fourth, that's fine. I think yacht what Giannis has done, especially despite Dame being out, is remarkable. But that's a debate. And then for fifth place it was a debate between the following Donovan, cade Edwards and LeBron and I I still want well, I'll talk about all NBA first team because my one through five my MVP ballot is not my first team all NBA and I'll explain that in a minute. But my fifth place spot goes to LeBron and it goes to LeBron because despite the injury still played 70 games. He seamlessly did what a lot of people thought he either Wouldn't be willing to or able to which is fit with Luca. He care. People are recreating history that oh, the Lakers were headed for the play in before the Luca trade. The lakers were the 4 seed the day Luca made his debut with the team. They were the they stayed even though Anthony Davis had gotten hurt. They were on a winning streak when Luca first got to the team. Their only real losing this year happened surrounding LeBron's injury. LeBron was a Swiss army knife defensively, once they got Luca and honestly once AD went down, they are the 3 seed in a loaded Western Conference. They were only Oklahoma City was better this year against the best 10 teams in basketball. LeBron's been the through line of it all. I have him as fifth place in MVP now to the top of the ballot. So here's why. I find these folks who are now saying they are going to vote for Joker to be so disingenuous. And what they simply should say is he's my favorite player, he's the best player in the league, so I'm voting for him. Last year the numbers for Joker v Luca were not close. I will remind you of them. Okay, last year Luca averaged 34, 9 and 9. He won the scoring title on good efficiency. He averaged 34 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists. So basically 34, 9 and 10. The league MVP was Nikola Jokic, who averaged seven fewer points, 26 and a half, three more rebounds, 12 and a half and one fewer assist, nine. And it wasn't close. Luca got four first place votes. And the argument was purely, well, joker's team won 57 games, Luca's team won 50. And Luka was not very good. Even though the team was fine defensively. Luka was not very good defensively. Those same people now this year are saying throw those rules out. And even though Shea's team has won 68 games and Joker's team won 50, the same exact number Lucas team won last year, I think Joker's gonna get it because I've never seen an offensive season like this. And my question is, didn't you kind of see an offensive season like this last year by a guy who got four first place votes? Again, Luca last year was 34, 9 and 10. Joker this year is 30. Let me. Yeah. 29.6. Call 30, 13 and 10. So four fewer points, four more rebounds on a team that won the same amount of games and so that. Now you might say, Nick, last year weren't you a guy that was arguing for Luca? Wouldn't that Then follow that this year you should be arguing for Joker a hundred percent. If one of two things were true. One I had an actual vote and it was impacting it so I must vote with consistency or two, and this is more importantly and really the reasoning, I do feel like the previous winner winners but certainly the most recent year continues to set the precedent for the voting public because it is an undefined award. So last year when a guy with 50 wins who's playing in the 4, 5 game who averaged 34, 9 and 10 got 4 of 100 votes because we said best player on the best team with really good stats is going to run away with it to then not give Shay when Shay is again it's not like Shea's averaging 25 a game. He's 33, 5 and 6 with excellent defense on a 68 win team. And the history of guys on teams who have won 68 plus games, all of them, every team that has ever won 68 plus Steph one MVP, Jordan one MVP. The 69 win Lakers did not have the league MVP. Kareem won it in 72. But that is because two Lakers split votes. Wilt and west finished third and second. That's why the Lakers didn't have one. The who are the other ones? Dave cowins on the 68 win Celtics 1 MVP Jordan won 69 games and shamefully didn't win it in 97. Cause the voters got sick of giving it to him. Gave it to Karl Malone. But it's just folks need to just say I I like Joker the most. So even though his coach got fired and his defense has been bad and even though last year it was about wins, this year it's about raw stat. I'm just not gonna lie. I just think it's. I think Shay's the MVP now to all NBA. So again I don't have an actual vote but and I know they changed the rules, I want my all NBA first team at the very least to be two guards, two forwards and a center. And I want all of my all NBA teams to at least be credible teams you could roll out on a basketball court. So even though I had LeBron as my fifth place in MVP voting, I do not have him as all NBA first team. I gave that to Donovan. So I want my two guards to be Shay and Donovan, my two forwards, Giannis and Tatum, my center, Joker second team all NBA for me was very simple. My two guards are Stephan Anthony. Cade's technically a guard, but he's tall enough we can just put him in kind of that point forward spot. He and LeBron are second team. And Alpern Shingoon, who was the best player on a Rockets team that was the second seed. He is second team all NBA. Third team all NBA. With apologies to Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton had his spot stolen in game 82 damanze by James Harden. 39 and 10 to lock up the five seed and stay out of the play in. So it's Jaylen Brunson, James Harden, Jaylen Williams as a forward. Because your team wins 68 games. It's not just one guy. Carl Anthony Towns is the other forward and Evan Mobley as the other center. Again, that team wants what 64. They need someone other than just Donovan. My defensive player of the year was not difficult for me. I think Draymond really hurt himself at the end of the year. It is Evan Mobley, my sixth man.

[Damanze]

Of the Mobley thing. You have him in as your defensive player of the year, but he's only in your third team all NBA.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. So that happens sometimes. The where in hell there have been years defensive player of the year didn't even make any all NBA team. I don't think Marcus Smart made an all NBA team when he won it. I don't think. I don't know if Tony Allen. Did Tony Allen ever win defensive player of the year? I don't remember, but that happens sometimes. But I think he's the defensive player of the year. Sixth man of the year is Malik Beasley. Just an absolute flamethrower off the bench and I guess somewhat controversial. Most improved. I think it's Evita Zubots. I almost had Zubots on as my all and be on my all NBA team. He jumped his scoring by 50% over his career. He's been great defensively. Clippers have been excellent. He's been huge. I think he's the most improved player even though he's old. And it usually doesn't go to old guys. Clutch player of the year is LeBron. LeBron's for the only player in the league with 400, 100100 in the fourth. LeBron's fourth quarter plus minus and the Lakers record in the fourth quarter. And his assisted turnover ratio is better than either of the previous clutch player of the year winners. And Stephan Ant. And I understand Jaylen Brunson's clutch numbers are going to probably make Jalen Brunson win this award. That is in part because they do not have clutch numbers for defense in the clutch where Jaylen was Lacking, obviously because of his size. I think LeBron's clutch player of the year, rookie of the year is very, very simple. Stefan Castle is going to be close to unanimous. Re well, Reese Shea get some votes. And I think coach of the year demons Azima Udoka getting this Rockets team to the two seed when Jalen Green's a nice player. Eamon Thompson's going to be an awesome player, but he's very young. I think IME Udoka deserves coach of the year. So those are my ballots and my full NBA awards.

[Damanze]

All right.

[Nick Wright]

It makes sense to everybody.

[Damanze]

Lakers locked up the three seed and now they are facing ant in Minnesota in round one. Luca obviously took care of business against against them last year he averaged 32, 32, 9 and 8. How do you think these teams stack up against each other? Are you a little worried there?

[Nick Wright]

No. This is the ideal bracket for the Lakers. Okay, so like, listen, everything's hard in the west and everyone wanted Memphis, but once it was clear Memphis wasn't going to climb out of the play in part of it, then this was the best you could have hoped for. Like, you want to play the Nuggets right now? I don't. Jamal Murray's back. Joker is Joker. You want to play the Clippers right now? Holy, that team looks unbelievable. The warriors, because of Steph are always dangerous. So again, the, the, the best possible path for the Lakers in my opinion was having the Thunder Nuggets and Clippers on the other side of the bracket. And they do. They are. They might. By the way, also, if the warriors lose tonight, they'll. If the warriors lose tonight, the Lakers road to the conference finals is Timberwolves and then either Rockets, Grizzlies, and even if the warriors win tonight, then Tim Rolls and either Rockets Golden State. And so Ant might average 32 a game in this series. The Lakers do not have anyone that can guard Anthony Edwards, but that's fine. Here are the other things that are going to happen. I don't know how you can credibly play Rudy Gobert the amount of minutes you probably want to play him. Luca just told us a week ago. He was like, what moment from your from the Mavs video got you choked up the most. And it wasn't when they drafted him. It wasn't, you know, one of his crazy buzzer beaters. It wasn't the 70 point game. It was hitting the step back over Gobert in the conference finals, then cursing him out in Slovenian. Luca has tortured Rudy Gobert on multiple continents in the Olympic Slovenia against France, he's done it. When Gobert was a Jazz, he did it. When Gobert was a Timberwolf, he did it. So that is a rough spot for the Timberwolves to start with. You then add that the Lakers are getting they no longer have to deal with Playoff D'Angelo Russell, which is a disaster, and instead get to go against playoff Julius Randle, which is a different type of disaster. That's nice. They don't have Darvin Ham with his hands in his pockets drawing up on the on the whiteboard contest without fouling. They've got JJ who's been up for 39 straight hours figuring out how to blitz Anthony Edwards. All that's good. You also have a series that because Luca is going to want to make Rudy Gobert cry, LeBron's gonna be able to sit back the first three quarters like he did in that Mavs game. So again, I think it is a hard fought five games for the Lakers, maybe six. I will tell you guys my favorite round one bet shout out to my friends at DraftKings. By the way, like we should. I would like to can DraftKings. Can we start getting some boosts or something? I just wait. If there's something I really like, I don't know, this is plus 120, maybe they can throw my face on it. Make it +125 for what's right listeners. But the Lakers minus a game and a half in the series, meaning is plus 1 20. So the Lakers for the series is minus 200. So question is, do you think the Lakers are going to win the series? Yes. Okay, you bet them at minus 200, you win if they win in 4, 5, 6 or 7. Or you can get them at minus a game and a half at plus one twenty and you win if they win the series in four, five or six. So yes, you cost yourself if it's a seven game Lakers win. But I don't think it's going to be seven games because I think Luke is going to light this team on fire. And I think that. Listen, Nas Reed's going to be a problem. You got credit where it's due. Jaden McDaniels is an excellent defensive player, but they got. We saw Luca with a worst supporting cast beat this team in five to go to the finals last year. Now Ant said I got tired, which was odd and Ant won't be tired this time. But you also have LeBron with eight days off coming into it.

[Damanze]

I on the LeBron side are like obviously not trying to speak this into existence. But are you worried at all about his growing? So I know that was kind of acting up last week.

[Nick Wright]

I saw. Yeah, so it looked like he kind of tweaked it in the game against Houston, game 81. Yeah, he didn't seem too concerned. And this is also why, you know, having eight days off is going to be so incredibly useful and helpful. So. No, I'm not. Obviously if he truly re aggravates his groin, if he has to miss time, then that would be a problem. But this is where I remind you guys of one of the single most remarkable stats in basketball history, which is LeBron James. Teams have played in 287 playoff games. Damanze in his career 208. So. So teams LeBron has been on have played in 287 playoff games. Of those 287, LeBron James has played in 287. He has never missed a single playoff game in his career. So yes, fingers crossed, knock on wood, whatever you got to do. But also that number is so bananas.

[Damanze]

It's pretty crazy.

[Nick Wright]

It's three and a half full seasons. Yeah, he's played. He's. This will be his 55th career playoff series. 55 series. He's 41 and 13 in his career in playoff series. And so yeah, I mean I you hope. Obviously he's got to stay healthy. He's done a good job of that through his career. One more question before we move on to some other stuff.

[Damanze]

So if Minnesota ends up winning this series and ant shows out, is he move closer to becoming the face?

[Nick Wright]

So yes, I ant needs to tighten up his off court life but he's got everything else. And if he were to out duel LeBron and Luca in what is going to be the highest rated round one series. Yeah, that will but I kind of look at Ant. Here's the optimistic look of Ant. He's on the Luca trajectory. Luca made an early conference finals run. The next year the team made a big trade and then took a bit of a step back for Luka was Kyrie. They end up missing the playoffs. For Ant they trade Carl Anthony Towns. You know they end up down at the six line. Probably bounced in round one. And the next year for Luca they made the finals so that like it's not like ant is behind schedule at all. But yes, this would SC this would. Winning this round one series would do more for Ant notoriety and face of the league stuff than winning the round two series they did last year against Denver.

[Damanze]

As great as Denver is probably super important with this year. Like if you won this one. Like if they beat the Lakers and then they just lost in round two.

[Nick Wright]

Correct? No, no, no. You beat the Lakers. Everyone's then going to expect you to beat the Rockets or the warriors or the Grizzlies. That. That part's definitely true.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

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[Greg Rosenthal]

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered. Before your favorite team goes on the clock, we'll break it all down once all 257 picks have been made.

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