What’s Wright - Best Of - LeBron James' MONSTER NIGHT, Luka & Lakers RED HOT + Dolphins-Broncos TRADE reaction | Nick Wright

Summary

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The Herd with Colin Cowherd — "What’s Wright - Best Of"

Date: March 22, 2026
Host: Nick Wright (and co-host/analyst)
Key Topics: LeBron’s historic night, Lakers’ red-hot form, Luka Doncic’s MVP argument, and Dolphins-Broncos trade reaction

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Episode Overview

This “Best Of” compilation features Nick Wright’s sharp and lively analysis on a pivotal week in sports:

• LeBron James’ historic, near-perfect game and his continued defiance of age
• The Lakers’ surge into the No. 3 seed and their dynamic with Luka Doncic
• A breakdown of current NBA MVP contenders
• Reaction to a major NFL trade between the Dolphins and Broncos

Nick brings his trademark blend of stats, storytelling, and strong takes, balancing respect for legendary figures with laser-focused commentary on what’s now and what’s next in the NBA and NFL.

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LeBron James’ MONSTER NIGHT & LakeShow’s Momentum

[03:25 – 14:43]

LeBron’s Performance at Age 41

• LeBron scored 30 points on 13 of 14 shooting, energizing the Lakers crucially in the playoff race.
• “LeBron went 13 of 13. Did you see his one missed shot?” — Nick Wright [03:39]
• Co-host describes LeBron’s missed shot as more a turnover or a foul than a miss, underscoring how locked-in LeBron was [03:48-03:56].
• Nick calls LeBron’s recent dunks “bananas” and compares them to his famous Jason Terry dunk 13 years ago to the day [04:18-07:42]:
  • “He is putting on a dunk show... and we're like, yeah, I mean it was a really good LeBron game. But about sounds right.” — Nick Wright [08:36]
  • LeBron is about to tie Robert Parish for most NBA regular-season games played [04:21–04:37]

Longevity and Lack of Celebration

• Despite historic achievements (most baskets in NBA history, about to have most games played), LeBron sometimes gets little public recognition:
  • “We're numb to things like we saw last night.” — Nick Wright [07:42]
  • Contrasts with dramatic celebrations for Steph Curry’s records:
    • “We had a nationwide countdown ticker when Steph Curry was about to get the most three point baskets. LeBron breaks the record for just baskets... alright, ball in. Keep it going.” — Nick Wright [06:47]

Lakers’ New Dynamic and Playoff Potential

• JJ Redick’s suggestion that LeBron as the third-highest-used player is best for team success is vindicated by recent form:
  • “Big scoring nights from LeBron being a bonus instead of a prerequisite...makes them really scary.” — Nick Wright [09:34]
• Lakers’ starting five looks locked in and sustainable for postseason ([12:06]):
  • A core of Luka, Austin Reaves, LeBron, Marcus Smart, with a frontcourt rotation of Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton

Team Chemistry & LeBron’s Influence

• Recent epiphany from Deandre Ayton, who now says he’s “locked in” [12:24–12:26]
• Nick: the “tax” of having the GOAT on roster includes adjustments and ego management, but the upside is seeing LeBron fully buy into whatever's needed:
  • “When you have the goat in year 23 on your team and he is going all out...it resonates with Deandre Ayton.” — Nick Wright [13:07]

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Luka Doncic & The Lakers — MVP Race and Red-Hot Streak

[20:43 – 34:03]

Luka’s MVP Case

• After a 40-point night, the MVP top five as Nick sees it:
  • 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (“Shea”)
  • 2. Victor Wembanyama (“Wimby”)
  • 3. Luka Doncic
  • 4. Nikola Jokic (“Joker”)
  • 5. Cade Cunningham (soon ineligible due to games played)
• Strongest praise for Shai if he hits the 65-game minimum:
  • “Right now, the MVP of the league is Shea...I’m totally fine with that.” — Nick Wright [20:51]
  • Co-host admits, “SGA’s never...I’m cool off of that,” not gelling with his style [21:21]

Luka’s Historic Season

• Luka is putting up one of the NBA’s top 10 scoring seasons since Jordan: “33 points per game...the only people to average more post-Jordan are Embiid, Harden (twice) and Kobe.” — Nick Wright [25:31]
  • Throws in versatile numbers: 8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, high shooting percentages
  • “He just rips people’s throats out...the behind the back through traffic lob to Ayton, followed by the...dagger double step back three to end the game.” — Nick Wright [27:10]
• Calls out how the narrative focused on Luka’s supposed limitations has missed his actual greatness:
  • “Most of the conversation was about what’s wrong with him…he is just a legendary offensive player.” [27:50]

Luka’s Attitude & On-Court Fire

• Luka operates best when channeling “vitriol” at the opposition instead of the refs:
  • “Luka is at his greatest when he is turning the vitriol and I think deep personal and intense hatred he has for the officials to the fans and other players.” — Nick Wright [28:41]
• Co-host agrees: when Luka argues with refs he’s at his worst; but using that energy against opponents “he’s having a good game” [29:19]
• Discussion about Luka managing his technical fouls, one away from a suspension [29:43]

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Lakers Playoff Outlook: Road to the Three Seed

[32:45-34:03]

• Nick underscores the Lakers’ favorable position:
  • They hold tiebreakers over Minnesota, Houston, and Denver
  • Five remaining “tankers” (weak opponents)
  • “If they win those five games... that puts them at 49 wins. In the remaining eight games, if they just go 2-6... that’s 51 wins.” — Nick Wright [34:03]
• All signs point to the Lakers locking up the 3-seed barring a meltdown

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Notable Quote — The LeBron/Luka/Wemby Playoff Story

[31:31 – 32:53]

• On a possible Lakers-Spurs second-round matchup:
  • **“Either in his first ever playoff run, [Wemby] runs into a 40-plus year old GOAT and beats him and it’s a passing of the torch. Or the first guy ever to beat him in a playoff series is maybe like...Wimby’s first ever series defeat and LeBron’s final series win are the same moment.” ** — Nick Wright [32:53]

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NFL TRADE REACTION: Dolphins–Broncos

[44:52 – 48:50]

The Deal

• Denver Broncos acquire WR Jalen Waddle and fourth-rounder from Miami Dolphins for first, third, and swapped fourth-round picks
  • “The simple version...Miami is getting the 30th pick and a third-round pick for Jalen Waddle...That’s a good trade for Denver.” — Nick Wright [44:52]

Analysis

• Waddle has previously succeeded as a team’s top receiver and is still young
• Nick lauds the move for Denver’s young QB (Bo Nix): “This is when you go for it. Bo Nix makes no money... this is what you do.” [46:24]
• Miami’s “rebuild mode”: trading away talent, stripping roster down, “starting fresh, cleaning up their books, taking their cat medicine this year”
• Miami looks likely to field the NFL’s weakest roster:
  • “That’s the worst team in football next year...it’s just going to be a really bad, bad team.” — Nick Wright [49:11]

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Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• LeBron’s missed shot/near-perfect night: “He jumped, got hit by three guys, lost the ball...they called it a missed shot.” [03:39–03:55]
• Comparing media reaction to Curry vs. LeBron’s records: “We had a nationwide countdown ticker...LeBron breaks the record...alright, ball in.” [06:43–06:47]
• Ayton on his new mindset after joining Lakers: “I was the guy who wasn’t locked in. And now I’m locked in.” [12:24–12:26]
• Luka’s game-killing sequence: “Behind the back through traffic lob to Ayton...dagger double step back three to end the game.” [27:10]
• NBA playoff narrative: Wemby vs. LeBron generational matchup [32:53]

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Summary Table: Key Segments

| Segment | Topics | Timestamps | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | LeBron’s historic night | Age-defying play, media undervaluation | 03:25–10:49 | | Lakers’ playoff prospects | Lineup chemistry, sustainable formula | 10:49–14:43 | | Luka & MVP conversation | Season stats, narrative correction, attitude | 20:43–31:44 | | Playoff implications | Seeding, West outlook, Lakers’ favorable path | 32:45–34:03 | | NFL Dolphins–Broncos trade | The deal, winners/losers, Miami teardown | 44:52–49:49 |

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Tone and Style

• Nick Wright blends deep statistical analysis with humor and strong, well-reasoned opinions, often shifting playfully between seriousness and self-aware asides.
  • Example on national media: “People are going to roll their eyes and get annoyed with me. I don’t care. I believe it and I know I’m right.” [13:07]
• Friendly banter with his co-host keeps the pace quick, relatable, and easy to follow for hardcore fans and casual sports listeners alike.

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Final Takeaways

• The episode is a masterclass in contextualizing greatness—whether it’s LeBron’s ongoing mastery, Luka’s overlooked MVP-caliber year, or how changing roles and personnel can unlock a title run.
• The show spotlights the constant churn of sports: today’s stars rewriting history books, tomorrow’s stars ready to break through, and teams like Miami choosing to “bottom out” for future gain.
• Nick’s blend of stats, perspective, and storytelling makes the stakes and the stories behind the scores come alive.

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Transcript

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[Nick Wright]

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[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. All right, real quick, take a look at yourself right now.

[Nick Wright]

Why?

[Podcast Guest]

What's wrong?

[Julian Edelman]

Nothing's wrong. You look like a guy running on three hours of sleep and vibes.

[Podcast Guest]

Okay, yeah, I'm tired, kind of cranky and very thirsty.

[Julian Edelman]

Congrats. Those are some of the potential signs of mild dehydration. And I bet your last bathroom break showed you another sign your body might be throwing you a penalty flag.

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So what's the play?

[Julian Edelman]

Call Liquid IV hydration multiplier. One stick in water helps hydrate faster than water alone.

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Okay, but where's the proof?

[Julian Edelman]

Liquid IV's clinical studies, not just a. A guy I know real science. Results you can trust.

[Podcast Guest]

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[Nick Wright]

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

[Co-host or Analyst]

So earlier this week JJ said the best thing for the team is LeBron being the third highest used player. And then he went out scored 30 on 13 of 14 shooting. And now the Lakers have that tiebreaker with the Rockets and alone in the three seed.

[Nick Wright]

So so, so a bunch here. One is LeBron went 13 of 13. Did you see his one missed shot?

[Co-host or Analyst]

It was. It was like a block or like an early steal kind of.

[Nick Wright]

I mean he jumped, got hit by three guys, lost the ball out of bounds.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Didn't really.

[Nick Wright]

I thought he got fouled. If it wasn't a foul, it was a turnover. Instead they called it a missed shot. Yeah, but it was also the second straight game against the Rockets when LeBron is dunking like it's. Yeah, 2010. I mean one of these alley oops that he caught three feet behind his head.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Just bananas.

[Co-host or Analyst]

He's different.

[Nick Wright]

I mean as far. I mean he's the oldest player in the his next game Demons a he ties Robert Parish for the most games regular season games in FL in NFL in NBA history.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Which is honestly kind of surprising to me that he's.

[Nick Wright]

That he doesn't have it already.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah, exactly.

[Nick Wright]

Well, he, he has the most combined regular season and playoff games. He's had that for a while. He has the most playoff games ever. The most combined regular season and playoff games ever. But Robert Parish, who was obviously before way before your time demons a healthy guy. He played. He played 21 years and until his final year which was 97 when he played 43 games his first 20 years Damanze the fewest games he played in a season was 74. So he went 20 years of somewhere from 74 to 82 games. And then his final year, he played 43. I mean, he played. He's one of the only guys in league history to play older than LeBron. He played until he was 43 years old, which is just unbelievable.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Seems like.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Co-host or Analyst]

For LeBron.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, and he should. He said he would go to the game. And so I have a bunch to say here. And we'll get to the Lakers piece of it in a segment. I want to talk about LeBron for a second. And the biggest story with the Lakers is actually not LeBron, it's Luca. But I was out of town when LeBron passed Kareem for most baskets in NBA history. They didn't even stop the game for a second. Like, they didn't even acknowledge it. I. You're laughing at me. But like, it's the most baskets. It's.

[Co-host or Analyst]

And we're playing basketball.

[Nick Wright]

Seems kind of like might be like, okay, just for a second here, let's just stop. Give him the basket. He doesn't have to do a whole ceremony. But as I remind folks, was that we had.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Was that in LA or was that.

[Nick Wright]

I don't even remember.

[Co-host or Analyst]

I don't know.

[Nick Wright]

I just know what happened. But we had a nationwide countdown ticker when Steph Curry was about to get the most three point baskets. LeBron breaks the record for just baskets. And they're just like, all right, ball in. Keep it going.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Tired of stopping the game for Braun, man.

[Nick Wright]

And he is about to break the record for most games. And I don't know if. If anybody. I think 10% of the audience knows that.

[Co-host or Analyst]

I mean, that if Robert Parrish pulls up to the game, then they probably. I mean, I imagine they'd stop it.

[Nick Wright]

Well, that is a weird one. When do you stop it? Just as soon as the balls tip stop. Like that's what sets the record. Like, that's a. That is a weird one. Maybe you do something pre game in the ceremony.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah, yeah.

[Nick Wright]

But LeBron, we are numb to things. Like we saw last night. The. This was the last night was the. Hold on. When the LeBron ju. Dunk on Jason Terry. Hold on. Was either 13 years ago or 15 years ago. I just got it. Oh, sorry. Okay. Thirteen. So the LeBron famous Jason Terry dunk was the reason I'm bringing that up. That was 13 years ago. Yesterday to the day. So at that moment, LeBron was in year 11. He was in. Or year 10. Pardon me. He was 10 years into his career and has that historic. Not historic, but memorable dunk on Jason Terry 13 years later. He is putting on a dunk show in a critical game late in the season against Kevin Durant, the Rockets, who they just beat on the road and we're like, okay, yeah, I mean it was a really good LeBron game, but about sounds right. It's just in. He is, you know, he leads the NBA in fast break points. He is still. He's simultaneously the oldest player in the league. Days from becoming.

[Co-host or Analyst]

You gotta cherry pick a little bit when you get older.

[Nick Wright]

Well, sure, but it's, it's not, it's not a ton of cherry picking. It's a lot of full steam ahead. He's simultaneously the oldest player in the league and still the biggest open court threat in basketball since Giannis is having a tough season. It's just, it's. Well, it's unprecedented, impossible to put into words. And this is what I was saying the other day to get to your point about. About third highest usage, him being the third option, big scoring nights from LeBron being a bonus instead of a prerequisite for the Lakers winning makes them really scary. Yeah.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Is it like if they win the finals this year, is it still like Sayonara, LeBron to Cleveland like at the end of the year? Like how do you.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, if they win the title.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Won the title.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, if they won the title. No, I think that ch. Well, I don't know. I think that probably changes things, but maybe not. Maybe it would just be like this perfect.

[Co-host or Analyst]

I was just considering like.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Co-host or Analyst]

The time of his career. Like if you are going to go back to Cleveland.

[Nick Wright]

But, but the. So there is Ed. Right. The Lakers have. And we're going to. I'm going to disregard the rundown a bit. I apologize. We're going to stay all. We're stay here and then we'll probably do some Luca MVP stuff. But the, the Lakers right now are in a real groove that is sustainable now. Does it mean they're guaranteed to even make it out of round one? Not guaranteed. West is hard. Does it mean they'll be favored in round two? No, they're not favored. They're not. They're going to be significant underdogs in round two, but it does mean that it's no longer farcical to discuss them as a conference finals team. And the. If the five man group of. Well really the four man group of Luca, Austin Braun and Marcus Smart, plus either Rui or Ayton, those. Those two lineups legitimately work. And did you see deandre Ayton's quote the other day yesterday?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Kind of haven't had an epiphany.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. Where he's like, I've got to lock in. I was the guy who wasn't locked in. And now I'm locked in. Good for him. And hopefully you can stay that way. What I. And so, again, people are going to roll their eyes and get annoyed with me. I don't care. I believe it and I know I'm right. This is where the things, like people talk about justifiably, the tax of having the greatest player of all time when he's no longer even the best player on his own team. How it can screw with certain parts of the team. Luca deferring to him late. Like, what. You know, who has what role, those things. And that is a real thing. Okay. That is a real tax of having the goat in year 23 on your team. The flip side of that tax is when you have the goat in year 23 on your team and he is going all out, full horizontal. Dennis Rodman dive for a loose ball. I think it resonates with deandre Ayton, like, shit, man. Bronze. Not playing in the exact role he wants to play. He doesn't want to be standing in the corner, not. You know what I mean, watching Luke and Austin Cook and he's. And LeBron James is doing that. I can. I. I can try to thrive in my role. I really believe that.

[Co-host or Analyst]

They also started capella, like, the few days ago when they. When they played the Rockets. I don't think they usually start them.

[Nick Wright]

Who? The. The.

[Co-host or Analyst]

The Rockets. The Lakers played the Rockets. And the other. The first game. And they started capella in that game. Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, I didn't even notice that. Oh, that's the. I was watching at the beginning of that game. I'm still watching the World Baseball Classic. Yeah.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Was also hurt, which played into that. Yeah, but, but, but good friend. So I like that.

[Nick Wright]

The. No, and this is the. I.

[Co-host or Analyst]

It's been like the one thing they're missing. It's like a solid.

[Nick Wright]

And I have to listen. I also. I've got to give J.J. redick credit, too. Like, the team is locked in more on defense. And it took someone with a relationship with LeBron that JJ has, I think, for LeBron to be cool with this third option Swiss army knife role. And it makes him a scary team, man. Now, the real reason they're scary right now or the reason they're scariest is Luca. And so we will get to that in just a second. But first, today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Hard Rock BET Florida Sportsbook it is tourney time. As I told you guys earlier, everyone's favorite thing to do this time of year is fill out brackets. So as I said off the top of the show, join me in the Volume Bracket contest presented by Hard Rock Bet Grand Prize Winner gets a two night stay at the Guitar Hotel Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and casino in Hollywood, Florida plus 000 in bonus bets to use on the Hard Rock Bet app. All you have to do is head to bracket the volume.com and fill out your bracket. That's bracket the volume.com to make your picks and once your brackets locked in, time to hit the hardwood on the Hard Rock Bet app All tournament long. Hard Rock Bet is rolling out daily dance and boost featuring a live profit boost parlay profit boost every single day. That's more ways to shoot your shot and cash in with boosted odds. And you know those heart stopping zero on the clock moments. Now they pay. Hard Rock Bet is giving out $25 in bonus bets throughout the tournament if a team you bet to win or cover hits a buzzer beater. If you haven't joined Hard Rock Bet yet, now's the time to check in the game. New signups can double their winnings on their first 10 bets max $50. That means if you would have won a hundred bucks on your bet, now it's 200. That's how you start March hot. So don't sit on the bench. Download the Hard Rock Bet app and let's get the party started. Payable and Bonus Bets Not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states must be 21 and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia. To play terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida? Call 1833. Play wise in Indiana, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem wants help, call 1-800-9 with it gambling problem call 1-800- gambler Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia eczema

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[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. All right, real quick, take a look at yourself right now.

[Nick Wright]

Why?

[Podcast Guest]

What's wrong?

[Julian Edelman]

Nothing's wrong. You look like a guy running on three hours of sleep and vibes.

[Podcast Guest]

Okay, yeah, I'm tired, kind of cranky and very thirsty.

[Julian Edelman]

Congrats. Those are some of the potential signs of mild dehydration. And I bet your last bathroom break showed you another sign your body might be throwing you a penalty flag.

[Podcast Guest]

So what's the play call?

[Julian Edelman]

Liquid IV hydration multiplier. One stick in water helps hydrate faster than water alone.

[Podcast Guest]

Okay, but where's the proof?

[Julian Edelman]

Liquid IVs. Clinical studies. Not just a Guy I know real science. Results you can trust.

[Podcast Guest]

Well, take a look at me now. Liquid IV is officially part of my daily hydration routine. Pass the firecracker. Popsicle flavor.

[Julian Edelman]

Stay hydrated like a pro. Not like Jack before this. Stock up on Liquid IV hydration multiplier@liquidd I.com and use the promo code nuthouse for 20% off your first purchase.

[Co-host or Analyst]

So after Luca dropped 40 against the Rockets, you updated your MVP ladder. How does your top five look now?

[Nick Wright]

Well, and I did this before the Cade news. So as of this moment, here's what it would be. But it looks like Kate, unfortunately is going to fall out of eligibility. Right now, the MVP of the league is Shea. And it would. If Shea hits the 65 game mark, which I think he's seven games away from, he's going to be league MVP. And I'm. I want to be clear. I'm totally fine with that. What are you laughing about? Tell me.

[Co-host or Analyst]

No, no, no. I. SGA is never. I don't really like the guy. Like, I don't, like, dislike him personally, but his basket, like, I'm cool off of that.

[Nick Wright]

You're not a. You're not a fan of his style. I want to let you know I. The. I haven't checked in on you on this in a while. Are you. Are you bothered by mean comments on the Internet?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Am I bothered by them? No.

[Nick Wright]

Like, you get flooded with mentions like, will it mess with you up your day?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Not. I've seen, like, People have come to me a couple times. I've seen it.

[Nick Wright]

Okay, well, you. You say that you have underestimated the venom and the vitriol of OKC basketball fans. I think it's because it's the only pro sports team there and they're very, very protective. So I just want everybody to know. Bird with a Y. And so. Listen, Shay, I. They have the best record in basketball. He scores 20 literally every night, but averages 30. And I don't think anyone else on his team this year, any other individual guy has been exceptional. Yeah, J Dub has been injured a bunch. Chet is great defensively, but is, you know, and is very. Chet's a very good player, but hasn't, like, ascended the way people maybe thought he would. Now, let me make it clear. They have an unbelievable roster. They have the best defensive basketball. They held the Nets to 24 points in the first half yesterday. 24 in the half?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

That was 60 to 24 and half. So I'm not acting like he doesn't have an awesome team, but best record in the league, 30 plus points, efficient, good defensively. That's a deserving back to back mvp. Okay, after Shay it's either at this point, if we are being fair, it is either Luca or Wimy. Joker has fallen. Joker is four and I would have Cade five. But again Cade's probably not going to be eligible. And the Luca everyone knows the Wimby MVP case and it's a great case. He's the best defensive player in the league. He's a very good offensive player. They have the second best record in the west and the second best record in all of basketball. It's a great case and if you want to say Wimby is too, so be it. The case for Luca though has been understated all year. Luke is averaging one of the 10 most points per game this season of anyone this century. Post Jordan. This is a top 10 scoring season. Kobe had a season where he scored more. Harden had a season or two where he scored more. And that might be the list. Like hold on, I'm gonna. And Luke obviously does more than just score. But I'm going to, you know what, I'm going to check this real quick. I should have done this before but 33 points per game. Here are, here is the full list of seasons this century. Or I'll just do Post Jordan where someone scored more than Luca this year. Embiid by a tenth of a point three years ago. And then oh Luca himself two years ago, Harden as I mentioned six years ago, Kobe in oh six, Harden in 19. And that's your list. So the this Post Jordan, the only people to average more points per game in a season than Luke is averaging right now is Embiid. Harden twice and Kobe one time. When you add to that that he's giving you eight rebounds, eight and a half assists. The Lakers are the three seed. He's shooting 48 from the floor and 37 from three. They're going to win 50 games. And he has these moment, these games like last night where he just rips people's throats out like the the behind his back through traffic. Lob to Ayton followed by splitting another double team lob to Braun followed by the reverse pivot step back three followed by the absolute dagger double step back three to end the game. He's just unbelievable. And all year the most of the conversation was about what's wrong with him, about why he might not win a title ever. Not forget this year ever. And he is just a legendary offensive player who as of late has cleaned up the defense a bit. And I mean on this winning streak demons A let me go to it. So they've won seven in a row including games against really good teams. And here is Lucas stat lines on the winning streak. 44, 9 and 5, 35, 8 and 4, 31, 11 and 11, 51, 10 and 9, 30, 11 and 13, 36, 6 and 4. And then last night 49 and 10 they have beaten on this winning streak. The Knicks, the Wolves, the Nuggets, the Rockets. The Rockets plus Pacers, Bulls.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah,

[Nick Wright]

he has a legitimate. And again two weeks ago I think people thought he wasn't even first team all NBA. And here is what I will say about Luca's attitude because last night he was mother effing the fans.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah it

[Nick Wright]

Luca is at his greatest when he is turning the vitriol and I think deep personal and intense hatred he has for the officials to the fans and other players.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

When he pivots it from I'm being persecuted to I'm gonna make you cry and just does like what he did to Devin Booker in that series against the Suns.

[Co-host or Analyst]

No, because when he. He's in a bad headspace when he's arguing with the refs. It's like I don't he some players, you know, it's cool when they're angry but I don't think it works for him when he's into it with the refs. He's not having a good game.

[Nick Wright]

I agree with you. And I'll say something else that I really think has helped him. Being one tech away from a suspension. Yeah, for real.

[Co-host or Analyst]

That'll probably do it.

[Nick Wright]

He knows he doesn't like he's at 15 now. I honestly think just so it kind of reset the clock a bit. It would have been kind of smart if with like 30 seconds left last night he would have walked up to a ref and just been like fu you f and f to get because he's going to sit tonight no matter what. I think he's going to sit either on a back to back in Miami. They got there at five in the morning just be like, you know what?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Hey, by the way, I'm not going

[Nick Wright]

to play so just. I'll just take my suspension here. But that's you know, 5D chess. I'm wanting him to play.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Has anybody ever got for screaming at the fans?

[Nick Wright]

Screaming at the fans. You know, I think I feel like that happened recently and somebody talked about it. Hold on. Technical for screaming at fans. NBA is still cursing.

[Co-host or Analyst]

It was Remember?

[Nick Wright]

Hold on. Remember last year against okc at the very end of the regular season? In the fourth quarter, Luca screamed at a fan and the ref thought he was screaming at him and threw him out.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Oh, okay.

[Nick Wright]

They ejected him. Like that was the.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Did it get resolved or he just stayed ejected?

[Nick Wright]

No, yeah, it just stayed ejected and it was like a tie game with six minutes left. I feel like that might have been Easter Sunday for some reason I was. I feel like I. I was at. Let me see if that was Easter Sunday because I feel like I was at my mom's house when this happened.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Easter Sunday last year. Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

When was Easter Sunday? Easter Sunday last year? No way to tell. April 20th. This looks like it happened April 8th. So I'm not even close to right.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Luca MVP.

[Nick Wright]

Well, listen, I. I don't think he's going to win mvp. And I'm being fair right now. I wouldn't vote for him for mvp. But he's got to be first team all NBA. He's got to be top three on your ballot and Lakers, spurs round two. Here's the awesome thing about a potential lakers, Spurs Round 2 series from Wimby's perspective. Either way, it's an amazing. Opening ish chapter in the story of Victor when Benyama's playoff career. Yeah, either. And this is more about the LeBron piece than the Luca piece, but either in his first ever playoff run, he runs into 40 plus year old goat and beats him and it's a passing of the torch.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yep.

[Nick Wright]

Or the first guy ever to beat him in a playoff series is maybe like there is. There's a non zero chance that Wimby's first ever series defeat and LeBron's final series win are the same moment. Yeah, like that. And there's a non zero chance that. Right. That LeBron's finals playoff series defeat comes at the hands of Wimby. Either way it's awesome. Like either way it's a really cool potential moment. And it looks like that's the round two we're going to get because. And this is the point I was trying to make on Twitter, but I'll just make again here quickly. It now would be stunning demands a if the Lakers don't get the three seed. So they now have the tiebreaker with Minnesota, Houston and Denver.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Right.

[Nick Wright]

They also are at 25 losses while Minnesota and Houston are at 27. Denver is at 28. They also have five games remaining against Tankers in Brooklyn, Utah, Indiana, Dallas and what's the one other team I'm forgetting? Washington Washington. So if they win those five games against tankers, that puts them at 49 wins. They then in their remaining eight games, which is Miami tonight, they're going to lose Orlando, Detroit with no Cade, Cleveland, OKC, OKC again, Golden State, Phoenix in those eight games. Damon if they just go 2 and 6, they're at 51 wins again, 2 and 6, which they should be able to do better. But say they just go 2 and 6, they're at 51 wins, which would mean Minnesota has to go 9. And what would that be? 9 and 3 the rest of the way. And Anthony Edwards is out a couple weeks. Houston would have to go 11 and three the rest of the way and Denver would have to go 10 and 2 the rest of the way. It's just not happening. So yeah, I mean you have to like their position in that regard. Boost Mobile proving you don't have to overpay for great wireless Unlock the savings with $25 a month forever Unlimited plan. It's a permanent price with no contracts and no price hikes. You can keep your phone and your number, but you save up to $600 a year compared to the major carriers. Stop overpaying and switch to a fair [e-mail] today based on average annual single line payment of AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile customers compared to 12 months of the Boost Unlimited plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit boost mobile.com

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Ask your doctor about epglis and visit epgliss.lilly.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979.

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[Co-host or Analyst]

it's time for a special edition of Nick's Picks brought to you by Hard Rock Bet.

[Nick Wright]

So two tournament picks for you guys. First, we've got Houston? No, I, I got it all. You're fine. I was just, it was dramatic pause because I went down this road last year and they lost. I, I picked Houston to get to the Final Four. I don't believe I picked them to win the championship. But Houston, with Kelvin Sampson, got all the way to the final against Florida, had the ball, chance to win, it didn't get a shot up. Kind of tragic loss. It's a different type of gut punch. But it reminded me of Virginia when as a 1 seed, one of the favorites to win the tournament became the first one seed ever to lose to a 16. And then the very next year they responded to that stomach punch by winning the championship. I think Houston and Kelvin Sampson finally break through. They're nine to one to win it all. They have the huge bonus of. First of all, they, in my opinion pretty clearly have the easiest 1 seed to deal with in their region. It would be Florida. It'd be a rematch in the title game and they'll make the Sweet 16. Their Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games are in Houston, so they would have home games to make the final four. Houston at 9 to 1 to win it all. And the other pick that I'm going to give out is I think the best all around team in the country and certainly the healthiest of the. There's three big favorites, Arizona, Duke and Michigan. Arizona's the healthiest. Arizona to win its region to make the final four at minus 155. So those two Knicks picks brought to you by our friends at Hard Rock Bet. Houston to win the whole thing at 9 to 1. Arizona to win the west at minus 1:55. Those two picks brought to you by Hard Rock Bet. And by the way, speaking of the tournament, so I've, I, I've now got to hold on, I've got to check the latest. Gosh darn it, I've got to check the latest details on this. And so I've talked to you guys about this contest before.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Oh yeah, my pals is 3 million.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, my pals at Splash Sports, the college basketball tournament survivor contest, it's 3 million guaranteed and it's 150 bucks to enter. Now, contrary to what my friend Brent Hanks at Poker Go would tell you, I am not on the hook for the guarantee Splash Sports is. But still, the math on that is pretty simple to Monze. If it's $150 to enter and they're guaranteeing 3 million to the winner, they need 20,000 entries. We are the Tuesday before the tournament and we are. That's what I was just checking. Sitting right now at 5,240 entries. So that means right now, this moment there is a, you know, call it $2.2 million overlay. There is right now there is about $780,000 worth of entries and there's going to be $3 million price. So at this very moment it's the single best value you could ever do in a Survivor contest. And even by the way even if there's no overlay it's still. It's 150 bucks somebody's going to win 3 million and if there's multiple winners then they just chop it like there's three winners. You know, they each get a million bucks, whatever it is. But it's a 3 million guarantee. I don't know if they're going to hit the guarantee which is. It's weird. It's good for the user. The if you know if there's an overlay but it either way. But if it gets but 3 million is just the minimum. So if they get more than 20,000 entries and the price pool grows, whatever it is, it's 150 bucks. I'm gonna. I will sponsor Daniel, Paul and your entry. So you three all can have an entry. Not can you not not to share but like one individual. Yeah, one each. But it's going to be a group project so to speak. Everyone's got and all you know I the everybody's got a piece of each other's and the let's do it. Yeah. I mean the again I did this Survivor last year was a different it was the Helm youths one which last year was five grand. This year's ten grand. Oh, we have some breaking news.

[Co-host or Analyst]

How about this?

[Nick Wright]

No, this is real breaking news. The Denver Broncos are trading for Jalen Waddle. Wow. Wow. Denver gets by the way shout out a keeb to leap didn't akee to leave say a couple days ago. Like Denver was going to sign or get a big receiver. So Denver is getting Jalen Waddle and the Dolphins fourth round pick for the Broncos first round pick. Third and fourth round pick. So it's basically they're both, they're swapping fourth round picks. So the simple version of it is Miami is trade. Miami is getting the 30th pick and the a third round pick for Jalen Waddle. So Miami's getting a, you know a little less for Waddle than the Chiefs got for McDuffie. Denver's giving up the 30th pick in a third rounder and they're swapping fourths and Denver now has a number one receiver and Miami is just ripping it down and starting fresh, which is what they're supposed to do. I like that for Denver. I like Jalen.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Now we've never, we've never really seen Waddle as you know, we saw him as a number one early at, early in his career is I think his first year before they got Tyreek and he had 100 catches for a thousand yards is really interesting because his rookie year he had a, you know, he had a bunch of catches but was very low yards per catch. And then his second year year with Tyreek he had 30 fewer catches and 350 more yards and his yards per catch went from 9.8 to 18.1. He's a really good player and he's still young. He's 27 years old. He's on a reasonable contract like that. Fair is fair. That's a good trade for Denver. I like that. And this is when you go for it, right? Bo Nicks makes no money. You, you brought back everyone. You hadn't added any one of note. So this is what you do. So listen, Denver trades the 30th pick of the draft and a third rounder for Jalen Waddle and they swap fourth. So that's the simplest way to look at it. I like that for Bonix and I like Miami just being like we're going to try to go ahead and be the worst team in the league this year. You know who doesn't like that?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Start somewhere.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, but you know what I just realized? Who doesn't like forgetting they signed this guy? You know who doesn't like what Miami's doing? Malik Willis.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Oh yeah, Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

I keep forgetting that they signed Malik Willis. That's awful.

[Co-host or Analyst]

I just, I lowkey, just forget about it. That's crazy. Trade away is number one.

[Nick Wright]

So they're going to, they're going to run into next year with a wide receiving core of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington. That's not great for Malik Willis, but at least he got paid and you know, you'll see. And they're starting fresh, cleaning up their books, taking their cat medicine this year. The cat medicine kind of. They're going to be taking it next year as well if we're being totally honest. Honest. Because Tua's deal is such a disaster. But okay, so the Dolphins. Dolphins now. So who is left on the Dolphins?

[Co-host or Analyst]

Like I'm just got a Chan and Darren Waller.

[Nick Wright]

I No, I don't know. I, I think he, I don't think they had to cut him. I think he was on a one, you know, like a one year deal. But Bradley, I mean, they've got nobody left, man.

[Co-host or Analyst]

Bradley Chubb, me.

[Nick Wright]

No, they don't. Bradley Chubb signed with. Bradley Chubb signed with the Bills. No, I mean, that's the. With respect, deserved respect to the New York jets and the Tennessee Titans. That's the worst team in football. Next year, like, that's, that's just going to be a really bad, bad team. Who's there and who they. Oh, is it? Jeff Halfley is their coach now. Yeah. I mean, good luck, Jeff. Yikes. A tough spot. Tough spot. And the end. The. And the Broncos go. Go add a real weapon. I like that for them. Credit to the Broncos. I like that for them.

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[Nick Wright]

get anything you need for game day

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delivered with Uber Eats.

[Nick Wright]

Well, almost. Almost anything. You can't get a running back, but baby back ribs. Yes.

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[Nick Wright]

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[Podcast Host]

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