The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: What's Wright - Best of NBA: LeBron James x Lakers PROBLEMS, Tatum's Celtics return, Jokic vs. OKC | Nick Wright
Date: March 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Herd" features Nick Wright breaking down some of the NBA’s biggest storylines. The main focus is on the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles despite LeBron James’ adaptation, a deep dive into the Boston Celtics’ surge without Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s MVP candidacy, and sharp commentary on Nikola Jokic, Lou Dort, and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s edge and reputation. The tone is candid, opinionated, and data-driven, staying true to the show’s blend of hot takes and nuanced debate.

Lakers’ Struggles: LeBron, Luka & Roster Construction

Timestamps: 03:35–11:31

Key Points

• Lakers' Roster Issues:
  • “The Lakers have some roster construction issues. That's the biggest problem is they don't have enough shooting or defense which are the two most important things in the modern NBA.” (03:43, Nick Wright)
  • Defensive liabilities: Luka doesn’t defend, Austin (Reaves) can’t defend, and LeBron is aging.
• Usage Stats:
  • LeBron has the lowest usage of his 23-year career (23%).
  • Luka’s at a career-high (41%).
  • Austin is at 34%.
  • “LeBron has adjusted... This year LeBron has dropped down to 23, Luka’s jumped up to 41.” (04:35, Nick Wright)
• On-Court Chemistry:
  • Lakers are great when Luka + Austin play without LeBron, and when LeBron is with bench guys.
  • When all three (LeBron, Luka, Austin) are on court: “It’s a disaster.” (04:11, Nick Wright)
• Championship Outlook:
  • Only path: outperforming with offense since defense is not repairable.
  • “They're squarely not a championship contending roster.” (06:10, Nick Wright)
• Luka Doncic's Role:
  • Disappointing playoff performance last year.
  • No improvement in conditioning or defense.
  • Still leading scorer (“32, 8, and 9 a night”), but has not taken a late-game shot this season: “That is odd.” (09:47, Nick Wright)

Notable Quotes

• “If you catch the Lakers on their best night, they look scary. But… they are just what they are.” (08:52, Nick Wright)
• “Luka has not appeared to improve on the things he needed to improve on, most notably conditioning and defense… but he’s the scoring champ right now.” (10:06, Nick Wright)

LeBron’s Vegas Ownership Ambitions

Timestamps: 11:31–13:55

Key Points

• Interest in Owning an NBA Team:
  • LeBron has always been open about wanting to own a team, specifically the Las Vegas expansion franchise.
  • Problem: Expansion fee could be $6 billion—out of reach even for LeBron and Rich Paul (“They ain’t got that. They ain’t got close to that.” (11:54, Nick Wright))
• Possible Workarounds:
  • Discusses whether financing and loans are options, but isn’t clear on NBA requirements.
  • “I also think it would be really good for the league for LeBron to be an owner… When Michael Jordan wanted to be an owner, he kind of got cut a sweetheart deal. It does not appear the league is going to do that for LeBron.” (12:36–13:14, Nick Wright)

The Celtics Without Tatum & Jaylen Brown’s Leap

Timestamps: 17:43–28:09

Key Points

• Jaylen Brown’s Performance:

  • With Tatum out, Brown is carrying the team—Boston is second in the East.
  • “Jaylen Brown has carried my Celtics this year.” (17:43, Cohost)
  • Nick confesses to underestimating Brown, previously calling him “a homeless man’s Kawhi Leonard.” (18:28, Nick Wright)

• Brown’s MVP Chances:

  • “I would have Jalen Brown third in the MVP race. I would have Jokic, Shea ahead of him… my guy Luka on the outside looking in at 6.” (21:20, Nick Wright)

• Team Dynamics, Chemistry, and Tatum’s Dilemma:

  • Brown is benefitting from the chance to “be his actual self” without Tatum.
  • The co-host points out Brown’s frequent, maybe pointed, remarks about his new role.
  • On Tatum: Team is so good without him, it complicates his return. If Boston wins without Tatum, “that’s just human nature… You can want people you love to succeed without necessarily wanting them to get the ultimate, greatest success imaginable without them.” (24:08, Nick Wright)

• Tatum’s Return Scenarios:

  • Wait until next year—avoids criticism but opens door to Boston winning it all without him.
  • Come back for playoffs—pressure if they lose or he underperforms.
  • “I do think you guys can win the title if he comes back… I don't think you need Tatum at peak Tatum.” (27:52, Nick Wright)

Notable Quotes

• “He is just consistently exceeded my own expectations.” (18:38, Nick Wright, on Jaylen Brown)
• “He’s a Finals MVP. Even given that, what he has done this year is beyond belief.” (18:47, Nick Wright)
• “I feel Jason Tatum is a very thoughtful and introspective guy… He also cares a lot about legacy, I think that’s fair to say.” (26:08, Nick Wright)

Jokic, Dort, and the Oklahoma City Thunder Debate

Timestamps: 31:33–47:07

Key Points

• Jokic vs. OKC – Recent Game:

  • Jokic struggled and flopped against the Jazz—nothing compared to Lou Dort’s aggressive play against Jokic.
  • Dort has a “well-earned reputation” for borderline dirty defensive plays.
  • “The current undisputed, unified, universal champion of the world of dirty ass basketball is on your team, Oklahoma City. And his name's Lou Dort.” (36:35, Nick Wright)
  • Compares Dort’s actions unfavorably to Draymond Green, Pat Beverley, Dylan Brooks, and Grayson Allen.

• Impact of Dort’s Play:

  • “That on Jokic was an embarrassment to basketball. That was a player who was not expecting contact… you backed up and you threw your leg and hip into him.” (38:45, Nick Wright)
  • Predicts officiating will now tighten on OKC, potentially undermining their defensive edge: “OKC is now under massive scrutiny… I think Dort better watch himself.” (44:15, Nick Wright)
  • Analogy: Compares it to the Eagles’ “tush push” play being scrutinized, which made it less effective.

• Thunder’s Outlook:

  • Acknowledges OKC is “objectively excellent… incredibly well built, they’re well coached and Shea’s ascension… is utterly remarkable.” (34:23, Nick Wright)
  • Their depth, defense, and strategic edge are their strengths, but their style may backfire under increased officiating scrutiny.

Notable Quotes

• “I think you are going to see OKC get a much more similar whistle to the rest of the league the rest of the year.” (44:38, Nick Wright)
• “You can be the enforcer type without throwing it in reverse and taking out the three time league MVP.” (47:07, Nick Wright)

Memorable Moments & Candid Admission

• Nick’s self-deprecation after previously doubting Jaylen Brown.
• The playful moment when Nick adjusts his “hotel thin curtain” on air, unfiltered and real (25:16, Nick Wright).
• Predicting a “massive microscope will now be on Lou Dort and OKC,” turning a regular season incident into a playoff narrative.

Key Timestamps Reference

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------------|:-------------:| | Lakers’ Chemistry & LeBron’s Adaptation | 03:35–11:31 | | LeBron’s Vegas Ownership Ambitions | 11:31–13:55 | | Celtics without Tatum / J.Brown MVP | 17:43–28:09 | | Jokic vs. Dort/OKC & Dirty Play | 31:33–47:07 |

Conclusion

This episode is a slam-dunk for basketball fans seeking layered analysis and strong opinions. Nick Wright blends stats with storytelling, sharp NBA critique, and a self-aware approach to past takes. His discussions on the Lakers, the Celtics, and the ongoing Jokic-Dort narrative reveal the nuances and personalities shaping the 2025-26 NBA landscape.

If you missed the episode, this summary captures the most relevant debates, insights, and flavor of Nick Wright’s analysis (without the ads or filler)—perfect for getting up to speed on the NBA’s hot topics this week.