The Ringer NBA Show: Kyrie Irving’s Unfortunate Injury & Lakers' Resurgence

Episode Title: Kyrie Irving’s Unfortunate Injury. Plus, LeBron, Luka, and Lakers Keep Rising in the Standings
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host/Authors: The Ringer NBA Squad (Logan Murdoch, Raja Bell, Howard Beck, and more)

1. Kyrie Irving’s Injury and the Mavericks' Struggles

The episode opens with host Logan Murdoch delivering somber news about Kyrie Irving's recent injury. During last night's game, Irving sustained what was initially diagnosed as a knee sprain but was later revealed to be a torn ACL.

Logan Murdoch (01:16): "Damn it, Kyrie Irving is injured... initially it was called a knee sprain. Woke up this morning it is a torn ACL."

Howard Beck elaborates on the devastating impact this injury has on the Dallas Mavericks' season, emphasizing the compounded misfortunes the team faces.

Howard Beck (02:20): "They’ve shattered every measure measuring tool... this season is toast, and next season could be toast because it's an ACL."

Raja Bell expresses empathy for both Irving and the Mavericks' front office, highlighting the emotional and strategic setbacks.

Raja Bell (03:58): "I feel bad for Nico too... it's just a terrible spot. It's terrible to see it."

The discussion underscores the precarious position of the Mavericks, who have heavily invested in aging stars with injury histories, thereby limiting their competitive window.

Howard Beck (06:39): "Anthony Davis is 32... Kyrie Irving is turning 33... These are the risks of stars in their early to mid-30s."

2. Management Decisions and Ticket Price Hikes

Logan Murdoch criticizes the Mavericks' recent decision to increase season ticket prices by 8%, especially in light of trading away a franchise star and the ongoing injury crisis.

Logan Murdoch (12:04): "It's not like the Mavericks are the Cowboys... they're trying to market themselves to that fan base even after all these years."

Howard Beck vehemently opposes the ticket price hike, questioning the rationale behind presenting it as a cost-saving measure compared to secondary market prices.

Howard Beck (13:29): "We're raising the price, but it's actually a cost savings because if you bought it on StubHub... It’s insulting."

The hosts express frustration with the ownership's perceived disconnect and mismanagement, exacerbating fan dissatisfaction.

Howard Beck (14:20): "It's just... absolutely insulting to their fan base, which they've already insulted multiple times over."

Raja Bell suggests that the Mavericks' ownership lacks the necessary NBA experience, hindering effective decision-making both on and off the court.

Raja Bell (22:02): "They need to find themselves some people that can be real sounding boards and real voices of reason."

3. Lakers’ Defensive Upswing and Team Performance

Transitioning to a more positive note, the discussion shifts to the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been performing exceptionally well defensively after recent roster changes.

Raja Bell admits previously underestimating the Lakers' defensive improvement post-trade, giving credit to both the coaching staff and players.

Raja Bell (26:54): "They have been really good defensively... they're really flexible with the game plan."

Logan Murdoch highlights the strategic adjustments made by the Lakers, particularly praising JJ Redick's coaching.

Logan Murdoch (30:16): "J.J. Redick deserves a lot of credit because I think he needs the flowers."

The team’s ability to seamlessly integrate LeBron James and Luka Doncic has been a focal point, leading to impressive defensive metrics and on-court synergy.

Raja Bell (28:09): "LeBron, I'm just saying... he could be the fucking MVP this year."

4. Coaching Matters: JJ Redick’s Potential Coach of the Year Conversation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing JJ Redick's unexpected rise in the coaching ranks, with many considering him a contender for Coach of the Year.

Howard Beck (35:39): "He's making an incredible case... JJ's in it now."

Raja Bell emphasizes the challenges JJ faces as a first-time head coach but acknowledges his strategic prowess.

Raja Bell: "He's really smart about the game... it's extremely impressive what they've done."

While Howard remains skeptical about Redick winning the award, he concedes that Redick's contributions have been noteworthy enough to finalize votes for him.

5. Listener Q&A: Diverse Fan Perspectives

The show incorporates a mailbag segment, addressing questions from listeners about various NBA teams and player comparisons.

a. Comparing Players to Allen Iverson

A listener inquires about contemporary players who embody the essence of Allen Iverson.

Logan Murdoch (48:24): "Ja is the closest... Anthony Edwards has some AI in him."

Raja Bell concurs, noting the uniqueness of Iverson's influence and style, making direct comparisons challenging.

b. Blazers' Coaching and Team Future

Another listener seeks insights into the Portland Trail Blazers' coaching effectiveness under Chauncey Billups and the team's future trajectory.

Logan Murdoch (52:34): "Just enjoy the process... if you get a good draft pick."

Raja Bell praises Billups for fostering a strong team culture focused on intensity and effort, suggesting the team is building a solid foundation despite not being immediate championship contenders.

Raja Bell (53:09): "Great culture and stuff like that. So great job, Logan."

6. Final Thoughts and Predictions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the unpredictable nature of the NBA season, emphasizing the importance of strategic management and player health in determining team success.

Howard Beck (55:09): "Like, it's been less than two years since you traded your franchise star. You don't have to make that decision today."

The episode concludes with a call to continue monitoring team developments and the evolving dynamics within the league.

Notable Quotes:

• Logan Murdoch (01:16): "Damn it, Kyrie Irving is injured... initially it was called a knee sprain. Woke up this morning it is a torn ACL."
• Howard Beck (02:20): "They’ve shattered every measure measuring tool... this season is toast, and next season could be toast because it's an ACL."
• Raja Bell (03:58): "I feel bad for Nico too... it's just a terrible spot. It's terrible to see it."
• Howard Beck (13:29): "We're raising the price, but it's actually a cost savings because if you bought it on StubHub... It’s insulting."
• Raja Bell (26:54): "They have been really good defensively... they're really flexible with the game plan."
• Logan Murdoch (30:16): "J.J. Redick deserves a lot of credit because I think he needs the flowers."
• Howard Beck (35:39): "He's making an incredible case... JJ's in it now."

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of critical NBA developments, balancing the grim news of Kyrie Irving's injury with the optimistic strides made by the Lakers. The discussion underscores the intricate balance between player health, management decisions, and strategic coaching in shaping a team's destiny.