The Ringer NBA Show – "Luka and the LeBron-less Lakers Keep Rolling. Plus, Difficulties in Dallas."

Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell (“Real Ones”)

Episode Overview

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell offer an in-depth conversation on the surprising early-season success of the LeBron-less Lakers led by Luka Dončić, and whether that dynamic can last upon LeBron's return. The duo also break down the difficult developmental situation in Dallas with rookie Cooper Flagg, weighing the Mavericks’ present confusion against the long-term goals of nurturing a franchise player. Additional segments touch on the play and role of Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, and a thoughtful detour on the state of Ja Morant, reputation, and self-leadership.

Lakers Without LeBron – The Luka Effect

Timestamp: 01:42–19:49

Key Points

• The Lakers are 7-2, thriving without LeBron, with Luka Dončić putting up unprecedented numbers (40 PPG, 11 RPG, 9 APG, 50% FG; first in NBA history with 200+ points, 25+ rebounds, and 25+ assists through 5 games).
• Luka’s physical transformation (“He looks skinnier than me. He’s running the break. He’s like white Magic Johnson” – Logan, 02:18).
• Austin Reaves is emerging as a legitimate #2 option.
• Hosts examine the challenge and potential tension when LeBron returns.

Notable Quotes

• “There are very few people that can really marionette the game and just pull all the strings the way [Luka] can.” – Raja (04:05)
• “LeBron just has to be one of the dudes... just like, yo, I’m running the break with you... I’m hauling ass. I’m playing off of you.” – Logan (08:40)
• “If you’re asking [LeBron] to do that, then he’s not LeBron. He becomes a three-and-D guy essentially.” – Raja (12:12)

Structural Adjustment on LeBron

• Both hosts draw parallels to Kobe-Shaq, Kareem’s late-career transformation, and how blending superstars requires humility and buy-in.
• The role of JJ Redick as coach is praised for introducing more ball movement and varied positioning for Luka, avoiding stagnant, ISO-heavy sets seen in previous years in Dallas.
• “He puts them in different places... you’ve seen him going into the post, kick to somebody else, get the ball back. LeBron is doing the same thing in the offense.” – Logan (15:14)

Playoff Implications

• The real test: crunch time scenarios against the top West teams (“That’s the area I’m interested in.” – Raja, 19:16).

Difficulties in Dallas – The Cooper Flagg Dilemma

Timestamp: 22:43–41:08

Key Points

• The Mavericks are struggling at the bottom of the West, despite attempted moves to compete (trading for Anthony Davis, adding veterans).
• Rookie Cooper Flagg faces an awkward developmental environment: high expectations, out-of-position minutes, a roster not tailored for rebuilding, and a coach (Jason Kidd) in win-now mode.
• Flagg’s stats: third among rookies in scoring, second in rebounds, sixth in assists – but without a coherent role or support.

Notable Quotes

• “This is about Cooper Flagg’s development.” – Raja (27:09)
• “Have patience with him. Sit back and watch. Zoom out… Every night he goes out there, he is learning something. He’s a baby.” – Raja (28:43)
• “This should be a better situation for Cooper Flagg as a young person, but it’s just not because there’s so many other cooks in the kitchen.” – Logan (34:43)
• “Anthony Davis… this is the season of all seasons that you get your ass in shape and have one of the best years of your career. And he came in overweight, out of shape.” – Logan (31:32)

Issues Highlighted

• Competing agendas: Contending mindset vs. patient rookie development.
• Veteran complacency/hurdles: AD and Kyrie’s priority isn’t necessarily developing Flagg; development process lacks focus.
• Raja argues Flagg’s Swiss-army-knife skillset does not require a barren team to develop, but misplaced expectations and poor veteran leadership hinder his growth.

Other NBA Quick Hits

Victor Wembanyama (“Wemby Time”)

Timestamp: 19:53–22:43

• Wemby’s flashes of brilliance but recent struggles; teams are adjusting.
• They want San Antonio to more aggressively run the offense through Wemby early and often – “Give him the ball early” (A: 22:43).

Ja Morant – Self-Image and Team Dynamics

Timestamp: 41:09–51:50

Key Points

• Logan and Raja discuss Ja’s public disenchantment and how it mirrors situations Raja has experienced.
• The Grizzlies are “saying all the right things” but their actions indicate they’re not invested in Ja long term.
• Ja’s body language, care factor, and defense have been called into question; clips circulating of obvious disengagement.

Notable Quotes

• “Once you get there, unless there’s major, major structural overhaul, there’s no going back… Eventually that thing’s coming apart.” – Raja (41:29)
• “The world don’t give a f*** about you outside of these doors and the people inside of these doors—little on the fence.” – Logan (Chris Rock quote; 47:36)
• “You need people in your orbit that are going to tell you the truth about shit, because if you don’t… you never get to that point.” – Raja (49:18)
• “The league’s in a better place when Ja is Ja.” – Logan (51:50)

Real Ones of the Week

Timestamp: 52:00–56:48

• Raja: Arch Manning (University of Texas Football QB) for his resilience amid impossible expectations, accountability, and improvement.
  • “He stood up at that microphone. He held himself accountable. He faced all that scrutiny… kept being what his team needed him to be.” – Raja (52:20)
• Logan: Kendrick Perkins, for his candor on the ‘Out the Mud’ podcast discussing the hard work and lifestyle sacrifices moving from NBA player to analyst.
  • “‘He takes that s*** seriously, and he means what he says.’” – Logan (56:24)

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• “Luka looks like white Magic Johnson. It’s a sight to behold.” – Logan (02:18)
• “LeBron… he becomes a three-and-D guy essentially.” – Raja (12:12)
• "If you’re asking him to do that [play off ball], then he’s not LeBron." – Raja (12:12)
• “Have patience with him… don’t ride the highs, don’t ride the lows… Every night he’s learning something.” – Raja on Flagg (28:43)
• “Nobody cares, tighten up.” – Raja (48:16), echoing his coaching mantra
• “The league’s in a better place when Ja is Ja.” – Logan (51:50)

Additional Insights

• Commendations for Coach JJ Redick creating a dynamic, motion-centered offense.
• Extended analogy on how franchises handle their young superstars and the need for honest veteran presence and clear organizational direction.
• Realistic skepticism about the Mavericks’ ability to “thread the needle” of developing Cooper Flagg while competing in the West.
• Clear-eyed, personal reflections from Raja on what happens when an established star is forced to accept a new role.

Summary Table of Key Timestamps

| Topic | Speakers | Start–End | Highlights | |-----------------------------------------------|------------------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Luka’s dominance & Lakers’ prospects | Logan, Raja | 01:42–19:49 | Luka’s stats, Austin Reaves, LeBron’s reintroduction challenges | | Motion offense under JJ Redick | Logan, Raja | 14:33–19:49 | Praise for JJ, Luka’s new looks, crunch time concerns | | Wemby/Spurs update | Logan, Raja | 19:53–22:43 | Wemby stuff, frustrations with Spurs’ usage | | Cooper Flagg/Mavericks development | Logan, Raja | 22:43–41:08 | Development frustrations, AD, Kyrie, veteran/rookie crossroads | | Ja Morant & team/personal responsibility | Logan, Raja | 41:09–51:50 | Ja’s attitude, organizational signals, advice for self-advocacy | | Real Ones of the Week | Logan, Raja | 52:00–56:48 | Arch Manning, Kendrick Perkins |

Tone & Style

Real, conversational, unscripted, with moments of humor and empathy. Both hosts openly draw from personal experience, don’t shy from direct criticism, and move fluently between league-wide strategy and player-specific empathy.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in how superstar dynamics evolve, how development can be derailed by mismatched timelines and agendas, and the real human challenges behind NBA headlines. The interplay of hopeful observation (Logan, on LeBron adapting) and hard-earned skepticism (Raja, on star transitions) makes for top-tier NBA podcasting.