The Zach Lowe Show – "Five Big Questions With Richard Jefferson!"

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Zach Lowe (The Ringer)
Guests: Richard Jefferson, Mo Dakhil, Keonte George

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Zach welcomes old friend and NBA analyst Richard Jefferson for a rapid-fire, lively conversation focused around five big NBA topics. They tackle the dramatic John Morant trade situation, predict the Finals landscape in the Eastern Conference, speculate on LeBron James’ future, and dig up some behind-the-scenes NBA stories. Later, Mo Dakhil joins for a deep dive into the playoff/play-in races in the West, with special focus on the Blazers and Lakers. Finally, Keonte George of the Utah Jazz stops by for an engaging interview about his breakout season, developmental journey, and the Jazz culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Morant Trade Landscape (05:08–17:45)

Main Question: Where should Ja Morant go, and what’s his realistic trade value in this market?

• Richard’s Picks: RJ likes Brooklyn as a buy-low destination for Ja, citing their recent history of quickly attracting stars when they become relevant, as well as keeping some assets while jumpstarting relevance.

  • “You could jumpstart [Brooklyn] because you have a guy that... for three to four years, he’s either going to be our one or two.” (06:19, RJ)
  • Draws a parallel to Vince Carter’s career resurgence in New Jersey as a buy-low trade.

• Zach’s Analysis: Believes Memphis won’t get a massive asset haul for Ja, given his recent injuries, off-court issues, and hefty contract.

  • “He’s never been a three point shooter, never been a defensive player, and hasn’t been on the court much... I don’t know what his trade value is” (08:04, Zach)
  • Considers a potential total Grizzlies rebuild (including Jaren Jackson Jr.).

• Possible Teams: Brooklyn, Milwaukee ("desperation play"), Miami ("ultimate test of culture"), Sacramento (Zach’s favorite fit despite lack of rumored interest).

• On Miami: Both agree Heat culture could provide needed structure, but Zach questions if they’d truly take the plunge.

2. Who’s Making the Finals from the East? (17:45–22:32)

• RJ’s Take: No way to know—fields is wide open. Thinks team upgrades at the deadline (ex. Detroit) could swing things.
  • “I picked the Eastern Conference in seven.” (20:38, RJ, on not having a favorite)
• Zach’s Take: Leans toward the Knicks but doesn't feel great about it. Praises Detroit’s potential and Boston’s resilience, but questions their ceiling.
  • “Detroit can absolutely make the Finals as is because the east is that much of a mess. But if they want to have a chance, I think they need more shooting.” (21:02, Zach)
• Cleveland Cavaliers: Both note Cleveland’s improved form.

3. LeBron James’ Future Destination (22:33–25:50)

• RJ’s Guess: Lakers or retirement; surprisingly, is out of the loop on LeBron’s actual plans. Has no sense, even in the "friend circle."
  • “For the first time... I don’t even have an idea of what he’s doing.” (22:47, RJ)
• Zach’s Guess: Throws out Cleveland nostalgia scenario; no “Warriors” possibility.

4. Deep Cut Dark Horse Title Contender (27:15–37:56)

• RJ’s Picks: Celtics (“well-coached, chip on their shoulder, have pieces...”), originally tries Spurs, but Zach nixes as not “deep cut” enough.
  • “Boston Celtics are well coached. They have the pedigree... could actually put themselves [in position].” (28:34, RJ)
• Zach’s Choice: Minnesota Timberwolves. Praises Anthony Edwards’ leap, defense, quality depth, and impending upgrade.
  • “If we got to the end of the season and the Timberwolves won the championship, I would not be, like, blown away by it.” (34:12, Zach)
• Denver/Oklahoma City Out: Both agree these are title favorites, not dark horses.
• Caveats: Minnesota’s “horrible” losses and need for another backcourt piece are discussed.

5. NBA Fights: Favorite Stories & Grudges (39:27–44:53)

• Dennis Schroder vs. Luka Doncic: Recent altercation serves as jumping-off point.
• RJ’s "Villain": Andres Nocioni—tough, dirty, persistent irritant.
  • “My favorite villains of all time, Andres Nocioni... [he] would do all the things, all these crazy things just to try and get under your skin.” (41:46, RJ)
  • Shares hilarious story about Nocioni elbowing him at opening tip with Manu Ginobili as witness.

Play-In Race, Western Conference Deep Dive

With Mo Dakhil (46:09–85:54)

1. Portland Trail Blazers Breakdown (46:18–70:49)

• Blazers’ Surge: 7-2 in last nine games despite point guard injuries and a negative point differential.
• Denny Avdija: Offensive engine; team offense craters when he sits (59:40–60:10).
  • “117 points per 100 possessions when Denny is on the floor—that’s top 10 offense. 98 when he’s off—the worst in the NBA.” (59:40, Zach)
• Defensive Issues: High turnovers doom defense, as live ball turnovers lead to transition points for opponents (55:39).
• Encouraging Signs:
  • Improvement in cutting and offensive movement (57:52).
  • Shaden Sharpe’s steady development.
  • Drew Holiday’s return at point guard.
  • Clingan’s rim protection and rebounding, though offense is still a mixed bag.
• Front Office Direction: Likely to stand pat—no aggressive buy/sell moves expected unless for "value."

2. Lakers: Blah and Maybe Worse (70:49–79:35)

• Position: Fifth in the West, but advanced stats/eye test suggest trouble. "Blah" is the theme (74:24).
• Mo’s takeaway: “They’re just an average team. That sucks when we’re not used to seeing ‘average’ associated with LeBron James.” (72:57, Mo)
• On Luka/LeBron pairing: Offense less dangerous than expected. Defensive issues, slow pace, lack of rim pressure. Over-reliance on free throws.
• DeAndre Ayton Discussion: Despite decent numbers, remains underwhelming ("jack of all trades, master of none").
  • “He hasn’t gotten better at a single part of his offensive game.” (78:40, Zach)

3. Free Throw Rate & NBA Trends (68:36–70:49)

• League-wide free throw rate is quietly dropping; refs seem to have changed approach midseason.

4. Thunder’s Vulnerability (81:15–85:54)

• Mo draws a parallel to Rocky movies regarding Thunder’s temporary struggles.
• Zach: “They’re closer to Drago... but Drago wins by split decision at the end... I never thought they were invincible.” (82:52)

Keonte George Interview: Utah Jazz Breakout Star (86:22–113:44)

1. Draft Stories & Development (86:41–98:59)

• Utah Pre-Draft: Bonded with Danny Ainge (“He told me... he wasn’t going to eat because he was going to eat Chipotle”—87:07, Keonte).
• Role Clarification: Always seen as a point guard by the Jazz brass, even if he was resistant at first.
• Raw Year 2 Setback: Benched for Isaiah Collier midseason, but handled with professionalism after initial emotional response. Credits team and Will Hardy for honest, “blunt” conversations.

2. Relationship with Will Hardy (95:14–98:59)

• Summer Exit Interview: Hardy was brutally honest: “He said, if the front office came to me and said, ‘should we bet the farm on Keonte with a big long-term extension,’ I would probably say no.” (96:09, Keonte recounting will’s words)
• Motivation: Used this feedback as a catalyst; improved conditioning, work habits, and focus.

3. On-Court Growth (99:34–102:03)

• Playmaking Progress: Pick-and-roll reads, passing have come naturally (“passing jumped off the screen,” notes Zach).
• Defensive Leap: Significant improvement through structure, PD coach Chris Jones, and consistent effort.

4. Unique Jazz Culture & Chemistry (102:13–103:28)

• Partnering with Lauri Markkanen: “He empowers me down the stretch all the time... that gives me confidence.” (103:28, Keonte)
• Team Mentality: “When you get the chance to play, we got to go out and fight... we play to win.” (108:00, Keonte)

5. Fun Anecdotes & Personal Growth (104:24–108:00)

• Burger Cookoff: Lost to Walter Clayton Jr.; jokes about being “robbed.”
• Weight Loss Journey: Lost 25 pounds; “Had to stop eating after 10pm and just run a lot.” (106:06)
• Veteran Advice: Kevin Love’s openness on mental health has been a big influence.

6. On the Season’s Focus

• “Just our connectedness on a defensive end… our offense is playing great.” (112:30, Keonte on team goals)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On NBA Drama (03:26, RJ):
  “The NBA is the biggest soap opera in all of sports. It’s better than Real Housewives. It’s better than Survivor. It’s better than Amazing Race. Because it’s all of them combined.”
• On “buy-low” trades (14:30, RJ):
  “If you’re able to keep your main assets and bring in a guy that you can buy low, that’s 26 years old and is an all-NBA talent—you gotta kind of think outside the box…”
• On LeBron’s Future (22:47, RJ):
  “For the first time… I don’t even have an idea of what he’s doing.”
• On Celtics as Dark Horse (28:34, RJ):
  “Boston Celtics are well-coached. They have the pedigree. They have the chip on their shoulder… those guys could actually put themselves [in position].”
• On Anthony Edwards/Minnesota’s Leap (34:12, Zach):
  “If we got to the end of the season and the Timberwolves won the championship, I would not be, like, blown away by it.”
• RJ’s Favorite Villain (41:46):
  “My favorite villains of all time, Andres Nocioni… he would do all these crazy things just to try and get under your skin.”
• On Lakers’ Blahness (72:57, Mo):
  “They’re just an average team. That sucks when we’re not used to seeing ‘average’ associated with LeBron James.”
• On Keonte George’s Extension Meeting (96:09):
  “He said, if the front office came to me and said, ‘should we bet the farm on Keonte with a big long-term extension,’ I would probably say no.”
• On Jazz Mindset (108:00, Keonte):
  “When you get the chance to play, we got to go out there and fight… we play to win.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:08] John Morant trade destinations
• [17:45] Finals prediction—East
• [22:33] LeBron’s 2026 landing spot
• [27:15] Deep cut championship picks
• [39:27] NBA fight stories (RJ)
• [46:18] Mo Dakhil deep dives: Blazers, Lakers, play-in
• [59:40] Denny Avdija’s on-off splits
• [72:57] Why the Lakers are “blah”
• [86:22] Keonte George interview begins
• [95:14] George on Will Hardy’s blunt exit meeting
• [106:06] Keonte’s weight loss transformation

Concluding Thoughts

This episode is packed with authentic, insightful, and conversational takes on the NBA’s hottest topics. From trade rumors and playoff debates to the real-life challenges and relationships shaping locker rooms, Zach Lowe and crew deliver both expertise and entertainment. Standout storytelling—from Richard Jefferson’s classic villain tales to Keonte George’s refreshingly candid development arc—offers listeners a holistic view into the NBA’s game within the game.

For more episodes, find The Zach Lowe Show weekly on The Ringer and your favorite podcast app.