The Zach Lowe Show – October 13, 2025

The Latest on LeBron and the Lakers With Dan Woike. Plus, a Look Around the NBA With Nekias Duncan.

Episode Overview

Zach Lowe, in his new home at The Ringer, delivers his signature deep-dive NBA analysis. This episode focuses first on the reigning drama in Lakerland: LeBron James’ sciatica, how the Lakers will adapt during his absence, and whether their aging core can genuinely threaten Oklahoma City, Denver, or other Western powerhouses. Dan Woike (The Athletic) brings LA insight, followed by Nekias Duncan (The Dunker Spot, Yahoo) joining for a tour around the NBA’s murky middle—the Bucks, Pelicans, Bulls, Hornets, and Grizzlies—with quick-hit previews and honest discourse, plus a thoughtful Sixth Man of the Year discussion.

Lakers Talk: LeBron’s Sciatica & Outlook (w/ Dan Woike)

[03:11] – Setting the Stage

Dan & Zach banter about fatherly escapades, aging, and injuries as a fitting segue to LeBron’s sciatica diagnosis.

"The big news of the week was LeBron James has sciatica... This is what happens to people in their 40s. They just get injured and, like, random stuff happens to them." — Zach Lowe [04:02]

[05:08] – How Bad Is This for LA?

LeBron is set to be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks ("maybe eight to ten games, could be longer").
Vegas odds haven't moved—the Lakers are still considered strong contenders for the West.
Focus: Rotation changes, defensive worries, and the Luka Doncic-LeBron-Austin Reaves three-man dynamic.

"Is there really any reason to worry here, considering this is kind of why you got Luka... Like, all right, Luka Ball, it's time to play Luka Ball?" — Zach [05:38]
Dan Woike: "I think there's, like, I would say mild concern. I don't think, like, no one's freaking out, right? Like, he hasn't been shut down for basketball activities..."
The Lakers planned for slower LeBron usage/ramp up, with a changed training philosophy to extend his effectiveness.

[08:50] – Philosophy Shift: It’s Luka's Team… for Now

Injury just cements the offense shifting to Luka Doncic as the clear lead, and the Lakers’ floor remains high with Luka and quality shooting.
Early returns on Deandre Ayton: shaky preseason, big body/shot-blocking/flashes in defensive verticality, still needs to mesh with Luka.

"I think the Ayton thing is gonna work in Los Angeles ... it's just gonna be like 16 and 8, solid defense." — Zach [09:30]

[14:40] – The Vanderbilt Dilemma, Early Season Chemistry

Jared Vanderbilt as LeBron’s likely interim replacement—good athleticism, needs to shoot confidently, his main job is defense and energy.
Preseason disruption—LeBron missed almost all scrimmages, so the trio haven’t had the intended on-court development time.
Three-man actions between Luka, Reaves, and LeBron to become a staple when healthy.
Lakers’ offense should remain solid; defense remains the central question—can it get to the elite mark required to challenge the Thunder and Nuggets?

"I think the main question about this team is Ayton and I think there’ll be a very good offensive team when they’re healthy. Can they get their defense to a level where they can actually challenge Oklahoma City and Denver?" — Zach [17:44]

[20:22] – Defensive Identity/Limitations

"Banshee culture"—playing harder than other teams—carried their defense last year, but is “effort” a playoff blueprint?
Zach: Defensive scouting isn’t all luck; Lakers did well targeting the right shooters, but ultimately, the playoffs require more than effort-based defense.

[22:50] – Rotations/Depth/Pathways & Realism

Who starts in LeBron’s absence: likely Vanderbilt or Laravia.
Zach likes the Lakers’ depth, especially if they get anything from Maxi Kleber.
The clear path to a deep playoff run is Luka being an absolute monster, secondary is health and bracket luck.

“It’s just gonna take a monster Luka run for them to really do it.” — Zach [25:04]
Austin Reaves’ development: could be a fringe All-Star and max contract guy, Lakers might face tough decisions as he could have big offers in free agency.
Trade market: Lakers’ assets limited, unlikely they can dramatically upgrade midseason.

[29:42] – Final Word: No Panic…but No Guarantees

LeBron’s absence shouldn’t torpedo the start.
Team outcome is likely all about internal growth, chemistry, and Reaves/Luka expanding their games.

“It’s not great, but I don’t have a hot take on this one. I think they’re going to be fine.” — Zach [29:52]

[34:32] – Quick Dalton Knecht (Rookie) Check-In

Knecht will get minutes early with injuries, good scoring instincts, major defensive learning curve.

NBA Tour: Deep Dives on Overlooked/Interesting Teams (w/ Nekias Duncan)

Bucks: Desperate for Giannis Retention [37:57]

[38:00] – “Signing Family” Moves & Roster Profile

Alex Antetokounmpo gets a two-way deal—clearly a gambit to appease Giannis.
Actual roster: Giannis, Lillard, Turner (big addition), deep with shooters (Trent, AJ Green, KPJ).
Lowe: “This is a big season. They made a desperate move... They’re out of big bullets.”

[41:08] – On-Court Prospects

Strength: "Loading up on shooting" around Giannis; Giannis-Point-Forward dominance.
Defense: Switchability, Turner helps their rim protection.
Challenging the East elite? “Probably tier 2 at best”—Nekias doubts title upside, but Giannis might single-handedly win a series.
Lowe slots them with Atlanta and Orlando as solid “season-win” teams.

Pelicans: What Even Are They? [46:46]

Starting lineup: Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Zion, Kavan Looney. “Love the Looney signing…adult in the room.”
Major “win now or develop rookies?” tension—front office wants Queen and Fears to play, but they might be better suited as subs. Unclear staff/free rein dynamic.
Zion as offense initiator: tons hinges on his health/engagement level. Point-Pool minutes risky.
Defense is a huge question (“20th might be optimistic” — Zach), and they’re still searching for a base defense. Willie Green has a tough job with balancing offense/defense and new management.

“If they’re 12th in offense and 22nd on defense...I’m not sure where that nets out.” — Zach [54:36]

Charlotte Hornets: Rebuilding, Full of Ifs [57:19]

Core: LaMelo, Brandon Miller (Zach bullish: “one of the most important players in the league”), Miles Bridges.
Center spot (“Plumlee, Diabate, whoever”) and 3rd perimeter spot up for grabs.
With LaMelo/BMiller/Bridges, team was playable (+1 margin), but defense is draw-dead bad: bottom five likely.
Defensive scheme needs to be “keep it simple”—can’t be fancy with personnel.
Zach: "Are you a carnival or a winning basketball player?” about LaMelo's development; refuses to give up on him.

"I'm not giving up on it until...last year he veered toward, well, what the hell else am I going to do, who am I passing to?" — Zach [65:05]

Bulls: Stuck in NBA Purgatory [71:41]

Same old roster, only real intrigue is Matas Buzelis as a rookie.
Zach: “I just don’t know how they build a good defense with these guards and Vučević in the middle.”
Disappointing mix of “just guys”—Herder, Terry, Williams, Okoro. Backup guards (Ayo, Trey Jones) are fine.
Consensus: No upward path until they get lucky in the lottery or free agency.

"Bulls fans hate their team, and I understand why...the only way this amounts to anything in the next three to five years is a massive injection of talent." — Zach [81:08]

Memphis Grizzlies: Which Direction? [81:08]

Offseason changes, new coach, three centers all hurt to start the year, Ja had ankle tweak—real “gap year” possibility if things go sideways.
Santi Aldama probably opens at center, Ziaire Williams/Roddy/etc. for bench minutes.
Classic Grizz grit: they’ll run, pressure, get offensive boards. But defense/size issues are real.
High number when Ja & Jaren play together (+11), but not enough talent to crack Top 6.

"To me...their ceiling is they're a play-in team. I don't see them cracking the top six...but there's no shame in that." — Zach [88:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"I slept wrong and now I have a pulled muscle or some sort of injury from sleeping. That's how washed I am." — Dan Woike [21:48]
"The big question...is where are they at point of attack defensively, right?...if you just slot Jared Vanderbilt in for 10 to 12 games...he’s looked really good athletically.” — Dan Woike [13:34]
"It's just going to take a monster Luka run for them to really do it." — Zach Lowe [25:04]
"If he has a good year, A, he could be a fringe All-Star candidate for sure. And B, the max is not out of the question." — Zach on Austin Reaves [27:15]
“I just don't really have a good reason why. I want to talk about the Pelicans as a what the hell is this team, team." — Zach [46:46]
“Bulls fans are so tired of that. They are the most unhappy fan base in the NBA. And I don't even think it's close.” — Zach [81:13]

[91:13] Sixth Man of the Year Preview

Zach's picks so far (other awards): Quinn Snyder (COY), Ausar Thompson (MIP), Nikola Jokic (MVP)
Both Zach and Nekias want a non-traditional winner; Josh Hart is a favorite (“not just a sort-by-points award”).
Onyeka Okongwu: Zach’s pick (“sixth starter,” versatile).
Other candidates: Anfernee Simons/Pritchard (Boston), PJ Washington (Dallas), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta), Nas Reid (Minnesota, perennially), Tari Eason (Houston), Keldon Johnson (Spurs, “swing player”), Casen Wallace (OKC, watch-list), various Thunder bench guys.

"I'm really interested to see what I see from Casen Wallace this year...if we got to the end of the season and it's like, okay, so Wallace averaged like 14 points a game off the bench for the Thunder and played his usual just annoying as all hell defense and is a candidate, I would not be so surprised." — Zach [95:26] "Kind of feels like a Josh Hart year because this feels like this could be Knicks one-seed type beat." — Nekias [93:38]

Important Timestamps

05:08 — LeBron’s injury and Lakers recalibrations
13:34 — Focus on Lakers’ defensive identity & Vanderbilt’s role
27:15 — Austin Reaves’ value and looming free agency
37:57 — NBA tour begins with Bucks (Giannis, new deals)
46:46 — Pelicans: confusion, rookies, Zion as hub
57:19 — Charlotte: rebuilding hopes, LaMelo/Miller focus
71:41 — Bulls: perpetual purgatory, focus on Buzelis
81:08 — Grizzlies: injuries, direction, reality check
91:13 — Sixth Man preview & award-watch discussion

Closing Thoughts

The NBA middle is a morass of question marks: injury-prone stars, unbalanced rosters, and fan angst. Aging superstars like LeBron force teams to walk the line between “win now” and “just hold it together.”
True hope for most non-contenders lies in embracing development, roster clarity, and… lottery luck.
Six Man of the Year will be a fun plotline, with dark horses and the persistent hope for more than just high-scoring guards to get recognition.

Hosts/Guests:

Zach Lowe (Host, The Ringer)
Dan Woike (The Athletic)
Nekias Duncan (The Dunker Spot, Yahoo)

Subscribe for weekly NBA analysis, game breakdowns, and more on The Zach Lowe Show.

The Zach Lowe Show – October 13, 2025

The Latest on LeBron and the Lakers With Dan Woike. Plus, a Look Around the NBA With Nekias Duncan.

Episode Overview

Lakers Talk: LeBron’s Sciatica & Outlook (w/ Dan Woike)

[03:11] – Setting the Stage

Dan & Zach banter about fatherly escapades, aging, and injuries as a fitting segue to LeBron’s sciatica diagnosis.

"The big news of the week was LeBron James has sciatica... This is what happens to people in their 40s. They just get injured and, like, random stuff happens to them." — Zach Lowe [04:02]

[05:08] – How Bad Is This for LA?

LeBron is set to be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks ("maybe eight to ten games, could be longer").
Vegas odds haven't moved—the Lakers are still considered strong contenders for the West.
Focus: Rotation changes, defensive worries, and the Luka Doncic-LeBron-Austin Reaves three-man dynamic.

"Is there really any reason to worry here, considering this is kind of why you got Luka... Like, all right, Luka Ball, it's time to play Luka Ball?" — Zach [05:38]
Dan Woike: "I think there's, like, I would say mild concern. I don't think, like, no one's freaking out, right? Like, he hasn't been shut down for basketball activities..."
The Lakers planned for slower LeBron usage/ramp up, with a changed training philosophy to extend his effectiveness.

[08:50] – Philosophy Shift: It’s Luka's Team… for Now

Injury just cements the offense shifting to Luka Doncic as the clear lead, and the Lakers’ floor remains high with Luka and quality shooting.
Early returns on Deandre Ayton: shaky preseason, big body/shot-blocking/flashes in defensive verticality, still needs to mesh with Luka.

"I think the Ayton thing is gonna work in Los Angeles ... it's just gonna be like 16 and 8, solid defense." — Zach [09:30]

[14:40] – The Vanderbilt Dilemma, Early Season Chemistry

Jared Vanderbilt as LeBron’s likely interim replacement—good athleticism, needs to shoot confidently, his main job is defense and energy.
Preseason disruption—LeBron missed almost all scrimmages, so the trio haven’t had the intended on-court development time.
Three-man actions between Luka, Reaves, and LeBron to become a staple when healthy.
Lakers’ offense should remain solid; defense remains the central question—can it get to the elite mark required to challenge the Thunder and Nuggets?

"I think the main question about this team is Ayton and I think there’ll be a very good offensive team when they’re healthy. Can they get their defense to a level where they can actually challenge Oklahoma City and Denver?" — Zach [17:44]

[20:22] – Defensive Identity/Limitations

"Banshee culture"—playing harder than other teams—carried their defense last year, but is “effort” a playoff blueprint?
Zach: Defensive scouting isn’t all luck; Lakers did well targeting the right shooters, but ultimately, the playoffs require more than effort-based defense.

[22:50] – Rotations/Depth/Pathways & Realism

Who starts in LeBron’s absence: likely Vanderbilt or Laravia.
Zach likes the Lakers’ depth, especially if they get anything from Maxi Kleber.
The clear path to a deep playoff run is Luka being an absolute monster, secondary is health and bracket luck.

“It’s just gonna take a monster Luka run for them to really do it.” — Zach [25:04]
Austin Reaves’ development: could be a fringe All-Star and max contract guy, Lakers might face tough decisions as he could have big offers in free agency.
Trade market: Lakers’ assets limited, unlikely they can dramatically upgrade midseason.

[29:42] – Final Word: No Panic…but No Guarantees

LeBron’s absence shouldn’t torpedo the start.
Team outcome is likely all about internal growth, chemistry, and Reaves/Luka expanding their games.

“It’s not great, but I don’t have a hot take on this one. I think they’re going to be fine.” — Zach [29:52]

[34:32] – Quick Dalton Knecht (Rookie) Check-In

Knecht will get minutes early with injuries, good scoring instincts, major defensive learning curve.

NBA Tour: Deep Dives on Overlooked/Interesting Teams (w/ Nekias Duncan)

Bucks: Desperate for Giannis Retention [37:57]

[38:00] – “Signing Family” Moves & Roster Profile

Alex Antetokounmpo gets a two-way deal—clearly a gambit to appease Giannis.
Actual roster: Giannis, Lillard, Turner (big addition), deep with shooters (Trent, AJ Green, KPJ).
Lowe: “This is a big season. They made a desperate move... They’re out of big bullets.”

[41:08] – On-Court Prospects

Strength: "Loading up on shooting" around Giannis; Giannis-Point-Forward dominance.
Defense: Switchability, Turner helps their rim protection.
Challenging the East elite? “Probably tier 2 at best”—Nekias doubts title upside, but Giannis might single-handedly win a series.
Lowe slots them with Atlanta and Orlando as solid “season-win” teams.

Pelicans: What Even Are They? [46:46]

Starting lineup: Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Zion, Kavan Looney. “Love the Looney signing…adult in the room.”
Major “win now or develop rookies?” tension—front office wants Queen and Fears to play, but they might be better suited as subs. Unclear staff/free rein dynamic.
Zion as offense initiator: tons hinges on his health/engagement level. Point-Pool minutes risky.
Defense is a huge question (“20th might be optimistic” — Zach), and they’re still searching for a base defense. Willie Green has a tough job with balancing offense/defense and new management.

“If they’re 12th in offense and 22nd on defense...I’m not sure where that nets out.” — Zach [54:36]

Charlotte Hornets: Rebuilding, Full of Ifs [57:19]

Core: LaMelo, Brandon Miller (Zach bullish: “one of the most important players in the league”), Miles Bridges.
Center spot (“Plumlee, Diabate, whoever”) and 3rd perimeter spot up for grabs.
With LaMelo/BMiller/Bridges, team was playable (+1 margin), but defense is draw-dead bad: bottom five likely.
Defensive scheme needs to be “keep it simple”—can’t be fancy with personnel.
Zach: "Are you a carnival or a winning basketball player?” about LaMelo's development; refuses to give up on him.

"I'm not giving up on it until...last year he veered toward, well, what the hell else am I going to do, who am I passing to?" — Zach [65:05]

Bulls: Stuck in NBA Purgatory [71:41]

Same old roster, only real intrigue is Matas Buzelis as a rookie.
Zach: “I just don’t know how they build a good defense with these guards and Vučević in the middle.”
Disappointing mix of “just guys”—Herder, Terry, Williams, Okoro. Backup guards (Ayo, Trey Jones) are fine.
Consensus: No upward path until they get lucky in the lottery or free agency.

"Bulls fans hate their team, and I understand why...the only way this amounts to anything in the next three to five years is a massive injection of talent." — Zach [81:08]

Memphis Grizzlies: Which Direction? [81:08]

Offseason changes, new coach, three centers all hurt to start the year, Ja had ankle tweak—real “gap year” possibility if things go sideways.
Santi Aldama probably opens at center, Ziaire Williams/Roddy/etc. for bench minutes.
Classic Grizz grit: they’ll run, pressure, get offensive boards. But defense/size issues are real.
High number when Ja & Jaren play together (+11), but not enough talent to crack Top 6.

"To me...their ceiling is they're a play-in team. I don't see them cracking the top six...but there's no shame in that." — Zach [88:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"I slept wrong and now I have a pulled muscle or some sort of injury from sleeping. That's how washed I am." — Dan Woike [21:48]
"The big question...is where are they at point of attack defensively, right?...if you just slot Jared Vanderbilt in for 10 to 12 games...he’s looked really good athletically.” — Dan Woike [13:34]
"It's just going to take a monster Luka run for them to really do it." — Zach Lowe [25:04]
"If he has a good year, A, he could be a fringe All-Star candidate for sure. And B, the max is not out of the question." — Zach on Austin Reaves [27:15]
“I just don't really have a good reason why. I want to talk about the Pelicans as a what the hell is this team, team." — Zach [46:46]
“Bulls fans are so tired of that. They are the most unhappy fan base in the NBA. And I don't even think it's close.” — Zach [81:13]

[91:13] Sixth Man of the Year Preview

Zach's picks so far (other awards): Quinn Snyder (COY), Ausar Thompson (MIP), Nikola Jokic (MVP)
Both Zach and Nekias want a non-traditional winner; Josh Hart is a favorite (“not just a sort-by-points award”).
Onyeka Okongwu: Zach’s pick (“sixth starter,” versatile).
Other candidates: Anfernee Simons/Pritchard (Boston), PJ Washington (Dallas), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta), Nas Reid (Minnesota, perennially), Tari Eason (Houston), Keldon Johnson (Spurs, “swing player”), Casen Wallace (OKC, watch-list), various Thunder bench guys.

"I'm really interested to see what I see from Casen Wallace this year...if we got to the end of the season and it's like, okay, so Wallace averaged like 14 points a game off the bench for the Thunder and played his usual just annoying as all hell defense and is a candidate, I would not be so surprised." — Zach [95:26] "Kind of feels like a Josh Hart year because this feels like this could be Knicks one-seed type beat." — Nekias [93:38]

Important Timestamps

05:08 — LeBron’s injury and Lakers recalibrations
13:34 — Focus on Lakers’ defensive identity & Vanderbilt’s role
27:15 — Austin Reaves’ value and looming free agency
37:57 — NBA tour begins with Bucks (Giannis, new deals)
46:46 — Pelicans: confusion, rookies, Zion as hub
57:19 — Charlotte: rebuilding hopes, LaMelo/Miller focus
71:41 — Bulls: perpetual purgatory, focus on Buzelis
81:08 — Grizzlies: injuries, direction, reality check
91:13 — Sixth Man preview & award-watch discussion

Closing Thoughts

The NBA middle is a morass of question marks: injury-prone stars, unbalanced rosters, and fan angst. Aging superstars like LeBron force teams to walk the line between “win now” and “just hold it together.”
True hope for most non-contenders lies in embracing development, roster clarity, and… lottery luck.
Six Man of the Year will be a fun plotline, with dark horses and the persistent hope for more than just high-scoring guards to get recognition.

Hosts/Guests:

Zach Lowe (Host, The Ringer)
Dan Woike (The Athletic)
Nekias Duncan (The Dunker Spot, Yahoo)

Subscribe for weekly NBA analysis, game breakdowns, and more on The Zach Lowe Show.

The Latest on LeBron and the Lakers With Dan Woike. Plus, a Look Around the NBA With Nekias Duncan.

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Summary

The Zach Lowe Show – October 13, 2025

The Latest on LeBron and the Lakers With Dan Woike. Plus, a Look Around the NBA With Nekias Duncan.

Episode Overview

Lakers Talk: LeBron’s Sciatica & Outlook (w/ Dan Woike)

[03:11] – Setting the Stage

[05:08] – How Bad Is This for LA?

[08:50] – Philosophy Shift: It’s Luka's Team… for Now

[14:40] – The Vanderbilt Dilemma, Early Season Chemistry

[20:22] – Defensive Identity/Limitations

[22:50] – Rotations/Depth/Pathways & Realism

[29:42] – Final Word: No Panic…but No Guarantees

[34:32] – Quick Dalton Knecht (Rookie) Check-In

NBA Tour: Deep Dives on Overlooked/Interesting Teams (w/ Nekias Duncan)

Bucks: Desperate for Giannis Retention [37:57]

[38:00] – “Signing Family” Moves & Roster Profile

[41:08] – On-Court Prospects

Pelicans: What Even Are They? [46:46]

Charlotte Hornets: Rebuilding, Full of Ifs [57:19]

Bulls: Stuck in NBA Purgatory [71:41]

Memphis Grizzlies: Which Direction? [81:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[91:13] Sixth Man of the Year Preview

Important Timestamps

Closing Thoughts

Summary

The Zach Lowe Show – October 13, 2025

The Latest on LeBron and the Lakers With Dan Woike. Plus, a Look Around the NBA With Nekias Duncan.

Episode Overview

Lakers Talk: LeBron’s Sciatica & Outlook (w/ Dan Woike)

[03:11] – Setting the Stage

[05:08] – How Bad Is This for LA?

[08:50] – Philosophy Shift: It’s Luka's Team… for Now

[14:40] – The Vanderbilt Dilemma, Early Season Chemistry

[20:22] – Defensive Identity/Limitations

[22:50] – Rotations/Depth/Pathways & Realism

[29:42] – Final Word: No Panic…but No Guarantees

[34:32] – Quick Dalton Knecht (Rookie) Check-In

NBA Tour: Deep Dives on Overlooked/Interesting Teams (w/ Nekias Duncan)

Bucks: Desperate for Giannis Retention [37:57]

[38:00] – “Signing Family” Moves & Roster Profile

[41:08] – On-Court Prospects

Pelicans: What Even Are They? [46:46]

Charlotte Hornets: Rebuilding, Full of Ifs [57:19]

Bulls: Stuck in NBA Purgatory [71:41]

Memphis Grizzlies: Which Direction? [81:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[91:13] Sixth Man of the Year Preview

Important Timestamps

Closing Thoughts