The Ringer NBA Show

Verno and KOC in a post-Finals glow discuss why there’s no asterisk on this championship (0:32), the future of this Lakers team and how the rest of the league might adapt to compete with them (10:09), and Rajon Rondo’s reascension in the playoffs (41:10). Then they give their two cents on the reignited LeBron-Jordan GOAT debate (48:09). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja go live right after LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship to talk about Game 6 and how this win impacts the legacies of all involved. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC go live after the Heat outlast the Lakers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals with special guest Bill Simmons. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Guest: Bill Simmons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Tjarks convene right after the tight and scrappy Game 4 of the NBA Finals to talk about the Lakers’ win to go up 3-1 in the series (0:32) and the Finals MVP race (32:57). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC talk about Miami’s win in Game 3 of the NBA Finals (3:07), what to look for in Game 4 (18:54), and whether they think that Miami has a shot to make this series even more interesting (31:47). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja convene right after Game 3 of the NBA Finals to talk about the Lakers’ meltdown and Jimmy Butler’s unreal 40-point triple-double (0:41). Then they each crown their Real One of the Week (37:58). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC convene after the Lakers beat the Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals to talk about this Lakers roster and whether the Heat have a chance at winning one game in the series (3:00). Then they get into Doc Rivers’ new challenge as the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers (32:10) and other head-coach shopping going on around the league (42:48). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Kevin O'Connor break down a tumultuous Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angles Lakers and Miami Heat, which the Lakers took decisively as Miami fell to multiple injuries. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Tjarks attempt to answer the seven most interesting questions about this season’s thrilling Lakers vs. Heat NBA Finals, including who the most important player in the series is (1:23), whether Erik Spoelstra is the best coach in the NBA (18:54), what the biggest takeaways from this postseason are (43:20), and whose legacy will be most impacted by the outcome of the NBA Finals (53:34). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Kevin discuss Adrian Wojnarowski’s latest bomb that Doc Rivers is “out” with the Clippers organization (0:39), Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals (12:57), and the unexpected but exciting matchup between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals (27:39). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s newly dubbed 'Real Ones,' Logan and Raja discuss Miami’s monster victory over the Celtics in Game 6 to win the Eastern Conference finals and go through to the Finals (3:23) and the Finals matchup between the Lakers and Heat (35:05). Then noted Celtics fan Jackson Safon of The Ringer’s video team joins to pour out some liquor for his Celtics (58:46) and Jordan Ligons from The Ringer’s copy desk joins to talk about everything that’s happening in the Wubble (1:06:25). Finally, Logan and Raja each award their Real One of the Week (1:18:08). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guests: Jackson Safon and Jordan Ligons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Kevin get together to talk about the Lakers’ narrow win over the Nuggets to go up 3-1 in the Western Conference finals (1:22), the superstar-esque heroics of Tyler Herro in Miami’s win over Boston to go up 3-1 (27:51), and the Bulls’ new look with head coach Billy Donovan (58:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers.com's Mike Trudell joins Justin, Jon, and Rob to go over the Lakers’ loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals to the Nuggets (0:34), match up available head coaches with vacancies around the league (42:18), and preview Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals (1:08:52). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Mike Trudell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor cover the Lakers-Nuggets Western Conference finals (1:06), the importance of Gordon Hayward to the Celtics’ success against the Heat (25:07), and other stories from around the league, including the potential G League restart reported by Shams Charania (40:21) and the controversy around awards voting this season (47:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are back Monday morning discussing the inevitability of the Lakers-Nuggets series (5:18), whether awards snubs motivate star players (18:21), and if Marcus Smart’s outburst after Game 2 brought the Celtics back into the series (38:07). Then from The Ringer’s copy desk, Jordan Ligons hops on to talk about recent coronavirus concerns in the Wubble, Candace Parker’s future, and the WNBA playoff format (51:33). Finally, producer extraordinaire Isaac Lee pours out some liquor for his cursed Clippers (59:33), and Logan and Raja each pick their Real One of the Week (1:05:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guests: Jordan Ligons and Isaac Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Heat beat the Celtics to go up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, and Chris and Kevin got together after the game to talk about the Celtics’ meltdown in the face of Miami’s zone defense (0:40), the matchup between the Lakers and Nuggets (39:26), and what moves the Clippers might make in the offseason (50:58). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks, and Rob Mahoney are joined by The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to decompress from the dopamine overdose of the Nuggets’ historic win over the Clippers (0:50) and Bam Adebayo’s near-unbelievable Game 1–winning block against the Celtics (47:12). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks, and Rob Mahoney Guest: Ben Golliver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the importance of Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic in Game 7 of the Clippers-Nuggets series (0:43) and what to look for in the Eastern Conference finals between the Celtics and Heat (32:22). They then touch on the future of the Raptors (48:44), the head coach shuffle around the league (61:17), and what might be next for Russell Westbrook (69:19). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell hop on during this basketball-less Monday to figure out who’s to blame for the Clippers’ less-than-expected performance in the playoffs and what could sway Game 7 against the Nuggets (3:26), who the key players are in the upcoming Eastern Conference finals between the Heat and Celtics (30:49), and the aftermath of Houston’s unfruitful postseason (42:48). Then The Ringer’s Sean Yoo joins to pour out a little liquor for his Houston Rockets (56:29), and Logan and Raja each anoint their Real One of the Week (1:07:02). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Sean Yoo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin O'Connor and Logan Murdock hop on right after Celtics-Raptors Game 7 to share their instant reactions (00:11) as well as a very early preview of the Eastern Conference Finals (13:10). Plus, quick thoughts on the Nuggets surviving elimination against the Clippers (17:33). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Rockets’ abysmal showing against the Lakers in Game 4 and what potential moves the team might make in the likely event they lose the series (1:53). They then discuss the down-to-the-wire Game 6 between the Celtics and Raptors (26:31), Kawhi’s dominance in the playoffs versus the regular season (41:59), and the age-old question of whether Giannis will stay or go (58:07). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jonathan, and Rob are joined by Ethan Strauss of The Athletic to discuss what the Bucks can do to move forward from a disappointing loss in the second round and the role of star players in shaping the landscape of the league (1:53), plus how the Heat pulled off the upset and what could be the key to their next matchup (hint: it rhymes with ham) (32:03). Then the Group Chat crew takes a look at what Billy Donovan's departure from the Thunder means for the team's future (41:00) and what the sudden appearance of Playoff Rondo means for the championship-hungry Lakers (51:10). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Ethan Strauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor get into all the conference semifinal matchups about halfway through the round, starting with a surprisingly competitive Nuggets-Clippers series (2:43). They then move on to the basically over Bucks-Heat series (21:09), the back-and-forth Raptors-Celtics series (32:29), and the early days of the tied-up Rockets-Lakers series (42:42). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell get into the Lakers' Game 2 win against Houston and the role Russell Westbrook plays in swinging Rockets games (2:48), whether Giannis can lead a championship charge on his own in a league of fearsome twosomes, which other star in the NBA would be the best pairing for him (39:33), and playoff predictions (59:18). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor dive into the Raptors’ huge one-point victory over the Boston Celtics to stay in their second-round series (1:51), beg Mike Budenholzer to play Giannis and Middleton for 40 minutes (19:40), mourn the exhausted Denver Nuggets after their blowout loss against the Clippers (40:23), debate what could constitute a “small” Lakers lineup against the Rockets in their Round 2 matchup (45:40), and finally discuss the hiring of Steve Nash as the new Brooklyn Nets head coach (1:02:26). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell share their reactions to the Brooklyn Nets signing Steve Nash to a four-year head-coaching deal and keeping interim head coach Jaque Vaughn as lead assistant coach (00:48). Then they discuss the dramatic ending to Game 7 between the Rockets and Thunder (31:05). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jonathan, and Rob are joined by The Athletic's Wosny Lambre to discuss the drag-out battle between the Nuggets and the Jazz in Game 7 and what ultimately made the difference for the Nuggets (02:23). They also talk about the Raptors' failure to hold off the Celtics and how Toronto can improve in this first playoff outing without Kawhi Leonard (36:17). Then Jonathan takes us to Nerd Corner to break down how players with big wins can be difficult to build a team around (55:43). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Wosny Lambre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC turn yet another contentious page in their ongoing Houston Rockets debate after the Rockets' embarrassing Game 6 collapse against the Oklahoma City Thunder (1:38) before discussing the predictably competitive Bucks-Heat matchup as well as the other series in the NBA playoffs (32:27). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss the incredible back-and-forth guard play between Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray in the Jazz-Nuggets series (5:22), what moves the homeward-bound Trail Blazers need to make in order to be a real title contender (32:35), Kawhi’s outstanding play and Marcus Morris’s dirty play to send the Mavericks home (45:39), and finally The Ringer’s Jason Gallagher joins the show to pour a little liquor out for his Mavericks (49:35). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC are joined by Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to discuss the NBA players’ strike and how professional sports can lead the pursuit of racial justice for Black Americans. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Guest: J.B. Bickerstaff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Rob Mahoney, and Van Lathan share their real-time reactions to the NBA postponing Wednesday's games as a result of the player strike led by the Milwaukee Bucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jon, and Rob are joined by NBC Sports' Tom Haberstroh to talk about Tuesday's blowout between the Clippers and the Mavs, including the drama surrounding Luka Doncic and Marcus Morris (15:15). They also discuss the Nuggets' latest victory over the Jazz and the Pacers' decision to fire Nate McMillan just after announcing his extension (26:18). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Tom Haberstroh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the competitive first-round matchups (1:16), teams that are figuratively on the ropes (28:37), and the already-concluded series (52:52). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss Luka Doncic's stunning performance against the Clippers and where he fits in when it comes to the top franchise building blocks in the NBA right now (07:04). They are also joined by Ringer staff writer Tyler R. Tynes to talk about the 76ers getting swept out of the bubble and how to fix the absolute mess of a team (39:42). Finally, Logan and Raja remember Kobe Bryant on "Kobe Day" with memorable stories and encounters with the legendary player. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Tyler R. Tynes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC react to the 2020 NBA draft lottery (1:16) before discussing the ongoing first-round series in the playoffs (24:07). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jonathan, and Rob are joined by L.A. Times reporter Dan Woike to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers' woes against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 (01:45), and the loaded Los Angeles Clippers' win over Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (22:00). Later, they bounce around the NBA bubble with their show-and-tell picks from the start of the playoffs (36:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks, Rob Mahoney Guest: Dan Woike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC break down the first day of playoff games, including Donovan Mitchell’s 57-point performance that still couldn’t save the Jazz (2:42), the sleepy Raptors vs. Nets series (20:58), the continued problems with the Sixers (28:29), and the flagrant call on Kristaps Porzingis that could have tipped the Clippers vs. Mavericks series (44:20). Plus, some predictions for the next round of games (59:20). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell sit down to discuss the winners and losers of this weekend's play-in games (09:18). Logan also debates Raja on his take about Damian Lillard eclipsing Steph Curry (24:52). Then they touch on the dismissal of Alvin Gentry form the Pelicans, what role players do best in the postseason, and their picks for the postseason matchups going forward. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' win over the Brooklyn Nets and what we can expect for their next matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, with the eighth seed on the line (1:00). Then they break down the potential franchises that could see changes in the near future (12:40) and discuss the teams to keep an eye on as they move on to the next rounds (33:40). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Jonathan talk about bubble MVP Damian Lillard (01:25). Chris Ryan joins to discuss the downer of a time the 76ers are having and how improvements by other players could affect Ben Simmons’s performance (27:20). Later they dive into nerd corner to talk about the Denver Nuggets’ growth and what makes Michael Porter Jr. one of the breakout stars of the bubble (50:52). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the narrowing race for the 8-seed in the West (0:37), the never-ending quest to make the Philadelphia 76ers' roster fit together (28:12), and the still-undefeated Phoenix Suns (45:47). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss this weekend’s games, including Damian Lillard’s incredible showing against the 76ers (00:41). They also talk about Phoenix’s momentum and how to best capitalize on Devin Booker’s moment (06:21) before discussing possible concerns for the Lakers, potential reform in the fight for the 8-seed, and players’ relationship with the media. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC and Ryan are joined by All-NBA point guard Kemba Walker to discuss how he’s adjusted to the Orlando bubble (11:58), New York basketball (25:13), his relationship with Michael Jordan, and the Celtics’ playoff hopes (48:53). This episode originally ran on the R2C2 feed. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Kemba Walker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the Portland Trail Blazers’ strong push for the playoffs (1:18), the Phoenix Suns’ surprising run (17:54), and the jockeying for seeding in the Western Conference (43:39). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat' returns to talk about the excitement in the NBA bubble, including the Rockets–Trail Blazers barn burner and the return of Carmelo Anthony (01:29); the Phoenix Suns' excellent game and whether or not they're legitimate contenders for the eighth seed (23:44); and lastly, in the Nerd Corner segment, how Anthony Davis has massively improved and what it's like for him when Lebron is absent (39:45). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks, Rob Mahoney Guest: Logan Murdock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC react to Shake Milton’s clutch game-winner against the Spurs (0:43), the fight for the 8-seed (13:26), the micro-ball Rockets (23:40), the defending champion Toronto Raptors (41:21), the bizarre Jimmy Butler story (50:06), and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock is joined by Raja Bell as they break down the start of the NBA season. They discuss the kind of play they are seeing inside the bubble (11:30), which teams to keep an eye on (39:15), and Bell's transition to the media side of the industry. Then they choose the "Real One of the Week," a segment that highlights a player of the week who they believe stood out from the rest (1:01:10). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the thrilling kickoff of seeding games in Orlando: Clippers-Lakers (0:42) and Jazz-Pelicans (32:51). Then, they preview the weekend’s upcoming games (59:18). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the New York Knicks hiring Tom Thibodeau (0:12), Lou Williams visiting Magic City while on leave from the Orlando campus (21:30), and the imminent start of seeding games (43:01). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC react to the first NBA scrimmages in Orlando and potential new game operations (4:28) before answering a few questions from you, the listeners (36:35). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices