The Ringer NBA Show

Welcome to a Real Ones special edition series we’re calling Ringer NBA Lore, where we remember iconic teams and moments in NBA history. Today, Logan Murdock is joined by Howard Beck and Tim Kawakami to dive deep into the first championship run of the Lakers' 2000s three-peat. Howard and Tim both covered the team that season, so they share their stories and behind-the-scenes insights on the friction between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, Phil Jackson’s mind games, Jerry West’s influence, and how this team defined the NBA at the turn of the century. (00:00) Intro (7:56) Lakers trade for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal (18:56) Phil Jackson arrives (28:44) Regular season (38:56) Media wars (50:44) Playoffs and Shaq wins MVP (54:46) Lakers-Blazers playoff series (1:11:28) Finals (1:24:03) Covering the championship (1:30:26) Biggest what-ifs Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Tim Kawakami Producers: Logan Murdock, Conor Nevins, and Ben Cruz Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin Social: Abou Kamara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that the dust has settled on the major offseason moves and key acquisitions, J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina have decided to come up with their hierarchy for the Eastern Conference and rank where they think each team stands right now. Following their championship run, have the Knicks solidified their standing as top dog in the East? Now that Giannis has been traded from Milwaukee to Miami, have the Heat shot up their rankings? Where do the guys have the Sixers now that LeBron is headed to Philly? (00:00) Intro (6:30) 15-10 (55:00) 9-5 (1:19:00) 4-1 Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina Producers: Victoria Valencia, Clifford Augustin, and Ben Cruz Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Michael Pina have their way-too-early NBA player awards for the 2026-2027 season. Find out their jalapeño and reaper picks for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. The takes definitely get spicy! (6:45) Defensive Player of the Year (16:36) Sixth Man of the Year (32:25) Most Improved Player- (45:33) Rookie of the Year (56:35) Coach of the Year (1:10:01) Most Valuable Player Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael PinaProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinProduction Supervision: Ben CruzAdditional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That's right! LeBron James is headed to Philly and joining the Sixers on a two-year deal. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the move, which is likely to be the last of his career. Why did LeBron choose Philly? How does he fit with the star-studded roster? What does this mean for the teams that he didn’t choose? (5:00) - LeBron's Fit in Philly(14:24) - Joel Embiid’s role(29:28) - LeBron and the Philly fanbase(42:40) - The teams that missed out on LeBronHosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducer: Victoria ValenciaProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck put a bow on the 2025-26 NBA season with their sixth annual Realys Awards. Find out who wins the highly anticipated Real One of the Year award, who Raja crowns as the Raja Bell Memorial Defender of the Year, and much more! (00:00) Intro (1:50) OG of the Year (10:23) Newcomer of the Year (17:25) Worst Trade of the Year (24:41) Crashout of the Year (30:50) Moment of the Year (35:13) Who won the year? (38:24) Who lost the year? (41:24) Raja Bell Memorial Defender award (45:20) Real One of the Year (52:30) Outro Blooper Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja BellProducers: Logan Murdock, Clifford Augustin, and Victoria ValenciaVideo: Victoria ValenciaAudio: Devon BaroldiShow Art: Matthew JamesProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann return to recap what they’ve seen so far during summer league and answer some mailbag questions. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia and Stefan Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann return to discuss which teams and players have made the most and least of the offseason. (00:00) Intro (3:52) Best Moves (16:11) Worst Moves (36:52) Biggest Questions (47:08) Biggest Winner (54:14) Biggest Loser Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia and Stefan AndersonProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan is joined by Michael Pina in the latest edition of Real Ones, and they dive right into LeBron’s free agency. Where might the King take his talents? Where do we want to see him end up? What place does analytics have in the NBA following the Jaylen Brown trade and the discussion of Brown not being an analytics darling? How will the Jaylen Brown trade play out for both the Celtics and Sixers? (00:00) Intro (1:33) Should the Lakers have kept Lebron? (12:30) Jaylen Brown and analytics across the NBA(24:43) Ja Morant's resurgence(33:26) Potential disaster for the Sixers?(43:02) Predictions Host: Logan Murdock Guest: Michael Pina Producers: Logan Murdock, Clifford Augustin, Conor Nevins, and Ben Cruz Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann start by reacting to the Celtics press conference with GM Brad Stevens and owner Bill Chisholm explaining the Jaylen Brown trade. Then, they each rank the best destinations for LeBron, and play matchmaker for a few remaining free agents.(00:00) Intro(1:56) Celtics press conference(18:25) Best fits for LeBron(1:13:20) Free agency matchmakerHosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Isaiah Blakely, Jeff Shearin, Victoria Valencia, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann react to the blockbuster trade that will send Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and Paul George to the Boston Celtics. They break down the fit for Brown in Philly and debate why this move was made at this exact moment. Next, they go through some of the major moves made since the start of free agency, including the Lakers acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto, and Ja Morant’s trade to the Blazers. They also discuss some of the smaller moves made, including Norman Powell signing with the Bulls, Tobias Harris signing with the Spurs, and more.(00:00) Intro(2:45) Jaylen Brown traded to the Sixers for Paul George and draft picks(14:43) Brown’s potential fit with the Sixers(25:34) Paul George’s role with the Celtics(34:15) Jazz get massive draft haul from Lakers for Walker Kessler(53:22) Kawhi Leonard returns to the Raptors(59:22) Grizzlies trade Ja Morant to the Blazers(1:11:17) Tobias Harris signs with the Spurs, Norman Powell signs with the Bulls, and other free agency moves Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia and Jessie LopezProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor NevinsSocial: Jessie Lopez and Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, and will likely finish his career elsewhere. Just where might that be? Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss LeBron’s departure and where his next landing spot will be. Could he return home to Cleveland, where it all began? Maybe Miami, where he captured his first championship? Or could he reconnect with Olympic teammate Steph Curry in Golden State? Plus, Kawhi Leonard is headed back to Toronto after the Clippers traded him for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and picks. Where does this put the Raptors in the hierarchy of the East?(00:00) Intro (0:32) LeBron not returning to the Lakers (20:14) How will LeBron be remembered in L.A.? (26:12) Jomi farewell to LeBron (28:21) Possible destinations for LeBron (52:55) Raja defends LaMelo (1:06:30) Kawhi traded to Toronto (1:11:27) Jalen Duren and Pistons standstill (1:15:27) Ja Morant trade review Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckGuest: Jomi AdeniranProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Jamie YukichProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor NevinsBuy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to prepare us for the official start of free agency. They talk through all the news, including the Warriors' plan to lure LeBron to Golden State, the Jaylen Brown trade saga, Kawhi Leonard's potential return to Toronto, and much more. (00:00) Intro(2:53) LeBron to Golden State?(19:21) Jaylen Brown(44:37) The Charlotte Hornets' moves(1:07:52) The most intriguing situations Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LaMelo Ball has been traded from Charlotte to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, and 2030), and three second-round picks. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck discuss the stunning move, and examine why both teams made the trade. Did Minnesota improve, or did they drop themselves in the Western Conference hierarchy? Plus, the Lakers extended Austin Reaves to a max deal, but was it the right decision? Will Jaylen Brown be a Celtic when next season starts?(00:00) - Intro(01:30) - LaMelo Ball to Minnesota(36:50) - Austin Reaves extended(43:48) - Jaylen Brown situationHit the mailbag: realonesmailbag@gmail.comHosts: Logan Murdock and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor NevinsThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here after night one of the NBA draft to discuss some of the most interesting selections from the first round. They discuss the top four picks, the run of guards, and discuss some other selections that caught their eye. Then they talk about Austin Reaves re-signing with the Lakers and answer some next questions for the Bucks and Heat after the Giannis trade. (00:00) Intro(4:08) Most intriguing draft outcomes(58:29) Austin Reaves re-signs(1:07:30) Next questions after the Giannis tradeHosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Ben Cruz Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Giannis saga in Milwaukee has officially ended with two time league MVP officially being traded to the Miami Heat along with teammate Bobby Portis in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including no. 13 in Tuesday’s draft), a second-round pick, and one pick swap. Logan, Raja and Howard react to the news and what this means for the landscape of the NBA. Plus, could this trade have ramifications for another eastern conference all-star? (00:00) - Intro (01:21) - Initial thoughts (15:18) - Jaylen Brown (30:00) - Pat Riley legacy Hit the mailbag: realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back to discuss which team they’d rather see Giannis on now that the reporting is saying it’s down to Miami and Boston. Then they do draft cause and effect, take a look at a few of the interesting picks in the lottery, and talk about what the picks should be and what they'd mean for each team—including the Dallas Mavericks, who just hired former Michigan head coach Dusty May.(00:00) Intro(3:24) Giannis trade news(38:19) Draft cause and effectHosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the 2026 NBA draft just days away, Justin and J. Kyle Mann are joined by Tate Frazier to break down their mock draft. The guys go through “can't miss” prospects like Cameron Boozer to the hidden gems flying under the radar. They debate who's got the bag to be a franchise cornerstone and which player could pull off the biggest draft-night heist. (57:50) Wrapping up Guest: Tate FrazierProducers: Victoria Valencia and Ashleigh Smith The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back together to close out the NBA Finals, which saw the New York Knicks take the crown back to the Big Apple for the first time in 53 years. What did we learn about Jalen Brunson and building a team around small guards? Did Wemby become a villain throughout this playoff run? What parts of his game does he need to improve? Plus, the guys recount how they got Ben Stiller on the pod the night the Knicks won the title and get into the Real One of the Week! (00:00) - Intro(03:36) - Jalen Brunson and small guards(30:20) - Wemby discussion(58:38) - Mike Brown's coaching arc(1:06:48) - Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag: realonesmailbag@gmail.comHosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to give their thoughts on the New York Knicks ending their 53-year drought and becoming NBA champions. Then they talk about some ripple effects and takeaways from the Finals. (00:00) Intro (11:55) Jalen Brunson (25:55) What’s next for Wemby and the Spurs? (53:39) Finals ripple effects Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Ben Cruz The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Knicks have finally ended their 53-year championship drought, defeating the Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture the title. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck break down how New York got it done, and Knicks superfan Ben Stiller joins the pod to celebrate and relive the glory of a long-awaited championship. (00:00) Intro (0:44) Knicks Win (06:26) - Jalen Brunson wins finals MVP (38:42) - Wemby discussion (52:41) - Ben Stiller joins the show! Hit the mailbag: realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Ben Stiller Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines Buy any two Ferrero Brands and you could win $1 million. Visit GoAllInAndWin.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices