Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to discuss what is happening between the Lakers and LeBron James. They unpack the report that governor Jeanie Buss felt LeBron was unappreciative of what the Lakers have done for him. Is there troubling looming in New York? The Knicks held a players-only meeting, so Raja breaks down what goes on in players-only meetings. Plus, Real One of the Week! 0:00:00 Intro 0:55 Drama in Laker Land 27:37 Knicks players-only...
Jan 23, 2026•55 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann discuss three teams that could be under some stress heading into the deadline. (00:00) Intro (6:46) Knicks (31:50) FanDuel ad break (32:41) Warriors (50:04) Cavaliers Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Social: Isaiah Blakely and Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. P...
Jan 21, 2026•1 hr 8 min
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, and open with Warriors forward Jimmy Butler suffering a torn ACL Monday night against the Miami Heat. What’s the fallout for a Warriors team that was starting to mesh? Also, will this lead to Steph Curry searching for greener pastures outside of Golden State? Plus, the All-Star starters have been announced, which means Logan, Howard, and Raja have to pick the reserves. Who got snubbed from their lists? (0:00:00...
Jan 20, 2026•1 hr 5 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann reveal their All-Star ballot picks and break down the toughest decisions behind the process, from positional battles and league stipulations to international player considerations. They debate Jalen Brunson vs. Donovan Mitchell, spotlight rising and overlooked candidates like Jalen Johnson and Michael Porter Jr., and weigh Devin Booker’s case before ending with the big question: Will LeBron James make a late push into the All-Star race? (0:00:00) Intro (8:19) Easter...
Jan 19, 2026•1 hr 30 min
Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with another Friday edition of Real Ones, starting off by discussing Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga demanding a trade. How does Steph Curry feel about the Warriors being in such disarray in the latter portion of his career? Then, Ja Morant was seen arguing with teammate Vince Williams Jr. at a shootaround prior to their game in Berlin, Germany. How quickly do the Grizzlies have to move on from Morant so this issue no longer will fester in the franchise? Pl...
Jan 16, 2026•55 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann check in on the West after the fourth installment of Spurs-Thunder and rank all of the teams in the Western Conference into tiers. (00:00) Intro (3:50) Spurs-Thunder (24:53:) Tier 1 (26:52) FanDuel ad break (34:46) Tiers 2 and 3 (1:01:21) Bottom tiers Check out Rob's piece about the Spurs-Thunder rivalry here ! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Audio Producer: Isaiah Blakely Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Co...
Jan 15, 2026•1 hr 27 min
Logan, Howard, and Raja pick their midseason award winners as we approach the midway point of the NBA season. Find out who the guys picked for MVP and Crashout of the Year so far. Plus, Anthony Davis will undergo hand surgery and is expected to miss several months. Will the Mavericks still be able to split from Davis before the deadline? (0:00:00) Intro (3:35) Midseason MVP (13:49) League Pass Player of the Year (24:52) Rookie of the Year (32:50) Crashout of the Year (42:09) Coach of the Year (4...
Jan 13, 2026•59 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are inspired by the Trae Young trade as they take a look at a few stars who could be on the move before the deadline and decide whether they’re going to love the player and keep him, or list him on the trade block. (00:00) Intro (6:22) Ja Morant (22:22) Anthony Davis (35:56) LaMelo Ball (50:08) Zion Williamson (1:04:07) Domantas Sabonis Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Audio Producer: Isaiah Blakely Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Production Su...
Jan 12, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck fire up the mics for an "Urgency Podcast" minutes after the Atlanta Hawks trade Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The guys give their immediate thoughts on the deal including their skepticism that Trae actually wanted to be traded to the Wizards, why the Hawks somehow got no draft picks in the deal and whether this move is the first of many for Atlanta. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producer: Ben Cruz The Ringer is commit...
Jan 08, 2026•49 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann start by talking about the latest news on where Trae Young might be headed. Then they discuss the surging Hornets and their potential new Big Three. Finally, they chat about three players who have recently taken a leap. (00:00) Intro (3:07) Trae Young (14:57) Charlotte Hornets (29:28) Fan Duel ad break (30:56) Anthony Black (42:45) Keyonte George (50:31) Donovan Clingan Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Audio Producer: Isaiah Blakely Video Produce...
Jan 08, 2026•1 hr 10 min
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, and they dive right into the latest NBA drama between Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young and the franchise. It’s been reported that both sides have agreed to look for a trade partner. Where will Trae end up, and what will the cost be? The Thunder have been going through a little rough patch the past couple of weeks. Is there a problem in OKC, or will the team bounce back to championship form? Plus, Raja revisits AIl...
Jan 07, 2026•1 hr 22 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here after the holidays to answer six of the biggest questions to start 2026. (00:00) Intro (5:45) OKC title challenger rankings (22:23) Trae Young (37:23) Giannis Antetokounmpo (42:53) Clippers (53:47) Lakers (1:04:34) Rookie of the Year race (1:15:23) League Pass re-rankings Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Audio Producer: Isaiah Blakely Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Social: Isaiah Blakely and Keith Fuji...
Jan 04, 2026•1 hr 33 min
Howard Beck and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones to examine whether the league should do away with the 65-game minimum rule. But first: Anthony Edwards left the Minnesota bench, then the court, during a timeout late in the Timberwolves' 126-102 loss at the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Is there trouble brewing in Minnesota? Howard and Raja also discuss the hierarchy in the Eastern Conference and which teams haven’t lived up to their preseason hype. (0:00:00) Intro (2:56) Anthon...
Jan 02, 2026•1 hr 7 min
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back on another edition of Real Ones with some NBA resolutions as we head into the new year. But first, Nikola Jokic went down on Monday night with what is believed to be a hyperextension to the knee. He will be reevaluated in four weeks. How will this affect the MVP race and the Nuggets’ standings if he misses the 65-game requirement? (0:00:00) Intro (4:47) FanDuel ad break (0:21) Jokic’s injury (14:53) FanDuel ad break (16:14) Resolutions (59:31) Mailbag Hit t...
Dec 30, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to wrap up 2025 with an end-of-year mailbag. They answer your listener questions about how to change late-game fouling, old cores in the NBA, James Harden vs. Dwyane Wade, and much more! (00:00) Intro (2:30) FanDuel ad break (3:16) Figuring out a listener’s favorite player (9:55) Spurs playoff outlook (18:16) Fouling late in games (24:18) Old cores (29:43) Player development (42:55) Houston Rockets (54:47) Difficult players/teams to talk about (1:02:18) Hug...
Dec 29, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Howard Beck and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones to review all the action from the Christmas Day games. The Lakers were blown out by the Rockets at home on Christmas Day 119-96. Is there a LeBron problem that might come to a breaking point before the season ends? The Thunder have lost four of their last six games with three of them being at the hand of the Spurs. Have the Spurs surpassed the Thunder in the West's hierarchy? Howard and Raja then discuss the rest of the action ...
Dec 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here celebrating their yearly holiday tradition of NBA festivus! The guys are here to first air out some NBA grievances and then they talk about some of their holiday related and otherwise grievances. (00:00) Intro (3:01) FanDuel Ad break (3:53) Draymond Green (9:50) NBA Grievances (20:41) FanDuel ad break (58:18) Holiday Grievances Send your questions to ringergroupchat@gmail.com! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to le...
Dec 24, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back with the holiday edition of Real Ones to preview the Christmas slate. But first: Draymond Green and Steve Kerr had a flare-up in the Warriors’ victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday, during which Green left the bench and did not play the rest of the game. Where are things headed with the Warriors, Kerr, and Green? Logan and Howard preview the Christmas slate and give each team a stocking stuffer. Plus, the mailbag! Draymond and Kerr dispute (2:03) Mavs @ ...
Dec 24, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones, and they discuss the orange and blue skies everywhere following the Knicks' victory in the NBA cup. Can the Knicks make a run at the Eastern Conference title and possibly a championship? How did new coach Mike Brown change this team's playing style after how Tom Thibodeau ran things? Dillon Brooks had another controversial moment on Thursday night when he committed a flagrant foul against Steph Curry. But was it as bad as pe...
Dec 20, 2025•54 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back for Part 2, where they rank the best young cores in the NBA 15-1. And then at the end, they pick out the 15 best blue-chip prospects in the league going forward. (00:00) Intro (4:06) Pelicans (13:08) Jazz (18:34) Sixers (24:36) Cavs (29:51) Wizards (40:13) Raptors (45:47) Hornets (54:24) Timberwolves (57:46) Mavs (1:03:14) Hawks (1:07:57) Magic (1:17:02) Rockets (1:22:49) Pistons (1:29:52) Thunder (1:35:58) Spurs Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. K...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 53 min
Justin, Rob and J. Kyle Mann give their instant reactions to the Knicks winning the NBA Cup. Then over two parts, the guys are ranking the young cores of the NBA 30-1. In Part 1, they’re ranking and discussing teams ranked 30-16. (00:00) Intro (1:28) NBA Cup (22:39) Clippers (27:09) Knicks (30:32) Lakers (41:45) Kings (47:15) Celtics (51:11) Bucks (55:14) Pacers (1:10:17) Warriors (1:15:44) Heat (1:22:45) Blazers (1:32:28) Suns (1:39:06) Nets (1:48:50) Grizzlies (1:54:17) Bulls Hosts: Justin Ver...
Dec 17, 2025•2 hr 6 min
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, and they examine how the Spurs snapped the Oklahoma City Thunder's 16-game win streak in the NBA Cup semifinals. Victor Wembanyama returned with a vengeance, netting 22 points and nine rebounds in just 21 minutes of action. The guys ask whether the young and up-and-coming Spurs are actually ready to win now. Should the Spurs make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks are open to trading him? Plus, the mai...
Dec 16, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are together in L.A. to welcome everyone to trade season. The guys run through six big trade questions now that recently signed free agents are allowed to be traded. Before they get to that, the guys give their thoughts on the Spurs' upset win over the Thunder, and briefly preview the NBA Cup final matchup between San Antonio and the Knicks. (00:00) Intro (3:19) FanDuel ad break (4:13) Spurs-Thunder (19:36) Spurs-Knicks (25:11) FanDuel ad break (26:32) Amazon Prime ...
Dec 15, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with a Friday edition of Real Ones. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning champions, are off to a historic 24-1 start and don't seem to be letting up. Logan and Raja take a deep dive into the Thunder, how they’re smashing opponents, and whether they’re poised to possibly be the greatest team ever assembled. The Knicks have been hot lately and are on the heels of the Pistons for the lead in the East. Now that they’re healthy and at full strength, how scary a...
Dec 13, 2025•58 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to provide their instant reactions to the Knicks and Magic moving on to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Then the guys talk about Derik Queen’s historic triple-double and how the Pelicans should build for the future around Queen. (00:00) Intro (4:32) NYK-TOR (21:52) ORL-MIA (39:34) Derik Queen (55:39) Pelicans trade ideas Check out The Ringer's League Pass Awards here ! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and V...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Mf’n Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, this time examining the Ewing theory as it applies to three of the league's favorites. Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Paolo Banchero are all highly touted stars in the league and the cornerstones of their respective franchises, but with their teams performing better without them, are there destinations that could better fit their skill sets where they could contribute to team success? Orlando Magic guard Desmo...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back and here to talk about some players and teams that may have flown under the radar while the frenzy of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade news was going around. Then, they wrap up by previewing the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. (00:00) Intro (5:43) Ryan Nembhard (18:10) Deni Avdija (33:33) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (44:18) Pat Spencer (56:23) Spurs (1:03:46) Noah Clowney (1:17:20) NBA Cup Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Video Producer: Victoria ...
Dec 08, 2025•1 hr 28 min
LeBron James’s 1,297-game streak of scoring in double digits has come to an end, but the Lakers came out on top with a victory over the Raptors thanks to a LeBron assist to Rui Hachimura. Raja Bell and Logan Murdock discuss whether this is the version of LeBron the Lakers need to be successful. After he was sent home by the Clippers, more has been revealed about why Chris Paul is no longer with the team. Were the Clippers out of line for the manner in which they released arguably the best player...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 14 min
No J. Kyle Mann today, but Justin and Rob are joined by Chris Ryan for another edition of Name That Take! First, however, the guys discuss the news that recently broke about Chris Paul being sent home by the Clippers. They share their thoughts about the decision and what’s next for Paul in his final season. Then they play Name that Take!, where Rob and Chris are tasked with guessing Justin’s take about a certain team or player in as few hints as possible. (00:00) Intro (01:54) Chris Paul news (1...
Dec 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min
We're about a quarter of the way through the NBA season, so now is a great time to revisit some of our predictions from the preseason. Howard Beck and Michael Pina assess what has happened so far this season, and if their predictions have been accurate. Plus, who’s the Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year so far? Revisiting hottest preseason takes (10:05) Stubborn take (21:55) Bold take (35:41) Coach of the First Quarter of the Season (57:37) MVP of the first quarter of the season (01:55:0...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 21 min
