logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
1h 43m

How NBA Greats Spin Narratives for Motiv...

The Ringer
About this episode

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss LeBron James’s Instagram post targeted at the people who “doubted” him after his move to Los Angeles, how NBA players spin narratives to motivate themselves, and what it’s like for athletes in the social media age who deal with constant criticism (1:12). Along the way, the guys react to James Harden’s early integration into the Los Angeles Clippers offense, the team’s rough start upon his arrival, and whether it’s time to hit the panic button (21:55). Next, they break down a handful of potential landing spots for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, and discuss which one makes the most sense (35:30). Later, Las Vegas Aces point guard Chelsea Gray joins the show to talk about winning back-to-back WNBA championships with the team, A’ja Wilson getting snubbed for MVP, having Hall of Famer Becky Hammon as a head coach, and more (55:32).


The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.


Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck

Guest: Chelsea Gray

Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Production Assistant: Kai Grady

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
Preseason Power Rankings, Part 4 | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and Wos are back for Part 4 of their preseason power rankings. This time, they reveal the teams they ranked 15 through 11. Intro: (0:00:00)Team no.15: (5:44)Team no.14: (20:09)Team no.13: (32:55)Team no.12: (45:46)Team no.11: (56:05) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahone ... Show More
1h 12m
Oct 6
Preseason Power Rankings, Part 3 | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and Wos are here for Part 3 of their preseason power rankings. This time, they are revealing the teams they ranked 20 through 16. Intro: (0:00:00) Team no. 20: (8:33) Team no. 19: (28:13) Team no. 18: (36:55) Team no. 17: (48:48) Team no. 16: (1:05:20) Hosts: Justin ... Show More
1h 15m
Oct 3
Jonathan Kuminga Remains a Warrior. Is Giannis Looking for a New Home? Plus, Agent Todd Ramasar Joins the Show! | Real Ones
Howard Beck and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones! The Warriors have re-signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $48.5 million contract that has a team option on the second year. Howard and Raja discuss how Kuminga will navigate the upcoming season on the court a ... Show More
1h 23m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
The Disappointment All-Stars, LeBron’s Unapproachable 40K, Minnesota Concerns, and Boston’s F-You Game With Ryen Russillo
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Clippers' narrow victory over the Timberwolves (1:23), the Celtics' staggering 52-point win over the Warriors (17:56), and Lakers-Nuggets (29:58) before discussing LeBron's milestone of 40,000 points and his loom ... Show More
2h 12m
Mar 2024
The NBA’s 20-Year Shift, a Sneaky Rule Change, LeBron’s Next Deal, and So Long Mac Jones With Ryen Russillo
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the noticeable shift in NBA officiating since the All-Star break, and which teams could benefit or suffer from increased physicality on the floor (2:30), Nuggets vs. Celtics, and some potential fatal flaws in the tit ... Show More
1h 53m
Nov 2021
Unstoppable Steph, Harden’s Scoring Slump, Chicago’s Hot Start, and Jokic’s Cheap Shot
Verno and KOC begin by discussing the Bulls’ 7-3 start and how uncommon it is for new rosters to come roaring out of the gates like this. Then, the guys talk about another huge performance from Stephen Curry and why it feels like Golden State could recapture its former glory this ... Show More
1h 17m
Feb 2022
Unanswerable NBA Questions With Zach Lowe, Plus Brian Koppelman and David Levien on Creating ‘Super Pumped’ During a Pandemic
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to run through the biggest questions remaining for the rest of the NBA season, including how the Ben Simmons–James Harden trade will play out, the Warriors' dependence on Draymond Green’s health, Denver’s playoff potential, ... Show More
2h 22m
Jan 2023
The Still-Young Grizzlies, Best NBA Futures Bets, and 2023’s Oscar Noms
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Vernon and Joe House to discuss the Grizzlies' three-game losing streak and whether this team could use some veterans before the trade deadline (2:06). They also kick around solutions to the NBA's problem of its stars missing games (19 ... Show More
2h 4m
Jun 2021
The Ayton-Oop, Round 3 Predictions, and NBA Lottery Reactions With Joe House, Kevin O’Connor, J. Kyle Mann, and Wosny Lambre
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the Suns’ Game 2 victory over the Clippers, Deandre Ayton's game-saving alley-oop, a slew of reviews that dragged out the end of the game, hope for the Clippers, and more (3:00) before sharing some NBA gambling odds and ... Show More
1h 51m
Feb 2023
Previewing a Wild Final Stretch of the NBA Season
Verno and KOC discuss nine things that have happened since returning from the All-Star break, beginning with the breaking news of LeBron James’s injury that will reportedly keep him out indefinitely (04:37). They then move on to discuss the 76ers-Heat game from last night before ... Show More
1h 27m
Aug 2020
Clippers Revenge, Houston’s Dilemma, Simmons Trades, and Seth Meyers Returns, With Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Jonathan Tjarks
The Ringer’s Raja Bell and Logan Murdock react to the Clippers’ merciless win over the Mavericks, some heated exchanges on the court, Paul George’s postgame comments about being “checked out” in the bubble, the Nuggets pulling out a win vs. the Jazz, and more (2:18). Then Bill Si ... Show More
2h 15m
Jul 2023
Boston’s Gamble, the GOAT Blazer, Philly’s Future, and ‘The Idol’ Flames Out With Chris Ryan and Wesley Morris
The Ringer's Bill SImmons shares some NBA thoughts, including the only realistic way Damian Lillard can be traded to the Heat, teams that are "on the clock" with their superstars, the Celtics parting ways with their defensive anchors, who is truly the greatest Trail Blazer of all ... Show More
1h 42m
Apr 2024
Thrillers in Denver and New York, Plus Breaking Down Every NBA Playoff Series
Verno and KOC go through all the playoff matchups from Monday night, starting off with Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot to put the Nuggets up 2-0 over the Lakers (01:26). Next, they discuss how the Knicks were able to grind out a victory over Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the Si ... Show More
1h 19m