The Austin Reaves Effect & The All-Star Problem

​Kenny Thomas and Ed Nunez celebrate Austin Reaves as the Lakers' breakout player, using his 38-point nights (and that viral "black man energy" clip) to argue that LeBron James should take a step back and allow Reaves to assume the second-scorer role, with Luka Dončić leading. The hosts then pivot to the NBA's competitive issues, sharply criticizing the lack of pride that allows teams to "coast" and results in blowouts. They condemn LeBron's body language after being seen laughing on the bench while down 20—a symbol of the lost intensity compared to the fierce Magic-Bird era that ultimately ruined the All-Star game. The discussion wraps up by musing over a potential final season for a slowing LeBron in Cleveland and Kenny's take on the importance of respect when filling out the NBA ballot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.