Why the East vs. West talent imbalance may send LeBron James BACK to Cleveland | The Big Number

It's no secret the NBA's Western Conference has been better than its Eastern Conference for some time now, but how big is that imbalance? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine kick off this week's Big Number with a shocking stat: the East could win their next 1,318 consecutive games vs. Western Conference teams and STILL not be .500 vs. the their opponents in their head-to-head record since 2000.

Tom argues that the East vs. West power imbalance is greater than ever and that it might send one LeBron James seeking a trade or some sort of move back to his hometown in Cleveland to put the final chapter on his Hall of Fame career. Tom even brings a crazy four-team trade to the table that would make it all work!

Later in the show, Dan shares some little numbers around the Chicago Bulls without Lonzo Ball (which they should get used to now that he's on Cleveland), the Knicks starters' minutes per game vs. the Western Conference, the Orlando Magic's offensive rating against the West and the Atlanta Hawks defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era.

Also, Mike Brown will be reportedly the next coach of the New York Knicks. The guys react to the news live & share a touching get well soon message for the one and only Red Panda.

(1:30) - 1,318: West's head-to-head advantage over the East since 2000

(5:40) - Why East vs. West talent disadvantage could send LeBron back to CLE

(17:25) - Why Chicago will struggle more without Lonzo Ball

(23:35) - Knicks roster minutes per game vs. West

(29:10) - Breaking: Mike Brown to New York Knicks

(35:40) - Orlando's offensive rating vs. West

(39:30) - Atlanta's defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era

(45:30) - Get well soon to Red Panda & Jaren Jackson Jr.

(48:30) - Unpacking Milwaukee's move from Lillard to Turner

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network