The MVP Race, and Where Does LeBron Fall on the All-Time Lakers List? | Real Ones
Mar 5, 2024
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Discussing NBA MVP contenders and LeBron's historic achievement of scoring 40,000 points with J.A Adande. Analyzing LeBron's impact on the Lakers legacy and his ranking among all-time Lakers players. Exploring the proposal to revamp the NBA All-Star Game and reflecting on Gen Z's values in sports journalism.
Moments that define seasons can sway MVP votes, emphasizing player impact on team success.
Yolkich's unique playing style, focused on vision and unexpected passes, sets him apart aesthetically.
LeBron's Lakers legacy, marked by 40,000 points, lacks unanimous acclaim compared to Lakers greats.
Deep dives
Yolkich's Impact on the MVP Race
The MVP race is discussed, highlighting the importance of players making a definitive mark to sway votes. Examples like Steph Curry in 2015 and Russell Westbrook's triple-double average demonstrate how key moments can influence MVP decisions. The criteria for MVP voting based on a player's contribution to team success in championship contention is emphasized.
Yolkich's Unique Playing Style
Yolkich's unconventional playing style, characterized by his ability to see the game differently, anticipates plays, and make unexpected passes, sets him apart. Despite not fitting the traditional aesthetic norms, his effective ball movement and keen understanding of the court make his gameplay aesthetically pleasing.
LeBron's Milestones in a Laker Uniform
LeBron James's achievements in a Lakers jersey, including reaching 40,000 points and surpassing Kareem's scoring record, are significant but may not elevate him to the level of the all-time Lakers greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, or Shaquille O'Neal. The discussion also touches upon the connection between LeBron and the city of Los Angeles and how his relationship differs from the deep-rooted ties of previous Lakers legends with the city.
LeBron's Impact in LA Entertainment Industry
LeBron's move to LA has solidified his presence in the entertainment industry, drawing parallels to past players like Shaq and Wilk Chamberlain who found success off the court in movies and commercials while in LA. Unlike previous eras where being in LA was vital for entertainment opportunities, LeBron's entry into films occurred even before moving to LA, showcasing a shift in the industry. The podcast delves into how LeBron's involvement in entertainment, despite some hits and misses like 'Space Jam', has cemented his status as an entertainment figure transcending basketball.
All-Star Game Reimagination and Future of NBA Entertainment
The podcast discusses a listener's idea to revamp the NBA All-Star Game by categorizing players by generation for competitive round-robin games, fostering diverse matchups. However, concerns arise about younger players' commitment to competitiveness, highlighted by moments like the rookie-sophomore games' decline in intensity. Suggestions are made to reshape the mid-season tournament into a true celebration of basketball, ensuring competitive play without burdening players with extra games. As the journalism landscape evolves, emphasis is placed on versatility, incorporating video and audio skills alongside foundational writing, offering future journalists an adaptable approach to the changing media environment.
Logan is joined by veteran sports journalist and Northwestern’s Director of Sports Journalism, J.A Adande, to discuss who they think has the greatest chance at winning MVP this season (02:00). Later, the guys discuss LeBron making history as the first player to score 40,000 points, and what it means in the context of being a Laker (34:00).
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