Joe Vardon, NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares his insights straight from Paris, focusing on Nikola Jokić's astonishing triple-double and buzzer-beater that wowed fans. The conversation dives into the impressive rise of Victor Wembanyama, highlighting his electrifying play as a potential game-changer. Vardon also discusses the NBA's ambitions for European expansion and the impact of international players on the league's future. The hosts ponder the puzzling inconsistency of the Lakers, exploring how they can shift from brilliance to bafflement.

Joe Vardon, a sports journalist known for his sharp insights, joins to discuss Team USA's Olympic journey. He analyzes Kevin Durant’s standout performance and debates Jayson Tatum’s limited playing time. Vardon shares the electric atmosphere surrounding the team, contrasting fan reactions and expectations. The conversation dives into the complexity of player rotations and Coach Kerr’s strategic decisions, along with the emerging star Victor Wembanyama's thrilling debut for Team France. It’s a fascinating look at basketball's international stage!

In episode 6 of A King's Reign, Jason Lloyd details how the Cavaliers got LeBron James back to Cleveland, Joe Vardon on the epic Cavs 2016 title, and then Marcus Thompson and Zena Keita with a deep dive into the history of the LeBron James-Steph Curry rivalry.A King's Reign is brought to you by Factor. Head to factormeals.com/king50 and use code KING50 to get 50% off, now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Vardon, an Olympic journalist, shares insights on LeBron's leadership, Olympics logistics, and Team USA's preparation for tough matches. Topics include venue decisions, Kevin Durant's impact, and the future of Team USA basketball.

Joe Vardon, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares keen insights on the Cavaliers' recent loss to the Thunder. He discusses the challenges Cleveland faced against teams with perimeter size and highlights the need for improvement in their defensive strategies. Vardon also sheds light on potential trade market targets, with specific focus on acquiring Cam Johnson to enhance the Cavaliers' lineup. The conversation touches on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's standout MVP performance, as well as emerging trends in player development and the new Unrivaled basketball league.