Is the Merge Priced In? The Ethereum Proof-of-Stake Merge looms around the corner, but how do the markets feel about it? Ryan Berckmans and Hal Press have a mutually bullish discussion about the Ethereum network today, tomorrow, and long-term. They're both bullish ETH, but differ on how it's going to play out. This is our favorite kind of debate.  ------ 📣 Chainlink | Register for SmartCon 2022 with promo code “BANKLESS” https://bankless.cc/smartcon  ------ 🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER:          https://newsletter.banklesshq.com/   🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO PODCAST:                 http://podcast.banklesshq.com/   ------ BANKLESS SPONSOR TOOLS:  🌱 LENS | ACCESS CODE: VITALIK https://bankless.cc/Lens 🚀 ROCKET POOL | ETH STAKING https://bankless.cc/RocketPool ⚖️ ARBITRUM | SCALING ETHEREUM https://bankless.cc/Arbitrum 🦁 BRAVE | THE BROWSER NATIVE WALLET https://bankless.cc/Brave 🌉 JUNO | BRIDGE FIAT TO LAYER 2 https://bankless.cc/Juno ⚡️ ZKSYNC | THE LAYER 2 SCALING ENDGAME https://bankless.cc/zkSync ----- Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 7:00 Hal & Ryan Thesis 18:28 The Merge is Happening 23:30 A Crowded Trade 29:23 Risks and Catalysts 36:10 Structural Significance 41:40 Blockspace Demand 46:40 Real vs Nominal Return 50:30 Miners vs Validators 56:00 Proof of Stake Wins 59:00 Store of Value 1:09:45 The Flippening 1:18:00 Price Predictions ----- Resources: Hal Press  https://twitter.com/NorthRockLP Ryan Berckmans https://twitter.com/ryanberckmans ----- Not financial or tax advice. This channel is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This video is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research. Disclosure. From time-to-time I may add links in this newsletter to products I use. I may receive commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. Additionally, the Bankless writers hold crypto assets. See our investment disclosures here: https://newsletter.banklesshq.com/p/bankless-disclosures 

Justin Bons and Ryan Berckmans dive deep into the contentious debate over Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions. Bons raises concerns about L2s potentially centralizing the network and detracting from Ethereum's core value. In contrast, Berckmans argues that L2s enhance decentralization and scalability. The two discuss the implications of their evolving roles within Ethereum's ecosystem, question the blockchain trilemma, and deliberate on whether Layer 2s are aiding or hindering Ethereum's future growth. The conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ethereum's scalability challenges!

In this discussion, blockchain expert Justin Bons and analyst Ryan Berckmans dive into the heated debate over Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions. Bons critiques the centralization risks posed by L2s, while Berckmans argues that they enhance Ethereum's ecosystem and long-term value. The duo tackles whether Layer 2s are parasitic to Ethereum's base layer, exploring scalability, decentralization, and transaction fees. Their differing views on the future of Ethereum's roadmap make for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.