The Ringer NBA Show

We talk about the sustainability of the Lakers' flipping the switch and what it means for Western Conference playoff contenders the Kings, Clippers, and Spurs (1:00). Then, we do a mini Draft Class in light of the news that Zion Williamson dodged a bullet with just a mild knee strain (33:00).Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react briefly to the news that top prospect Zion Williamson has a sprained knee (2:40) before diving deep on the recent Kyrie Irving interview with Rachel Nichols (8:40). Then, news breaks that Anthony Davis will not only be active in the Pelicans game Friday night, but also will be the next guest on LeBron James’s ‘The Shop’ on HBO (29:20).Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our hosts had an eventful time in Charlotte over All-Star Weekend, and they’re here to share some notable highlights.Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis problem casts a shadow on All-Star Weekend (1:57). Plus: debating the Ringer staff’s ranking of the top 25 players (36:05).Host: Chris RyanGuest: Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run down the list of the five Eastern Conference contenders that made deadline additions and where they’ll stand in relation to each other come playoff time (1:00). Then, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler joins the show for a second time to discuss the awkward Anthony Davis situation and the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game (37:52).Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny ChauGuest: Win Butler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We parse last night’s news through the lens of some unnecessarily hot takes—Luka is the next LeBron, Jake Layman is first-team All-NBA, Buddy Hield is better than Jamal Murray, and more (2:00). Then, we steal a bit from Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion and do our own 'True Detective' investigation: Who is to blame for ‘The Flat Lakers’ (28:55)?Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul George’s MVP case grows as his scorching offensive streak continues (1:15), Marc Gasol bolsters the already-formidable Toronto Raptors (10:45), the Philadelphia 76ers’ new Big Four forms a threat in the East (27:35), and the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff berth is anything but certain (46:48).Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The anticlimactic nonresolution of the Anthony Davis saga leaves the Western Conference at the mercy of the Golden State Warriors (3:03), while the reloaded Philadelphia 76ers look to rise atop the Eastern Conference elite (25:33).Host: Chris RyanGuests: Justin Verrier, Michael Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trade deadline delivered on medium deals—including Marc Gasol to the Raptors, Tobias Harris to the Sixers, and Nikola Mirotic to the Bucks—but it was missing the Anthony Davis trade we were hoping for. What does this mean for the Eastern Conference Finals race, and does any of this matter with the Warriors hanging overhead?Hosts: Justin Verrier, Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan hop on the Ringer NBA Show feed to talk about the Sixers spending what was left of their draft capital to acquire Tobias Harris and make a push for the NBA Finals this season (1:06). Then, Ben Detrick joins to break down how this Sixers lineup might jell come playoff time (28:04).Hosts: Bill Simmons and Chris RyanGuest: Ben Detrick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices