The Full 48

It's the final episode of “The Full 48 with Howard Beck,” and so Zach Lowe and Rachel Nichols return to close out the NBA season and the show. They talk LeBron James' legacy, his chemistry with Anthony Davis, how they compare to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and what the Lakers future holds if they stay together. They also speak to Jimmy Butler's reputation rehab, Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard as the bubble's under told stories, Kevin Durant's return next season, things they'd like to keep from the bubble (like the play-in tournament and the referee courtside mics), and speculate on when the 2021 season may begin. To keep up with Howard Beck, please visit www.howardbeck.com or follow him on twitter @HowardBeck  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe and Marc Spears from ESPN's The Undefeated have co-authored a new book, “The Spencer Haywood Rule: Battles, Basketball and the Making of an American Iconoclast,” and join “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss life in the NBA bubble, the bubble's effect on the outcome of this post-season, not counting out Jimmy Butler and Heat just yet, the Lakers future with LeBron and Anthony Davis, and the sad yet redemptive story of the great Spencer Haywood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Governor of the LA Lakers, Jeanie Buss, discusses the Lakers return to the Finals, the Heat, life inside the bubble, and her respective relationships with Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, and LeBron James. She also speaks to the Lakers trade for Anthony Davis, Magic's abrupt departure from the Lakers organization, and the leadership traits she adopted from her dad, Phil Jackson, and David Stern.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Boozer, 13-year NBA veteran and 2x All-Star, discusses game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Heat. He talks Jimmy Butler, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Bubble effect, the Heat's strategy moving forward, and the psychological effects of losing. Carlos also shares stories about LeBron's rookie season in Cleveland, Kobe's final season in Los Angeles, and the time that music superstar Prince rented Carlos' LA home for an entire year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, discusses the Miami Heat's road to the NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler's reaction to clinching a Finals spot, Jimmy's decision to sign with the Heat and the pitch they gave to convince him, and what the media and fans have gotten so wrong about Jimmy for so long! Plus, Bernie weighs in Jimmy's side-hustle coffee empire, the awesome Hall & Oates Michelob commercial, and the time he met Michael Douglas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime Lakers Public Address Announcer, Lawrence Tanter, joins to discuss LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the G.O.A.T., his favorite NBA names to announce, and the lessons he learned from John Radcliffe and the great Chick Hearn. Lawrence also remembers Kobe Bryant, and the special tribute paid to the Laker icon at the first home game after Kobe's passing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Pearlman, longtime writer for Sports Illustrated and host of the “Two Writers Slinging Yang” podcast, joins to discuss his brand new book, “Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty” (which was written before Kobe's tragic passing in January). They talk about Kobe & Shaq's individual personalities, how they worked (and didn't) as teammates, the drama and circumstances surrounding Shaq's trade to Miami, Kobe as a possible LA Clipper, Phil and Kobe's bad blood, and what may have happened if the Lakers had actually beat the Detroit Pistons in 2004. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, hosts of Showtime's “All The Smoke,” return to discuss George Floyd's killing, social justice, DeSean Jackson, the NBA season restart, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson. Plus, Stack breaks down what went wrong for the Clippers, why he never bets against Jimmy Butler, how he feels about Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, and who he'd like to see in the Finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Boston Celtics exec and former GM of the Phoenix Suns turned radio analyst on Radio.com, Ryan McDonough, analyzes what went wrong for the Houston Rockets, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, possible head coach candidates, and how the Rockets can better their chances at a Championship next season. Plus, he talks Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker, and breaks down the Toronto Raptors situation, Fred VanVleet's future, and why Toronto may have the best shot at landing Giannis in 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich Kleiman, host of the “The Boardroom Out of Office” podcast, and co-founder of Thirty5 Ventures with Kevin Durant discusses Kevin Durant and The Nets vs The Knicks storyline, KD's departure from OKC, basketball IQ, and Steve Nash. He also provides an update on KD's injury rehab. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amin Elhassan of ESPN returns to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks play-off elimination, the impending Giannis Sweepstakes, new Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Steve Nash and his “Superstar Privilege,” and what to do about the drama in Philly and OKC's Chris Paul trade dilemma. Plus, he weighs in on The Knicks and Kristaps Porzingis, why Fred VanVleet would be a great pickup for Dallas, and the reason he believes Magic Johnson would not make a successful head coach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Hawks Coach Lloyd Pierce joins The Full 48 with Howard Beck to discuss building a young team and their opportunities next season. Then they dig deep into Steve Nash becoming the Brooklyn Nets Head Coach, what he brings to the table and what challenges he will face as a Coach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach David Thorpe returns to The Full 48 with Howard Beck to discuss the quality of game play, performance surprises, and the mental impact of being inside the bubble.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TNT & NBA TV analyst, Jim Jackson, discusses last night's historic NBA player walkout in the name of racial justice and equality in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, how players' actions can effect change in the world, what needs to happen to push the social agenda forward, and the relationship between the league, the players, and the owners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Gassaway, huge Laker and Kobe Bryant fan, and National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee joins to celebrate “Kobe Bryant Day.” Brandon speaks to his personal Kobe fandom, adopting the “Mamba Mentality” and applying it to his own life, and the 2004 NBA Finals game that made him a believer. He also speaks to the upcoming 2020 election, the impact of LeBron James' “More Than A Vote” campaign, Steph Curry's political involvement, and the NBA and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B/R Draft Guru, Jonathan Wasserman, returns to discuss what may be the weirdest lottery in NBA history. Howard and Jonanthan break down the draft order, and analyze how players may fit with the first 10 teams picking. Discussion includes LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, Obi Toppin, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Detroit Pistons.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports returns to share his thoughts on the first "Game 1s" of the playoffs, the benefits of home court advantage and how its absence is affecting play in the bubble, the Kristaps Porzingis ejection, Joe Dumars and the Sacramento Kings, and the possible reasons for the NBA ratings decline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bringing you the best of The Boardroom, now in podcast form. Rich Kleiman, entrepreneur and co-founder of Thirty Five Ventures with Kevin Durant, interviews athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs about their day to day life and career trajectories, and much more. Kleiman and his right-hand man Gianni Harrell are bringing you Out of Office weekly. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bleacher Report contributor, Mo Dakhil, returns to discuss the NBA play-in and whether it should be a permanent addition to the league's season, the “Delete 8,” TJ Warren's surprise performance in the bubble, the Phoenix Suns' bright future, the reality of the Lakers vs Blazers, Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans, the timing of the awards' ballots, and the curious case of the Bulls and Jim Boylen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Rhoden, host of the “Bill Rhoden on Sports” podcast and writer for The Undefeated, discusses structural changes in power and control that are needed to truly address racial inequality in the world, including the NBA and sports in general, LeBron's role in athlete activism and pushing it forward, and the possibility and effect of players taking a political stand come November. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated, Chris Mannix, returns to breakdown the possible first round matchup between the LA Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron vs Carmelo Anthony, the Clippers chances at a Championship, the Phoenix Suns, the future of the Bucks, and why the league should permanently adopt the play in tournament. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic Head Coach and current color commentator for TNT, Stan Van Gundy, returns to “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss life in the NBA bubble as a member of the media, the reason for the high-scoring games, injury management vs load management, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans, Philadelphia's chances at a Championship, and why Ben Simmons is the most underrated player in the league. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach Lowe and Rachel Nichols return for the 3rd Annual “Drunk With Power” podcast. They discuss life in the bubble (where Rachel is currently residing); social justice, player activism, and the media coverage response; the probability of the next NBA season and how it will be executed in December; and of course all the things they would change about the league if they were NBA Czar For A Day including – removing bad owners, expanding the MVP ballot, establishing the G League's one shot rule for all fouls, and empowering referees to enforce social distancing rules in the bubble. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner, and current Brooklyn Net, Jamal Crawford, discusses his recent signing with the Nets, life inside the NBA Bubble, the rise of NBA Activism, and the advice he offers younger players. Jamal also speaks to his role on the Nets, his NBA future, the changes he made to his nutrition and fitness that prolonged his career, why “equality” will be featured on the back of his jersey, and who he believes should be on the receiving end of this season's MVP award. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Woike, National NBA Reporter for the LA Times, joins to discuss success of the NBA bubble to date, league transparency issues around the coronavirus status of players, the NBA post season awards, and the importance and quality of the 8 bubble games. Plus, they discuss which LA team will likely make the Finals and why, the potential roles of Alex Caruso, the Morris brothers, and Joakim Noah, why the Toronto Raptors shouldn't be overlooked as a possible Finals team, and how the Rockets' style of play may prevent a deep play-off run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Lee from The Athletic returns to “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss concerns surrounding the NBA bubble, including disparity in testing resources for NBA vs the general population at large, the disproportionate effect of the virus on the black and brown communities, and the surging virus cases and related deaths in Florida and other parts of the States. They also delve into NBA activism and amplifying the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and the LeBron James 2020 impact on and off the court. Plus, they talk basketball including Giannis' future, a possible Pelicans' play-off run, the propensity for a Sixers bust, and the Toronto Raptors chances of repeating. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2x NBA Champion, and “Inside The NBA” on TNT co-host, Kenny “The Jet” Smith discusses the NBA restart amid social justice protests and COVID19, the bubble and no fans playing environment, the role of home court advantage, which teams are likely contenders for the Championship, and Kenny's early playing days with the Sacramento Kings. Plus, he shares details on The Jet Academy, and his decision to start it during COVID19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epidemiologist and Asst. Professor of Quantitative Theory and Methods at Oxford College of Emory University, Zach Binney, and Carl Bergstrom, Professor of Biology at the University of Washington, join The Full 48 with Howard Beck to discuss Orlando's spike in Covid-19, and how it may impact the NBA's bubble plan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Writer for “The Undefeated,” Marc Spears, joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” for a phenomenal conversation about race, diversity and inclusion in NBA front offices and coaching staffs, the league in the post-George Floyd era, how the players can use their powerful platforms to speak about social injustice and police brutality, what fans can do to effect real change, and Marc's own personal experiences as a black kid and teen growing up in San Jose, California. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden State Warriors Rookie Eric Paschall joins The Full 48 with Howard Beck to discuss spreading awareness with #BlackLivesMatter, the resumption of the NBA season, the lessons he learned during his first season, and what he's looking forward to in the future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior NBA writer for ESPN, Zach Lowe joins to discuss the NBA season resumption, what he's hearing about player concerns and potential issues that could impact the NBA's plans, and what his MVP ballot is shaping up like.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Haynes from Yahoo! Sports joins to discuss the resumption of the NBA season, the plans to play in a quarantined bubble at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the players, including Kyrie Irving's, various concerns about the league's plan, and the impact that both the pandemic and the #BlackLivesMatter movement are having on players' individual decisions. Plus, they breakdown how the NBA Bubble will effect media coverage of the play-off and the Finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBATV analyst Caron Butler, who played 14 seasons in the NBA, discusses social justice, #BlackLivesMatter, police reform, the importance of uncomfortable conversations, education, actionable change, and the role of the NBA. He also details his own experiences with the police and the prison system, and shares what he teaches his kids about being Black in America.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletic's Bill Oram joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to breakdown the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers Western Conference Finals including the famous Kobe-Shaq "lob," the roles of Robert Horry, Derek Fisher and Rick Fox in the burgeoning Lakers' Dynasty, and the what-if situation for Rasheed Wallace. They also discuss the resumption of the current NBA season, and who might be the Lakers' biggest threat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Isaac from the Orlando Magic joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to update his injury rehab process and status, share his thoughts on the NBA resumption plans, and his goal to be a multiple Defensive Player of the Year winner. He also talks Markelle Fultz, Mo Bamba, and Kevin Durant. Plus, Jonathan is sharing details about his Paris-themed surprise engagement during lockdown, growing up the middle of 6 kids, moving from the Bronx to Naples, Florida as a 10-year old, and his serious love of cheese fries! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sacramento Kings forward, Harrison Barnes, joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss the resumption of the NBA season and how he'd like to see it happen, the campus/bubble scenario, coronavirus health concerns, the Sacramento Kings season, Marvin Bagley's injury status, and Kobe Bryant. He also weighs in on a possible NBA schedule shift, mid-game trades, and playing in empty arenas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Sepinwall, the chief TV critic for “Rolling Stone” magazine (and long-suffering New York Knicks fan), offers suggestions for binge-watching during the NBA shutdown, and discusses how binge-watching has changed television, and the long-awaited return of the NBA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Jacobs, the filmmaker & director of “Blackballed,” the documentary about the Donald Sterling saga, joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss his take on the scandal as depicted in the doc, what surprised him about his interviews with Doc Rivers, Chris Paul, and Adam Silver, why he decided against interviewing V Stiviano, and how he feels the drama affected the Clippers Championship dreams in 2014. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime Sports Illustrated writer, author, and host of “The Dream Team Tapes” podcast, Jack McCallum, discusses the final episodes of “The Last Dance,” Karl Malone, the Bryon Russell push off, and the "pizza game." He also talks MJ and the Dream Team, Magic Johnson's role, Christian Laettner, and Isiah Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Hehir, director of “The Last Dance” documentary, joins “The Full 48 with Howard Beck” to discuss the documentary's reception by fans, the portrayal of Jerry Krause, the decision to omit Sonny Vaccaro, the inclusion of President Barack Obama, the depiction of the Bulls locker room friction, the importance of addressing Jordan's “Republicans buy sneakers too” comment, and the reason Jason believes that “The Last Dance” is a true underdog story at heart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Craig Malamut, creators of B/R's Game of Zones animated series, discuss GoZ's final season, how COVID-19 and Kobe Bryant's passing affected the last episodes, original ideas for the Mediadel and Howard's cameo appearance, what inspired Van Gundy Island, their favorite moments and storylines, and NBA and fan reaction to the series. Plus, they talk future plans, and whether Game of Zones is truly done! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epidemiologist and Asst. Professor of Quantitative Theory and Methods at Oxford College of Emory University, Zach Binney, and Carl Bergstrom, Professor of Biology at the University of Washington, join "The Full 48 with Howard Beck" to discuss what it's going to take to allow the return of the NBA and professional sports in general. They breakdown the possible benchmarks that might need to be hit in terms of coronavirus case numbers and quantity and types of testing, procedures that will need to be put in place for the athletes, coaches and staff, and possible locations and conditions that will enable safe game play. They also tackle travel safety, outdoor practice, the long-term effects of COVID19 infection, the future of handshakes, and the real risk factor of yelling! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and J.A. Adande, Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University, discuss the Michael Jordan documentary, “The Last Dance,” and the surprising revelations about Michael Jordan's close relationship with Kobe Bryant, and how that relationship clearly influenced Kobe's basketball career. They also talk about Kobe's early years imitating Michael Jordan, MJ's initial reaction to Kobe Bryant, the perception of fans, media, and other players, and how all of that transformed into a close bond protected by both MJ and Kobe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA Champion and former New York Knick, Jeremy Lin, joins to discuss Linsanity past and present, including a couple of his favorite moments with the Knicks, the status of the CBA season, his Championship with the Toronto Raptors, and his “Be The Light” campaign to aid those affected by the COVID19 pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3x NBA Champion from the Chicago Bulls second threepeat, Bill Wennington, discusses his recollections about Michael Jordan's return to the NBA, MJ as a teammate, coach Phil Jackson, Dennis Rodman as a player, teammate, and friend, and whether the Bulls could have won a 4th Championship had the team stayed together. Bill also weighs in on the debate about the 2017 Golden State Warriors vs the 1996 Chicago Bulls, and who's missing from Zach LaVine's Bulls All-Time Starting 5. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Manager of the Washington Wizards, Tommy Sheppard, joins "The Full 48 with Howard Beck," to discuss the Washington Wizards training routine during NBA lockdown, how he thinks the NBA will handle the upcoming lottery, his hopes for a finish to the current season, John Wall's rehab progress, and Bradley Beal's long term future with the Wizards. Plus, Tommy remembers Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Chicago Tribune turned Bulls.com writer, Sam Smith, who covered the breadth of Michael Jordan's career, discusses ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary, the Bulls double three-peat, Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy, Scottie Pippen, MJ's relationship with the media and teammates, and the story behind "Republicans buy sneakers too." He also debates Michael and Scottie vs Shaq and Kobe vs Jerry West and Elgin Baylor as greatest NBA tandem of all time. Plus, he offers some insight on MJ's ultra-competitive nature, and the effect that fame and celebrity had on MJ's professional relationships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA Champ and 3x Olympian for the Australian National team, Patty Mills, discusses the San Antonio Spurs transitional season, Coach Greg Popovich's future plans, the Summer Olympics and playing for his native Australia, sharing an Olympic court with Ben Simmons, and his favorite moments with both Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Patty also explains why Kyrie Irving won't be sporting the green and gold next Summer, what other tunes he's been playing on guitar during lockdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time NBA champion and COO of the Professional Collegiate League, David West, and Ricky Volante, CEO of the Professional Collegiate League, discuss their new paid-alternative to the NCAA, including league and salary structure, why it's a needed option in college sports, and how they plan to compete with the ingrained college athletic institutions and traditions. They also share the NCAA and NBA reactions to their league. Plus, David talks G League, the Warriors' season to date, and Kevin Durant's departure from Golden State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran NBA scribe and current contributor to The Athletic, Mike Monroe, discusses the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame NBA class of 2020 including Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich. He also speaks to Gregg Popovich's possible retirement, The Big Three (Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker), and shares his favorite Kobe memory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damon Stoudamire, the 1st draft pick in Toronto Raptors history and current coach of University of Pacific, discusses his lockdown routine, his recent success at UOP, his evolution as a coach, playing for his hometown Portland Trailblazers, and being drafted by his childhood idol, Isiah Thomas. Damon also shares his thoughts on the current Blazers, recalls a few of his favorite Kobe memories, and reveals what he's binge-watching during #StayHome. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.