The Truth About LeBron’s Lakers Era (with Yaron Weitzman)

In this episode of RealGM Radio, NBA experts Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore break down the 2025 NBA contender tiers, diving into early-season surprises, elite teams, and breakout stars. From the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense to Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric leap, this deep dive explores how early trends shape the championship race. The duo also examines the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, debating who truly belongs in the top tier. Later, they discuss under-the-radar teams like Houston, Milwaukee, and San Antonio, plus what’s gone wrong for squads like Orlando and Atlanta. Packed with sharp insights, stats, and smart banter, this is your must-listen guide to where every team stands in the NBA’s title chase. 00:00 – Intro: Breaking down the NBA contender tiers 01:25 – Early-season overreactions and meaningful trends 03:55 – OKC Thunder: defending champs or vulnerable? 06:12 – Thunder depth and star power discussion 08:25 – Tier Two: Denver Nuggets & Cleveland Cavaliers 11:40 – Denver’s defensive issues and Jokic’s dominance 14:15 – Can Cleveland’s defense carry them to the Finals? 14:41 – Tier Three: Warriors and Timberwolves analysis 16:45 – Golden State’s “Jimmy Butler era” & aging core 24:37 – Minnesota’s defense and trade deadline potential 28:52 – Tier Four: Spurs, Rockets, Bucks & Knicks 32:12 – Victor Wembanyama’s rise into NBA’s elite 39:53 – Houston’s struggles and the Fred VanVleet effect 45:09 – Giannis and the Bucks’ identity; Knicks’ hero-ball 49:21 – Mid-tier teams: Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Magic, etc. 59:51 – Miami’s fast-paced offense & elite conditioning 1:03:23 – Disappointments: Celtics, Hawks, Pelicans 1:06:39 – The Cooper Flagg problem in Dallas 1:13:00 – Lamelo Ball’s frustrations and Charlotte’s direction 1:15:51 – Utah & Washington’s surprising progress 1:17:31 – Trade deadline talk and rebuilding futures 1:19:15 – Outro: final thoughts on NBA tiers RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defined an unforgettable NBA era — filled with drama, triumph, and transformation. In this RealGM Radio episode, host Wes Goldberg sits down with Yaron Weitzman, author of A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers, to break down the truth behind the team’s highs and lows. They discuss Jeanie Buss’s leadership, Rob Pelinka’s evolution, and how LeBron’s complex relationship with the Lakers changed basketball in Hollywood. From the Westbrook trade to LeBron’s post-playing ambitions in Las Vegas, Weitzman reveals the power plays shaping the modern NBA. Tune in for an insider’s perspective on one of basketball’s most fascinating eras. 00:00 – Intro 00:54 – Comparing the Lakers to the Sixers: Reporting Differences 03:24 – The Lakers’ Legal Threat and Media Control 09:15 – Inside the Lakers’ Chaos: Sources, Secrets, and Scandals 11:44 – LeBron and the Lakers: A Relationship of Mutual Use 15:51 – The Westbrook Trade: Who’s to Blame? 20:09 – Rob Pelinka’s Evolution: From Agent to Mastermind 24:18 – The Luka Trade Shock and LeBron’s Reaction 26:38 – The JJ Redick Hire and Post-LeBron Era Shift 31:15 – LeBron’s Saudi Arabia Connections & Ownership Goals 36:02 – Will This Be LeBron’s Final Season? 40:04 – Outro and Book Plug: *A Hollywood Ending* RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wes Goldberg and Jared Dubin predict the top 10 offenses in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Will the Cavaliers slide? Will Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets rise to the top? Can the Celtics' system keep them afloat? #nba #lakers #warriors #nikolajokic RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. #nba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wes Goldberg attempts to predict the top 10 defenses in the league for the upcoming season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder setting the pace as the NBA's no. 1 defense again. Where will teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Magic and Clippers finish? Will a team surprise and crack the top 10? Can Victor Wembanyama lift the Spurs into the top tier? 00:00 – Intro & Overview of NBA Defense Predictions 04:00 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Identity & Strategy 10:30 – Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson’s Breakout Year 17:45 – LA Clippers: Kawhi, Zubac & Ty Lue’s Defensive Core 22:00 – Orlando Magic: Depth, Health & Defensive Consistency 27:30 – Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis & Derek Lively Combo 33:10 – Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo’s Versatility & Coaching 39:45 – Minnesota Timberwolves: Gobert & McDaniels’ Impact 44:30 – Golden State Warriors: Veteran IQ & Depth 50:10 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Mobley, Allen & Lonzo’s Role 54:00 – Detroit Pistons: Young Defensive Potential 59:00 – Honorable Mentions RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of RealGM Radio, host Wes Goldberg is joined by Mike Shearer, author of Basketball Poetry on Substack, to discuss the NBA’s most impactful offseason additions and how they’ll reshape team identities across the league. From Norm Powell’s role in Miami and Kristaps Porzingis’ impact on Atlanta, to Al Horford’s fit in Golden State, they break down the players redefining their teams’ styles and expectations. Wes and Mike analyze how Kevin Durant brings instant offense to Houston, how Deandre Ayton could finally fill a crucial need for the Lakers, and how rookie VJ Edgecombe’s movement might unlock the Sixers’ offense. They even dive into coaching shifts like Mike Brown with the Knicks and the ripple effects of new ownership in Boston. 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – What “Identity Changers” Means in the NBA 02:15 – Norm Powell Revamps Miami Heat’s Offense 06:00 – Kristaps Porzingis Unlocks Trae Young & the Hawks 13:30 – Al Horford’s Impact on the Golden State Warriors 17:30 – Are the Warriors Still Contenders? 20:30 – Dylan Brooks Brings Toughness to the Phoenix Suns 25:30 – Mike Brown’s Coaching Shift for the Knicks 30:00 – Rookie VJ Edgecombe Gives the 76ers a New Look 34:40 – Tyus Jones & Desmond Bane Elevate the Orlando Magic 41:00 – Chris Paul & Brook Lopez in the Clippers’ Offense 45:00 – Deandre Ayton’s Redemption with the Lakers 48:40 – Luke Kornet Boosts the Spurs’ Defense 52:30 – Kevin Durant Changes the Houston Rockets’ Identity 56:40 – Cam Johnson Replaces Michael Porter Jr. in Denver 01:00:10 – Celtics’ Ownership Change and Future Outlook 01:03:00 – Final Thoughts: Teams Poised for Transformation RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA's Pacific Division is home to some of the league's biggest stars and most interesting stories. Wes Goldberg is joined by Andy Kamenetzky (ESPN LA, Locked On Lakers) to break down the key offseason moves and most interesting players on the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Suns and Kings. Then Bram Hillsman (Warriors Huddle) jumps on to discuss a frustrating Warriors offseason. 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Warriors & Jonathan Kaminga drama 13:59 – Who got better, who got worse? 14:30 – Lakers: Luka, Ayton, Marcus Smart 27:49 – Lakers defense & LeBron load management 37:38 – Clippers: Kawhi scandal, Beal, CP3, Lopez 45:52 – Warriors: Horford, Curry’s future, Kerr contract 53:14 – Suns reset: Durant trade fallout, Devin Booker 1:04:31 – Kings: Sabonis/LaVine fit, defense issues 1:12:50 – Biggest newcomers (Ayton, Brooks, Collins) 1:15:20 – Division rankings & playoff picks 1:19:15 – Players to watch: Ayton, Booker, Collins, Kerr 1:29:12 – Warriors fan perspective w/ Bram Hillsman 1:39:05 – Warriors roster breakdown (Horford, Melton, GP2) 1:46:28 – Most interesting Warriors player 1:52:20 – Appreciating LeBron & Steph moments RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wes Goldberg and guest Dieter Kurtenbach dissect the explosive Kawhi Leonard investigation, praising Pablo Torre's groundbreaking reporting. They scrutinize Adam Silver's tenure as NBA commissioner, questioning his focus on TV deals over league health. They explore innovative ways to enhance NBA strategy discussions, comparing coverage to the NFL and proposing new systems for describing team formations. All-Star Game format changes and ideas for boosting fan engagement round out this wide-ranging NBA analysis. Tune in for a critical look at the league's present and future, including potential consequences for cap circumvention and suggestions to revolutionize NBA media coverage. 0:00 Intro 3:42 Sports media's coverage of Kawhi scandal 15:41 NBA salary cap circumvention and punishment for alleged violations 20:30 League Dynamics and Player Influence: League control by top players 24:42 NBA Star Player Movement: Failure of acquiring star players 37:47 NBA Contracts and Team Flexibility 41:54 Coverage of Basketball vs. Other Sports 55:28 Sports broadcasting and game scheduling: Importance of structured game nights 1:03:52 Naming Defensive Formations 1:12:24 Mark Cuban's defense of Steve Ballmer 1:17:03 Ideas for All-Star weekend changes 1:22:00 The Take Wheel RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA's Northwest Division is home to some of the best teams in the NBA. Wes Goldberg and guests Adam Mares (DNVR Sports) and Andrew Schlecht (The Athletic) dissect the key offseason moves and most interesting players for the Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers and Jazz. 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – OKC Thunder championship run & offseason outlook 10:00 – Denver Nuggets moves 18:00 – Can Minnesota stay in contention? 30:00 – Portland Trail Blazers outlook 40:00 – Utah Jazz rebuild & the Ace Bailey factor 50:00 – Most impactful newcomers in the division 56:00 – Breakout players to watch 1:09:00 – Predictions: playoff teams & final thoughts RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA's Southeast Division is ready to level up. Wes Goldberg and guests Keith Smith (Spotrac) and Brad Rowland (Locked On Hawks) dissect offseason moves, potential lineups, and bold predictions for the Hawks, Magic, Heat, Hornets and Wizards. #nba #miamiheat #traeyoung 0:00 Thoughts on Kawhi Leonard situation 9:00 Orlando Magic 21:45 Atlanta Hawks 35:41 Miami Heat 50:44 Charlotte Hornets 59:00 Washington Wizards 1:05:00 Heat create cap space 1:09:00 Hornets rookies can redefine franchise, Zaccharie Risacher & Alex Sarr ready for a leap RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Southwest Division is STACKED with storylines heading into this NBA season. Wes Goldberg (RealGM Radio) and Keith Parrish (Fastbreak Breakfast, Grits & Grinds) break down every team—Rockets, Spurs, Pelicans, Mavericks, and Grizzlies—and make predictions for how the division will shake out. We cover Kevin Durant joining the Houston Rockets, Victor Wembanyama’s year three leap, Zion’s health, Cooper Flagg’s impact in Dallas, and Memphis’ tough decision to move Desmond Bane. 00:00 – Intro & why the Southwest Division is fascinating 02:00 – NBA division realignment talk & rivalries 08:45 – Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant trade, roster fit & concerns 20:30 – San Antonio Spurs: Year 3 of Wemby, Fox pairing & depth chart questions 30:00 – New Orleans Pelicans: Confusing offseason, Point Zion & Jordan Poole fit 42:20 – Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg’s role, Kyrie injury & roster imbalance 49:30 – Memphis Grizzlies: Trading Desmond Bane, Ty Jerome & KCP additions, leadership void 59:45 – Predictions: Who wins the Southwest Division? RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices