The Hoop Collective: A Big Concern For LeBron & Lakers? + Flagg’s Improvement & Brooks’ Impact

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss LeBron’s major bounce back in a clutch win for the Lakers over the 76ers, why the Celtics improving play could open the door for a Tatum return, Pat Spencer’s new mantra for the Warriors, the Bulls’ struggles returning, Memphis stepping up and the latest on the Terry Rozier situation including what it means for the Heat. Plus, a new installment of 'Where in the World is Windy?’ begins.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Anthony Slater and Vincent Goodwill to talk the possibility of a Giannis trade including what destinations could make sense and why a trade from the Bucks would be so challenging. Plus, the guys discuss Cooper Flagg continuing to improve, what to make of Chris Paul’s unique exit from the Los Angeles Clippers and get insight into Chet Holmgren’s development following his injury last season to where OKC wants him to be to create a dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss their concern level with LeBron’s struggles, if LA’s stars make sense together on defense and the huge game from Dillon Brooks for the Suns. Then, the crew talks the continuing disaster for the Clippers and the mounting injuries in Denver before awarding the Cojones Factor Player of the Month and much more.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss a wild ending in Philadelphia between the Hawks & 76ers before discussing the state of Embiid in his return and how Atlanta looks without Trae Young. Then, the guys talk some potential lottery pick madness for the Thunder, some award drama, the Cavs & Wolves lingering struggles and the depth of the Spurs coming in handy without Wemby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon for our special Friendsgiving episode as our crew welcomes some of our favorite guests to talk about everything from major NBA storylines to the best type of ice to put in your beverages. In this edition we welcome ESPN’s Anthony Slater to talk if it is time to be concerned about the Warriors, ESPN’s Vince Goodwill to discuss if the Pistons are ready to make a major move to be a contender, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne to talk new info on the sale of the Lakers & detail the arraignment for the NBA gambling investigation, ESPN’s Jamal Collier to break down the state of the Bucks & the future of Giannis, ESPN’s Bobby Marks on teams with the most flexibility in the NBA for the trade deadline, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk to highlight some key travel components & sacred beverage insight, ESPN’s Mike C. Wright to tell us about his Thanksgiving spread & the latest on the Spurs & Rockets and ESPN’s Malika Andrews joins as she prepares for her first ever Syracuse basketball game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss some of the biggest lessons learned from the early NBA season including why an Anthony Davis trade will be challenging for Dallas, the MVP to this point, some injury concerns, emerging stars and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Kevin Pelton to discuss the reports that LaMelo Ball is open to a trade and some major shakeups in the Lakers’ front office. Then, we dive into our 2025-26 Small Sample-Size Theater to talk Houston’s unique path to the best offense in the NBA, if the Thunder can win over 70 games, the Rookie of the Year race, which conference is better and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the many injuries to the stars across the NBA and what is causing the rise in players missing time. Then, the guys discuss if the Bucks can survive without Giannis including if the depth in the Eastern Conference could be more challenging than the Western Conference. Plus, with Wembanyama, Castle and Harper sidelined can the Spurs stay alive in the West? Finally, we talk if the vibes around the 76ers are improving and what you can expect from a big matchup between the Rockets & Cavs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the incredible games we have already seen to start the NBA season including a wild slate of finishes over the weekend. Then, the guys discuss the significance of the Hawks’ success without Trae Young, the Knicks compounding injuries, why the Cavs have not reached their ceiling from last year yet and how wide open the Eastern Conference is. Finally, the crew talks Kevin Durant’s ability to remain an elite scorer, the Pelican’s parting ways with coach Willie Green and if the Thunder could win over 70 games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Ramona Shelburne to discuss the Clippers’ concerning start to the season, Jokic’s historic performance in LA, why Denver are legit contenders, how LeBron will fit upon returning to the Lakers, the impact of Brunson’s injury on the Knicks and OKC’s dominance over the league thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices