The Ringer NBA Show

Welcome to another episode of Ringer NBA Lore, where we remember iconic teams and moments in NBA history. Today, Logan Murdock is joined by Joel Anderson and Bomani Jones, both of whom are Houston natives and followed the Rockets closely during their mid-’90s championship run. Joel and Bomani examine the multiple heartbreaks that Houston fans endured leading up to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets finally breaking through and winning back-to-back championships.

Host: Logan Murdock

Guests: Joel Anderson and Bomani Jones

Producers: Logan Murdock, Ben Cruz, and Conor Nevins

Video Producer: Victoria Valencia

Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a Real Ones special edition series we’re calling Ringer NBA Lore, where we remember iconic teams and moments in NBA history. Today, Logan Murdock is joined by Howard Beck and Tim Kawakami to dive deep into the first championship run of the Lakers' 2000s three-peat. Howard and Tim both covered the team that season, so they share their stories and behind-the-scenes insights on the friction between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, Phil Jackson’s mind games, Jerry West’s influence, and how this team defined the NBA at the turn of the century.

(00:00) Intro

(7:56) Lakers trade for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

(18:56) Phil Jackson arrives

(28:44) Regular season

(38:56) Media wars

(50:44) Playoffs and Shaq wins MVP

(54:46) Lakers-Blazers playoff series

(1:11:28) Finals

(1:24:03) Covering the championship

(1:30:26) Biggest what-ifs

Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck

Guest: Tim Kawakami

Producers: Logan Murdock, Conor Nevins, and Ben Cruz

Video Producer: Victoria Valencia

Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin

Social: Abou Kamara

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that the dust has settled on the major offseason moves and key acquisitions, J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina have decided to come up with their hierarchy for the Eastern Conference and rank where they think each team stands right now. Following their championship run, have the Knicks solidified their standing as top dog in the East? Now that Giannis has been traded from Milwaukee to Miami, have the Heat shot up their rankings? Where do the guys have the Sixers now that LeBron is headed to Philly?

(00:00) Intro

(6:30) 15-10

(55:00) 9-5

(1:19:00) 4-1

Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina

Producers: Victoria Valencia, Clifford Augustin, and Ben Cruz

Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Michael Pina have their way-too-early NBA player awards for the 2026-2027 season. Find out their jalapeño and reaper picks for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. The takes definitely get spicy!

(6:45) Defensive Player of the Year

(16:36) Sixth Man of the Year

(32:25) Most Improved Player-

(45:33) Rookie of the Year

(56:35) Coach of the Year

(1:10:01) Most Valuable Player

Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael PinaProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinProduction Supervision: Ben CruzAdditional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That's right! LeBron James is headed to Philly and joining the Sixers on a two-year deal. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the move, which is likely to be the last of his career. Why did LeBron choose Philly? How does he fit with the star-studded roster? What does this mean for the teams that he didn’t choose?

(5:00) - LeBron's Fit in Philly(14:24) - Joel Embiid’s role(29:28) - LeBron and the Philly fanbase(42:40) - The teams that missed out on LeBronHosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducer: Victoria ValenciaProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices