Best of The Herd

Monday energy, people. It’s Jason McIntyre in for Colin with Rachel Nichols, and we’ve got a monster lineup. There’s a fresh NFL trade buzz touching my Jets, March Madness is here, and Lakers–Nuggets was must‑watch.

I love this time of year. I used to work March Madness on the sidelines, and the chaos never gets old.

Quick scene-setter: I missed Lakers–Nuggets for a rare Cheesecake Factory run with the kids, then watched the finish on my phone. The Lakers just stacked wins over the Knicks, Wolves, and Nuggets, Luca hit a dagger, and LeBron’s shifted into more defense, fewer shots, and big hustle plays while Austin Reaves grows into a true co-star—this team looks dangerous.

The World Baseball Classic was electric. Team USA edged the Dominican Republic two to one, Aaron Judge called the stakes massive, and Mark DeRosa’s group now hits a winner‑take‑all final on Fox after tonight’s semi.

Hour two kicks off with a little life check: Rachel got Vail, I got a youth chess heartbreak, and now I’m locked in on brackets.

My Final Four: Duke, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan. I’ve got Arizona over Illinois for the title because they’re deep, versatile, and loaded with pros, while Purdue feels tapped from the conference tourney.

You were in the building for Lakers–Nuggets—what was the vibe after that one?

That was the win of their season. They’ve taken five straight, eight of nine, and now have statement victories over New York, Minnesota, and Denver, so the confidence is surging.

What flipped with the Big Three and the end‑game defense?

Optimizing the starters with Marcus Smart has been huge, and Luke Kennard’s shooting gravity puts defenses in a blender. Luca’s at an MVP level, Austin Reaves is on a heater, and LeBron’s embraced being the third option, which balanced everything.

LeBron sliding into a PJ Washington‑type role from Luca’s Mavs run—do you buy that framing?

Not exactly. LeBron took a step back when everyone got healthy, then usage naturally shifted when Austin missed time, and now with Austin rolling, LeBron’s comfortably the third scorer. It’s more ebb and flow than a demotion.

That missed‑free‑throw sequence felt scripted. Was that a JJ call?

They asked Austin to miss to the right, it kicked left, and Andre Ayton’s seal on Jokic made the play. It was one of the slickest end‑game moments all year.

Fans adore Austin. Any chance they move him, or is he part of the core?

He’s a keeper. Expect a long deal in the thirty to thirty five million annually range if his postseason holds up.

LeBron said in early February they weren’t a title team. After these wins, does he truly believe again?

That belief has grown. They were getting blown out by elite teams earlier, but now they’ve checked that box. A tough six‑gamer—Houston twice, then East risers—will show how real this is.

Rockets tonight and Wednesday, but Alperen Sengun’s tailed off since the KD text saga. Any connection, and what’s up with them?

Correlation isn’t causation, but locker‑room drama always lingers. Houston’s slipping and unproven in the spring. Minnesota’s different—they’ve got real playoff reps even if Julius Randall’s dipped; he has to lift his level.

You guys bottled up Ant, Jamal Murray, and Jalen Brunson. Is Marcus Smart the key there?

He’s a major driver. Five steals and five threes against Denver, constant switches, and the whole group’s more physical. Reaves fought on bigger matchups, and the schemes—some zone, lots of switching—are clicking.

Steph Curry’s return?

If he’s cleared, he’ll play. They’re headed for the play‑in and likely a first‑round date with OKC, which is a rough draw.

Who do you like in the East?

Boston. The top tier looks like Detroit, Boston, New York, and Cleveland to me for round two, and Tatum’s fit has been seamless. Add their best player back at full bore and they’re the team to beat.

Can OKC actually win the whole thing, and where are you on SGA for MVP?

They can win it. Title teams often need seasoning, but OKC’s been elite on both ends and they’ve handled marquee tests; only a couple of West teams profile as real threats to them.

Great stuff as always, Yovon Buha. Catch his Buha’s Block and stick around—March is packed and we’re just getting warm.