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Over the past two seasons, LeBron James has used his podcast, Mind the Game, to showcase his deep understanding of basketball. Joined by JJ Redick and later Steve Nash, the four-time NBA champion has explored the intricacies of the sport, breaking down plays and offering sharp takes on today’s league. This week, though, LeBron and Nash took a different route — ditching the usual format for a Q&A session, where they tackled some of the most pressing questions from their listeners.
Early in the show, the pair of Hall of Famers were asked about the greatest defenders they’ve faced throughout their careers. With nearly four decades of NBA experience between them, LeBron and Nash couldn’t settle on just one name. They’ve matched up against dozens of lockdown talents, some of whom are regarded as all-time defenders.
Ron Artest was the first name to come to mind for LeBron. Now known as Metta World Peace, the 17-year veteran was a staple in Defensive Player of the Year races for over a decade. He was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s top star while being a standout member of several top defensive teams.
“Ron, oh my goodness, really good with his hands. Laterally was really good. Strong as a ox. I played against him my early years when he was in Indiana,” LeBron shared. “It was challenging for sure. It was one of the best defenders probably I’ve played against.”
It took a certain type of specimen to contain LeBron, limiting most teams’ options. But opponents could throw anyone at Steve Nash. For all his shooting and playmaking prowess, he wasn’t nearly the physical powerhouse that James was in his prime. As a result, the two-time MVP faced several of NBA history’s top defenders. But his mind first drifted toward the league’s terrorizing interior talents.
“Especially you go back to, back in my era and your early career, like the game was different, right? You talk about defenders, you’re thinking about rim protectors,” Nash said to LeBron. “Tim Duncan, just his feel for space and ability to block shots. KG, you know, had some versatility to it as well. Incredible communicator.”
He couldn’t simply gloss over the individual matchups he faced, though. “And then you think about the guards. I mean, I came in the league, MJ[Michael Jordan] was one of the best defenders,” Nash continued. The Bulls legend was nearing his prime by the time Nash was drafted, but MJ was just the beginning of what he’d have to face.
“But point guards, you always give Jason Kidd a nod, you know. Jason doesn’t have career highlights of dunking the ball … But his mobility, his explosiveness, his lateral quickness, he was a freaky athlete in a different way,” Nash claimed. “He wasn’t gonna always gonna take off and dunk on people…”
LeBron’s had to take on several other standout defenders throughout his multiple championship runs. He’s proven to be matchup-proof on the game’s biggest stage, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for him to take down the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, or Jimmy Butler.
Nash was never able to win a title, but his efforts nearly led the Suns to the promised land on more than one occasion. If it weren’t for lockdown stars like Kobe Bryant and Bruce Bowen, he may have been able to get them there. LeBron and Nash didn’t face the same defenders, but they certainly faced similar defensive intensity.
More must-reads:
- Lakers coach JJ Redick issues challenge to Bronny James
- Jayson Tatum provides constructive criticism on LeBron James' golf swing
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Jonathan Kuminga could be a qualifying offer candidate after rejecting Warriors deal
The NBA offseason has been in full swing for nearly a month now, but Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors don't appear any closer to reaching an agreement on a new contract. Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein shared that the Dubs' best offer to the restricted free agent's camp maxed out around two years, $40M. While this proposed extension would mark a substantial pay increase from Kuminga's rookie deal, the fourth-year forward and his camp are unmoved by the offer. Kuminga showed flashes of star potential over his last two seasons with Golden State, but he has proven to be a difficult talent to consistently utilize. When Draymond Green was healthy, Kuminga was nearly unplayable due to his inconsistent offensive contributions. As a result, he was limited to just 47 games and 10 starts in 2024-25, both career lows. It appears that the Warriors understand the untapped potential of Kuminga, but aren't willing to mortgage their future to watch his unfold. With three aging All-Stars in Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Golden State's top priority is winning while they're still around. Kuminga simply doesn't fit the archetype or timeline of what the Warriors need right now. Stein also reported that Kuminga's camp is still adamantly searching for sign-and-trade possibilities, but the Warriors have maintained a steep asking price of a future first-round pick. Considering a team has yet to give Kuminga a competitive offer sheet, though, it seems unlikely that a team will agree to Golden State's demands. At this point, it seems to be in Kuminga's best interest to ride out one last season with the Warriors via a qualifying offer. This way, the multi-faceted forward can hand-pick his next destination as a restricted free agent in the offseason. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last year, proving he can provide a bit of everything in limited minutes, so there are undoubtedly suitors that will be curious to see Kuminga in a larger role. As a former lottery pick who has taken advantage of his inconsistent opportunities, he shouldn't have an issue latching on with a team that gives him the starting role he's searching for. But he may have to endure one last season under Steve Kerr's tight leash to get there.
Steelers reporter shares big claim about how Aaron Rodgers has looked in training camp
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the bulk of the spring as an unsigned free agent and, thus, only began officially practicing with Pittsburgh Steelers teammates during the team's three-day mandatory minicamp in June. During a Monday appearance on Pittsburgh radio station 102.5 WDVE, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed how Rodgers looked during his first few training camp practices with the club. "His release is just astonishing to watch," Dulac said about Rodgers, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Everybody knows about it, and when you see it in person, you see it every day in practice, you just marvel at it. To me, he's the greatest thrower of the football I have ever seen, even at 41 (years old). That flick of that wrist and that ball comes out, it's moving and it is something to see." Rodgers was with the New York Jets when he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener. He was then slowed by a nagging hip issue, injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a serious hamstring problem as the 2024 Jets went 5-12. According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers finished last season ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.0 adjusted QBR and 26th with a 43.9 percent passing success rate. That said, he was also eighth with 3,897 passing yards and tied for seventh with 28 passing touchdowns. Rodgers and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson endured some struggles during training camp sessions last summer before the two allegedly "never saw eye-to-eye" during the season. It sounds like Pittsburgh fans should be encouraged by how Rodgers performed in recent practices. "That guy can get rid of the ball as quick as anybody," Dulac added. "He made three throws in seven-on-seven (drills) the other day that the cumulative total I bet couldn't have exceeded 2.1 seconds. And two of those were for touchdowns." Rodgers wants to finish his career "the right way" and help the Steelers notch at least their first playoff win since January 2017. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh at -150 betting odds to miss the playoffs for the upcoming season.
Red Sox Legend Admires Shark-Like Instincts in Yankees’ Max Fried
When Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez watched Max Fried on Tuesday, he saw a pitcher who “flipped the switch and locked in.” The Red Sox legend praised the New York Yankees ace with some pretty intense words. Martinez said the Yankees’ lefty “took the lead, smelled blood—like any true ace—and went to work.” In New York’s 7–5 win over the Rays, Fried overcame early stumbles to put the Yankees back. After the bullpen had been burned over the past few days, Fried delivered 6⅔ innings, struck out nine, allowed just four hits and two earned runs, and worked a season-high 111 pitches to help stave off the early storm after sloppy infield defense. By the fourth inning, he had retired 14 straight batters. Pedro’s words echo what the numbers back up. Through 22 starts, Fried owns an 11–4 record, a 2.62 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 125 strikeouts in 134 innings, and ranks among the American League’s elite. He’s tied for third in wins and sits just outside the top 10 in ERA and WHIP. It was a signature Fried performance. After giving up a two-run triple in the first inning, Fried battled through to strikeout nine and anchor the reeling Yankees. Desperately missing Aaron Judge and going through bullpen fatigue, the Yankees have to battle their way back from losing the division lead and get back on track for a playoff push. Notably, Fried's home ERA stands at 2.24, and he’s been nearly untouchable in Yankee Stadium this year. On the road, his ERA rises slightly to 2.88, but his dominance remains clear. In league-wide terms, he sits among American League aces like Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet, edging into Cy Young conversations thanks to his consistency. Martinez called it: “Sharp breaking balls, sharper focus … he just kept getting better.” For a team counting on internal answers in late July, that rebottle of Fried couldn’t come at a better time. As the battle for the American League East tightens, with the Yankees pulling within four games, Fried’s leadership is exactly what the Yankees need. They’re leaning on their ace, and on Tuesday night, he put them back on track.
Green Bay Packers Former 1st Round Pick Has Been The Star Of Training Camp
Green Bay Packers fans have every reason to feel optimistic as the team moves through training camp. One of the players everyone is keeping an eye on is edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. The former first-round pick is making waves with his standout performances in one-on-one drills and his growing potential as a dominant pass rusher. Throughout camp, Van Ness has been a consistent source of buzz, and it’s no surprise considering the raw talent and athletic energy he brings to the field. Green Bay Packers Lukas Van Ness Standing Out in Training Camp Training camp serves as the proving ground for rookies and veterans alike, and Lukas Van Ness is seizing the opportunity to showcase his growth. On just the third day of camp, Van Ness made headlines by going 3-0 in one-on-one pass-rushing drills. He demonstrated his ability to overpower opposing offensive linemen, including former first-round pick and teammate Jordan Morgan, who was twice bested in their matchups. These drills have been a reliable barometer for evaluating defensive linemen, and Van Ness has consistently stood out. His explosiveness off the line, combined with his refined upper-body strength, makes him nearly unguardable in short-yardage scenarios. This early knack for dominating such settings has coaches and players alike buzzing about what he can offer not only in practice but also when the curtain rises on the regular season. Filling a Key Role in the Packers’ Defense Lukas Van Ness’ immediate impact isn’t exactly what the Packers hoped for when they drafted him 13th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Van Ness has been largely a disappointment in his first two years. It is important for fans to remember that he was a project coming out of Iowa, and he may have just needed a little time to blossom into an elite pass rusher. His presence not only offers the potential for an improved pass rush but also adds an element of unpredictability to the Packers’ defensive line. Strengthening the Pass Rush The Packers’ pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, largely due to injuries and personnel changes. Van Ness offers a solution. At 6’5” and 272 pounds, his mix of size, speed, and raw strength stands out even among NFL athletes. What’s more, his versatility allows him to line up both on the edge and along the interior defensive line. This flexibility enables defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to scheme more creatively, exploiting mismatches based on Van Ness’s ability to overwhelm blockers. His success in one-on-one drills suggests that Van Ness could quickly become a third-down menace—an edge rusher capable of collapsing pockets and forcing quick decisions from opposing quarterbacks. That’s a skill set the Packers desperately need in the NFC North, which features highly capable offenses led by players like Caleb Williams and Jared Goff. The Excitement Around Van Ness What makes Lukas Van Ness such an exciting prospect isn’t just his physical gifts; it’s also his work ethic and hunger to improve. Training camp reports note that Van Ness is constantly refining his techniques, working with coaches to expand his toolkit as a pass rusher. Chief among his attributes is his motor. Van Ness doesn’t quit on plays. Couple that relentless pursuit with his power and explosiveness, and you have a player who can make a difference on every snap. Even in drills, he’s consistently displayed drive and adaptability, reading offensive schemes and making rapid adjustments to cut off running lanes or disrupt passing plays. Team insiders compare his temperament to that of Rashan Gary, another high-energy player who developed into a key piece of Green Bay’s defense. If Van Ness follows a similar trajectory, it’s not hard to see the Packers’ defensive front emerging as one of the league’s most imposing units. Final Thoughts Lukas Van Ness has been one of the most exciting storylines of the Green Bay Packers’ training camp, and his standout performances are setting the stage for a successful third year. His dominance in drills and his opportunity to work with the first team have made it clear that he has the tools, energy, and potential to excel in Green Bay’s defense. If Van Ness can build on the momentum he’s created in camp, he won’t just be a bright spot this season—he’ll be a game-changer for years to come. Keep your eyes on No. 90 this season. If his training camp buzz is any indication, Lukas Van Ness is ready to make his mark.
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