The NBA world is abuzz with speculation, and at the heart of it lies an intriguing mystery. Why has the Mind the Game podcast gone silent for 14 days? “No new episode this week,” read a story on Mind the Game podcast’s Instagram page. A week ago, another post claimed that the podcast would return soon. But no further information was provided. Hosted By LeBron James & JJ Redick, the 14-day-long absence of the podcast looks suspicious; especially with the chatter around the Los Angeles Lakers. Reportedly, the LA-based team has appointed JJ Redick as their head coach, and for many, the sudden absence of the podcast confirms the same. JJ and LeBron’s venture has previously raised suspicions among members of the NBA Media. Is this just a coincidence, or does it signal a major shake-up in the Lakers’ camp?

Amid swirling rumors and strategic maneuvers, the podcast has captured the spotlight in the NBA world. “Mind the Game” podcast released its first episode when the Lakers camp was turning a tide. As per sources, LeBron & the team were unhappy with Ex-Coach Darvin Ham. With this in mind, recently, Stephen A Smith expressed his concerns over the timing of the podcast. He believed this venture was curated to drive Ham out. He said, “LeBron James and his camp created by doing that podcast in the middle of the season knowing that Darvin Ham was on the hot seat.” Smith labeled this rather tactical move a “very egregious thing to do.” 

Furthermore, on Monday morning, Smith revealed NBA coaches confided in him about LeBron’s podcast. He said, “Numerous coaches, Black coaches, called me expressing how they took issue with that podcast taking place.” Expressing this on his ESPN show, First Take, Smith point blank claimed that these coaches were “very salty” about LeBron’s latest venture. They believe the Mind The Game podcast supposedly added an incentive to drive Darvin Ham out of the Lakers camp.

Brian Windhorst claimed that LeBron’s campaign for JJ as a coach has been evident. He argued that while the Lakers have weighed their options, JJ Redick’s interview for the role has been on the podcasts. “They’ve extensively broken down the Lakers’ offense, extensively broken down what they do. It’s been out there for the whole world to hear, including from the Lakers’ front office,” he added.

With these discussions overpowering NBA Media, Mind the Game’s growing absence fuels the fire.

Update On JJ Redick and the Lakers’ Situation