The NBA has been making its fair share of shocking moves even days before preseason. But they aren’t the only ones giving sports fans heart attacks. In a series of layoffs by ESPN, Zach Lowe was the latest to receive the pink slip. Widely recognized as a reputable NBA journalist, it was as shocking as it came when the news broke two weeks ago. Needless to say, it resulted in a major backlash from fans. But a large bunch from the community also had a special request for Lowe.

Join The Ringer. The 47-year-old hadn’t spoken (or tweeted) about the situation. Until now, that is. The Dartmouth College alum took to X, stating his intentions, it would seem, going forward. And it looks like it could be exactly what the fans have asked of him.

“I’M COMING BACK IN @SeanFennessey AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE. LGFM,“ Zach Lowe posted, showcasing a link to an October 2015 Grantland article.

It’s interesting to note here that Sean Fennessey is the Head of Content for The Ringer. And Grantland? It was the ESPN vertical, where he worked with Bill Simmons, the founder of The Ringer, and Fennessey (Deputy Editor at the time) until it shut down in 2015, and Zach Lowe was one of the few who made the transition to ESPN at the time.

According to The Athletic, his seven-figure salary was the “biggest factor” in the dismissal. Given this comes in the wake of another pair of shocking dismissals – Robert Griffin III and Samantha Ponder, Zach Lowe’s layoff shouldn’t be that surprising.

All things considered, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Zach Lowe’s next stop is The Ringer, reuniting with his former colleague. That said, why don’t we take a look at what exactly his fans have said?

Fans on X rally with a unified message for Zach Lowe: “We want you back”

It seems Lowe’s exit has even brought those quiet ones out, too. Take this user, for example. “I’ve never posted on your content here before Zach, but I’m in agreement with everyone – we want you back, go to the Ringer,” followed by a flexed biceps emoji. Clearly, even if they weren’t active commentators, his analysis and writing have a huge fan base!

Zach has already appeared multiple times on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ as a guest. The Ringer is an umbrella brand to many podcasts like The Ryen Russillo Podcast, The Mismatch, The Ringer Reality TV Podcast, and so many more. Partnering with Simmons again would allow Lowe to go deeper into subjects and provide the fans with analytical insights rather than just hot takes. Just picture the sight of the man of the hour on The Mismatch, dissecting narratives and analyzing next season’s NBA Finals. What a treat that’d be!

Reiterating that is the next individual’s comment. But they didn’t forget to direct a dig at ESPN en route, too. “I finally have a reason to be free of ESPN, you’ve got a huge following wherever you go.” The mega media house has unexpectedly been at the receiving end of pointed criticisms for their less than satisfactory coverage of sports news recently, the TNT saga and NBA Finals being an instance.

However, many fans continue to follow them because of their favorite journalists and analysts working at the organization. But, as the above fan pointed out, they have a reason to not continue doing so.

Yet another fan decided to go with a wholesome ‘hugging’ GIF to share their excitement about Zach Lowe’s news. Sean Fennessy has quite a substantial fan following as well. And given the journalist’s history with both Simmons and Fennessey, it would be pretty much like ‘the ultimate fan fantasy’.

Another fan has come forward with some high praise for Lowe. “our goat [insert goat emoji]!” Usually attached to the greatest of entities in any field, it clearly shows just how much fans appreciate and admire Lowe’s critical analysis and his podcast.

And finally, we will leave you with this absolute gem of a comment.

After all, a picture speaks more than a thousand words, wouldn’t you say?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.