From: officialflagrant
LeBron James and JJ Redick have collaborated on a new podcast, “Mind the Game” [01:31:06]. The podcast aims to offer in-depth, nuanced basketball analysis, targeting both casual and hardcore fans [01:31:14].
Origin of the Collaboration
JJ Redick has known LeBron James for approximately 24 to 25 years, having first met when they were around 15 or 16 at a USA Basketball Camp [02:10:52]. While they have always shared a mutual respect, they are not close personal friends who would socialize off the court [02:11:01]. The idea for the podcast came to fruition after Redick and James met in December with their respective teams, where a conversation “got the ball rolling” [00:00:04].
Podcast Content and Style
“Mind the Game” is designed to be a basketball enthusiast’s dream, featuring “two basketball nerds geeking out over basketball” [01:31:24]. It distinguishes itself by not “watering down the game” for a broader audience [01:31:17]. The podcast incorporates graphics and detailed explanations of plays, which were particularly helpful in the first episode [01:31:31]. According to Redick, the on-screen graphics help viewers “understand what you guys are talking about” [02:13:04].
The hosts discuss specific plays and technical aspects of the game, referencing plays from LeBron’s career, with both individuals knowing the exact plays being discussed [02:13:57]. This approach results in “way less fluff” compared to typical sports commentary [02:14:05].
Impact and Reception
JJ Redick stated that he immediately recognized the podcast would be a hit, even within the first 15 to 20 minutes of recording [02:12:06]. He believes the podcast is “truly changing the way basketball is analyzed” [01:39:03]. The show sets a new precedent for sports analysis by featuring players who have competed at a high level and can communicate their opinions unapologetically [01:38:42]. This approach fills a “void” in sports media, providing content for those who seek in-depth analysis rather than just “hot takes” [01:40:16].
The co-host expressed that the podcast raises the “level of intellect of the audience” [02:13:09]. He also noted that LeBron James is “awesome” in this podcast setting, as it offers a different perspective from his usual press conference appearances [02:13:30].
Future of the Podcast
“Mind the Game” plans to continue releasing episodes, with the initial recordings including multiple parts [02:12:12]. The creators recommend watching the YouTube video versions to fully grasp the visual explanations and graphics [02:12:57].