Lakers Better Without LeBron? & SGA Locks In MVP (w/ Rachel Nichols)

Lakers Better Without LeBron? & SGA Locks In MVP (w/ Rachel Nichols)

Author: SI NBA March 11, 2026 Duration: 51:47

Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down how Jayson Tatum looked in his first three games back, why the Lakers keep showing that they're better without LeBron James in the lineup, if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game winner against Denver locked in his second straight MVP award, and if the Pistons four game losing streak means they aren't the favorites in the east



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There’s always another layer to the story in the NBA, a rumor beneath the headline or a strategic gamble that changes everything. Open Floor: SI's NBA Show digs into those details with Chris Mannix, who navigates the entire league landscape from the draft through the playoffs and into the next season’s speculation. This isn’t just a recap of scores; it’s a conversation about the forces shaping the standings, the trades that alter franchises, and the off-court narratives that captivate fans. Each episode unpacks the latest news with the insight you’d expect from Sports Illustrated, while also entertaining the deeper debates and conspiracy theories that make the league so endlessly discussable. You’ll hear clear analysis on team building, playoff pushes, and the evolving legacy of the game’s biggest stars. For anyone who thinks about basketball beyond the highlight reel, this podcast provides a regular, grounded yet engaging look at the real NBA calendar, where the story never actually stops. Tune in for a perspective that’s as much about the why and what’s next as it is about what just happened on the court.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
Podcast Episodes
The Future of the Lakers w/ LeBron, Luka, & Reaves (w/ Jovan Buha) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Chris Mannix & Jovan Buha break down whether LeBron James will be back with the Lakers next season and for how much money, what value Austin Reaves holds with the team, and if pairing the oft-injured Luka Dončić with Gia…
Winners & Losers of the NBA Draft Lottery (w/ Rachel Nichols) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:22
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down how the order at the top of the dradft isn't just a lock just yet before getting into the overall winners and losers of the highly anticipated lottery. We also get into what the S…
The WNBA’s PR Problems & NBA Playoffs Preview (w/ Evan Turner) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner discuss the cost of owning a team in smaller markets, then break down Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham receiving exceptions to the league’s 65-game rule, why the WNBA keeps getting in its own…