The long-announced new edition of the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash and LeBron James is here, and it undoubtedly makes one thing clear—if it was ever necessary—that the Eastern Conference arrives at this NBA season 2026-27 armed to the teeth.
Reviewing a few teams that should be in the mix to be the best both in the regular season and in the playoffs, The King does not hesitate to alert everyone to how good the Miami Heat could be, a squad he sees as having the necessary traits to be a real thorn in the side.
«They’re going to be damn good. I think defensively they’re going to be damn good. You look at Wiggins, Bam, Giannis, Davion Mitchell… They’re going to be damn good. You’ve got Spo there, he knows how to place the pieces in position, in the right place. Bobby Portis is one of my favorite players. I love Bobby Portis. It’s going to be exciting to watch that team. We just have to wait to see if they can put it all together, which I think they will», he states.
LeBron isn’t far off in his assessment. It’s true that one thing is to talk about it and another to translate it onto the floor, but at first glance Florida seems to have the pieces needed to trouble any defense. Do they lack a point guard? Probably, but that’s what the market is for.
LeBron James Sends His Support to OG’s Knicks
Obviously it was essential to discuss the reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks, something James does by highlighting the team as a group, praising Mike Brown, and above all praising OG Anunoby, whom he believes is the essential piece to make that ring machinery work.
«My respects. They played the right way and defended at a very high level. You always have to respect teams that compete. Something characteristic of Mike Brown’s teams — and I played for him during my early years in Cleveland — is that he always talked about competing. “Let’s compete. Let’s compete.” He has players who do things right. You have to give a lot of credit to Josh Hart. He’s incredible. OG was, I believe, the MVP of the team on that run. And obviously Brunson… well, he ended up being the MVP, but it’s the small details: the block on the break against Fox, the decisive touch to win…». And he circles back to OG.
«Obviously we know Jalen Brunson was the team’s leader, but I think OG was the most consistent player on that team», he concludes.
