LeBron James’ podcast ‘Mind the Game’ took a shot at ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst for being a doubter of the show.
Windhorst went on the record to say that, “If you do a show that’s full X’s and O’s, that’s not gonna be any good, either. If he [James] sits down with Steve Nash and all he does is X’s and O’s for an hour, people aren’t gonna like that either.”
The podcast’s social media s released a video showing the clip and then cutting to the fact that the show has 16 million views and counting in season two. That portion of the video features Kendrick Lamar’s audio track “TV Off,” possibly referencing that there’s no need to watch ESPN’s shows.
Included in the video is comments by YouTube subscribers expressing their thanks for a show that actually talks about the game’s technical aspects.
‘Mind the Game’ has had 21 episodes to date and started with JJ Redick hosting alongside James. Redick departed the show after becoming head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Two-time MVP Steve Nash has stepped in since and one of the most recent episodes featured Luka Doncic.
The most recent episode released on YouTube previews the NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.
And we’re not done yet. pic.twitter.com/2I8sKIfNXl
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 3, 2025
What Did Windhorst Get Wrong About James’ Podcast?
The first thing is that quality content, at the end of the day, is quality content.
Windhorst’s former colleague Zach Lowe is a prime example of someone who can delve into the finer points of the game and still be inviting and engaging. Now, there is certainly a place for the narratives transpiring across the league but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a space for X’s and O’s.
There is also something to be said for the value of a current or former player speaking on the technical aspects of the game compared to a journalist.
Ultimately, it is strange that Windhorst made such a bold proclamation that the podcast wouldn’t succeed. Considering the success rate of James’ off-court ventures as a whole, it was probably wise to at least wait and see how things played out.
This is not the first time James has taken a shot at Windhorst. He even had an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN where he called out Windhorst for acting like they’re best friends.
That diss did come out of nowhere and appeared baseless, but James and his podcast certainly had the right to chime back here. We’ll have to wait and see if Windhorst chimes back in the next Hoop Collective podcast episode.
