The Zach Lowe Show

Zach is joined by Law Murray to discuss the seven teams that have not won a playoff series this decade and rank them in order of the likelihood that they'll break that streak this season. Then, Luke Epplin comes on to share stories from his new book, 'Moses and the Doctor.' (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:31) Law Murray joins the show! (3:03) The Clippers remain a mess (7:31) Ranking the seven teams that haven’t won a playoff series in the 2020s (9:56) The Magic still have the best chance to win a playoff series (32:33) Ranking the same seven teams based on which ones you'd want to run over the next five years (35:37) The Wizards jump up the list here (1:05:21) Fake Domantas Sabonis trades (1:15:46) Luke Epplin joins the show! (1:16:39) It’s been 43 years since the 76ers won a title (1:30:50) How Dr. J got his nickname (1:34:46) Darryl Dawkins was unfiltered in interviews Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Law Murray and Luke Epplin Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Create a Personalized Price Plan® today. https://www.statefarm.com/lp/football/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by John Hollinger to once again look at the punishment given to the Clippers and question whether maybe they got off easy. Then, they look at the players eligible for rookie extensions and share what they think will happen. Then, Mike Schur comes on to explain how fandom works in sports, discuss writing the infamous basketball scene in ‘The Office’ and even rank fruit. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:43) John Hollinger joins the show! (4:01) Did the Clippers get off easy? (13:28) Why did the Clippers even bother doing this? (25:00) Extension eligible rookies (1:03:17) Mike Schur joins the show! (1:13:36) Is it possible to become a fan later in life? (1:14:42) How Tom Hanks became an Aston Villa fan (1:37:33) Zach ranks his top five fruits (1:45:20) Writing the basketball scene in ‘The Office’ Host: Zach Lowe Guests: John Hollinger and Mike Schur Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry and Michael McCann to break down the massive punishment given to the Los Angeles Clippers. They run through the report and share their takeaways on the entire situation. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for a late-season edition of Mets Corner! (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:41) Kirk Goldsberry and Michael McCann join the show! (6:00) This is the biggest punishment from the league ever (14:54) Let’s look back at how all this started (31:27) This could be Steve Ballmer’s legacy (37:24) Kawhi didn’t receive much of a punishment (51:20) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey (52:44) Mets look better but still far from perfect (1:01:13) Things that have gone right for the Mets (1:12:13) Things that have gone wrong Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry, Michael McCann, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Jon Krawczynski to break down what the next season will hold for the Minnesota Timberwolves with LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. Then, Mo Dakhil comes on to answer five big questions about the upcoming NBA season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:17) Jon Krawczynski joins the show! (7:57) What is the Timberwolves’ ceiling? (17:46) Can this team compete with the Thunder or Spurs? (26:38) Will Kuminga be useful in the half-court offense? (33:07) Entertaining kids on vacation (37:57) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (40:50) Unwritten rules in baseball are stupid (43:20) Big questions for next season! (44:04) What Western Conference team can insert itself into the top six? (1:03:47) Most exciting potential playoff race (1:15:01) Who could win Most Improved Player? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Jon Krawczynski and Mo Dakhil Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to cover all the news they missed while on vacation. They discuss Bennedict Mathurin going to the Pelicans, Kawhi’s latest, and Peyton Watson going to the Cavs. Plus, they cover Klay Thompson signing with the Heat and Russell Westbrook announcing his retirement. Then, James Surowiecki joins to break down the ins and outs of the Lakers sale. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:27) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (1:51) Pelicans sign Bennedict Mathurin (10:08) What the hell is happening with Kawhi Leonard? (20:09) Cavs acquire Peyton Watson in sign-and-trade with Nuggets (33:24) What does this trade do for the Cavs? (45:01) Klay Thompson signs with Miami Heat (52:53) Russell Westbrook retires (1:09:45) James Surowiecki on the sale of the Lakers (1:31:08) Where does this end for Mark Walter? (1:39:19) Has this affected fans' access to games? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Rob Mahoney and James Surowiecki Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is once again joined by Kirk Goldsberry as they continue to rank the 10 players under the most pressure next season. They begin by debating Anthony Edwards vs. Tyrese Haliburton, before continuing their rankings and revealing the player they think is facing the most pressure. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (2:18) Anthony Edwards vs. Tyrese Haliburton (8:47) Pressure on Jaylen Brown playing without Tatum? (25:47) Joel Embiid is out of excuses (38:53) The Lakers are Luka’s team now (44:22) Jalen Williams has to be more available than last season Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry for a two-part special looking at the 10 players under the most pressure next season. In Part 1, they reveal the first half of their list and close the episode by discussing whether the Pacers should feel pressure next season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:31) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (9:12) Players under the most pressure next season (16:19) This season could define Chet Holmgren’s career (30:19) De'Aaron Fox needs to bounce back following his playoff struggles (40:03) How will Jayson Tatum fare without Jaylen Brown? (51:27) Should the Pacers be feeling pressure? Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to dive back into LeBron James signing with the 76ers and discuss what they expect from this team. Then, they throw out some fun Steph Curry trades before previewing what to expect from some Western Conference teams. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to debate what the Mets should be planning ahead of the trade deadline. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (8:32) This is the most fun LeBron outcome (12:54) The Warriors are the biggest losers of the offseason (27:27) Fun hypothetical Steph Curry trades (35:34) Let’s take a look at the Trail Blazers (48:08) What should Suns fans expect this season? (55:23) Is the Nuggets' window closed? (1:05:42) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:09:34) Who are the Mets' untouchables? (1:20:37) Should the Mets be trying to trade for MLB-ready talent? (1:29:20) Zach’s first pitch at Citi Field Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Mo Dakhil and Sean Fennessey Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers! Zach is joined by Chris Ryan and Michael Pina to break down what this signing means. They discuss if this makes Philly a title contender, whether Embiid could be traded, and how this offense will function with so many options.  (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Chris Ryan and Michael Pina join the show! (8:41) Does this make Philly a title contender?  (26:05) This offense is going to work (32:43) Should they consider trading Embiid?  (44:30) It feels weird for LeBron to be on the 76ers (51:07) Is this the best starting five in the league now?  (1:07:40) More likely to win a title or lose in the first round?  Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Chris Ryan and Michael Pina Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Grant Liffmann to once again ponder what is happening with LeBron James. Then, they draft the 10 most interesting extension candidates and share their honorable mentions. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:33) Grant Liffmann joins the show! (2:11) Still on LeBron watch (6:23) Keyonte George (12:48) Anthony Davis (18:56) Zion Williamson (22:22) Rudy Gobert (26:12) Dejounte Murray (30:05) Michael Porter Jr. (40:51) Ausar Thompson (45:39) Pascal Siakam (49:16) Brandin Podziemski (54:45) Jaylen Wells (57:44) Honorable mentions Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Grant Liffman Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the news, or lack thereof, of LeBron James's free agency decision. Then, it’s time for the relegation zone draft where they rank the most intriguing teams that may find themselves in the relegation zone next season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:33) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (6:00) LeBron is still good enough to fit with any team (8:15) The relegation zone draft (9:47) Memphis Grizzlies (17:44) New Orleans Pelicans (27:44) Chicago Bulls (34:47) Thoughts on the free throw rule in summer league? (36:45) Dallas Mavericks (52:05) Washington Wizards (1:01:56) Brooklyn Nets (1:07:20) Los Angeles Clippers (1:12:26) Sacramento Kings (1:18:21) Milwaukee Bucks Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off Adam Silver’s press conference, Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to react to updates on Kawhi Leonard. Plus, they discuss LeBron landing spots, Wemby’s new contract, and the altercation between Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Finally, Sean Fennessey stops by for an All-Star break edition of Mets Corner! (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:21) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (1:43) Adam Silver’s update on Kawhi Leonard (10:28) On Gary Trent Jr.’s contract (13:59) How did we get here with Kawhi? (20:04) Is free agency less explosive? (25:22) LeBron thoughts (32:10) Wemby’s new contract (37:46) Bam Adebayo-Tyler Herro altercation (47:39) Most underrated and inexplicable moves of the offseason (1:02:53) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:05:52) Could Lindor be traded? (1:22:22) What should the Mets do at the deadline? (1:29:04) What are the biggest lows of the season? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Howard Beck to discuss the Kawhi Leonard trade possibly not going through due to the NBA's ongoing investigation. Next, they discuss Donovan Mitchell's contract extension, where LeBron could end up, and the Summer League debuts of AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (03:12) Will the Kawhi trade go through? (21:58) Donovan Mitchell's contract extension (44:41) LeBron's next team (53:16) Summer League debuts Host: Zach LoweGuests: Howard BeckProducers: Jonathan Frias, Michael Szokoli, Mike Wargon, and Billy GilSocial: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Bobby Marks to break down the Jaylen Brown trade! Why did it happen now, and what does it mean for both teams? Plus, they break down all the other big moves so far and discuss what’s going on in Denver. Then, Dan Woike comes on to recap the Lakers' offseason and preview what the team will look like this season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Bobby Marks joins the show! (11:03) Why do the analytics not favor Jaylen Brown? (25:11) Why this deal for Jaylen Brown, and why now? (28:54) Donovan Mitchell gets a max extension (37:03) What’s going to happen with KAT? (44:38) Zach’s not concerned with the 76ers being able to share the ball (50:48) What’s happening with Nikola Jokic in Denver? (1:00:11) Bobby loved the Spurs getting Tobias Harris (1:04:06) Dan Woike joins the show! (1:08:32) Zach feels like the Lakers overspent on every acquisition (1:16:28) This could be a top-five offense right away (1:25:29) Walker Kessler is one of the most interesting players in the league (1:40:35) Let’s look at the Jazz's perspective on this trade Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Bobby Marks and Dan Woike Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to react to the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. They discuss what this means for the 76ers and Celtics and cover the Lakers getting Walker Kessler. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:45) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (4:11) Shocked at how little Boston got in return (10:49) This was the worst outcome for Boston (19:58) What will the Celtics look like next season? (21:51) Should Boston have gone all in on Giannis? (24:56) We have to take Philly seriously now (31:20) Lakers add Walker Kessler Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Mo Dakhil Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the Kawhi trade, LeBron announcing that he will not return to the Lakers, and Ja being traded to the Trail Blazers. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!(02:56) Kawhi traded to the Raptors(22:59) LeBron is leaving the Lakers(29:14) Rob and Zach's ideal teams for LeBron(46:33) Ja Morant traded to the Trail Blazers Host: Zach LoweGuest: Rob MahoneyProducers: Jonathan Frias, Michael Szokoli, Mike WargonSocial: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Michael Pina to break down everything ahead of the official start of NBA free agency. They cover the moves that have already happened and discuss who the main character of the offseason will be. Finally, they share their thoughts on the Suns acquiring Miles Bridges. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:14) Michael Pina joins the show! (1:46) Most intriguing move we already know of (4:56) Main character no. 1 - Kawhi Leonard (13:06) Main character no. 2 - Jaylen Brown (17:24) Zach’s thoughts on analytics-gate (22:42) Teams that might actually be in on a Brown trade (25:17) Can the Celtics just bring him back? (28:55) Main character no. 3 - The Denver Nuggets (36:05) Main character no. 4 - LeBron James (37:15) Is a Warriors Big Four looming? (46:07) Main character no. 5 - The Detroit Pistons (48:00) Suns acquire Miles Bridges Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Michael Pina Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Jon Krawczynski and Mo Dakhil to make sense of the Timberwolves acquiring LaMelo Ball. They discuss what Minnesota’s offense will look like, how Naz Reid fits in Charlotte, and other trades made around the league. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner after a particularly embarrassing stretch. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:40) Jon Krawczynski and Mo Dakhil join the show! (5:52 ) Initial thoughts on the LaMelo Ball trade (12:26) The fit with Minnesota should work (18:02) Why did Charlotte do this? (26:48) What will Minnesota miss most from losing Naz Reid? (31:05) Charlotte still has a deep team (39:24) Do the Timberwolves have real concern over losing Ant? (48:35) Al Horford coming back to Golden State (52:21) What will happen with LeBron? (55:52) Isaiah Stewart heading to Memphis (1:04:38) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:08:43) The Mets are an embarrassment (1:28:03) The Mets have no hope (1:36:24) More likely to win a title: Mets or Jets? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Jon Krawczynski, Mo Dakhil, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to break down the Bucks trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat. They cover what Miami’s offense will look like and what’s next for Boston after missing out. Plus, they share their thoughts on all the early signings around the league. Then, Jonathan Givony comes on to recap the first round of the NBA draft and share his favorites along the way. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!(01:29) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show!(02:50) Giannis traded to the Heat(13:14) Where does Miami stand now?(28:51) What’s next for Boston?(34:14) Is the relationship with Jaylen Brown broken?(38:51) Jaylen Brown fake trades(47:22) Let’s look at the latest deals around the league(01:19:19) Jonathan Givony joins the show!(01:20:15) Peterson goes second(01:36:53) How did the Bucks draft after trading Giannis?(01:51:45) Celtics and Spurs both draft big men(01:53:54) Surprised by Philon at 22? Host: Zach LoweGuests: Kirk Goldsberry and Jonathan GivonyProducers: Jonathan Frias and Mike WargonSocial: Keith Fujimoto and Michael SzokoliThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Jonathan Givony to discuss the looming Giannis trade, who will go first overall to the Wizards in this year’s NBA draft, and which teams have the potential for the most interesting offseason. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (01:34) Jonathan Givony joins the show! (4:00) Looming Giannis trade (9:17) Who is going first? (20:50) Trae Young declines his option (28:15) Nets must get going (32:21) Risers and fallers (38:08) Most interesting offseason teams Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Jonathan Givony Producers: Jonathan Frias and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices