NEWSLETTER
While it sure feels like everyone and their mother has a podcast these days, LeBron James’ new venture with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick sounds worthwhile.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand was the first to announce the new podcast titled “Mind the Game.” James’ company Uninterrupted will produce the show alongside Redick’s ThreeFourTwo Productions. Of course, Redick has built a name for himself in the sports media and podcasting game since retiring in 2021. Not only does he call NBA games as part of ESPN’s No. 1 broadcast team, but he also hosts the popular “The Old Man & The Three” podcast.
Still, this might prove to be Redick’s biggest project yet. James will undoubtedly help bring a new audience to the table, especially if the series is anything like the sneak peek released on Monday.
As The Athletic suggests, the podcast is supposed to be a pure ongoing conversation about the game of basketball. And I think it’s safe to say the first clip delivers just that:
In a world crammed with sports debate shows, this feels like a breath of fresh air. While I agree the NBA is as much a “reality show” as it is a complex sport, I think things have started to lean too far in one direction. The league can benefit from more big names digging into the X’s and O’s and trying to teach the game. And there is no bigger name than LeBron James. Not to mention, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is known to be one of the smartest players ever to take the floor.
I know this isn’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea. The current media world is what it is because it works – to an extent. But, again, I think there is a greater balance to be found when it comes to discussing this league, and I look forward to seeing how LeBron James and JJ Redick can help promote that balance.
Mind the Game will release a 45-minute episode every week, according to The Athletic. The show has already recorded two episodes, and guests will be invited to join James and Redick down the road.
