The very hydrated Brendan Haywood returns with Ric Bucher for another wild episode of Finding The Seams—starting with a new invention request: a hydration button (because Brendan’s mic is picking up everything). From there, it’s a hoops-to-life rollercoaster: Brendan gets rerouted to Champaign, Illinois and is forced to fly coach for the first time in forever—and he reacts like a 7-footer trapped in a sardine can.

Then the guys break down the NBA Cup Final: why the New York Knicks flipped the game late, what it says about their title contender status in a shaky East, and what Victor Wembanyama still needs late in games (mid-post “meat and potatoes,” not tween-tween step-backs).

They also dive into the growing OKC vs Spurs tension and why that matchup could turn into a long-term rivalry—plus a spicy conversation about generational talent (Wemby vs SGA) and what championship bigs usually need: elite guard play.

Finally, the Lakers soap opera returns: LeBron vs Luka dynamics, the “who takes the technical FT?” moment, Luka gifting teammates e-bikes, and Brendan’s brutally funny take on LeBron as the cheapest billionaire (with a twist: sponsorship gifting). And yes—there’s also the legendary story of Brendan selling jersey numbers for real money.

#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #NBACup #NewYorkKnicks #SanAntonioSpurs #VictorWembanyama #Wemby #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #NBAAnalysis #BasketballPodcast #NBAStories #SportsPodcast

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Rich Paul and Max Kellerman launched a new podcast — and Rich came out swinging. Ric Bucher and NBA champ Brendan Haywood react to Rich Paul questioning the Lakers’ ceiling, whether LeBron can adjust to the Luka Doncic show, and why some of Rich’s “solutions” don’t actually solve anything.

Then the guys pivot to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s ruthless, no-days-off mindset — and why Brendan believes this OKC group is more locked in than recent champions who coasted after winning it all. Plus: a freshman you need to know in college hoops, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, and a hilarious debate on what $500K really means to an NBA vet.

00:00 Intro + “bald head life chooses you”

03:10 Rich Paul goes public: “Why say this now?”

06:35 Lakers ceiling + “easy to guard” debate

10:20 LeBron’s new reality: “It’s the Luka show”

14:40 Why LeBron-as-screener doesn’t create an advantage

18:10 Locker-room fallout: Austin Reaves / JJ Redick / Luka perspective

22:30 Spurs game as a playoff warning sign

25:40 What the Lakers actually need (elite 3-and-D wing)

28:40 OKC is DIFFERENT: hunger, defense, and culture

33:15 SGA mindset story: choosing Kentucky to compete, not cruise

36:40 College scouting spotlight: Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler

40:10 NBA Cup Vegas + “putting 500K on black?!”

43:10 Wrap + where to catch the show live

Hashtags:

#FindingTheSeams #NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #RichPaul #ClutchSports #AustinReaves #JJRedick #OKCThunder #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #CollegeBasketball #IllinoisBasketball #UnitedWecast

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On this episode of Finding The Seams, Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood break down a wild week around the league, starting with the Chris Paul–Los Angeles Clippers breakup and what really went down behind the scenes. From CP3’s “you are the load” jab at Kawhi Leonard to getting cut in the middle of the night, Brendan explains why aging stars have to read their new script and adjust their tone when they’re no longer All-Stars.

The guys then pivot to LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and the Lakers, and why LeBron’s body language, effort and on-court “silent protest” could become a real chemistry problem in L.A. Is this actually Luka and Austin Reaves’ team now, and does LeBron even fit with this roster?

Next up: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. Should he stay loyal and try to win another ring with the Bucks, or treat his career like a business and chase the best championship situation elsewhere after the Damian Lillard saga?

Ric and Brendan also dive into the report that Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Trae Young and Zion Williamson are all potentially gettable — but only as “distressed assets.” Who would you trade for? Who has the most value? Why do some stars insist on adopting a fake “hood” persona once they make the league?

Along the way you’ll hear:

• Why CP3’s reputation means his Clippers exit won’t scare free agents from L.A.
• Why Trae Young still has the highest trade value of the “problem” stars
• How Pat Riley once found out exactly how much Eddy Curry spent at Taco Bell
• Why Luka in shape is terrifying, even if his habits haven’t totally changed

If you care about superstar ego, aging curves, trade value and real locker room dynamics, this is a must-listen.

#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #ChrisPaul #Clippers #KawhiLeonard #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #Giannis #JaMorant #TraeYoung #LaMeloBall #ZionWilliamson #NBAPodcast

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