In Episode 37 of Best of Enemies, Ryan and Fred react to the New York Knicks winning the NBA Cup, discussing how their increased depth and composure sets them apart from previous seasons. They debate the relevance and future of the NBA Cup, questioning whether it truly matters to fans and players, and explore possible changes, including moving the event internationally.
The conversation then turns to the Lakers, sparked by Rich Paul’s comments about their contender status. The guys break down the Lakers’ statistical profile, debating whether their inside-heavy, low-three-point approach can translate to playoff success against elite teams like OKC.
The episode wraps with a deep dive into the Celtics roster, including availability vs talent with Porziņģis and Kornet, Jordan Walsh’s growing role, and whether Jaylen Brown belongs anywhere near the MVP conversation, before signing off for the festive season.
In this episode...
A messy fallout as the Clippers fail to communicate with Chris Paul. The guys call it disrespectful and a bad look for Ballmer and future free agents.
Giannis’ loyalty is questioned amid hints he may want out. Does loyalty still exists in today’s NBA?
The Thunder’s incredible start goes under-reported. The hosts discuss how small-market bias keeps OKC out of the spotlight despite a dominant record.
A break down the latest matchup between the Laker & Celtics, with Ryan dismissing Boston’s win streak and debating whether the Celtics are genuine contenders.
In this Episode 34, Ryan starts pulling names out of the woodwork players you weren’t talking about last year, but suddenly can’t ignore now.
From unexpected breakout seasons to teams accidentally winning when they’re meant to be tanking, the boys question whether some of these performances are real… or just the product of opportunity.
Then the conversation shifts from the court to the couch with a new segment called “Dollars and Cents.” How much does it really cost to follow the NBA in 2025?
From official subscriptions to highlights culture and the uncomfortable truth about how fans are actually watching games — nothing is off-limits.
And just when you think it couldn’t get more awkward, the gambling conversation sneaks back in through the side door… where convenience meets consequence.Is the NBA easier to watch today… or harder than ever?
And what are fans really paying for anymore?
You’ll want to hear this one.
In Episode 34, Ryan and Fred jump straight into the chaos surrounding one franchise’s spectacular downfall and let’s just say, it involves a fired GM, a furious home crowd, and a season that derailed fast. The boys revisit a prediction they made nine months ago… one that aged very, very well.
From there, the conversation shifts west to Hollywood, where the Lakers have quietly pieced together one of the most intriguing early-season storylines. With LeBron playing like a throwback Showtime point guard and Luka torching the league, the guys break down what’s real and what’s smoke.
And then comes the new segment: “I Didn’t Have That on My Bingo Card.”
Including:
A shocking Eastern Conference leader
A superstar quietly becoming the model franchise player
A GM who might be racing toward Executive of the Year
…and a Western team that has completely fallen off a cliff
A lot happened this week. And somehow, even more went wrong.
The NBA season has finally tipped off, and Ryan and Fred are back with their signature blend of banter, insight, and rivalry. In this episode, the boys roll out a new segment called “Let’s Not Pretend” where they drop a few uncomfortable truths about some of the league’s biggest names and early-season surprises.
Then things take a sharp turn — the conversation dives deep into the dark side of sports gambling. Coaches, players, the media… no one’s off limits. Expect some heated takes, a powerful throwback to Blue Chips, and a few moments that might just make you rethink what’s happening around the league.
Welcome back to the Best of Enemies podcast! After a well-earned offseason break, Ryan and Fred are back to break down all the wild moves from around the league and get ready for the 2025–26 NBA season.
We’re kicking things off with a brand new segment — “Hype or Pipe” — where we separate the real contenders from the dreamers. From the Knicks’ shake-up to the chaos in the East, and the champs out West trying to run it back, nothing is off-limits.
Then, we turn up the fire with “Get That Hatred Outta Your Heart,”, as Fred finally confronts his feelings about a certain NBA legend making headlines again (you can probably guess who 👀).
And to wrap things up, Fred takes a victory lap in “Purple Reign on the Parquet” — a not-so-humble look at Boston’s off-season fallout that Ryan may not be ready for.
New segments, bold takes, and a few surprises — it’s the Best of Enemies like you’ve never heard before.
Game 7 Heartbreak, Halli’s Injury, KD to Houston, Celtics Blowing it Up ?
We had it all this week an underwhelming Game 7, a devastating Halliburton injury, the rise of Shai, massive trades, and the Draft just hours away.
Ryan and Fred reflect on an unforgettable Finals with an unforgettable ending for all the wrong reasons.
We break down OKC’s rise, Halli’s Achilles, Boston’s fire sale KD’s shocking move to Houston, and preview the next wave of stars coming in through the Draft.
This one’s packed.
The best two words in sports: Game Seven!
We break down Indiana’s blowout in Game 6, Halliburton’s bounce-back, Siakam’s early takeover, and why OKC looked like deer in headlights.
Fred calls out Caruso, Chet, and Dort for disappearing, while Ryan wonders if the Thunder's youth finally caught up to them.
Plus: Game 7 preview will home court matter, can SGA bounce back, and will Halli channel his inner Hoosier?
We talk TV ratings, small market bias, and make bold predictions for an epic finale.
Game 5 Recap + Game 6 Preview
OKC take control of the series 3-2 behind a huge Jalen Williams performance and a silent night from Tyrese Haliburton.
We break down what went wrong for Indiana, whether Carlisle should’ve ridden McConnell longer, and why Halli’s calf strain raises big questions.
Our Game 6 preview
Also, Lakers sold for $10 billion!, and KD-to-Boston rumours won’t go away.
All that and our Game 6 predictions in an all-time Finals battle.
Shai Takes Over Late!
OKC pulls off a huge Game 4 win behind SGA’s clutch heroics and some key Daigneault adjustments.
We break down the rotations, the physicality, and whether the refs are calling two different games for OKC and Indy.
Plus: KD trade rumours heat up, Orlando makes a bold move for Desmond Bane, and is Memphis heading for a full rebuild?
All that and our Game 5 predictions as the Finals head into a pivotal swing game!
The Mathurin Game!
Indy takes Game 3 behind Benedict Mathurin’s breakout performance and a huge night from the Pacers bench.
e break down Carlisle’s adjustments, McConnell’s game-changing steal, and what OKC needs to do to bounce back in Game 4.
Plus: Boston trade rumours heat up, the Second Apron Era’s impact on team building, and the Knicks coaching search turns into a circus.
Thunder strike back!
We break down OKC's bounce-back win in Game 2 behind Caruso and Wiggins, and look ahead to a pivotal Game 3.
Plus: why Indy’s late-game magic might be running out, Finals viewership continues to plummet, Boston’s tough offseason decisions, KD trade rumours, and injuries starting to pile up.
Is Halliburton's mystery injury something to watch?
Halli for the win!
We dive into the Pacers’ shocking Game 1 comeback against OKC, Haliburton’s clutch gene, and what it all means for Game 2.
Plus, we break down the least watched Finals opener in history, Siakam’s quiet dominance, and Thibodeau’s shock Knicks exit.
Out West, Thunder’s defense dazzles, but can Ant-Man evolve and lead the Wolves further next year?
Was that the greatest choke ever?
We break down the Pacers' meltdown at MSG, Nembhard and Nesmith catching fire, and the Knicks' heartbreak.
Out West, OKC rolls as Ant-Man limps off, and we discuss what Jayson Tatum’s injury means for the Celtics’ future.
Plus, is NBA parity finally real? T
une in for takes, banter, and basketball brilliance.
Game 7 buzzer beaters, first-round exits, and rising stars – this week’s episode has it all.
We break down the epic Nuggets-Clippers finish, Draymond’s antics, and the Lakers’ historic early exit.
Plus, is Heat Culture dead? What’s next for Giannis and the Bucks?
We also look ahead to second-round matchups, spotlighting Brunson’s superstar turn and the looming Knicks-Celtics showdown.
Tap in and hit that bell – you won’t want to miss this one.
The regular season finale delivered chaos and drama worthy of an HBO series.
Fred breaks down the Lakers' rollercoaster ride to the 3rd seed, while Ryan keeps it classy with a calm and collected Celtics season review.
We talk:
🟣 Lakers' highs, lows & JJ Redick’s playoff readiness
🟢 Celtics’ steady excellence and PP’s breakout year
🔥 First Round West matchups – Clippers' streak, Dubs vs Rockets, and Kawhi’s Finals form
🗽 Knicks vs Pistons – 90s beef revived in MSG
⚡️ Shoutout to OKC’s historic 68-win season
🎯 Bonus: Josh Giddey’s half-court dagger to beat the Bulls
Playoff predictions, bold takes, and a Black Mirror vs West Wing metaphor war—this one's loaded.
Like, subscribe, and we’ll see you after Round 1.
Episode 21 — NBA Playoff Push
Episode 20: The All-Star Game
In this episode, we break down NBA All-Star Weekend — from the chaotic Rising Stars format to the underwhelming main event.
We debate what went wrong with the Skills Challenge, give props to Tyler Herro in the 3-point contest, and question whether G-League players are saving the Dunk Contest.
We also dig into the disappointing final game, the players' lack of effort, plus, we brainstorm ideas to save All-Star Weekend — from a Team USA vs. World showdown to merit-based selections.
If you’ve been frustrated with the state of the All-Star Game, this one's for you.
Best of Enemies - Episode 19: The Trade Deadline
Massive Trades, Big Moves, and the Future of the NBA?
The NBA trade deadline shook up the league, and after the blockbuster Luka deal, we're diving into the next biggest moves.
What do these trades mean for their teams, and how will they impact the league's balance of power?
Fox to San Antonio – The Spurs get their star! But is Fox worth the massive extension?
Jimmy to Golden State – Can Playoff Jimmy carry the Warriors, or is this a desperate move for a fading dynasty?
Kuzma to the Bucks – A fresh start for Kuz, but does this really make Milwaukee a contender?
Mark Williams’ rescinded trade – What went wrong with his Lakers deal, and how does this impact L.A.?
And finally, we explore a potential NBA competitor league backed by global investors. Could LeBron and Luka lead a true rival to the NBA? What happens when the league built on star power faces a mass exodus?
Tap in as we break it all down! Follow us on Spotify and hit the bell icon for updates.
Episode 18: LUKA DONCIC IS A LAKER!!!
Luka Doncic. A Los Angeles Laker. How did this blockbuster trade happen? Why would the Mavs give up their franchise player? And what does this mean for the NBA?
The Trade
Luka is in purple and gold, but at what cost? Did the Lakers just pull off the heist of the decade?
How Did This Go Down?
Years of tension in Dallas, a power shift to the front office, was this trade inevitable?
What This Means for Luka & the Lakers
Luka joins LeBron’s legendary franchise, but will he thrive in LA?
What This Means for the Mavs
With AD now in Dallas, is this a rebuild or a retool? Can they win without Luka, or is this the start of something bigger?
The Ripple Effect
This trade shakes up the entire league. Who benefits? Who’s panicking?
Final Thoughts (8:00)
Did the Mavs just make the worst trade in NBA history? Or is Luka exactly what the Lakers need to reclaim their throne? Let’s break it all down!