LeBron James is once again the center of NBA discussions. After his heated exchange with Stephen A. Smith following the Lakers’ March 6 game against the Knicks, his name has been buzzing in sports debates. The back-and-forth ignited after James appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” leading to a public spat with the ESPN analyst.
However, this time, James isn’t in the spotlight for media drama. Instead, he’s making waves by reviving his hit podcast, “Mind the Game,” for a second season — but with a major change.
Steve Nash’s New Challenge as LeBron James’ Co-Host
The official “Mind the Game” Instagram account announced that the podcast will return for season two on April 1, featuring a new co-host: two-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star Steve Nash. The show will be available on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
However, Nash has massive shoes to fill. James launched Mind the Game in 2023 as a platform to break down the game of basketball from a player’s perspective. The show quickly took off. Every episode of the podcast averaged an astonishing 1.5 million views, and the YouTube channel rapidly amassed 500,000 subscribers, which is a testament to James’ influence and the podcast’s quality content.
Now, Nash brings his own elite basketball mind to the table, but matching Season 1’s success will be no easy task.
https://t.co/8WZUu0OFvT pic.twitter.com/eFHQVKP5c7
— GoldenKnight (@GoldenKnightGFX) March 28, 2025
JJ Redick was the original co-host of “Mind the Game.” His deep analytical knowledge, combined with his experience as an NBA sharpshooter, allowed him to break down the game in a way that engaged both casual fans and hardcore analysts. Redick and James produced nine episodes in the first season, but his departure from the podcast was likely due to his new role as the Lakers’ head coach, a position he took over in June 2024.
James is no stranger to media ventures. Since launching SpringHill Company with Maverick Carter in 2020, he has produced films like “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and “Hustle,” as well as the hit HBO series “The Shop,” which features candid conversations with celebrities and athletes.
With the podcast already boasting a massive following, expectations for Season 2 are through the roof. Can Nash bring the same level of insight, chemistry, and entertainment that made the first season a viral success? That remains to be seen. However, Nash has a message before the podcast airs.
Nash Optimistic About His Stint in Podcasting
Nash entered the league in 1996 when he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. Over his 18-year career, he played for the Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his incredible court vision and leadership, Nash transitioned into coaching after retiring but is now stepping into a new challenge: podcasting.
Despite having no previous experience in podcasting or media, Nash remains optimistic about this new chapter.
“I am self-aware that everyone has a podcast. I recognize there’s a skill and talent to doing a podcast that I don’t take lightly. I think there’s a lot of space there to share and to offer insights,” Nash told The New York Times.
During his playing career, Nash averaged 14.3 points and 8.5 assists per game while shooting an elite 49/42/90 split. His basketball excellence suggests he could thrive in this new venture; after all, great leaders tend to find success wherever they go.
