NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

Jeff and Sam sit down with Kara Lawson, the color commentator for the Washington Wizards. They talk about her career in the WNBA and at the University of Tennessee, the play of the Wizards, and what's going on around the league.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the retirement of Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers jerseys and how the Lakers wish they could concentrate on the future instead of having to celebrate the past. The guys discuss the new arenas being built in San Francisco and Milwaukee and what those will mean to the Warriors and the Bucks. They also break down the compelling Christmas Day games, including Golden State vs. Cleveland and Houston vs. Oklahoma City.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about everything from basketball to social issues to his new book, "Becoming Kareem," and his work with the Coaches v. Cancer organization that is so dear to his heart. Kareem discusses his view of the way in which today's pro athletes have learned to use the power of their voices, and a number of other topics as well.

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the eve of his reunion game against the LA Clippers. Crawford talks about how he wishes he was a bigger part of the rotation, especially since the team has been struggling of late. Crawford goes around the Association, sharing his view of title contenders and even where his own team might fit into that equation. Crawford and Sam chat about Isaiah Thomas working his way back from his hip injury and this season's rookie class and who might be the favorites to win rookie of the year.

On this week's NBA A to Z, USA TODAY Sports' Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the would-be threats to the Golden State Warriors' throne. Can the Houston Rockets, with Chris Paul back in the fold, pose a problem for Golden State? Might San Antonio survive the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard to truly challenge the champs? Jeff breaks down the most familiar foe of all, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, with beat writer Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaiah Thomas about his comeback, the trade that brought his time in Boston to a stunning end and the docu-series that he recently launched to document it all. He also talks with Carmelo Anthony about Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder's early growing pains as they attempt to become the NBA's newest super team.

Jeff and Sam break down the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, the three best teams in the NBA so far and much more. Then Jeff sits down with NBA Hall of Fame legend Bernard King to discuss his new book, his career, how he came back from a devastating knee injury at a time when that injury ended a player's career and the current state of the NBA. He discusses, as one of the greatest midrange shooters of all time, how would he fit into today's game. It's all here on NBA A to Z.

On this week's NBA A to Z, insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt are joined by our power rankings guru, AJ Neuharth-Keusch, to break down the wild start to this season and why teams are ranked so high -- and the surprising low ranking of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later in the show, Sam has an exclusive interview with Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul about his knee injury and what he thinks of his new team. Sam also chats with G League president Malcolm Turner about the NBA's minor league season that comes with many changes.

On this week's NBA A to Z, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the early season struggles of the Cavs and Warriors, Sam talks all things Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat writer Matt Velazquez, and Sam also breaks down the Lakers and the Lonzo Ball beat with Tania Ganguli of the LA Times and Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY’s Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the start of the NBA season, including Golden State’s uneven start, Cleveland’s rotation issues and a deep rookie class led by Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball. Jeff and Sam also talk early-season injuries with certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts, who operates the informative site instreetclothes.com.