In this episode of the Locked On NBA Squad Show East, hosts debate the merits of LaMelo Ball versus Trae Young as franchise players. They discuss the potential availability of Ball on the trade market and analyze his impact on the Charlotte Hornets. The panel also creates Oscar-inspired NBA awards, including best lead player and best special effects team. Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, and Cade Cunningham emerge as top contenders for best lead, while the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks are scrutinized for their smoke and mirrors performances. The hosts inject humor and movie analogies throughout, offering a fresh perspective on the Eastern Conference landscape.

0:00 Intro: LaMelo Ball vs Trae Young debate

6:45 Defending LaMelo Ball's impact on Hornets

12:42 Creating NBA awards inspired by Oscars

25:41 Best "special effects" team in the East

32:03 Best comedy and drama teams in NBA

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