Ric discusses the challenge for foreign-born NBA stars to lead a championship team and why Luka Doncic may be a different breed; why it would be a mistake to permanently close locker rooms to the media; and a few observations from Kobe's memorial at the Staples Center. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an episode of the ever popular Bucher, Friendless, Ric channels his inner Chris Paul and provides a new format to solve the NBA dunk contest's issues, outlines all that we learned in that epic fourth quarter of the All-Star Game -- including that there are no Kobes currently in the league -- and why he may have appeared less than prepared for a debate with FS1's Colin Cowherd on load management. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric and Chicago Bulls' star Zach LaVine sit down in front of a live audience to discuss Kobe Bryant's impact, Zach's evolution from dunk champion to team leader and go-to scorer, questions about his defense, who he can count on to tell him the truth and how he's been preparing for the three-point contest since grade school.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former NBA centers Ryan Hollins and Kendrick Perkins join Ric to hash out their argument on Twitter about who the best players in the game today are, as well as what it was like to personally play alongside stars past (Kevin Garnett) and present (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook).Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric reviews all his trade deadline predictions, including what led him to believe Marcus Morris was headed to the Lakers. Also discussed: seeing in person the center-less Rockets befuddle those same Lakers and looking at Jimmy Butler's previous stops and why his Miami one could be different. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric and Will discuss where the 49ers fell short in Super Bowl 54, which Kansas City Chief deserved to be MVP, the meaning behind Tom Brady's Super Bowl commercial and the emotional effect Kobe Bryant's death had on the Super Bowl competitors as well as the NBA -- and if playing poorly is understandable under the circumstances.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Orlando Magic DJ Augustin, listed at 5'11" and 183 pounds, is in his 12th NBA season. DJ and Ric discuss how being displaced by Hurricane Katrina shaped DJ's perspective on life at an early age, how he handles mentoring young point guards brought in to take his job and what it was like to be constantly mentioned in trade rumors early in his career. Note: this conversation took place prior to the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, which is why there is no mention of it.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special podcast with Ric and his rotating co-hosts Will and Ryan, the threesome discuss the shock of Kobe Bryant's death and his legacy. Ric and Ryan also share their personal interactions with Kobe, while Will discusses how he and other pro athletes outside of basketball measured Kobe and his accomplishments.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of Zion Williamson's debut, Ric and Ryan list the unlikely events that would have to transpire for the No. 1 pick to win ROY over Ja Morant. Also, halfway through the NBA season, Ric and Ryan revisit the 2019 draft, their picks to win the Eastern Conference, the battle for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference and why the Blazers acquired Trevor Ariza from the Sacramento Kings.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric and Will discuss the allegedly novel strategy Conor McGregor used to defeat Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in their recent UFC showdown, the NFL championships, their personal ties to retiring Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and how to develop the mental speed that beats foot speed every time.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.