On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric discusses the 4-5 start by the New York Knicks, who were expected to be title contenders after making several high-profile offseason moves to upgrade a team that won 50 games last season and narrowly missed reaching the Eastern Conference finals.

Ric introduces a new format, diving into four topics or events that caught his attention on a single night's slate of games. In this one: Nikola Jokic laying waste to suggestions Karl-Anthony Towns is more skilled in defeating the OKC Thunder; Lakers coach JJ Redick coming to grips with the challenges of his roster; Warriors' coach Steve Kerr showing his versatility in achieving a 7-1 record playing a 12-man rotation; and the questionable wisdom of not making Bronny James a fixture with the South Bay Lakers.

Ric discusses the early struggles of two teams projected as title contenders this season, the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Also: a look at LeBron James' bucket list and what might be motivating him at this stage of his career.

Ric discusses the return of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball thanks to the latest innovative surgery to replace damaged knee cartilage and what it would mean if the rumors that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way out of Milwaukee are true.

Ric discusses the emphasis by the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers on increasing their volume of three-point shooting and the questionable wisdom of that strategy based on their personnel.

Ric discusses the impact first-year coach JJ Redick has had on the Los Angeles Lakers through the first four games of the season and if he has erased any doubts he's capable of coaching them to a championship.

Ric discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' latest comeback upset victory over the Phoenix Suns and sheds light on a few early conspiracy theories that have cropped the first week of the NBA season.

Ric discusses the Boston Celtics' dominant win over the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers' upset of the Minnesota Timberwolves and how we will look back at LeBron and Bronny James getting their historic moment as the first father-son duo in NBA history.