On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric discusses the multitude of disagreements over the NBA currently in vogue: who the greatest player is, the quality of the league and the way in which the league is covered.

Ric covers four of the NBA's hottest current storylines: why Jimmy Butler has had such a profound effect on the Warriors since being acquired from the Miami Heat; former NBA forward Channing Frye's assertion that nostalgia is why today's stars are viewed as inferior to their predecessors; how to view the Los Angeles Lakers' surprising, and dominating, win over the Denver Nuggets; and why the Knicks appear not to be living up to expectations this season.

Ric discusses -- and challenges -- the criticism heaped upon last week's NBA All-Star Game and points to a much more glaring issue the league faces.

Ric discusses what he learned about the focus and ambition of the NBA's newest media partners over All-Star Weekend and whether or not their actions reflect their proposed intentions.

Ric shares with his son, Mat, what league sources are saying about the Lakers rescinding their trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams after team doctors flagged his physical. Also discussed: the mindset of rookie Dalton Knecht returning to the Lakers after they were prepared to send him to Charlotte and how the winner of the Dallas Mavericks-Lakers trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis will be determined.

Ric examines trades made at the NBA deadline that involved the Cavs, Bucks, Lakers, Clippers and Warriors and breaks down the one that was second only to the Dallas Mavericks dealing Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for shock value.

Ric discusses why the Dallas Mavericks traded their 25-year-old Slovenian superstar, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers for All-Star center, Anthony Davis, without putting Doncic on the open market and the message that the Lakers sent their incumbent star, LeBron James, by making the deal.

Ric discusses the backlash from the media after rookie guard Bronny James, son of Lakers' star LeBron James, had a poor performance in his most extended playing time for the Lakers in a 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ric discusses the history of the NBA All-Star Game selection process, offers a way to ensure the most worthy players are chosen, gives the list of players he would invite to this year's All-Star Game and identifies the player he would be sorely disappointed if given All-Star recognition for a second time.