COCAINE SUMMERS FOR LAMAR ODOM, RYAN WILLIAMS ENGAGED AT 19 & MA$E THESE WAS YOUR RULES! | S8 EP34

The NBA's new rule requiring players to participate in at least 65 games to be eligible for MVP is heavily debated. The host and guest argue that while intended to combat load management, it unfairly penalizes players like Nikola Jokic and SGA who miss games due to legitimate injuries, potentially robbing them of deserved awards. The guest points out that historically, only Bill Walton has won MVP playing fewer than 65 games in a full season, questioning the rule's historical precedent and impact on player incentives.

Guest Tris states, 'The only player in history during a full season that won it was Bill Walton under 65 games.' Host notes, 'Joker misses two more games. He's ineligible and he's um averaging a triple double.'

Lamar Odom's candid admission that drug use, including 'great cocaine summers,' prevented him from reaching his full NBA potential and Hall of Fame status is a central topic. Guest Tris argues that a sober Odom would have been a Hall of Famer, comparing his unique skillset (fluidity, power, slashing, passing) to a blend of modern stars like Tatum, Giannis, and Jokic. The hosts also ponder whether his 'free' and uninhibited playing style was, paradoxically, influenced by his drug use.

Lamar Odom is quoted saying, 'I love drugs. You're talking to a real drug addict. Sometime I did drugs and I ain't going to front. I had some great cocaine summers.' Tris states, 'Lamar Odum Sober is absolutely a Hall of Famer... in 2026, he's a better Tatum... He's got the power of Giannis. He's got the bag and the fluidity of Tatum and he's got somewhat of the passing ability of Jokic.'

The engagement of 19-year-old Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams to his 25-year-old girlfriend, who has a child, is viewed with skepticism by the hosts. Guest Tris highlights the potential distractions of wedding planning, cohabitation, and step-parenting for a young athlete needing to focus on his draft prospects, especially given his recent performance dip attributed to 'mental issues.' The host Mace also raises concerns about the financial implications and the complexities of the child's biological father having access to their shared life.

Tris notes Williams' performance 'fell off' this year due to 'mental' issues and questions how he will manage 'wedding planning, cohabitation, all while you've got to try to get your mind right.' Mace adds, 'the child's father got to know where the child is. He got to know where the house is. He got to have access to your house.'