The Tony Kornheiser Show “Reluctant Chili Eater”
Feb 27, 2026
Ryan McGee, motorsports writer who covers NASCAR culture and business. Brian Windhorst, veteran NBA reporter focused on team construction and LeBron/Lakers storylines. They discuss Lakers roster fit and tanking in the modern NBA. They dig into Michael Jordan’s deep involvement in NASCAR and how his presence changed dynamics. Short takes on league rules, controversial promotions, and racing lawsuits.
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Great Talent Still Needs A Complementary Roster
- Luka Dončić needs specific roster pieces to maximize his talent; offense alone can't hide defensive gaps.
- Brian Windhorst argues the Mavericks took years to build around Luka and the Lakers' current roster is an 'unserious build.'
Tanking Has Shifted To Multiyear Strategic Play
- Modern NBA tanking now often spans entire seasons and multiple years, not just late-season losing.
- Brian Windhorst cites Spurs and Thunder examples where multi-year tanking paid off, making it a strategic league problem.
Tanking's Success Hinges On Draft Luck
- Tanking's outcomes depend heavily on luck; franchises like the Spurs got lucky while Wizards have been unlucky.
- Windhorst points to Spurs' multi-year tanking yielding franchise-changing picks versus the Wizards' misses.