NBA Summer Storylines: A Motivated Luka, Ja’s Joy, and Is LeBron Really Planning for 2026?

Verno and Jacoby discuss the new-look Luka Doncic that is featured in the latest edition of Men’s Health magazine. They debate what kind of impact a healthier Luka will make on the Lakers, the topics were not discussed in the article, as well as his surprise appearance at a Yankees game. Next, they take a deep dive on Nikola Jokic’s agent's cryptic photo with LeBron James and Maverick Carter, Verno explains why he expects a big bounce-back season from Ja Morant, and they debate where the remaining restricted free agents could possibly land. After, they discuss Billy Donovan’s contract extension with the Bulls, the anonymous Nets executive who says Michael Porter Jr. could lead the league in scoring next season, and Verno shares his experience staying at Jacoby’s apartment when he visited New York. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(2:15) Luka Dončić 2.0 Has Entered the Chat(17:40) Reaction to Jokic's Winning Horse(18:35) Breaking: Jokic's Brother is the GM of KK Joker(23:40) Reaction to Jokic's Winning Horse(25:40) LeBron and Maverick Carter's Yacht Meeting(33:15) Ja Morant's Nike World Tour(41:20) Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned(50:05) Billy Donovan's Extension(54:00) MPJ "Might lead league in scoring" - Nets Executive(56:15) LaMelo Hot Cheeto Feet(58:50) Tyrese Haliburton's Proposal at Iowa St.(1:01:30) Verno's NYC Trip(1:24:05) Thanks for Watching! Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! [phone] Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez and Tucker TashjianSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices