Welcome back to another episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir). Justin is off getting married (actually) so we are joined by our pal Sam B. Albuquerque (@SamBAlbuquerque) , host of The Take a Left at Albuquerque podcast. The guys start out with the surprising news of LaMacrus Aldridge retiring. They take a look back at his career, as well as what it means for Brooklyn’s plans moving forward. The duo then discuss are a pair of injuries, with Jamal Murray tearing his ACL, and Donovan Mitchell spraining his ankle. Is this it for Denver? Can Utah still get the #1 seed in the West with Mitchell out long term. The guys debate each team’s merits. Kevin & Sam then head out East quick to explain why they wouldn’t rule Miami, Boston & NY out of making a run. Sam then breaks down his Lakers’ injuries, and who of all the contenders he thinks can challenge the Lakers the most. Finally the show ends with a look at the MVP race, Dwayne Wade becoming a part owner of the Jazz, and Sam’s Champions League pick as we await the semi-finals. Leave us a review on iTunes or listen to the podcast on Stitcher, Spreaker, Spotify & Google Play. Watch the podcast on the new Drive & Dish NBA channel on YouTube.

0:00-2:43: Intro
2:45-11:40: LaMarcus Aldridge retires
11:41-19:01: Jamal Murray tears his ACL. Is Denver done?
19:02-30:45: Donovan Mitchell ankle sprain. Can Utah stay at #1?
30:46-43:30: Reasons to believe in Miami, Boston & New York
43:30-56:06: How concerned is Sam about the Lakers health/Who matches up best against them?
56:07-1:02:58: MVP talk and Dwayne Wade buys into the Jazz ownership
1:02:59-1:07:52: Champions League predictions