Austin Rivers: LeBron James’ criticism sparked change in Brian Windhorst

Austin Rivers has seen a change in reporting style and attitude from ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst. He also has an idea about what triggered that change.

Windhorst’s perceived change was a topic of conversation for Rivers on his Off Guard Podcast.

“I will say this about Windy, he went from being basketball insider to suddenly now he’s up there talking a little bit,” Rivers said. “He’s giving some hot takes. He’s talking some trash a little bit.”

Rivers thinks it was LeBron James’ criticism of Windhorst that sparked the change.

“The LeBron thing, turning on him has affected him,” Rivers said. “It’s now made him be like, ‘F**k y’all.’ You know what I’m saying? Like, he was all in, Team LeBron. And he can deny it, that’s just what he was. He was known for many things and being the insider of basketball. But he was definitely strategically placed in that studio in LA because a certain player plays in LA and because he’s always had the inside of whatever’s going on with Klutch and LeBron James.”

Rivers continued.

“After LeBron made those comments, I think Windy went home that night, put on a cold shower and sat there, hands on the wall. I think he had hands on the wall and debriefed — for about an hour. And came out of that shower a different man. And said to himself, ‘F**k these guys. I’m gonna start talking a little bit.’ Because he’s been talking a little bit.”