Nightcap - Hour 1: Warriors after LeBron, Hawks beat Knicks, Butler’s agent claps back

Summary

Club Shay Shay: Nightcap - Hour 1 Summary

Release Date: December 12, 2024
Hosts: Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson
Description: NFL legend Shannon Sharpe sits down with co-host Chad Johnson to dissect the latest in sports, featuring in-depth analysis of recent NBA games, trade rumors, player performances, and more.

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1. Game Analysis: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

Overview:
Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson kick off their discussion with an intense analysis of the Houston Rockets' narrow 91-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors. This game marked the Rockets' first win against the Warriors since the 2020 pandemic season, propelling them into the semifinals of the Emirates Cup.

Key Highlights:

• Controversial Calls:
  The game was marred by a contentious decision from head official Bill Kennedy, who overruled multiple timeouts and called a crucial foul against the Warriors' Kaminga. This decision allowed Jalen Green to take and successfully convert two free throws, sealing the Rockets' win.

  Chad Johnson [08:06]: "Bill Kennedy... he came in and said, no, that's a foul. And whoo, that's a tough way to lose the game."

• Player Performances:

  • Jalen Green: Made the game-winning free throws under pressure.
  • Steph Curry: Struggled with his shooting, hitting only 22% from the three-point line.
  • Rockets' Defense: Dominated the last two minutes, forcing shot clock violations and difficult shots for the Warriors.

  Shannon Sharpe [09:40]: "The Rockets are a very, very young team. They play very well in transition... they play defense tonight."

Insights:

• Rockets' Resilience:
  Despite being down by seven, the Rockets showcased remarkable defensive prowess, limiting the Warriors' scoring opportunities late in the game.

  Chad Johnson [08:27]: "But give the Rockets some credit, Ocho, because they did a great job."

• Controversy and Impact:
  The pivotal foul call by Kennedy remains a hot topic, with both hosts debating its fairness and impact on the game's outcome.

  Shannon Sharpe [07:36]: "Steve Kerr called the loose ball foul that decided to gain 3.5 seconds left. Unconscionable whistle."

2. Game Analysis: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks

Overview:
The Hawks triumphed over the Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, setting up a semifinal clash against the Milwaukee Bucks. Trey Young led the Hawks with 22 points and 11 assists, while the Knicks struggled despite a strong first half.

Key Highlights:

• Trey Young's Leadership:
  Young's ability to adapt and elevate his game in the second half was pivotal in the Hawks' comeback.

  Chad Johnson [19:42]: "Trey Young... he started penetrating, and now he's throwing logs."

• Knicks' Struggles:
  Despite Anthony Towns' double-double (19 points, 19 rebounds) and Jalen Brunson's efforts, the Knicks couldn't maintain their first-half momentum.

  Shannon Sharpe [21:05]: "They limited Trey’s playmaking abilities. He averaged 12 assists, but entering halftime, he hadn't had more than 10 points."

Insights:

• Bench Depth:
  The Hawks' strong bench performance, including notable contributions from Donovan and Clint Capella, provided the necessary support for a second-half surge.

  Chad Johnson [19:43]: "They could easily give you somewhere between 35 and 50 points with their bench production."

• Defensive Adjustments:
  The Hawks' ability to make effective halftime adjustments disrupted the Knicks' strategies, leading to a dominant second half.

  Chad Johnson [21:55]: "They outscored the Knicks 34 to 18 in the third quarter."

3. NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Eyeing LeBron James

Overview:
A heated discussion unfolds around the speculative trade of LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors. Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson weigh in on the feasibility and potential impact of such a move.

Key Points:

• Fit and Chemistry:
  The hosts explore how LeBron could alleviate Steph Curry's load, potentially enhancing the Warriors' offensive dynamics.

  Shannon Sharpe [29:01]: "LeBron can handle the ball, freeing up Steph to do what he does best."

• Financial Implications:
  The massive salary cap implications make the trade highly unlikely, with both hosts expressing skepticism about the Warriors' ability to match salaries.

  Chad Johnson [32:15]: "I don't see LeBron going... It's just not going to happen."

• Legacy and Motivation:
  Discussions touch upon LeBron's achievements and his possible motivations for any trade, with a consensus that such a move would be unprecedented.

  Chad Johnson [34:11]: "He became the all-time leading scorer in a Lakers uniform. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me."

4. All-Star Selections: Trey Young's Snub

Overview:
The conversation shifts to Trey Young missing out on an All-Star nod, despite impressive statistics.

Key Points:

• Performance Metrics:
  Trey Young averaged 27 points and nine assists per game, yet fell short of an All-Star selection.

  Chad Johnson [52:32]: "He should have been an All-Star last year... he averaged 27 points a game and nine assists and he couldn't make the All-Star team."

• Comparison with Peers:
  Young's exclusion is compared to other notable players, highlighting a perceived undervaluation of his contributions.

  Shannon Sharpe [53:27]: "I didn't say I was putting him over those guys. I said he belongs in the same category."

5. Reflections on NBA Evolution: Old School vs. Modern Playstyles

Overview:
Sharpe and Johnson delve into the transformation of basketball over the decades, contrasting the physical, post-focused game of the past with today's perimeter-oriented style.

Key Points:

• Skill Set Evolution:
  The hosts lament the decline of post-up moves and emphasize the rise of shooting prowess, particularly three-pointers.

  Chad Johnson [63:09]: "Now, the guys are so skilled. These guys are so skilled."

• Injury Concerns:
  An existential crisis is identified within the NBA, with increased injuries attributed to the faster pace and more intense schedules.

  Chad Johnson [60:16]: "Shaq says the NBA is effing terrible... Lonnie Walker on the differences between the NBA and the Euroleague is real basketball over here."

• Future of the Game:
  The conversation anticipates continued evolution, with a focus on adapting to modern training, playstyles, and fan preferences.

  Shannon Sharpe [63:33]: "When it comes to sports, that will always continue to evolve and go forward. Always."

6. Additional Discussions: Records and Player Legacies

Overview:
The hosts explore the legitimacy of record-breaking achievements in the modern NBA, considering factors like extended seasons and rule changes.

Key Points:

• Record Validity:
  Comparisons between past and present players highlight debates over the authenticity of achievements in differing eras.

  Chad Johnson [67:33]: "They throw the ball more... it's a different game."

• Player Longevity:
  The impact of longer seasons and reduced recovery times on player performance and career longevity is examined.

  Shannon Sharpe [70:00]: "They keep track of records like never before."

Conclusion

In this episode of Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson provide a comprehensive analysis of pivotal NBA games, delve into ongoing trade rumors, debate All-Star selections, and reflect on the evolution of basketball. Their dynamic conversation offers listeners an engaging blend of sports insight, personal opinions, and expert commentary, making it a must-listen for avid sports enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding of the game.

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Notable Quotes:

• Chad Johnson [08:06]: "Bill Kennedy... he came in and said, no, that's a foul. And whoo, that's a tough way to lose the game."

• Shannon Sharpe [09:40]: "The Rockets are a very, very young team. They play very well in transition... they play defense tonight."

• Shannon Sharpe [29:01]: "LeBron can handle the ball, freeing up Steph to do what he does best."

• Chad Johnson [32:15]: "I don't see LeBron going... It's just not going to happen."

• Chad Johnson [52:32]: "He should have been an All-Star last year... he averaged 27 points a game and nine assists and he couldn't make the All-Star team."

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Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and facilitate easy reference to specific segments within the episode.

Transcript

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[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Chad Johnson]

Eligibility restrictions, terms and responsible gaming resources. Hello ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for staying up late with us and staying around for Nightcap. I am your favorite unc Shannon Sharp. He is Liberty City's own Route Runner extraordinaire. Bingo Ring of Fame honoree. The legendary the Pro Bowler, the All Pro. That's Chad Ocho. Cinco Johnson. Thank you guys. Please make sure you hit that subscribe button. Please make sure you hit that like button and go subscribe to the Nightcap podcast feed wherever you get your podcast from. We thank you because you stay up late with us and no matter when we come on, you're with us. So thank you very, very much. Please make sure you check out Shade by laportier. The holidays are upon us. What better way to celebrate than with A bottle of Shade by laportier. Now, if you cannot find it in a city or state near you, just order it online and we'll get it to you ASAP. Now remember, the cut off is December 18th. To make sure you get it by December 30th. December 18th to make sure you receive it by December 30th. And one more thing, please drink responsibly. Go follow my media company page on all of its platforms that Shay Media and my clothing company, 84. With 84 being spelled out, our newest release just dropped last week. We've got shirts, sweats. We've also released some stocking stuffers such as beanies, koozies and mugs. Quantities are limited, so please make sure you grab yours while supplies last tickets for the super bowl show in New Orleans, our first spring tour stop, are on sale now. The link is pinned at the top of the chat. It's February 6th in New Orleans. Be there. You don't want to miss this. Ocho. The Rockets are headed to Las Vegas, still alive for the semifinals of the Emirates cup as they storm back and beat the Golden State Warriors. This is the first time they've beaten the warriors since the pandemic 2020. They had been. The warriors had been 150 against Rockets, but hey, Rockets day. We don't. We weren't on those teams. We're here now. As they stormed back from as many as seven down to win 9190 on a very controversial call late in the ball game or tie up, a lot of players were calling time out. Even the coach called time out. But Bill Kennedy, who's the head official, overruled them all and said, hey, Kaminga had filed Jalen Green. Green goes to the line, calmly sinks two free throws. And that was the margin of victory, 9190 as they head to the head to Las Vegas to play. I think they played okc, right? Yeah, they play okc.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

In the semifinals and then Milwaukee. We're going to talk about this game a little later. The Hawks also beat. The Hawks. Beat. Beat the Knicks.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

Hey. Yes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, the goddamn warriors, man. You know, them boys got championships. I mean, they too experienced, you know, late in games, even making these kind of mental errors. Man. They've been in these situations before. I don't maybe just a. A lapse in judgment, you know, at the end of games. I mean, what's the issue? Do you think maybe they not taking it seriously?

[Chad Johnson]

Oh, they taking it serious. I think the thing is that Gary Payton II in that situation, just hold on to the Ball get tied up.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, you throw it because first of all, you're throwing it, you shoveling the ball out and you know, you don't know what's going to happen. Like I said, I don't know if I'm calling a foul in that situation. Ocho. I see a bunch of guys in red calling timeout. The coaches are calling, also calling a timeout and for him to overrule because the other guys had given. The other officials had given him a timeout.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

But because Bill Kennedy is the head official, they're going to look to him and he says, hey, I got a file. Pulled him over his shoulder. Now, I didn't see that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

I didn't see that grievous of a call and definitely in that spot. Now, hey, go back. You can make a call or file as a file, no matter what time of the game that it occurs in. But it's hard for. In a situation like that, Ocho, it seems like it was a tie up. It's at worst case scenario is a tie up. Best case scenario, the Houston Rockets get. Well, the Houston Rockets got the best case scenario. They got a foul call and the guy went to the line and made both free throws. But that's a very, very tough spot to be in. That's a very tough way to lose a ball game. When you had seized control of the ball game late in the ball game, had made a lot of plays. Right. But give the Rockets some credit, Ocho, because they did a great job. There were a lot of times they got 24 socket, 24 second shot, shot clock violations because they did an outstanding job of defense. They were switching everything. They got nothing easy. They contested everything. So let's not just make it about that last call, although a lot of people want to make it about the last call. I thought the Rockets defense say the last two minutes of the ball game, maybe two and a half minutes was sensational.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. And it's the Rocket. The Rockets is a very, very young team.

[Chad Johnson]

Very young team.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Very young team. They play very well in transition, obviously, like you did. You did say before something that most of the NBA doesn't play. Them boys play defense tonight.

[Chad Johnson]

They boys definitely play defense when they needed to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. And it just, it just seemed like they wanted more though, huh? That's why, that's why I said, damn, my award is really taking it serious being that, you know, it's just the NBA cup and, you know, their, their eyes and their mindset and their goals are set on, you know, Obviously, NBA Championship. Yeah, it is, like, wanted it more.

[Chad Johnson]

You're this close to the Cup. I mean, hey, you're in the knockout round now. You played hard, you fought hard to get here. So I think everybody's taking it serious. You see, you see the Milwaukee, they said, look, we're not just here now. We don't. We just don't want to go to Vegas. We want to win. The thing, you see the halts, the way they played. They go into New York, they were down, and then they stormed back in the second half and completely dominate the game. I think once you get so once you get this close, yeah, something new that the Institute to try to keep. Keep the audience, try to get more viewers in. But I think because it's an opportunity, you'll get 500. Each participant gets $500,000 and you're the Emirates Cup. Hey, I don't have a problem with it. And I think those guys played hard. But, you know, it was a sloppy game. I mean, The warriors shot 44% from the floor. The Rockets shot 46% from the floor. The warriors shot 32% from the 3. The Rocket shot 22% from the 3. Neither team really got to the free throw line a lot. That's to be expected. The warriors, because they don't really have an inside presence, they shoot a lot of threes. Even though, yeah, they were 12 or 38 tonight. The Rockets were 6 to 27. The warriors was 49 from the free throw line, which is 44%. The Rockets were 9 of 10, which is 90%. But like I said, it was a sloppy game. Didn't have a whole lot of flow to it. I mean, think about it. It was 91, 90, 91. 91 to 90 was the final score. And routinely we're used to seeing scores in the. In the hundreds. So, yeah, it was. It was not a well played game. The court was really hard on the eyes. I hate the red court and I hate the NBA. No, hell, no. Hell, you could barely find the basketball. And I get what the NBA is trying to do, like some creativity. But red, I mean, come on, man. All red. It's kind of like watching the Boise State football, you know, game and that blue field east, I think it's Eastern Washington, they have red turf.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Red turf, yeah. I'm like, nah, nah, I like it. It was different. It was different. You know, seeing something different outside of the, you know, the hard, the hardwood, you know, the color coordination to go with the teams based on where you playing at. I like it. You know, little something different you owe. Unk you old school, man. You just, you know.

[Chad Johnson]

Nah, I mean, look, some of I can get down with. Look that. Look, the grown folks watching the game, There ain't no kids. And I get, you know, I get you trying to peak interest, but I mean, that was a bit too much. I mean, man, I was like, damn, I'm about to get vertigo watching this game, man. I got. Hey, let me get up and go get me some water or something. Hopefully nothing interesting happens while I'm gone, but. Yeah, that was a. That was a bit much. I mean, look, I get the Lakers and the warriors and Indiana, they got yellow courts and things like that. Some teams predominantly blue, but all red. I mean, I mean, the only thing that was gold on there was the basketball or the trophy. That was a bit much for me. But look, the Rockets won this ball game because I thought they played really well, really great defense. The last two two and a half minutes of the ball game, they switched everything. They got like three shot clock violations, and they forced him in some very difficult shots. When they were able to get a shot off, they were very difficult shots clanging off the backboard. They did a great job of not letting Steph Curry shoot. See daylight now. He did get one. Look, he missed it. But for the most part, I thought they did a very good job on Steph. Steph was 8 or 17, 3 or 9 from the 3. Buddy Hill was 6 or 12, 3 or 9 from the 3. Gary Payton II was 02. Kaminga, he got 20 shots up. He was 8 or 20, 2 or 6 from the 3. He was the same. Same thing from the free throw line, two or six. Draymond was four or nine, two, zero, two, no free throws. But for me, this was a really sloppy ball game, but the Rockets found a way to win it. And so you give these young guys credit because a lot of these guys haven't been in situation like this. And this is maturity, this is sign of growth, that they're getting better. And I made. Doka is rubbing off on him because his personality, he seems like a fiery guy that he'll know, nonsense, we here to get a job done. Let's get the job done and then we can go on about our way. But give the Rockets credit. I mean, yeah, I know a lot of people are going to harp on that. Last call, Ocho. And I get it because I'm watching. I'm like, damn, two time. I mean, seemed like all the Rockets players were calling time out. Even the officials Seemed like they were about to give them a timeout. And as I said, Bill Kennedy, who's the head official, he came in and said, no, that's a foul. And whoo, that's a tough way to lose the game. Late in the ball game, two free throws with 3.1 second on the clock. And give the young fellow credit, Jalen Green because he went to the free throw line and he sank. Sank both of them. Steve Kerr called the loose ball foul that decided to gain 3.5 seconds left. Unconscionable whistle. And something at elementary school official wouldn't have called. I agree. Steve Kerr also said the Rockets NBA court, it felt like I was descending into the depths of hell. Yeah, it was tough. It was tough. That red, all red is tough. And I'm not the biggest red fan.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right. Right.

[Chad Johnson]

I don't wear, hell, a whole lot of red. I just. We were growing up, my grandfather really wouldn't get us anything red because he said only monkeys were red. So, no, Barney didn't play that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I enjoy red. I enjoy the color red, man. You know, it's probably the best color in the color spectrum, one that I enjoy. So I personally enjoy seeing the red on the court. It's time for something different. Obviously, I think the NBA is worried about why viewership is down. Maybe that's one way. And maybe they do want to get the kids and the young kids watching the games to boost that viewership up, you know, as a.

[Chad Johnson]

Because it's lagging.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I mean, hell, dude, it doesn't help.

[Chad Johnson]

It doesn't help that a lot of times the best players, they're load managing, they're not playing. That's not good. I mean, you paying. I mean, there's a. You paying a lot of money for these games, right? The NFL doesn't have that problem. Hell, they trying to get guys out there on the court, on the field. If they're hurt, if you deem, if you can run just a little bit, they gonna get right. And that's why, especially the superstars. And that's what it is. Ocho. Hey, the 10th guy on the bench, he missed a game. Nobody cares, right? Superstars, that's why they protect the quarterbacks. The quarterbacks, that's what people want to see. They want to see those guys. And you don't got the guy knocked out for two or three weeks. Nah, the NFL ain't going for that. But that's something because I love Adam Silver. I think he's really great at what he does. He's going to have to find a way to make sure these guys play. They've tried to incentivize it. Like, look, you're going to lose out of a chance to win the MVP or rookie of the year or all NBA. You got to play 65 games. And guys are like, bro, that's the difference between a $300 million contract, right, and 180 million, $200 million contract. Right now we're not talking about $5 million that Juan Soto gave up, you know, got to go to the Mets. We're talking about 100 million, 150 million. That's a, that's a big, big, big, big difference.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Big difference.

[Chad Johnson]

And so. But congratulations, Houston Rockets young team found a way to scratch and claw their way to a victory as they take down the Golden State Warriors 91 to 90 in the first game of the night. The Hawks defeat the Knicks. Ice trade. Three years after knocking the Knicks out of the playoffs with a pair of wins in Madison Square garden, Young had 22 points and 11 assists that lifted the Atlanta Hawks over the New York Knicks in the NBA cup quarterfinals knockout round. The Hawks will face the Bucks in the semifinals. Trey Young did his ha Fever in the funk house, rolling his dice on the Knicks logo as time expired. Born in 54, died in 63. What's my point? Nina Ross, the gambling host. Yeah, nine of these.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, but look, they are really, honestly, I mean, we know the out what the outcome of the game was, but goddamn Knicks was playing goddamn good in the first half, man. They were, they were, they was. I mean, I don't want to say Trey, Trey Young was struggling, but, man, they limited his playmaking abilities. Hell, he had. He averaged 12 assists, right? Yeah, but, hell, at the half, he ain't had number two assistant, 10 points going into the half. Goddamn car. Anthony Towns out there playing both. Both ends of the court. No, he playing well. Shit, he. I think he wasn't finished with a double.

[Chad Johnson]

Double. Yeah, he had 19 doubled up in.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The goddamn first half.

[Chad Johnson]

19 points, 19 rebounds. But it's big gun Jalen Brunson struggled. He was five or 15 from the floor. He was two or six from the three. OG Anunoby struggled five or 17, one of nine from the three. Mikael Bridges shot the ball really well, except from the 3, he was 9 or 17. And they didn't shoot the. They didn't shoot the free throw. They were 60% from the free throw line. Ocho.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

If you don't get there a bunch, you definitely gotta Damn near be 100%.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

So that was 9 to 15. That's 60%. But it's just a situation where the big guns didn't go off. So the thing that if you watch the Hawks and, you know, obviously I play attention to them a little bit because I'm, you know, from Georgia and, you know, I root for, I like Trey Young. But if you look at their bench, their bench is really good. A hunter comes off the bench and he could easily give you 30. He gave you 24 tonight. The night. The other night against the Lakers, he gave you 26. But Donovan didn't have the big night tonight, but double O, he gave you 12 off the bench and 11 rebounds. So they normally give you. They could easily give you somewhere between 35 and 50 points with their bench production. Trey struggled a little bit. He had 22 points, but it took him 22 shots to get it. Jalen Johnson, it was 8 of 20, but he made some big shots down the stretch. He had 15 rebounds. Clint Capella is always on the glass. It seems like every year the Hawks want to get rid of him, but he gives them so many second chance opportunities to put points on the board. He was 11 and 13 tonight. He was plus 8. Jalen Johnson was plus 6, plus 16. But they did a great job. You're right, Ojo. The second half, the Hawks dominated the second half. They got out on them in the third quarter, outscored in 34 to 18, and they really never looked back after that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

All it comes down to, obviously, the game of basketball is the game of runs. And the Knicks dominated, obviously, the first half. And that second half, they just couldn't hit nothing they couldn't hit. I'm not sure if it was the goddamn halftime adjustments that the goddamn Hawks made or the fact that the player just wasn't hitting their shots in the second half.

[Chad Johnson]

Well, it's as Doc Rivers once famously said, it's a make or mislead. Either the ball goes in or it doesn't. And the thing is that you better hope it goes in sooner rather than later, because if your shots are not going in and the other team is, is they're going to run away from you. And that's what we saw happen in the third quarter. They outscored him 34 to 18, because seemingly everything the Hawks put up went into the basket. Trey started getting young, he started penetrating, and now he's throwing logs. Jalen Johnson, bam dunk. Clint Capella, bam, dunk, dunk.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Back to back. Clint, back to back.

[Chad Johnson]

And so that's what he does a great job. Like, like he's so. And that's why I was always impressed with him. I mean, when you lead the nation in score, and I know he's on the smallest side, he's a small guy, probably 5 11, I'm thinking. But when you lead the nation to score the rebounds, you can input the, you can impact the game offensively. If you're not scoring, you can fill up the stat sheet with assists because we've seen him have a 30, 20 game, we've seen him have 15, 16 assists. So there's another way that he can impact the game and that's how he has to impact the game because he's such a liability on the defensive end. He's smallish, he doesn't have quick feet, he doesn't have strong hands. So it's hard for him. And a lot of times people try to go at him, but what he has the advantage of is his quickness in being able to score the basketball and get others involved. And he did a great job of that in the second half tonight of trying to get downhill and get his guys involved. And they did a great job of finishing. Jalen Johnson Capella do a great job of finishing above the rim. And so the Hawks take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the semifinals in the Emirates Cup. But I was very impressed with the Hawks, I really were, especially considering how poorly they played in the first half with Joe. Okay, bacon lovers, let me tell you something amazing about Oscar Meyer's big cut bacon. Now I don't know if you've used a smoker before, but it's a real labor of love. You've got to put time in to get that rich, smoky flavor. Now think about this. Oscar Meyer smoked their bacon for 12 hours. That's half a day, twice as long as most bacon is smoked. So for that savory, smoky thick cut bacon, keep it. Oscar.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Listen. Tired of tossing and turning all night on your old lumpy mattress? Then it's time to upgrade your sleep game with a resto form mattress. This state of the art memory foam tech knowledge will have you feeling like you're sleeping on the cloud for 12 hours or more. 12 hours.

[Chad Johnson]

That's the same amount of time Oscar Meyer smokes their delicious thick cut bacon. Yeah, while you're sleeping, Oscar Meyer is still smoking that bacon. Forget your mattress for thick cut bacon you'll dream about. Keep it Oscar.

[Unknown]

As we gather together during this holiday season, let me share a gift that keeps on giving. Chase Freedom with Chase Freedom Unlimited you'll not only expect experience the joy of 1.5 unlimited cash back, but also the freedom to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Discover the magic and learn [e-mail] and let this season be filled with love, laughter and the delight of extra cash in your pocket.

Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA Member FDIC when it's tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check My favorite jersey. Check an iconic drink that's a fan favorite. Check. Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation. With its game changing color and tropical flavor, Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting. 5 I consider hypnotic the point guard of my game day roster because not only is it versatile like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, it also finishes smooth and just like the banners in my stadium. Letting people know that we take championships seriously. Having Hypnotic at my watch parties lets people know that I also take quality seriously since it's crafted with high quality ingredients for a championship level drinking experience. So the next time you need a break from the action with a distinctive timeout, look no further. Grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next basketball watch party iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic reminds you to think wisely, drink wisely.

Game on Because ESPN content is now available on Disney, you can watch your favorites on Disney. The boldest stories from Hulu and the Greatest in Sports from espn together like never before with espn. Unwrap a full day of NBA action on Christmas Day. Tip off the festivities with the Spring spurs and Knicks, followed by the Mavs and Timberwolves. Then a clash between the Lakers and Warriors, followed by the 76ers and Celtics, and finally the Nuggets face off against the Suns. All streaming December 25th. Then with Hulu Watch the terrifying sci fi thriller Alien Romulus, where a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the ultimate horror. Now streaming and on Disney. Follow the adventures of four kids across the galaxy as they meet unlikely allies and enemies in Star Skeleton Crew, starring Jude Law. Now streaming. Finally, team up with morally flexible Deadpool and hesitant Wolverine in the blockbuster film Marvel Studios. Deadpool and Wolverine now streaming the greatest stories live on Disney. Available with a bundle. Subscription terms apply. Visit disneyplus.com for details.

The flavor, the tradition and the spirit of Carne asada lives on at Del Taco. Join the asada today with Del Taco's new limited time half pound chipotle carne asada steak burrito. Packed with sweet, spicy and smoky flavor. Wrapped up and grilled to perfection, the whole carne asada steak menu delivers the bold flavors you crave with epic burritos, loaded fries and street tacos starting at just $2.99 only at Del Taco.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, it was a good game. I, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. Listen, obviously I, I, I'm a basketball fan to a certain extent, and I was hoping that the Knicks, obviously, you got cat now. Obviously Josh Hart. So I'm thinking Jalen Brunson, the boys, things were going to look different this year. I'm thinking things were going to look different. Maybe they wanted challenge in the east, but to come out look even, even. Even though it's still early. Come on now.

[Chad Johnson]

It's a two team race in the East. It's the Cavs and the Celtics. Now, unless somebody do something unforeseen.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wait, come, come on, man. Come on, man. So you're just going to leave the Heat out?

[Chad Johnson]

It's a two team, bro. Y'all trying to get rid of Jimmy. Stop. Y'all, y'all know y'all ain't doing nothing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But that's just the media. That's the media. Just, just.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, they said that about Belichick too, didn't he? It's just the media. It's just the media. Where's he at? Ocho, you just told me, like, when this stuff come out, the media got it from somewhere. That's what you told our chat?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. You think they won't get rid of Jimmy? If they get rid of Jimmy. But what we gonna, what we gonna do?

[Chad Johnson]

They not, they're not, they're not gonna, they don't want to extend him. Let's. That's. The warriors are reportedly targeting LeBron and LeBron James and or Jimmy Butler. Who do you feel is a better fit? LeBron.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, yeah, LeBron. LeBron.

[Chad Johnson]

You need somebody to handle the ball, right? Take so much pressure. Did you see how well he and Steph Curry played together in the Olympics, Huh?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Take the pressure off Stephen of handling.

[Chad Johnson]

They don't really have a point guard, right? So now LeBron can handle the ball. Now Steph is freed up to do what Steph does, right? You see how well they played in the Olympics. You see when they bring on the All Star teams together. Now All Stars might have Been dicking because ain't nobody playing no defense. But you saw him in a contested situation at the Olympics, and you see how easily Steph was getting shots off. Because LeBron can see over the entire court. He can skip past it. He can pass from one side to the other. He loved that hammer pass from one baseline to the other. So, yeah, and he can score. That's the problem that they have. They don't have enough scores.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I mean, do, do you think, you think that's even a possibility? Obviously? Listen, I don't think LeBron, where there's smoke, there's fire. It has to come from somewhere.

[Chad Johnson]

Well, we heard last year that the, the, the warriors made an attempt and Rich Paul shot it. Rich Paul, like, basically talked LeBron out of, if you believe what the reports are saying.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

I just don't see a situation where LeBron wants to move.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

Okay. And at this point in time, this is what I always tell people, tell me, if LeBron goes somewhere, it's going to change somebody's perception of LeBron. If you like LeBron, you believe LeBron is the best player of all times. That's what you're going to believe. If you believe Jordan is the best player of all time, no matter what LeBron does, he can get another title, he can get another mvp. So it's not going to change anything. Now, if he wants to go try to chase one, okay, fine. That's, that's, that's his right. I mean, he's about to be 40 in about two weeks, two and a half weeks. But I don't believe it changed. I don't think it moves anyone's needles other now if that's what he wants, like, man, five would really look good on my resume. And if I can get five Finals mvp. First of all, nobody has four. I have the second most behind Jordan. But for me, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me other than, you know, him playing meaningful basketball. Because unless they make a significant trade with the Lakers, I don't see them challenging. They're doing much in the West.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So let's just say. Let's say, hypothetically speaking, yeah, they do get LeBron. So are they a favorite to win? Not only do we not only not only coming out of the west, but to beat the Celtics seven games.

[Chad Johnson]

I don't know if they'll be favored to win, but I think they'll be. Now, all of a sudden, you got a guy, you got two guys that can go score with LeBron and Steph but I don't even know if that's enough. Damn. Because you got, when you, when you go look at, when you look at the Celtics, you got jb, you got jt. Brzingas has been in and out. He hadn't played much this year. White can score, right? Holiday can score, you got Big Al get, that's, you know, he can get hot, but normally he's going to give you 10 points and 10 rebounds. Where, where's the other score? You're gonna have to give up something. You're probably gonna have to lose. Kaminga.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Lose him, huh? What you mean losing?

[Chad Johnson]

You got the package him. They just not gonna give you LeBron for free. You're gonna have to match the salary somehow.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Damn.

[Chad Johnson]

That's how it works in the NBA. You gotta max salary. So you drink. You bringing on, you taking on a guy that makes $50 million a year, you got to send out $50 million in salary, right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

So, yeah, it ain't gonna happen. That ain't no, I don't, I don't.

[Chad Johnson]

I don't, I definitely don't see LeBron going, Look, he came to the Lakers for a reason. He had accomplished all he could accomplish in Cal and Cleveland. He wanted to start his second half, to start his branding and he won a championship, got a team to the finals, they won that in the bubble and he became the all time leading scorer in a Lakers uniform. And he's played extremely, extremely well for the Lakers. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but it doesn't need to make a whole lot of sense to me. It only needs to make a whole lot of sense to him. And if it makes sense to him, then he'll probably do it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Most definitely.

[Chad Johnson]

Old hating ass Stephen A talking about LeBron doesn't deserve to play with Stephen. And I saw, I saw, I saw him today too. He thought his way. He's all his. I think he's on his way to la. But man, Stephen a be hating on broad. Talk about he don't deserve. You don't get what you deserve. You get what you've earned. When you play 22 years and you're the greatest player in NBA history, you've earned the right to call a shot. Yeah, hey, nah, you know what? I've done all I could for the Lakers. I think the Lakers have to be pleased considering where they were before LeBron got there. They were a proud franchise, but they were laughing stock. They weren't going anywhere. They were not going to have, they were not going to have any more national televised games. And now LeBron comes there, and every arena they go to, they're sold out.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

It brought the buzz back to Laker Nation. So go ahead.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I don't see a. I don't see a situation where he leaves, you know, such a good situation, you know, no, no disrespect to. To the warriors, but, I mean, you talk about the legacy of the Lakers. Do you. Do you really leave that just to go chase a ring as Finish. Just finish. Finish what you started in your career right there.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, you're hoping that they could. They can make a trade and get somebody. But I think the thing is the Lakers are like twofold. Okay, LeBron, let's just say for the sake of argument, you got a year, two years left this year, and next year, that's probably it. That'll be, what, 22, 23 seasons, bro. We give up that. Do we give up, though? We keep giving up those picks and we give up this young talent because I think anything that gets packaged, that gets shipped out is going to have to include Austin Reeves, right? Okay, Now, I do. I think they don't particularly care if D Lo is included. They kind of want to move on from dlo. You're probably gonna have to put Rui in that package also. But what are we gonna get? What are you getting back in return? That's the question, right? What do you. I mean, even swap ain't no swindle. Now, it's not like you trading superstars because it's hard to get equal value back for superstars.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Johnson]

That's why there are only a handful of those circulating in the NBA. But you. You don't want the role players all of a sudden go somewhere else and become that. But they're not going to be able to become what. What you. What they could somewhere else because you have AD and LeBron. So they're never going to be anything more than the third or fourth option at the Lakers with LeBron and AD on the squad. And so I think the Lakers need to understand that, yeah, Austin Reeves plays great, but he's only going to be so much with LeBron and AD on the court.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Johnson]

That's why Brandon Ingram had to leave. And you saw Brandon Ingram become an All Star, but he couldn't come back with AD and LeBron. Come on, bro. It is what it is. I mean, it happens.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. I mean, I. I kind of. I kind of understand it now. Why can't you fit in and do what you're doing, you know, in, in New Orleans with the Lakers. But, you know, you don't tell. You don't touch the ball enough.

[Chad Johnson]

No, don't you. It takes a special type of somebody to play in that because everybody wants to be the best, their best self, right? And unfortunately, when you play with, you know, you play with other dominant player, I mean, superstar players, the ball, they're going to get the ball, but they're going to get the lion's share of the shot. And so you have to make the most of the opportunities that you do have right now. Hey, they're going to get somewhere between 18 and 22 shots a night. So what. What can you do with the limited amount of shots that you get now? If you get hot, obviously they're going to feed the hot man.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

Oh, the ball. The ball originally is going. Is going through your big guns first. So. No, I don't. I don't see it. Jimmy. It seems to me Jimmy wants an extension. Pat Riley is not too keen on that. Jimmy doesn't play a lot of the games and it doesn't seem to take the regular season serious enough for Pat. Pat won't. Pat at every game is life or death, right? He wants you there. Pat doesn't have a problem. Play it. Paying. But hey, you ain't getting no free money out of Pat Riley, right? Pat. Hey, the Godfather. Hey, hey. You need to get your ass out there on that court. I'm gonna pay you. I pay for play, not playing playoff play.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Huh?

[Chad Johnson]

LeBron hasn't given any indication to the Lakers about requesting a trade. Brian would likely have to be included. Any deal in braving involving LeBron.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I like it. Listen, it's interesting. It's interesting. It would make for the NBA. When you talk about viewership, hell, it's going to spike. It's going to spike. If that happens, I guarantee you that. I'm assuming the Warrior game is already sold out. I mean, what more can happen if LeBron was to go there, as opposed to everybody, especially Venus.

[Chad Johnson]

They're winning.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, that too. And odd changing in Vegas, you know, for them when they got. Damn Chip.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah. I mean, you gotta. Look, they got a building. That building costs a couple of billion dollars, right? And the tickets are expensive. And the thing people like, they like winning. I'm not paying 5, 10, 15, $20,000 to see your ass lose. I'm sorry.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Whoa.

[Chad Johnson]

I don't love you that much. I love you that much. Oh, but those tickets in the Bay. They ain't in Oakland. Those tickets In San Francisco.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wait, tickets cost 15, $20,000?

[Chad Johnson]

Bro, I just read today that in order to you need to make 120,000, you need to make $320,000 to even qualify for a loan for a home in debate. Make320 to even fill out some paperwork and say, okay, hey, we'll take a look at it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Man, I'm still stuck on a ticket to go watch a sporting event costing 15, 20,000. Now I'm still stuck on that part.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, I'm probably thinking I'm probably. Those court size seats there, they probably go anywhere from like 5 to like 15.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, hell, man. What's wrong? What's wrong with my people, bro?

[Chad Johnson]

How the hell you think you pay for a 2000 or 2 billion dollar arena playing 30, charging $30 a ticket? What the hell you.

[Unknown]

From who?

[Chad Johnson]

Your math teacher?

[Shannon Sharpe]

And this.

[Chad Johnson]

Why do you think they keep. Why you think they keep raising the prices for NFL games? Oh, you think they fit to pay players 60, 70 million dollars and you still get 15 tickets?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I think I. Listen, correct me if I'm wrong. I think NFL tickets are still feasible for the fans. That. Not, not the casual fan. I'm talking about for the true fan who's been indebted to their teams year in and year out, whether they lose it or winning. If I could be wrong, I haven't seen.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, where you sitting at? Yeah, if you sitting way up there. Yeah, they feasible, they probably 300 to 150. 200.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, I'm talking about. Listen, compared, compared to 10, 15, 20,000. Yes, that's.

[Chad Johnson]

That's how many? Let me ask you a question. Unless you run up in the stands, can you shake, can you shake one of those players hands if they, unless they come there? Because you do realize court slide, court side, you can actually talk to the player.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

Can you do that NFL game?

[Shannon Sharpe]

No.

[Chad Johnson]

Exactly. You pay for access. Yeah, but just like sitting behind home plate.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wait, home plate costs a lot of money too.

[Chad Johnson]

What? That's the prime seat. Hell yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, boy, listen, you learn. You learn something new. You learn something new, man. That's cool.

[Chad Johnson]

The biggest story of the day in basketball with Jimmy Butler's agent firing back at Sean's what he called a bull job report about team that Jimmy would be willing to be traded to. All right, listen, I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy. Yeah, if you don't stop putting my name in your complete and utter made up bs. Yeah, because you know, you normally, you normally aren't worth my time to acknowledge I Don't know what's going what's going to do because I'm in the middle age, I'm a middle aged dad but I just know it will be indicate severe dislike world. All this fabricated I have never and honestly wouldn't help me or the position I represent to do anything that's been reported by said journalists.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I like that. So Sham was wrong or Shams.

[Chad Johnson]

This is your opportunity to say my bad. I let my chat gbt write my tweets and went old school. Peter Bessie, right? Peter was a writer in the 90s. I know you don't know who Peter Bessie was but he was a guy that reported a lot of people had a problem with what he to be a trendsetter and really knew I was hacked Carry all along. Thank you. Heat's owner Mickey Harrison retweeted the agent. I first of all I'm surprised. What I'm most surprised at by is that Shams actually listed agents. Normally they would say my sources say right those close to Jimmy Butler because if you keep putting the agent's name out there, I ain't gonna give you nothing. I'm gonna come out refute it and I ain't getting you nothing else.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Johnson]

That's why my NFL sources say that's why those close to the team say that's why sources close to the players say so that where you don't have no attachment and so man, who said that? Who said what? Where did it come from?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Johnson]

That's normally how you get a story and everybody talk about reveal you. No, I'm not revealing no sources because I'm in the business to break news and if I reveal my sources, I'm not going to be able to break news and I'm going to be without of a job.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

So stop asking me. Stop fans and players, no matter what the sport, stop saying reveal your sources because they're not. I'm in the business that sources are everything. Adam Schefter is not going to have a job if he ever revealed one source could be done right. And you think about to give up a 9, $10 million a year job just because some of y'all mad that I got information that somebody from your team, somebody from your lawyer's office, somebody from the front office leaked or told me man, y'all out y'all damn mind.

[Shannon Sharpe]

On purpose at that.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, no, no, no. But I, I'm shocked. That's, that's very, I mean Shams has been at this for a long time. Yeah, he, he burst on the seams when he. The Kawhi story.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

Got the Kawaii kick, came out of nowhere and then boom, he had it. And it was a bombshell. It was an earthquake. And literally an earthquake happened in California that day, and it was a second one. And so he kind of burst on the scene with that. But I was shocked because I would never, never tie a name to anything that I got.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I like it. I like it. I like it. That's crazy, man.

[Chad Johnson]

That's why, you know, when I speak, I speak in generalities. When I talk about the Broncos or I speak about the Ravens.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

No, I'm not. I'm not f. To rule. I'm not. They call me all they want to. They. I mean, players. Oh, he don't know. Really, I don't. Are you sure now? Are you sure? Are you calling Shannon Sharp a lie? Yeah, I didn't think so. Okay. We still cool, though. Brandon Hayward says Dirk had the best championship run ever. Do you agree?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Dirk?

[Chad Johnson]

Dirk Nowiski.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The greatest.

[Chad Johnson]

You could make a case for the simple fact it was dirt J. Kid was like year 13, year 14. I think JK came in at what, 94. 94. Because he and Grant Hill was rookie, cold rookie of the years together. What? 94.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They beat the Heat that year, right?

[Chad Johnson]

They beat the Heat. They beat the Heat that year because, remember, in 06, the heat, the heat was down 02 and they came back at 14 straight. Yeah, but when you look, hold on. If you look at what they did, Dirk took down the two time defending champ Lakers.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

He took down OKC and he took down the Miami Heat, big three. So you can. Brendan Haywood is not far. Y'all might think he crazy, but when you look at what he did.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

You can make a compelling case that Dirk Nowiski, given what he was working with, it's not like he had a. A prime shack or a prime Kobe or D. Wade and all Magic had Kareem Bird, had Parrish and Mikhail.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

You can make a case. You absolutely can make a case. You absolutely can. And if you did, I wouldn't. I would not. I. I wouldn't be disappointed. I wouldn't be mad if you say, yeah, he had. I wouldn't be mad because I don't know if. I don't know if I could. I mean, I'd have to go way, way, way, way back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

And think. And even going back to when, you know, the Bullets won in what, 79. It was Wes Unsell and Elvin Hayes and Bobby Dan Ridge and you go back to the world. Be not world, be free. Gus Williams, the Wizard Downtown. Freddie Brown, the racer. Marvin Webster, Jack Sigma. I don't think nobody, I don't think anybody has had a run like. Like what Dirk had, right? Who he beat. Because like I said, he beat the two time defending champ. Swept him. People don't want to talk about this. They swept the Lakers. I think, I think if I'm not mistaken, I think OKC might have got a game off him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, that's when they had that trio there too, huh?

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, for sure.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Damn, that's crazy boy. Should have together, man.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah. No, you talking about say2016. No. Yeah. I mean you be the 60 win team in the Hawks. But did I mean, did anybody think the Hawks was gonna beat LeBron and Kyrie? No. Okay, bacon lovers, let me tell you something amazing about Oscar Meyer's thick cut bacon. Now I don't know if you've used a smoker before, but it's a real labor of love. You've got to put time in to get that rich smoky flavor. Now think about this. Oscar Mayer smoked their bacon for 12 hours. That's half a day. Twice as long as most bacon is smoked. So for that savory smoky big cut bacon. Keep it Oscar.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Listen. Tired of tossing and turning all night on your old lumpy mattress? Then it's time to upgrade your sleep game with the rest of mattress. This state of the art memory foam technology will have you feeling like you're sleeping on the cloud for 12 hours or more. 12 hours.

[Chad Johnson]

That's the same amount of time Oscar Meyer smokes their delicious thick cut bacon. Yeah, while you're sleeping, Oscar Meyer is still smoking that bacon. Forget your mattress for thick cut bacon. You'll dream about. Keep it Oscar.

[Unknown]

As we gather together during this holiday season, let me share a gift that keeps on giving. Chase Freedom. With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you'll not only experience the joy of 1.5% unlimited cash back, but also the freedom to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Discover the magic and learn [e-mail] and let this season be filled with love, laughter and the delight of extra cash in your pocket.

Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA Member fdic. When it's tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist, my fellow friends and fans. Check. My favorite jersey. Check. An iconic drink that's a fan favorite. Check. Hypnotic can turn any cocktail into an iconic creation with its game changing color and tropical flavor. Hypnotic should be in everyone's starting five. I consider Hypnotic the point guard of my game day roster because not only is it versatile like having it on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, it also finishes smooth and just like the banners in my stadium, letting people know that we take championships seriously. Having Hypnotic at my watch parties lets people know that I also take quality seriously since it's crafted with high quality ingredients for a championship level drinking experience. So the next time you need a break from the action with a distinctive timeout, look no further. Grab a bottle of Hypnotic and make your next basketball watch party iconic. Enjoy the vibrant taste with friends and turn every game into a memorable celebration. Hypnotic where every sip is a slam dunk. Hypnotic Liqueur Bardstown, Kentucky 17% alcohol by volume Hypnotic reminds you to think wisely. Drink wisely.

Game on Because ESPN content is now available on Disney, you can watch your favorites on Disney. The boldest stories from Hulu and the Greatest in Sports from espn together like never before with espn. Unwrap a full day of NBA action on Christmas Day. Tip off the festivities with the spurs and Knicks, followed by the Mavs and Timberwolves. Then a clash between the Lakers and Warriors, followed by the 76ers and Celtics. And finally the Nuggets face face off against the Suns. All streaming December 25th. Then with Hulu, Watch the terrifying sci fi thriller Alien Romulus, where a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the ultimate horror. Now streaming and on Disney. Follow the adventures of four kids across the galaxy as they meet unlikely allies and enemies in Star Skeleton Crew, starring Jude Law. Now star streaming. Finally team up with morally flexible Deadpool and hesitant Wolverine in the blockbuster film Marvel Studios. Deadpool and Wolverine now streaming the greatest stories live on Disney. Available with a bundle. Subscription terms apply. Visit disneyplus.com for details.

The flavor, the tradition and the spirit of Carne Asada lives on at Del Taco. Join the Asada today with Del Taco's new limited time half pound traditional PO Carne Asada steak burrito packed with sweet, spicy and smoky flavor, wrapped up and grilled to perfection. The whole Car Asada steak menu delivers the bowl flavors you crave with epic burritos, loaded fries and street tacos starting at just $2.99. Only at Del Taco.

[Chad Johnson]

Kendrick Perkins said trey Young is the most disrespected Hooper since Mellow.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Disrespected, right?

[Chad Johnson]

Yes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You don't think they give him the credit he deserves?

[Chad Johnson]

No, because he should have been an All Star last year, man. Averaged 27 points a game and nine assists and he couldn't make the All Star team, man, yet full of cock car.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They did, they did, they did snub him. They did snub him. Matter of fact, when it comes to All Star, who does the goddamn voting? Are they going to say it's the fans?

[Chad Johnson]

Well, the fans, the fans are voting starters. But then it comes down to the players and the coaches to select the reserves.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay?

[Chad Johnson]

The fans, the starting five, the fans, that's, that's all fans. Because they want the fans to have a say in it. Okay? Y'all showing up, y'all gonna buy the ticket. So this is who y'all want to see, right? Okay, fine. But no, I can see that. I don't think he gets the credit that he deserves. I think he should have been had one more All Star appearances.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

But they make it seem like Trey is the only one that doesn't play defense. I mean there are a lot of guys that don't play defense that are offensive dominant players. But he's, he's, he's a special talent. He definitely should make the All Star, the all Star team this year. Oh yeah, he's leading the league in assists. I think he's averaged 11 and a half assists a game. He had a 30, 20 game, 30 points, 20 assist game against the Lakers. Hit the game winning shot, a three pointer. Yeah, I can see that perk.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, I don't think Melo, I mean Melo got.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Damn.

[Chad Johnson]

Melo got 10 leveled All Star appearances. But you got to realize who Mellow. Mellow was in the league with. Melo came in Kobe, LeBron. Hey, Jim Duncan, KD. I mean, well, damn. I mean, I mean what, where are you gonna put him?

[Shannon Sharpe]

It was some dogs in that era.

[Chad Johnson]

Yes. And you got, you got prime Harden. You remember Harden went on that stretch when he first got to Houston.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

And he's averaging 33, 36, having a ball, getting 60 point triple D. So I'm just trying to figure out like where are we going to put him? And I think Melo had a fabulous career, but I don't think anybody's putting him over you not putting him over kd, you're not putting him over Steph, you're not putting him over Harden, you're not putting him over LeBron, you're not putting him over Kobe. So what we doing here? Yeah, come on now.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I mean, listen, listen, he fits in there somewhere. I mean everybody, every, everyone you just named are great at what they do. But Melo fits in there somewhere.

[Chad Johnson]

And you putting him over those guys.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I understand you're putting him over D.

[Chad Johnson]

Wade, you're putting him over the Vicky.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I didn't say I was putting him over those guys. I said he belongs in the same category. Same category, just. Just not what you.

[Chad Johnson]

You don't think so now? Oh, Those guys want MVPs, Finals MVPs, win the championship. So Joe, that's gotta mean something.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, I got you, I got you. I got you.

[Chad Johnson]

That's not to say Melo wasn't a great player.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes sir.

[Chad Johnson]

But when it comes to adding the est, championships matter. Right, like we could have a discussion. Is Barkley a great player? Absolutely. He's an mvp. Carl Malone, a two time mvp. But how do I put them, how do I put them in front of Dunkey? How?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, I got you.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, so that's just where I am. Not to say he wasn't great because he was historically, I mean he, I mean he could put the ball in the basket. Probably should have taken care a little better care of himself early in his career.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

But it had been very interesting to see had he stayed, had he stayed in Denver because what happened is that he going to New York. You gut New York because they got to send everything there to replace you in Denver. So when you get there, the COVID is bear. So what you think, what you thought you were going to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

It didn't pan out like that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

Ocho, the 24. The 2024 most viewed NBA player pages and it goes state by state. Can you see what's in front of you?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hold on now I don't see it. We pulled it up.

[Chad Johnson]

Oh, I thought it was on. I thought you could see it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hold on, hold on, hold on. No, no, I can't see. Huh.

[Chad Johnson]

You texted joy of the 50 states.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, go ahead. Uhuh.

[Chad Johnson]

LeBron James had the most viewed NBA page player pages. Except Denver. Except Wisconsin, except Boston.

[Shannon Sharpe]

There you go. I see it now. Well, God. Well, God, Lee, now when we say most viewed NBA player page, what page are we talking about? We talk about what Twitter, we talk about Instagram, don't matter. Facebook, either one. Just in general. Yes, I mean, hell, he is. He is the most popular, most recognizable no figure in the NBA. Hell, in general. So I mean this is. Yeah, this is understandable. Yeah, this is definitely understandable. Who in the hell is that right in the middle?

[Chad Johnson]

Jokic in Denver, Colorado.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[Chad Johnson]

And then you got Giannis in Wisconsin. And you got JT. And you got JT in Massachusetts, but I bet you LeBron second in all those states.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wait, wait, what state? Second and one. Which ones?

[Chad Johnson]

Colorado, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, well, obviously, you know why. Ball, you know why he's second in Boston, obviously.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah. Big guy. Jason Tatum. Yeah, but if it wasn't Jason Tatum, he'd be first.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, who is this all the way up to the top, huh? Like over there.

[Chad Johnson]

Milwaukee. That's Giannis in Wisconsin.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, you know what? I had no idea Milwaukee was way up there, man.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, Wisconsin is up there. Ocho, whatever you thought it was.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, she. I didn't know, because I don't know the map. I don't. I don't know the globe. I don't know the map that harbor. Listen, I ain't been.

[Chad Johnson]

That's the Midwest. Oo.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I ain't been in school in 47 years, man.

[Chad Johnson]

Hell, it don't seem like you did anything when you was there.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I did. Well. I was a scholar. I made the dean list.

[Chad Johnson]

What?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

I mean, you ate. You ate Jimmy Dean sausage. That's the only thing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, no, we not gonna do that. I made the Dean list at three. Three out of four semesters, Ocho.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, we do know you went to juco.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What does that have to do with. What does that have to do with me making the Dean?

[Chad Johnson]

That's the 13th grade.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, so not juco. The 13th grade. That's how you treat us. Oh, man, we all couldn't go to Savannah State, man.

[Chad Johnson]

Hey. Yeah, well. Hey, why you. Hey, my grades already. You already know by. Grades were bad. I couldn't have got in prison with my grades. It looked like you could have got in prison with yours, either.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Actually, it took me going to Santa. It took me going to Santa Monica to get myself together, which. That's how I got that semester at Harvard.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And then I got the ball rolling and understood. You know what? Let me just do it. Let me. Let me do it the way my grandma told me to do it and focus on school first and stop trying to put football. And once I did, that shit took off for me.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah. Is the NBA having an existential crisis right now? Yeah. Shaq says the NBA is effing terrible. Lonnie Walker on the differences between the NBA and the Euroleague is real basketball over here. Gilbert Arenas on why NBA players are more injured. I talked to a player, and they asked, why y'all getting all these injuries? He said, we're really going from doing nothing to game one. And now you gotta go out there and effing guard Luca.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You think that's the reason for the injuries? I think.

[Chad Johnson]

Well, don't nobody really play. Oh, it's just like the preseason. Ain't nobody, Ocho. We played the preseason. You saw that there was four games you played. 10, 12, 15 plays. The first game you played, probably. Probably by 20 plays, 25 plays. The second game you played into the third quarter, the third game, and then you slot your ass down. The fourth game, these guys don't play at all. And then you go out. That game was okay, let's go. What you think will happen?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, you go get hurt. Hey, but somebody know. It's funny, when I think about it, each of us, some of these dudes play basketball year round. Huh? They play basketball year round. So I'm really not buying the fact that. Okay, because they're not playing right before the season. Stars or in.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, but they playing basketball to get in condition, Ocho. It's just like, remember what we said? It don't matter what you do unless you play real basketball in real meaningful moments. I don't care how much you run. I don't care how much training camp you get in your ass. Dog tied that first game. Yeah, you right, man. I used to hate. Hey, two minutes. Damn.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Tired as hell.

[Chad Johnson]

Yes. And then they mess around and have a couple of injuries, and then you go, no huddle. They're like, we gonna tie them out. I said, hell, y'all tired me out. Somebody running these routes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right, right, right, right.

[Chad Johnson]

What about me? Hell, my legs. Gas, too, man. I. It's just. I mean, it's just. It's just. I don't want to be the old guy. Get off my lawn. Right? But if you're expecting 80s and 90s basketball to come back, it's not coming back. It's never going to be that. Just like NFL football, if you're expecting the 70s and 80s and 90s football, it's never coming back, Ocho. It's never coming back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know, in most things, when it comes. When it. When it comes to life in general, you know how they always say history repeats itself? And if you pay attention, the way things are happening, history is starting to repeat itself in small instances, unless you pay attention. You got to be paying attention, because if you ain't paying attention, you can't see it. But when it comes to sports, that. That will always continue to evolve and go forward. Always.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah. And the thing is, now, Ocho, the guys are so skilled. These guys are so skilled. Now they shoot the ball. Like I said, I look, I'm old enough to remember in the late 70s and the 80s, right, you had a handful of guys that could shoot. You take the best shooters from the 70s and the 80s and the guys that are mid or beat them in a shooting contest. That's how skilled the guys are gonna shoot at shooting the basketball. Now just shooting. The guys don't work on the post up moves. They don't got post up game like a Elijah one or Patrick Ewan or the dominant big. Because now they're looking like that. You probably got two bigs that got a real post up game. That's Embiid and that's Jokic, right. All the rest of them are stretches and even. I mean people would probably consider Jokic and Embiid stretch fives because they got three point range, right? Fours. All your fours. All your fours got. Got three, all your fours got three point range. I'd be interested to see how many, how many threes Tim Duncan shot. How many threes KG and Barkley. Now Barkley shot more than Karl Malone. Would it be interesting to see? But now what for? You know, they don't shoot threes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

2.

[Chad Johnson]

Jabari Parker, Evan Mobley, AD it doesn't matter. All of them, all of them. It's a different game. And you're just gonna have to. If you young Ocho and you didn't get a chance to see this is all, you know, you love it, right? But if you got a chance to see old school basketball in the passing and the guys and the guys, you know, you dumped the ball down, the guys had a drop step and the guys had, you know, could throw the left hook, could throw the hook with either hand. You're like, you appreciated that. You probably didn't appreciate it as much then, but you appreciate it after seeing what you see now. It's kind of like us, Ocho. We like bro. Y'all just go across the middle with no repercussions. Y'all catching one. They the quarterback take one one step and throw you a slant. Yeah, I wish you would have run a one step slant, Rob. Boy.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They said your hammer, your hammer to be over there on the sideline.

[Chad Johnson]

Ray, they, they just, they just threw Ray out of the league.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh he he. Ray wouldn't have been able to play today. It's a lot, it's a lot of defenders wouldn't be able to play in today's NFL. Even even though you always say you gotta, you gotta adapt to the times that we're in some of them. Nah. Can you imagine Rodney Harrison trying to play today?

[Chad Johnson]

No. Rodney Harrison, Chuck Seeks, Chuck Cecil. All those guys, man, Come on.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Ain't happening.

[Chad Johnson]

But, but you. But you just have to. Like I said, I mean, it's changed and it's for the better. Now, look, the fans, they love the up and down of the NBA. They love getting up and down. I don't know if they necessarily like all these threes, but they want you to play a little defense. I mean, like All Star Game that they just got ridiculous. Yeah, it just got ridiculous. And sometimes even the games here, I like, bro, y'all not going to even stop it from laying the ball up. It's like a layup line. But this is where the game is. And old guys like Shaq and you hear Barkley, you're a lot of. It's not just Shaq and Barkley because they. You just hear Shaq and Barkley because they're on television a lot. But it's a lot of old guys that feel the exact same way as Shaq and Barkley. They just don't have a microphone or TV show or on podcast to verbalize it. Trust me, there are a lot of the old heads that feel the same way. Just like a lot of the old heads in football feel the same way. Say it's too easy. That's why these guys breaking all these records. That's why they doing all this stuff. Because there ain't no consequences. Bring your ass across that middle, man.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Speaking of, speaking of, speaking of breaking records, you think the game of football is because they pass the ball so much. There should be an asterisk by some. Some of the receivers that are breaking some of these records today.

[Chad Johnson]

Plus in a game, you know, because here's the thing. Oo, you got to understand, like when O.J. broke his record.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

O.J. did that record in 14 games. Ed broke it in 16 games. They didn't put no asterisk by it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, I see what you mean.

[Chad Johnson]

A lot of these stats were broken. I mean, at first, the NFL season was 12 games.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Johnson]

And so then people came with 14. They never added an asterisk.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Johnson]

So, no, it. It wouldn't be fair. Now, look. Yes. They throw the ball more. They do.

[Shannon Sharpe]

A lot more.

[Chad Johnson]

Yes. And so that's. That's a part of it. The Russian total, Emmett Smith Russian total is safe. It's safe. Now, somebody that breaks Jerry record, I mean, they're gonna have to play a long time. They go to. They get an extra game and when they go to 18, let's just say in the next five years, you're gonna get an extra two games. So now if somebody can play 15, 16 years and you extrapolate an extra 45 games, that's an extra three seasons. Now we on the submo. Yeah, you see, so. But no, I don't. I don't think it's fair. It is what it is. Hey, hell, I ain't got no records anyway, so they broke mine in 16, so it don't matter. But. But yeah, you, me, like yourself would have loved to play when we. They threw the ball. I mean, y'all know what Jeffer did. We ran the football. That's what we did. We ran you out of the arena. Yeah, we threw the. Don't. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to say that we only threw the ball 10% of the time, but we were a predominantly running football team.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Johnson]

And you know, I got mine, I got in where I fit in. But. And plus, the thing is now, I mean, they keep track of records like never before. I'm like, somebody tweeted something like, I got the most 150 yard receiving game for a tight end. Oh, so I didn't know that was a record until. Yeah, I didn't even know that was a record until somebody said it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, so I saw earlier today. I didn't know that.

[Chad Johnson]

No, I didn't either, because There are some 140s I got to. Hey, coach, let me go get this. Let me go get this. Extra eight yards. Extra 10 yards. Again, 150, because that's what they do now. Hey, such and such needs this many yards or he needs a catch to do that and then put him back in there, let him get that and boom.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, especially if you got an incentive too, in his contract, they're gonna get.

[Chad Johnson]

Yeah, but no, at that point in time, Ocho, I ain't want. Once we. Once we was. Look, hell, I be wanting to come out the game, we lose. It's three minutes left in the game. We down 25, we pass it. I ain't want no cheap, empty ass calorie yards like that. And when we got a big, big lead. I ain't trying to be in the game. Hey, hey, how's get that? Hey, I get to get that, man, I ain't trying to get no more. I'm good, right? I ain't trying to pass no stats. I don't did the day I was dealing my damage and hopefully in a winning effort now we up all big and staying in the game. Nah, bro, I'm good. You know, but Mike was good about that. Hey, you want to go back in? You want. Nah, I'm good. Mike?

[Shannon Sharpe]

No sir.

[Chad Johnson]

Knowing my. Knowing my. Look, I'm in there trying to be greedy and then somebody I end up getting. Nick. No, I'm good. Hey, let me go sit my black ass down. The volume.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, we all love bacon, right? I mean, hell, who doesn't? And did you know Oscar Meyer smokes their delicious bacon for 12 hours over real hard wood? That's a really long time to perfect the smoky flavor.

[Chad Johnson]

That length of time you can fly from Miami to Los Angeles and back from Los angeles to Miami. 12 long hours.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That's about how long it takes Oscar Mayer to smoke their bacon. There's no wrong way to enjoy it. So buy some Arsenmeyer thick cut bacon right now.

[Unknown]

As we gather together during this holiday season, let me share a gift that keeps on giving. Chase Freedom With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you'll not only experience the joy of 1.5% unlimited cash back, but also the freedom to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Discuss, discover the magic and learn [e-mail] and let this season be filled with love, laughter and the delight of extra cash in your pocket.

Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank N A Member FDIC when it's tip off time at my house, there are a few things that are must haves on my checklist. My fellow friends and fans. Check my favorite jersey. It is good luck. Check an iconic drink that's a fan favorite.

[Chad Johnson]

Check.

[Unknown]

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