Hour 3: Schaefer, LeBron & Giannis

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Schaefer, LeBron & Giannis

Date: January 30, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg (absent for this hour)
Podcast Theme: New York sports—NHL, NBA, and NFL—with a focus on local franchises and big stars, blending fan perspective, insider stories, and sharp commentary.

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Episode Overview

Hour 3 of “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” dives deep into a trio of headline stories:

• The emergence and rivalry-brewing play of Islanders rookie defenseman Schaefer
• LeBron James’ possible last game at Madison Square Garden and NBA star legacy talk
• The looming Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga, market dynamics, and the Knicks’ role

The show’s tone is lively and natural, marked by affectionate ribbing, candid assessments, and intense fandom.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recapping a Signature Hockey Moment

• Don’s Devils OT Call: Don is complimented on his thrilling call of the Devils' overtime win over Nashville. Alan notes the chemistry between Don and Ken Daneyko, highlighting Daneyko’s passionate restraint during big moments.

  • Quote:
    • “I’m telling you, what I’m noticing is Dano has gotten better and better at stepping back and letting you have those calls. That laugh actually added to the call.” – Alan Hahn [01:28]

• Islanders vs. Rangers Rivalry Elevated by Schaefer:

  • Islanders rookie defenseman Schaefer continues his promise to “beat the Rangers every time.” His game-winner and vocal postgame comments stoke fan passions.
  • The Islanders are 4-0 in the rivalry this season, all in regulation – a franchise first.

Schaefer Interview (Postgame Quotes):

• On the rivalry:
  • “Every game from here on out’s a playoff game, especially against the Rangers…we want to beat them every time and we want to keep on doing that; I know it makes our fans happy.” – Schaefer [04:09]
• On MSG atmosphere:
  • “Our fans are way louder than theirs. So it’s pretty fun when we, you know, and our fans are cheering.” – Schaefer [04:33]
• Hosts Reaction:
  • The hosts love Schaefer’s confidence and “all-in” embrace of the rivalry, noting how rare it is for an 18-year-old rookie, especially one from outside the region, to so fully get it.
  • “That’s a kid that completely gets it both on and off the ice. They got themselves something pretty special.” – Alan Hahn [05:46]

Cultural Impact & Team-Building:

• Schaefer’s attitude and play are seen as transformative—a “force multiplier” changing both locker room chemistry and fan expectations.
• “He’ll have a C on his chest one day. We know this.” – Don La Greca [07:29]
• Comparisons drawn to key transformative defensemen (Potvin, Niedermayer, Leetch) and the importance of building the team properly around such a cornerstone.

Caller Reaction:

• Felicia from Mississippi, a passionate Islanders fan, calls in to “eat her words”—admitting she was wrong to doubt Schaefer at draft time and praising his effect on holding teammates accountable, especially Barzal.
• “Schaefer…has just changed his team and one player, I’ve just noticed so much more from this season than Barzel…if Sorokin keeps playing well…I feel like there really is a chance we can make a long run in the playoffs.” – Felicia [09:43]

Olympic Break Implications:

• The upcoming Olympic break and its uncertain effects on NHL standings and playoff races are discussed—some teams may benefit, others could slump due to inactivity or fatigue.

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2. Fan Fun: Wild Conspiracy Call

• Terence from Long Island phones in a tongue-in-cheek “conspiracy theory” linking the Jets, Devils, Peter Rosenberg, Giannis, and even AJ Lee via a web of personal and franchise connections.
  • “How is Giannis gonna go visit his family in Greece? On a jet. So the jets right now are tanking to bring Giannis to New York for the Knicks.” – Terence [13:45]
• The hosts have fun with the absurdity, with Alan riffing:
  • “I’ve heard of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. I never heard of a Thousand Degrees of Conspiracy.” – Alan Hahn [14:19]

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3. LeBron James—Legacy & The Next Garden Farewell?

• Is This LeBron’s Last Game at MSG?

  • With the Lakers visiting Sunday, speculation centers on whether this is LeBron’s Madison Square Garden farewell.
  • Summary of LeBron’s emotional comments about appreciating each remaining stop and the significance of The Garden.
    • “Every road arena that I’ve been in…I’m just trying to take everything in, not take moments for granted, because it could be [my last time]…it means a little more here for me personally.” – LeBron James [15:37]
  • Context given: Nick/Lakers ticket resale prices are highest since Kobe’s Garden farewell, emphasizing the scope for fans.

• What Makes The Garden Unique?

  • Broad discussion of The Garden's status as the last “iconic” building remaining in NBA/NHL alongside a few famous baseball/football stadiums.
  • “All the other buildings are brand new…the second oldest [NBA] building is…from 1990.” – Alan Hahn [17:16]

• Should the Knicks Honor LeBron?

  • Debated whether the Knicks/Garden should do a tribute given he never played there but always respected the venue.
    • “If they did it, I’d be like, all right, that’s cool, that’s classy. If not, I wouldn’t bat an eye…He snubbed you as a free agent.” – Alan Hahn [20:04]
  • Alan predicts the fans themselves will lead with a standing ovation if it’s a blowout or farewell-type moment.

• Notable Quote:

  • “For LeBron, wouldn’t [fan acknowledgment] mean more than a stupid tribute video during a commercial break?” – Alan Hahn [21:10]

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4. Giannis Antetokounmpo—Trade Rumors & Knicks Outlook

• Knicks on “Giannis Watch” as Deadline Nears:

  • Alan recaps the Giannis saga and sets up ESPN’s Brian Windhorst to explain why an immediate trade is unlikely.
  • Windhorst: “I think it’s 50-50 [he gets traded at the deadline]…it behooves the Bucks to wait…they’d have more market info and pick clarity after the lottery… You want to know who’s got what picks if you’re trading a star like Giannis.” – Brian Windhorst [26:15]

• Knicks’ Stance and Strategy:

  • Windhorst reports Knicks interest is “lukewarm” and that last summer they “did not advance the talks,” suggesting they have not gone “all in.”
    • “If you’re going to win this bidding war…everybody’s on the table except for Jalen Brunson.” – Brian Windhorst [29:26]
  • Alan expands:
    • “You don’t want to move multiple players off this team for one player…while everybody feels like there’s an urgency…I keep saying…it is Giannis, but you also have to…see if your team can make a run.” [30:29–31:30]

• Trade Mechanics and Risk:

  • Importance of waiting for draft order and clarity on Giannis’ health (calf injuries).
  • “If I’m a team acquiring him [now], that’s two calf injuries. I probably won’t be able to play you until March anyway … better to trade in the summer.” – Alan Hahn [34:30]

• The Knicks’ Calculus:

  • Not strictly desperate; keeping their window open for the right path, as Giannis hasn’t demanded out and the Bucks still weigh options. The urgency depends on how current Knicks core performs rest of season.

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5. Listener Interaction & Jets Management Woes

• Danny calls in with a passionate Jet fan’s lament:
  • “This form of dysfunction…is the worst we’ve been for the 50 years I’m rooting for this team.”
  • He pleads for ownership to act boldly—bring in a real football guy, e.g., offer Steelers’ Mike Tomlin a massive deal plus an ownership stake.
  • “Just let him go now and end it and bring in … a real football guy.”
• Don’s analogy:
  • “That’s what you should do…Go get someone who can change everything, give them full control and a piece of the team. But Woody [Johnson] will never do it, and that’s part of the problem.” [44:11]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He’s all in on trying to build up the rivalry again and say, no, it matters to us and we love it.” – Don La Greca on Schaefer’s rivalry stance [05:18]
• “That was a thousand degrees, though—there was a lot there, and yet very little.” – Don and Alan, after a wild fan conspiracy [14:23–14:29]
• “You need to give carte blanche and a piece of ownership to get someone like Tomlin—Miami did it with Riley…that’s what you should do if you’re Woody Johnson.” – Don La Greca [44:11]
• “I think the fans will do it [honor LeBron] in the closing seconds. For LeBron, wouldn’t that mean more than a stupid tribute video?” – Alan Hahn [21:10]
• “Actions always speak louder than words…the Knicks, if they were all in, would have gotten [Giannis] in the summer.” – Alan Hahn [30:29]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Devils OT Win & Daneyko/Don Call: 00:51–02:50
• Islanders’ Schaefer—Post-Game & Rivalry Commentary: 04:09–06:45
• Caller Felicia: The Schaefer Effect & Playoff Hopes: 09:43–10:59
• Olympic Break NHL Discussion: 11:03–12:02
• Wild Jets-Giannis Conspiracy Call: 12:42–14:29
• LeBron’s “Last Dance” at MSG: 15:37–21:10
• Should MSG Honor LeBron? Fan/Cultural Take: 19:14–21:10
• Giannis Trade Scenarios—Windhorst’s Insider Breakdown: 26:15–30:29
• Knicks’ Trade Philosophy—Staying Patient: 30:29–34:30
• Passionate Jets Fan Call and “What Woody Should Do” Commentary: 41:28–44:11

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Conclusion

This episode mixes signature New York sports moments (NHL, NBA) with incisive commentary and colorful fan contributions.

• Schaefer’s boldness reignites a dormant rivalry and galvanizes the Islanders.
• The LeBron farewell discussion underscores the connection between player legacy and iconic venues.
• NBA trade deadline talk, especially around Giannis, reflects not just deal logistics but organizational patience and market timing.
• A bold vision is proposed for the Jets, rooted in learning from Miami’s Riley/Tomlin model—though the hosts are skeptical team owner Woody Johnson would ever go so far.

The hour’s blend of in-depth analysis, personal passion, sharp wit, and New York sports intimacy make it both informative and highly entertaining—essential listening for local sports diehards and curious NBA/NHL fans alike.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don LaGreca]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don LaGreca]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. All right, 505 in the big city with Don the Greco. I'm Alan Hahn. 800 now. 193776 is the number. We got a lot to get to here.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

Because there's so many things that we did a lot of football in the first couple of hours and that certainly is always going to be part of the conversation. I do want to revisit a moment from last night because it was so good. And it's Our man Don McGregor and the Devils who fought back to get to overtime against the Predators of Nashville. And then this happened.

[Alan Hahn]

Mercer, he spins back behind his cage and now the devil's possessed for the first time. Great read there by Mercer. He's sure with a roll, a blast.

[Caller (various callers)]

Let's go. The captain, Nico Escher in overt.

[Don LaGreca]

Put a pitchfork in this one. Devils win 3, 2. It's a great call. And I'm telling you, what I'm noticing is Dano has gotten better and better and better at stepping back and letting you have those calls. Because he laughed, which is fine. That actually added. I thought the laugh added to the call. Your thoughts?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it did. And I think him, I always felt steppage adds to it. As long as it doesn't like obscure the actual call. It's television. People see what's going on. And I think in Danico's a just a legend. He's Mr. Like there are players that are better than Kenny. Like Paul o' Neill was a better Yankee than Danico was a devil. Like from a statistical standpoint. Right. Or, you know, but just the significance of him. He's right there with Clyde Frazier. Now, he wasn't the player Clyde was, but he's all about the Devils. Drafted by the Devils, play his entire career with the Devils, won three Stanley Cups, his numbers, retired, worked for the organization after he retired.

[Don LaGreca]

No, he's seen everything.

[Alan Hahn]

He's seen everything. He's a part of it and he's like a caged animal when he watches these games because he just loves the team so much and he really knows the game well. So when somebody like him says something, the fans want to hear it.

[Don LaGreca]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, so I thought. Listen, I was just hoping my voice would make it through. I'm happy that it did.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, it held in that moment, which was great. But I also think for him, it's. I think it's. He's showing respect to you there, which says a lot about the chemistry you guys have already developed. Now, on the other side of the hockey ledger here in New York, last night was significant on the ice at Madison Square Garden for the road team, the Islanders get a 2 to 1 win. It was not a pretty game. It was a hard game to watch. Don, I'm flipping back and forth between your game and that game. It was a hard game to watch. Second game, back to back, two teams playing each other. In the old days, it would have been filled with fights. There was nothing really going on physically in this game. But the Islanders got a couple of goals. It is kind of coincidental that Susi got a goal. The former Ranger against his former team. Schaefer got a beautiful goal, and Schaefer gets it. If you remember when he was drafted, one of the first things he said in his interview was how we're going to beat the Rangers every time we play them. Well, that has happened. Four straight wins this season. Four, zero, all regulation wins. That's never happened in the history of the rivalry from the Islanders side. So he kept his word and what it means to him to beat the Rangers. This is what he said.

[Player (Schaefer)]

Getting drafted, this team come in to play for the Islanders. I know there's that big rivalry and every game from here on out's a playoff game, especially against the Rangers. It's a big one for us. And like I said before, we want to beat them every time and we want to keep on doing that because I know it makes us happy. I know it makes our fans happy. And we get two points out of it, so it's fun.

[Don LaGreca]

Speaking of fans, he played at the Garden. So what did he think of the atmosphere between the Islanders and Rangers in their games?

[Player (Schaefer)]

I think from just the start, when I played my first Islanders Rangers game, the building's full of both fans and it's loud. I mean, we can score here and it gets loud because we got a lot of fans here. They can score there. It can get a little loud, but our fans are way louder than theirs. So it's pretty Fun when we, you know, and our fans are cheering.

[Don LaGreca]

Shots fired. Donnie, I love this kid. He's got great personality. He's 18. He's great personality. He's obviously a tremendous talent. He's got a lot of confidence. He's going to be a star in this town for a long time. But I love that he's, you know, instead of maybe just trying to be respectful or just kind of stay in the middle or. Or, aw, shucks, this whole thing, he's all in on trying to build up the rivalry again and say, no, it matters to us and we love it. And then throw in the fact that he thinks that the Islander fans are louder.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. And think of how easy it would be for him to just not know or care.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

He's 18 years old and let's face it, the Islander Ranger rivalry has been on ice for a long time. They have not met each other in the playoffs since 1994. There was a lot of time the Rangers were irrelevant, the Islanders were irrelevant. They really haven't had much going on in his lifetime in these 18 years that he's been alive.

[Don LaGreca]

They're rarely good at the same time.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. A kid from Hamilton, Ontario, you know, what is he going to know about the rivalry? What is he going to know? But whether he was told it, whether he read up on it his own, but he understands the importance of it. And it's easy for an athlete to just say, hey, listen, I'm worried about myself. I'm worried about my team. He dived right in. And, you know, because this organization, you know, with his mom passing away and the whole breast cancer thing, the day that he was drafted, he loves being an Islander. To be an Islander means to hate the Rangers. To be a Ranger means to hate the Islanders. And whether it's pr, Whether it was himself finding out that that rivalry is important to a lot of these fans and for him to jump on board, that's going to win everybody over. That's a kid that completely gets it both on and off the ice. And they got themselves something pretty special. They do. How special? You know, we'll see. But right now, this is. This is a difference maker. And this is. And he's a major reason why they're where they are.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. There's certain players that if you draft them and they suddenly just become franchise changers. Not only with his talent, there's something about his personality that you can see took right away with the veterans on the team.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

And has really changed the culture there. Just because of not Just who he is as a talent, but who he is as a person. I know it sounds corny, but I'm telling you, from everything I'm hearing, there is really that kind of force, multiplier impact that he's had, which is great. And you know, that's all you need for a franchise. Now, the right thing to do is you got to build properly around him. Because when you have a talent this good, he'll have a C on his chest one day. We know this. But he's got to raise a Stanley cup and you got to have that.

[Alan Hahn]

When you get that kind of a player now, it's hard to be that young, but when he starts to mature into what he is, that's the. That's the ingredient to a championship. Team Poppin was a major part of those four straight championships. You see what McCarr is doing in Colorado and how good they are. They've already won a championship with him. Neda Meyer, yep. Maybe even more than Stevens. But Neda Meyer coming to the Devils when he was drafted, that was a difference maker. And that led to three Stanley Cups. Everybody can find a forward or a goaltender, but to find a special offensive defenseman, a responsible defenseman, a kid that doesn't panic when the puck's kind of between his skates and his pressure on him and he's on his in his own zone in a 11 tie, he's leaving calmly, just spins and skates it out of the zone. Little things like that. That at 18.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

What is it going to be at 23? What is going to be a 28.

[Don LaGreca]

When he gets man strength too? Like, he's so skinny, he's fast as hell. But that's what I keep saying is that we don't even know how good he's going to be, but the impact he can have, that's when you start, like a whole room starts to believe because you go, yo, like this guy's like, he's not just a really talented young player. This guy's special in many different ways. And that's. That's what they've got. And so it's exciting.

[Alan Hahn]

And in a lot of ways, you know what, there's. Leech was probably the most important part of the 94. I know everybody talks about Mark Messier slaying the dragon and all that, but, you know, was. Leech was certainly the difference maker. So there's a lot of reasons to love Schaefer. There's a lot of reasons why people buy at Ramsey Mazda. It's their selection. It's their customer service and it's their savings. Lease a new 2025 Mazda CX 52.5 S Select with all wheel drive for 179 for 33 months or buy with 0.9% APR financing for 72 months. Start shopping now at RamseyMazda.com choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for lease details. Finn SN 379853 MSRP 334250 Security Deposit APR $14.27 per month per $1,000 financed ends 2226 Felicia in Mississippi, as we.

[Don LaGreca]

Know, is a big Islanders fan. She's calling in right now. Hi Felicia. Hello.

[Felicia (Caller)]

Hey guys, thanks for taking my call. You hit on, you hit on quite a few of the points kind of I was going to make about Schaefer and you know, I'm eating my words. As you guys remember at the draft before we drafted him, I was, I was hoping for Misa and boy am I glad that I was wrong. Schaefer has just like you already said, he's just changed his team and one player, I've just noticed so much more from this season than Barzell and I think that a lot of it is, you know, we've known how talented Barzil is but he's sometimes kind of lazy and I think now with Schaefer it's like and of course law holding him accountable. But you know, I think with Schaefer he's like, okay, I, I can't be lazy because this kid literally turned 18 during the season, was 17 when the season started and, and is already playing, you know, like a veteran essentially. And I know none of the trades we made, you know, or Blockbuster, but Sissy and Pilot just kind of started in really nicely in these two games. You know, I don't want to say going for it and Sarah this year because I know there's, I know this wasn't supposed to be the year, you know, for us to make a run, but I really feel confident if we get it, you know, we're going to get in of course and if Sorokin keeps playing well and I mean I just feel like there really is a chance we can, we can make a long run in the playoffs.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the only possible with that goaltending. Thank you, Felicia.

[Alan Hahn]

We're going to get in of course. Let's just, you got, you got a nice seven point cushion on the Devils. There's teams that are even a little closer. It's wide open, man. We've seen it, have seen it all year. Because I've been following it clearly with what I do. All of a sudden, a team lose like five, six a row. Why, like, yeah, Boston couldn't get out of their own way. Now a sudden they went nine of ten, you know, so listen, they survived that seven game road trip. They kept their head above water, which I think is really important. But you gotta, you gotta keep working. And. And there's such an unknown. I brought this up yesterday. What's this all going to look like when we come back from the Olympics? How are teams that had a lot of guys go, how are those guys going to get back into the mix? How are all the guys that didn't. Teams that didn't have a lot of guys go that haven't played in a while together after taking three weeks off, are they. Who's going to get off to a hot start, slow start? Some teams are going to be affected in a good way and some in a bad way. And there's still like 25 games after the Olympic break.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. Quarter of a season, let's see what.

[Alan Hahn]

It all looks like. So I think they're a playoff team for sure. But, you know, you can't say anything's guaranteed right now. There's a lot of ups and downs in this hockey season, and it can all very easily go sideways. And when the devils are 8 and 1, I'm thinking this team, I win the President's Trophy, and now there's a very good chance they're not going to make the playoffs.

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

So you never know.

[Don LaGreca]

And when it's that close, all it takes is one little slump. And then now, you know, you find yourself having to fight your way up again. We love our conspiracy theories. Terence on Long island has one. Connecting the Jets, Giannis and us. Go ahead, Terence.

[Caller (various callers)]

Hey, what's going on, fellas?

[Advertiser/Promo Voice]

How you doing?

[Don LaGreca]

Good.

[Caller (various callers)]

This is going to be a crazy one. If you guys want to buckle in for a ride, it'll be quick.

[Don LaGreca]

Let's see. Go ahead.

[Caller (various callers)]

So right now everybody's saying that the jets are linking to the country right now. Somebody out of the country with you guys is. Peter. Peter right now. Out of the country, right. For WWE. WWE's got big names. One of the big names right now is AJ Lee. AJ Lee from New Jersey. From New Jersey. We have the Devils talking about Devils. And you guys is the one and only Don. Right, Don Linked with the Devils through hockey. Hockey. Linked for somebody else on the show. Right, Alan? That's You.

[Don LaGreca]

You.

[Caller (various callers)]

Your kids play hockey.

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Caller (various callers)]

Now, Alan, what else? Are you linked with the Knicks?

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Caller (various callers)]

The Knicks have been in the news recently because of Giannis.

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Caller (various callers)]

So that's linking Alan, Don and Peter. Now, Giannis, his family just moved to Greece in October. How is Giannis gonna go visit his family in Greece? On a jet. So the jets right now are tanking to bring Giannis to New York for the Knicks.

[Don LaGreca]

Wow.

[Caller (various callers)]

I think I cracked the code.

[Don LaGreca]

Just brought the whole crack.

[Alan Hahn]

I think it was my brain. Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. I think that probably sounded better on hold when he was, like, coming up with it.

[Alan Hahn]

I've heard of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. I never heard of A Thousand Degrees of Conspiracy.

[Don LaGreca]

No, that was A Thousand Degrees, though. There was a lot there.

[Alan Hahn]

There was a lot there, and yet very little.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, but it was an effort. But there was an effort. But it was an effort. But he brought us an effort. He did bring us to, though, something, Don.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

That we haven't had a chance to discuss yet. And that is, you know, the Knicks do play tonight. Speaking of Knicks, since he brought it up, they do play tonight against the Trailblazers. And then Sunday, which will be on NBC. An NBC vehicle on Sunday is the Lakers coming into town for their one and only, of course, trip to New York. And that, of course, brings LeBron James in to the Garden. Now, they played in Cleveland. Now they play in Washington tonight. So they're not. They play the Wizards, but their previous games, previous stop was in Cleveland where they did a tribute. He got emotional. There was a lot of talk that he gave about the idea that is starting to kind of hit him that maybe on this trip now to the east, where he only plays in some of these arenas once, now that he used to play all the time, that maybe the end is near. Listen to this. That he said about visiting some of these arenas possibly for the last time.

[Player (Schaefer)]

Every road arena that I've been in, you know, I think I talked about that. Just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted, because it could be, you know, obviously, I haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be. So, you know, no matter if it's here or going to Washington, playing the next game, Garden, Barclay, you know, on this trip. So obviously. And obviously, it means a little bit more here for me personally, because of, you know, grew up 35 minutes south of here, but, yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

So do we think that. And by the way, the resale already is through the roof. The highest resale ticket for a game at The Garden. I think it was a Laker, Nick. Since Kobe. Since they knew it would be Kobe's last game.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don LaGreca]

So do we feel like. I mean, his contract's up. The Lakers seem like they want to move on with Luca. So do we feel like that Sunday could be the last time we see LeBron James in uniform playing at Madison Square Garden?

[Alan Hahn]

I wouldn't bet on it. I don't think he's going to go away, but he could. It's not that crazy of a thought, right, that he would retire and why take the chance to see an iconic player play in an iconic venue? And that's what a lot of people aren't getting. Like, why he never has any kind of real rivalry with the Knicks. It wasn't like Jordan returning to the Garden because they were rivals for a long time. It's just how many iconic buildings are there left in North American sports in buildings in hockey and in basketball, it's Madison Square Garden and that's pretty much it.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. All the other buildings are brand new. The second oldest building in the NHL is the Saddle Dome in Calgary. That opened in 1985.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

What's the oldest building in the second oldest building in the NBA? What, Portland. The Target Center. Minnesota, 1990.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

So it's a 36 year old building. Is the second oldest building. I know they refurbished the Garden, but it still has the pinwheel roof, still has the same address that it had on February 2, 1968. Baseball, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium. Because it's not Yankee Stadium anymore. It's a new building.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, right. That used to be the thing at Yankee Stadium.

[Alan Hahn]

Football much. Lambeau Field and Soldier Field. So when you have an iconic player that's going to end up in the top two to ever play, and he's going to play in the last iconic building, why wouldn't it be a thing? That makes perfect sense. Right?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So I'm surprised that people are like, oh, no, it's a big deal. Anyway, he plays in Cleveland for the last time. Kind of like Gretzky. One of the biggest moments for Gretzky was when he played in Ottawa at the end of his career. Why? Because it was the last game he played in Canada.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I had nothing to do with Ottawa.

[Don LaGreca]

Or the building, but it was just.

[Alan Hahn]

There was a connection. There's a connection. LeBron James, iconic player, Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue and affluent fans who have a lot of disposable income.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the average ticket price as of yesterday was $900 according to game time. And that, like I said, the most for an NBA regular season game since Kobe Bryant's farewell. So Kobe Bryant's last game, not his last game at the Garden, but his last game that went for over a thousand dollars a pop.

[Alan Hahn]

And that was over a decade ago.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. Now, again, LeBron hasn't announced the retirement. He is wearing the pads and his contract's up. There's a lot of talk about the Lakers, you know, not wanting to continue business with him. Could he play one more year in Cleveland? Would he want to? Would Cleveland want to? Like, there's a lot to still decide. But let me ask you this, Don.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

Now, Cleveland did a whole tribute before the game. They did. Like, when they introduced him in the starting lineup. They did the old. They shoot a little highlight film, and they did a tribute. Now, he's never played for the Knicks. He has flirted with it, but never did. But he has always talked about the Garden, and he's always honored the Garden as a. An iconic venue. Should tonight or should Sunday night, should the Knicks or should the Garden do some sort of, you know, modest. But recognize that this could be the last time tribute to LeBron or.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I don't think they have to if they want to. Okay. That seems to be the way modern sports are handled. Let's give the tribute video to the guy that was here for five minutes.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, but I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

I would not criticize them if they didn't do it. I mean, he snubbed you back when he was a free agent.

[Don LaGreca]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

Like I said, there's no. It's not like, Jordan, there's not. I know you wanted to have a rivalry at the Heat, but you really didn't. If they did it, I'd be like, all right, that's cool. That's pretty classy of them. If they didn't do it, I wouldn't bat an eye. I don't think they have to. I think they will. Yeah, but I don't think they have to. Do you?

[Don LaGreca]

Maybe not at intros. Maybe first time out. Right. Show him on the bench. Do a little video of his big moments at the guard. See, the way I look at it is. It's kind of weird. Here's. Here's LeBron kicking our ass for 20 years. Like, you know, like, it's kind of strange, but he still did have moments.

[Alan Hahn]

He.

[Don LaGreca]

Not.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he's just an iconic player. And. And I. The reason I don't think they have to do it, Alan, is because I think the fans will do it in the closing seconds. He's driven court. I would not be surprised if they gave him a standing ovation. And for LeBron, wouldn't that mean more than a stupid tribute video during a commercial break?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, here's what I'm predicting. If the game is out of the way, one way or another, he's on the floor with Bronny. Yeah, they'll. They'll take all the starters out, but not him. He'll stay out there. So he and Bronny could be together on the floor because he'll. He'll want that, I think, because he's. He's posted photos of him in the past walking across the Nick logo, and he'll take that picture and he'll post it on his Instagram and he'll do the whole crown emoji of New York. He's done that. He always will reference it, and he does always reference respectfully about the building. And he has said things like. Like when Leon Rose took over the Knicks, somebody asked him what he thinks because Leon Rose used to be his agent, and he said that the league is always better when the Knicks are good. So he has always been that much respectful. So it'll be interesting Sunday night for sure. But, Donnie, you have to catch a flight.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I'm sorry.

[Don LaGreca]

So we're going to release you now.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, buddy. I appreciate that. And have a great weekend. And we'll talk on Monday.

[Don LaGreca]

You got it. Safe travels, my man. Thanks, man. Don Legreca off, of course, to catch a flight so he can get to the next game.

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[Don LaGreca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Han Solo yes, just me. Peter's working. Don's got to get to work. I gotta get to work at some point tonight too on MSG as the Knicks take on the Portland Trailblazers. But I'm here with you. We have ENN coming up with Anthony Pusick at 6 o'. Clock. We have your calls at 800 now with 93776 and there's only one line open so if you want to get in, now's the time to do it. In the meantime, so let me catch you up with of course the story that we're going to be dealing with for the rest of this weekend through into next week into the trade deadline in the NBA, which is Thursday. And that of course is giannis Antennokounmpo. Giannis Watch 2026 is officially on whether it's traded by the trade deadline or traded in the off season. Feels like he's getting traded at some point. I have maintained all along I believe this is an off season trade. I still maintain my belief that the I would say you want to do 51:49. I'm at that point now, because I do think it is a possibility that he could be moved at the deadline. It's so difficult to do though, that I still will say 51% of me believes it's still going to be an off season deal. We shall see. But Brian Windhorst, who is a knower of ball, he was on with Michael K earlier this afternoon and so he was asked, like, what are the chances that Giannis will be traded in season this year by the deadline?

[Brian Windhorst]

I think it's 50 50, and I know that's an unsatisfying answer. The complication is this. It really behooves the Bucks to wait. And the reason it does is because this is such an important trade that if they were to wait until the spring, they would have so much more information about the market and they would have potentially more stuff offered. And the reason why is this. They're going to tank the rest of the season. They're not going to announce that they're going to tank, but Giannis is going to be out for some period of time and if they keep him, I'm not sure he plays again this season. And their pick needs to get as high as possible. They have this weird situation where they have to swap their pick, but their pick swap is with New Orleans, who's terrible in the top three right now. So there's a potential for them to have a top six or seven pick in a very deep draft. Honestly, I don't think the percentage is high, but there's a chance they could have the number two pick in this draft. And if you're going to have a potentially very high pick, you would want to know that and where your pick is when you would make this Giannis trade. The second thing is you want to trade potentially for picks in this draft and you'd like to know who's got what picks. And you wouldn't be able to necessarily know that until after the lottery in the spring.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, so Wendy and I are pretty much in lockstep. He's going 50, 50. I said 51, 49. I've maintained all along that I just felt like this was never going to be an in season type of trade. Difficult for the Bucks to get full value now. They want to see will one team just get stupid and maybe do something insane, you know, give somebody a chance to really be desperate to make a move. So you listen, you discuss what you do before the deadline. I've heard this from a lot of general managers when I've talked to them. About the trade deadline. A lot of things that are discussed that don't happen by the deadline are often revisited once you get to the offseason, especially draft night. Things that you feel like you got close on but couldn't quite make a deal, you always bookmark it and you come back to it in the off season. So that's kind of maybe what you want to do if you're the Bucs. Remember, the reporting was that the only team they have talked to about a Giannis trade was the Knicks in last offseason late in the year, in August. So now they open it up to listening to a bunch of teams and see what kind of market can we get for them. And I just don't know if there's a trade to be made that would be worthwhile now. And you heard Wendy say the draft picks are the value apart, but you want to know where they are and that you'll know once the lottery happens. So we'll keep an eye on it for sure. But one thing we know, we thought, or at least the Knicks did have their own exclusive window last August, according to the reporting, and they could not come up with a trade. Now, there's a lot of reasons why. Did the Knicks not want to offer more? Did the Knicks not have enough to offer? Or did Giannis not get to the point where the buck said, hey, if you want to go to the Knicks, we're talking with them, but you have to say you want to go there. We're not going to say we wanted to trade you. And did Giannis say. I'm not saying that because Giannis doesn't want to be the bad guy. There's a lot of little things going on there in that relationship. But when we once thought the Knicks were his favorite place, his prime destination, the only place he wanted to play, is that still true to today? Here's what Wendy said about that.

[Brian Windhorst]

I think the Knicks are on his list. I don't know if I would say it's number one. You know, the Knicks, I am a very, very big actions over words guy. Okay? And the Knicks actions are that they are lukewarm on Giannis. They had an opportunity to trade for him last summer, and the talks that they made, whatever their offer was, did not advance the talks. That, to me, was a team that, you know, I think has some interest, but is not all in. If you're going to win. This is this bidding war. You got to be all in. You basically have to say to the Bucks, everybody is on the table except for Jalen Brunson. That's pretty much everything we have is on the table except for Jalen Brunson. Let's do a deal. That's what you're going to have to do to beat what I think like Miami and Minnesota and Golden State and maybe some teams we don't even know about are willing to do. And to my understanding, I don't think the Knicks have done that yet. So their actions, to me, do not, you know, look, we're not at the deadline, and maybe y' all doesn't get traded, and maybe it gets revisited in the summer, but from what I know, the Knicks are not acting like a team who's all out to get this player.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. And if they were, they would have gotten them in the summer. Right. Like, that's. You got to believe that that would have happened if they were desperate for. For him. But there wasn't that desperation. It's what Don talked about that you don't need to be. Don has said that, like, he doesn't think where the Knicks are right now. You need to be desperate. Some fans will argue, yes, they do. Others will argue, no, they don't. The way they played this season, there was a point in time, about a month ago when they were in Las Vegas winning the NBA cup, where a lot of people said, you know what? Leave this team alone. You don't need it. You have depth. You have a good team. If they can just stay healthy, they might be able to go on a run. But then what happened after the cup was a stretch of games where they did not play well. They lost nine out of 11 games in one stretch, fell out of second place for a while, and there were some concerns that maybe, you know what? This team needs more that they. Maybe they should go all in on Giannis, because now all of a sudden, you're looking at teams in the. In the NBA, and you're not looking at the Knicks as a team that can contend as well as some others. So now the desperation ramps up again. But they've won four in a row. Did they get their legs under him? Who knows? But I think, as Wendy said, actions always speak louder than words. What we do know is the Knicks would like to have Giannis. What we do know is the Knicks, as they were in the offseason, are also engaged in conversations with the Bucs about what it would take to trade for them. What we also know is the Knicks know they don't have nearly the amount of assets that the Bucs want in a trade. A lot of you will call in and say, well, just trade Towns. The salaries match up. You got to understand you're making a trade of this magnitude. It can't be a one for one for a player that the Bucs don't really want. When you're trading a guy like Giannis, that's you signaling we're blowing it up. You're not trading somebody like Giannis for another high contract, high salary player who has a couple of years left on it and trying to build around them, especially someone. And no disrespect to Towns, he's not on the level of Giannis. Giannis is a perennial MVP candidate. Towns is a perennial all NBA candidate, but he's not an MVP candidate year after year. So they're not the same. So you can't just act like the Bucs will just take your guy and be happy with it. Doesn't go like that. So you have to give the bucks what they would want in a deal. And what they would want is more than likely to take a player that has value in a third team, such as OG Anunoby, for example, and they would flip him to a playoff team and then get picks or something else. You don't want to lose a guy like OG Anunoby. You don't. Not in the middle of a season, not the way he plays, not how important he is. You don't want to move multiple players off this team for one player. That's the other thing you've got to be careful about. So while everybody feels like there's an urgency because he's a superstar and I totally understand it, I keep saying to people, when they ask me, I'm always like, it is Giannis, though, it's not a bum. This guy's good. But you also have to feel if you can't do something now or don't want to do something now, you can always revisit again in the off season where you'll have a little more clarity about what you really do have on your roster and how much you believe in the roster you've built. Can it be a championship team? You'll learn more about your team if you give it a full season. So I'm curious to see if the Bucks, as Wendy said, will listen, take notes, but tell Giannis, we got to do better than what we're being offered right now in season for you. You've got the calf injury, you've had it twice. We know you're miserable. We don't want to win a lot anymore. You're already going to be four to six weeks. How about we just shut it down? Just shut it down and we'll revisit this in the off season. This might piss him off and I totally understand it, but if I'm a team acquiring him, that's two calf injuries. I probably won't be able to play you until March anyway. I would say I'll trade for you in the summer. Well, why don't you get that right? So it's no longer an issue. So you're not playing on it. Make sure your body's right because when we do end up giving the house for you that in October, we know you're ready to go to play at a super high level that we don't have a lingering calf issue that we all know in the past can lead to something more catastrophic. Wouldn't that ruin any type of trade that you make? So this is an exciting story and it's a headline story about a headline superstar player. And the Knicks are involved, which also makes it a big story. But just keep in mind that this could be a process that may not get done by next Thursday, but could certainly pick up by the time we get to June and the draft. So keep an eye on that.

[Rich Eisen]

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[Don LaGreca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts you know we have to do today, boys. I don't know Jake, maybe you need to be ready here because we don't have anybody else to do. Jump in and chime in on it. Which is game time. Which is brought to you by Tillamore Do Irish Whiskey because when it's Game time. It's chilly time. We need to save that. A lot happened there. Nick's host the blazers tonight at MSG coverage, following Dan Grassa on 880 at 7. The Knicks going for five straight wins if they get the dub tonight against the Blazers. The Nets, they visit the jazz at 9:30. So we got some hoops tonight for you. Telemore du. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. How about we get some calls before enn. Let's go to Tim in Connecticut. You've been waiting a long time, Tim. What do you got for us? He's been waiting so long, I think he fell asleep. I feel for Tim. Yeah, I do. We didn't get to this story, which. I mean, it's an interesting story. It sounds like. I don't know if this is confirmed yet, but the Bridgeport Islanders are going to move up north. And that is, of course, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. Right. Used to be the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Oh, that's when I was interning for them. Yep. And they. They. They play in that arena. That. That arena is not as new as it used to be, but like when Webster bank, they. They probably changed it by now. Yeah, but it's been. But that arena has had a hockey team in it since they built it many years ago, going back to what, like early 2000s? Right. And pretty convenient to have your AHL team right there like the Rangers have in Hartford. Oh, it was very convenient. But to have. Yeah, that sounds like. You mean the Syracuse Crunch. Being the Lightning affiliate wasn't the greatest. I do remember those days. Well, I remember Manchester, New Hampshire was the Monarchs, and that was the LA Kings, AHL team. How about the Worcester Sharks? What, like, yeah, San Jose? It's not like you could just call them up real quick. Someone's got the flute. Well, you'll be down a man tonight. Sorry, it's gonna take. He's got to do a puddle jump through Omaha, but he'll get here in time for the third period. Let's go to Danny in Centerport. Hey, Danny.

[Caller (various callers)]

Alan. Alan, my friend. You know, I really wish I wasn't in lockstep with you. I got a couple of points and I don't have to explain to you anything.

[Brian Windhorst]

You know, the way I feel, man.

[Caller (various callers)]

I mean this. I really wish I wasn't in lockstep with you, but I am. This form of dysfunction that we are in right now is the worst feeling and the worst we've been for the 50 years that I'm rooting for this team, you know, and I'm not giving a. And I know, I know, I know you never will. But I can appreciate the way you feel. Just like you're never going to get that burn back. You know what I mean? I mean, listen, Alan, you know, for me, as a Jet fan, Ranger fan, met fan and Nick fan, okay, my fandom is a disgrace. But for some reason, this is the team that runs through my veins like nothing else. You know, like I be never made a phone call to all the years I'm calling talk radio, never about anything but. But this Jet team. So it just goes through my veins for whatever reason I'm saying, like being with my dad as a seven year old walking into Shea Stadium. He was a cop, you know, so back then cops meant something. And we got the royal treatment. We always sat in the best seats, we entered the best gates, we were treated like gold. And it's just in my blood, man. This is the worst, Alan, that I felt out of everything we've done. And Don said something the other day and I called in and he was 100% right. It's over with this. We need a football guy, Alan. You know what I'm saying? Like, we have never had a football. We've had three in my lifetime. Walt Michaels, who was a football guy and he brought us something, built ourselves and we caught lightning in a bottle with Rex, right, Because he was a true football guy and a master motivator. And it just happened. We. We need that Allen. And you know what's driving me crazy is that everybody's talking about what a short leash Glenn is on. If that's the way we are feeling, Alan, then get rid of him now. Because how in God's name do we think that this team is going to be relevant or even remotely close to being competent next year after everything we've done? Now he's got all new schemes, all new coaches. We have no idea what quarterback's going to be. But we want to judge the man, so we're going to judge him on next year, which is going to be another disaster. How in God's name are we holding on? Just let him go now and end it and bring in. You know what my thing would be, Alan? If I was the gm, this is what I would do. I would offer Tomlin a 1% or 2% stake in the team. Give him 30 million a year and say, I'm out of your way. Build me a champion, because that's what we need.

[Don LaGreca]

I wouldn't, you know what?

[Caller (various callers)]

Danny McDermott, Allen, give me him and let's make this happen because it's a disaster.

[Don LaGreca]

Alan.

[Caller (various callers)]

I can't believe it, man. How? Go ahead. I'm sorry.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, that's okay. Because I know you get real passionate about this stuff, man. But I, I, I. Here's your example. And because of what you said. When you're a franchise that's either brand new and start and trying to, to get its footing, or you're a wayward franchise that has lost its footing, lost its way and needs to get back on track, what you said is exactly what you do. I'll tell you a story. So, the Miami Heat, new franchise in the early 90s. And you know, as any new franchise, you know you're going to try to get some through the draft, a couple of free agents, you try to put it together, but it's very difficult to do. And they weren't very good. They weren't, they were decent, but they weren't very good. You know, they had like, Ronnie Cycley, remember him from Syracuse? All you Syracuse people, he was a good player, but it's like they were trying to build something around, around him. It just, it wasn't hidden. And so what did Mickey Arison do? He saw the guy that could change everything, and that's Pat Riley. But Pat Riley was working for somebody else, the Knicks. So how's he gonna get him? We found out Pat Riley wasn't really thrilled with his contract and his situation with the Knicks and went and, you know, broke a rule by talking to him. So he got caught with tampering and he got bad to pay the fine. But what he did with Pat Riley is he said, I want to get you out of New York. I know we have nothing to offer, but we do have beautiful weather. You're an LA guy, you'll love it here. And I'm going to give you carte blanche, full control and a piece of ownership. How do you say no to that? You can't. Woody Johnson will probably never do this, but it's exactly what he should do with Tom Lin. With anybody else of that level, you come in and give me instant credibility. And I'm giving you control and I'm staying the hell out of the way. And to entice it even more because, you know it's going to be tough at the beginning. I'm going to give you some ownership piece too. So when this thing really takes, you'll really make money, generational money. That's what you should do if you're Woody Johnson. But it'll never do it. And that's of course part of the problem. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. Hi, it's Victor Hedman from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

[Caller (various callers)]

Hedman with a drag score.

[Don LaGreca]

NHL Stadium Series is coming to the Sunshine State. Watch as we take on the Boston Bruins in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series in Tampa. Catch all the Action on Sunday, February 1st on ESPN. Visit NHL.com StadiumSeries for tickets and more information. That's NHL.com StadiumSeries and I'll see you February 1st.