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.

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.

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.

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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

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.