PTI Podcast Summary: "Panthers Win the Cup! + Buss to Sell Lakers"
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
Guests: Tarek Skubal, Tim Legler

Introduction

In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon delve into two monumental sports stories: the Florida Panthers securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup and the Buss family's decision to sell the Los Angeles Lakers. Joined by guests Tarek Skubal and Tim Legler, the discussion spans across professional basketball and hockey, offering in-depth analysis and insightful commentary.

Lakers Sold by the Buss Family to Mark Walter

The episode kicks off with breaking news about the Buss family entering an agreement to sell the Los Angeles Lakers. Tony Kornheiser announces, “the Buss family is reportedly entering into an agreement to sell the Los Angeles Lakers” (01:37). According to ESPN reports, Jeanie Buss will remain as governor, while Mark Walter, the current owner of the Dodgers, will take over ownership. Kornheiser highlights the historical significance, noting that Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million, citing ESPN's valuation of the team at a record $10 billion.

Tarek Skubal elaborates on the impact of the Buss family: “they put a brand of basketball out there that continued what Jack Kent Cook had already started... ‘Showtime’ is as important to the NBA as anything other than the Boston Celtics” (02:21). He emphasizes the continued legacy under Jeanie Buss, drawing parallels with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to underscore the family's influence on the franchise and the league.

Tony Kornheiser reassures listeners about the continuity under Mark Walter: “Nothing is going to change with the Lakers. Nothing is going to change because what Mark Walter has proved with the Dodgers is he spends a lot of money and he acquires good talent under his watch” (04:08). He draws comparisons between the Dodgers' success and the Lakers', suggesting that the franchise will maintain its upward trajectory with strategic management and talent acquisition.

Florida Panthers' Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Victories

Transitioning to hockey, the hosts discuss the Florida Panthers' impressive performance in clinching their second straight Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 (04:53). Tarek Skubal praises the team’s achievement, stating, “they are great. They are champions twice over” (04:53), while clarifying that this doesn't yet constitute a dynasty but acknowledges their current dominance in the league.

The conversation highlights key player contributions, particularly Sam Reinhart’s four goals, including two empty-netters. Tony Kornheiser and Skubal analyze the Panthers' strategic superiority, mentioning their consistent early leads and overall domination throughout the series. Skubal specifically commends veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, emphasizing his critical role in the team's success: “a great goaltender in the Stanley Cup playoffs... has a disproportionate effect on the outcome” (06:08).

Tony Kornheiser adds, “they outscored Edmonton 28 to 17 over six games. Like 28 goals in six games. That's a lot of goals” (06:29), underlining the Panthers' offensive and defensive prowess. The hosts discuss the possibility of the Panthers evolving into a dynasty, with Kornheiser suggesting, “they have a chance because they put these things out there already” (06:29).

Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid's Future

The focus shifts to the Edmonton Oilers and star player Connor McDavid following their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss. Tarek Skubal reflects on McDavid's leadership and the team's potential, noting, “they need some help” and suggesting that the Oilers might need to bolster their roster to secure future championships (08:35).

Tony Kornheiser discusses McDavid's impressive individual statistics, pointing out that McDavid has “become the first guy for nine seasons in a row to score 90 or more points and not win a Stanley Cup” (09:28). Both hosts agree that while McDavid's personal achievements are remarkable, winning the Stanley Cup is a crucial component of his legacy in hockey.

NBA Finals: Tyrese Haliburton's Injury and Pacers' Strategy

The conversation transitions to the NBA Finals, focusing on Tyrese Haliburton's calf strain ahead of Game 6. Tony Kornheiser raises concerns about whether the Pacers should start Haliburton or opt for a healthy substitute (12:55). Tim Legler advises that Haliburton would need to be “at least 80%” fit to justify playing him, emphasizing the strategic advantages of having him on the court while also considering the risks of aggravating his injury (13:22).

Tarek Skubal and Legler discuss the Indiana Pacers' challenges with turnovers, referencing Game 5's high turnover count and its impact against Oklahoma City's defense. Legler suggests utilizing T.J. McConnell more to manage the ball better and reduce turnovers, stating, “you have to keep that to a workable number” (14:59).

The hosts also analyze defensive strategies against the Pacers’ Jalen Williams, highlighting his evolving role and the difficulty in containing him due to his scoring ability. Tim Legler posits, “the key is, can you defend Shay without committing that level of attention to him” to create opportunities against Williams (16:05).

Cleveland Cavaliers and Evan Mobley's Impact

Shifting to the NBA's Eastern Conference, Tony Kornheiser celebrates Evan Mobley's 24th birthday, recognizing his significant contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mobley’s impressive statistics—18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game—are lauded, as well as his accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star honors (20:45). However, Skubal questions whether Cleveland can maintain their top standing amid strong competition from teams like the Knicks and Pacers (21:23).

Miscellaneous Sports Updates

The podcast also touches on other sports news:

• Max Scherzer is celebrated for his exceptional performance six years ago and updates on his current status with the Toronto Blue Jays following a thumb injury (21:43).
• The WNBA's Sun and Fever game featured notable scuffles and technical fouls, prompting discussion on the league's growing pains and their impact on publicity versus league perception (23:29).

Closing Remarks

In the closing segment, the hosts discuss the signing of Jair Alexander by the Baltimore Ravens and touch upon LeBron James’ comments on ring culture, with LeBron questioning its overemphasis (24:07). The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and well-wishes for upcoming games and player performances.

Notable Quotes

• Tarek Skubal on the Lakers' legacy: “they put a brand of basketball out there that continued what Jack Kent Cook had already started” (02:21)
• Tony Kornheiser on Mark Walter's acquisition: “Nothing is going to change with the Lakers” (04:08)
• Tarek Skubal on the Panthers' potential: “two is not a dynasty” (04:53)
• Tony Kornheiser on McDavid's legacy: “he just became the first guy for nine seasons in a row to score 90 or more points and not win a Stanley Cup” (09:28)
• Tim Legler on Haliburton's playability: “you have to keep that to a workable number” (14:59)
• Tony Kornheiser on Evan Mobley: “defensive player of the year this year, the first Cleveland player ever so honored” (20:45)

Conclusion

This episode of PTI provides a comprehensive exploration of significant developments in both the NBA and NHL. Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, alongside their guests Tarek Skubal and Tim Legler, offer nuanced perspectives on the sale of the Lakers, the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cups, and the strategic intricacies of the NBA Finals. The discussions are enriched with expert analysis, notable quotes, and a blend of enthusiasm and critical insight, making the episode both informative and engaging for listeners.