Panthers Win the Cup! + Buss to Sell Lakers

Summary

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

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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.

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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)

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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.

Transcript

[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Mike Wilbon]

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[Tim Legler]

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[Mike Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Tarek Skubal]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbond. It's national panic day. Tony, what are you panicked about?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tony Kornheiser. I think my hairline is starting to thin. What do you think I'm panicked about?

[Mike Wilbon]

That.

[Tarek Skubal]

You know, I gave into that one in 1994. I didn't know you were still grappling with that one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, it just sort of happened to me within the last few weeks, it seems to me. What am I panicked about? I'm also panicked about doing this show live. Welcome to Pti Bo, boys and girls. In today's episode, Tarek Skubal takes the mound. The sun and fever scuffle. And Tim Legler joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the breaking news that the Buss family is reportedly entering into an agreement to sell the Los Angeles Lakers. Jeannie Buss will reportedly continue to serve in her role as governor, but the new owner will be Mark Walter, who already owns the Dodgers. The late Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million. ESPN is reporting that the sale price values the team at a record $10 billion.

[Tim Legler]

Wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, Bon, what have the buses meant to the Lakers? And what does this do for the team's future?

[Tarek Skubal]

Tony, the buses have meant to the Lakers. And of course, we're starting with Jerry and moving on through Jeannie, who has really controlled and managed the team and represented it lately since his death. As much as any ownership in modern times has meant to a team in a league. You want to compare him to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, okay? And he had the team. He bought them about 10 years before Jerry Jones got into the NFL. But, Tony, the buses, they, they. They put a brand of basketball out there that continued what Jack Kent Cook had already started, you know, with the fabulous for him and Wilton, Jerry west and all that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Tarek Skubal]

Bus came and he winds up, you know, maneuvering to get a guy named Irvin Johnson. And then they have what is literally called Showtime. And that brand is as important to the NBA as anything other than the Boston Celtics. Those are the two pillars on which the league is built. And has been sustained. And the Buss family did that in Los Angeles, the capital of entertainment. And how can you have anything but glowing things really to say about the Lakers as they continue now as they have LeBron and they went out and got Luka and. And it continued in the Bus family way. Jeannie did that. So they've meant everything to the. To the Southern California sports and to the league.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Do you want to go to the full disclosure about how close you are with Mark Walter because he's a Northwestern boy, or do you want me to say it?

[Tim Legler]

Yeah, he's a Northwestern.

[Tarek Skubal]

He's a trustee. He's somebody I know. He still lives in Lincoln Park. I love that he's bought the team.

[Tony Kornheiser]

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. They got Mookie Betts, they got Freddie Freeman, they got Shohei Ohtani, and they've won. They've won championships as the Lakers have won championships. And yes, the Buses get all the credit in the world. Drafting Magic, trading for Kobe, signing LeBron, signing Luka. So I think it's going to go on the same trajectory that it's been. I don't think you have to worry. I don't think LeBron's going to say, oh, get me out of here. I don't think any of that's going to happen. I mean, I think this is an easy move for the league. You know, you know who the bad owners are. And the Buses were not bad owners, nor were they intrusive owners, though they did like. Jerry certainly did like publicity. And the Walter. He's not an intrusive owner at this point, right?

[Tarek Skubal]

No. And Tony, no, Mark is not an intrusive owner. And look at what the Dodgers do. Like, the Dodgers go out and they get whoever management decides they they're going to get. And they're in contention every single day of every single season. This is what he does.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So they win and they hire the smartest GMs, and that matters. Let's move to the NHL. And the Florida Panthers winning their second straight Stanley cup by pounding Edmonton last night 5 to 1 and taking the Stanley Cup Final Series 4 2. Florida was up two nothing after one period. Ultimately, Sam Rinehart scored four goals, two empty netters, and neither Connor McNavid nor Leon Dreidle scored a point. Wilbon, what does this game and this series say about the Florida Panthers?

[Tarek Skubal]

They are great. They are champions twice over. And I'll start there, but quickly, just take a little side trip that say this show will be probably the only one that is not going to give in to the nonsense of calling them a dynasty. Two is not a dynasty. And maybe people I don't know under 60 years old ought to look up dynasty and figure out what that is. They're great for now. That's enough. They went out and went back to back and they beat what we still think is the best player in the world in Connor McDavid. And let me go specifically to the goaltender, Mr. Bobrovsky, who probably ought to be getting more credit than he's even getting. He's getting a lot, but not enough. Because Tony, as you know, a great goaltender in the Stanley cup playoffs and particularly in the final, has a disproportionate effect on the outcome. Like an ace who can go, you know, two or three times in a series or a great all, you know, first ballot hall of Fame quarterback who can dominate action. A goaltender does that for you. And so Bobrovsky was the guy in that series. He had control of it. The bad moments he had are so few. I now have forgotten them already.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, I agree with all of that. Look, it's easy to make fun of South Florida as a hockey destination because there's no snow and there's no ice. But this is three years in a row into the finals and back to back championships, right? We can dismiss dynasty in this regard. There's no such thing as a dynasty of two. It starts at three, I prefer four and over a five or six year period. But they are on the verge.

[Tarek Skubal]

Amen.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They, they have a chance because they put these things out there already. Here's what they did last night. Again, they went up two nothing in the first period again over the course of the series. Mike. They outscored Edmonton 134 in the first period and it was 9 nothing in the last four games. So they were always in the lead. They outscored Edmonton, the team that we think of as the offensive team. They outscored them 28 to 17 over six games. Like 28 goals in six games. That's a lot of goals, really a lot of goals out there. I'm going to give you this small statistic that I find meaningful. The Panthers led in the series for 255 minutes and 49 seconds. The Oilers led for 33 minutes and 51 seconds. That's domination, Holmes. Yes, that's what that is. And it also set a Stanley cup record. It Did.

[Tarek Skubal]

Yeah. That is domination. Wow. Let's turn then to the. To the Oilers. McDavid says he's disappointed by how things finished up, but has, quote, a lot of confidence and belief, close quote. In his team moving forward. Tony, where does a second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Final actually leave McDavid and his Oilers?

[Tony Kornheiser]

It leaves them knocking on the door and maybe in the words of the great Bum Phillips, next year they'll break down the door. Actually, what Bum said is kick the son of a bleep in. But this is a family show, so I didn't want to use that. Mike, I don't believe there's any particular reason to get off the Oilers now. I don't believe that they are necessarily receding. I know that Zach Hyman, who missed the series and that may have been the turning point. For all we know, he's 33 years old, but Connor McDavid is 28 and Leon Draisaitl is 29. They are in their prime at the moment. And don't forget, they just went to the Stanley cup finals two years in a row. I mean, okay, Florida was better, but they were right next to Florida. So I think the long term bet is still Connor McDavid to win one of these things.

[Tarek Skubal]

Tony, I would stay with them as well, but they need some help. And how about I specify younger help? The Oilers are the oldest team in the NHL that usually can continue to work if you've won and you keep an old group together. We've seen that in both the NHL and NBA. But they haven't won. And to break through, they're going to have to go out and get somebody old. Maybe they start with goaltender. Not that you necessarily want a young goaltender, but they're going to have to be better there. Late in the Stanley cup playoffs, I mentioned Bosky. While on the other hand, Edmonton is, you know, shuttling back and forth with their goaltender in the championship series. Not going to work. So if, I mean, and McDavid are going to need help in that regard.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right? So look, I mean, the goaltending got them to the finals. It just didn't. Boo.

[Tarek Skubal]

Let him down.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The larger issue here is Connor McDavid and his greatness, his all time greatness. He just became the first guy for nine seasons in a row to score 90 or more points and not win a Stanley Cup. We have talked about this on this show. Does it detract from his all time stature if he never wins a Stanley Cup? And we both concluded, Mike, that it does because in hockey the true greats have all won it. They've all won it. I'd love to see him win it. And again, I think he is a good long term bet. A couple of things concern me. In the last two games of this series he scored only one point and last year in game seven he did not score. But he and Draisaitl had 33 points each in the playoffs, by far the largest margin of scoring.

[Tarek Skubal]

Yeah, but they did take a break.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take a break. Coming up, Tyrese Haliburton says he'll do everything in his power to play in Game 6, but should the Pacers consider playing a healthy substitute instead? We will ask Tim Legra.

[Tarek Skubal]

We're also going to ask Legs what moves, if any, coach Rick Carlisle might still have left.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know what I wonder about Mike with the hockey? Can Florida keep their free agents? Can they sustain this team with these people and do it again? Because at some point people say I want money.

[Mike Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Game 6 of the NBA Finals tomorrow night in Indianapolis, where we find our great friend ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler. Let's start with the most important person, maybe on the court, maybe not tomorrow. Tyrese Halliburton says he's going to do everything in his power to play in Game six despite his right calf strain. How much of Halliburton Tim is enough to justify, you know, starting him over a healthy player?

[Tim Legler]

Oh boy, that's a great question. To put a percentage on it, I mean, I'm thinking you got to be at least 80% or maybe more in my my opinion. And here's the thing. The bottom line is this. Oklahoma City is going to know immediately what the threat level is for Tyrese Halliburton. And you saw it the other night, particularly as the game wore on and in that fourth quarter they knew he was a non threat. He cannot get downhill. His speed's not a factor, can't push off because of the he's probably very concerned he might tear something in that calf. If that's the case, you are better off with a healthy player on the floor because they do have another option. Now TJ McConnell is not Tyrese Halliburton. No one's going to say that. But T.J. mcConnell has played very well in this series. He represents quickness. He is a guy that has repeatedly broken their defense down in the minutes he's gotten. So you, you have to play him more than you did the other night if you want to have a chance. Assuming Tyrese Halliburton is less than 80% and by all accounts it sounds like that's going to be the case. He did not look like over at the arena today for media availability. He was in a great frame of mind and thinking that he's good. This is going to be a quick fix and he's going to be closer to himself by tomorrow night.

[Tarek Skubal]

Tim, that gives me an easy follow up then to ask you about The Pacers and their crazy number of Turnovers in Game 5. I mean, TJ McConnell, as you mentioned, is quite capable. Does that help Indiana, you think, cut down the turnovers against that swarming Oklahoma City defense, or is nothing going to help in that regard?

[Tim Legler]

Well, look, they're going to turn you over. The question is, what's an acceptable number? What can you survive? You can't survive 23 turnovers for 32 points. No team can survive that. So it was really the first game that OKC not only turned them over, but they cashed them all in. That can't happen. T.J. mcConnell will help with that. Certainly. He's very good with the ball, quick. He could escape bad situations, escape traffic, but he is a smaller guard and they've got a lot of quickness and a lot of length out on the perimeter, so he can help. But the bottom line is this. You've got to keep that to a workable number. If that's 15 or below, you've got a chance against this team. I think you're going to see T.J. mcConnell on the floor a lot more than he was in the previous game. I don't think they're going to have a choice. I think Tyrese Halliburton's injury is going to necessitate that. You may even see them out there together. Some to take some of the ball handling burden off of Nemhardt and Halliburton makes it a little bit easier for them to be, especially Nemhardt as scorer if he's not as worn out by bringing the ball up the floor against all that pressure.

[Tarek Skubal]

Tim, I think an even bigger problem for Indiana is Jalen Williams. J. Dublin, who seems to have turned into a monster right before our eyes. You played in the league a long time, you've observed the league a long time. When a guy like this, who's an alleged number two, becomes this, what do you do about him?

[Tim Legler]

Very difficult for Indiana because you have so much attention that you've got to divert to Shay, right? There just has to be additional bodies in that direction. He's got a gravitational pull toward him because of his ability to just compromise defenses on the perimeter. When you do that and that ball comes out of that area of the floor and it comes over to Jalen Williams and he's got one guy in front of him and he's got straight line dribbles, drives at his disposal. And when he's making the deep shot the way he was the other night, I'm not sure anybody could beat this team. So the key is, can you defend Shay without committing that level of attention to him? Because I think that is giving Jalen Williams just enough extra space to make this look easy. And it's. Look, I'm making it sound like it's something that can be done. I'm not sure it can because of how good those two guys are. But to me, that's the key. Contain Shay with a little bit less attention if you can. And I also think Rick Carlisle potentially plays a little bit his own in this game just to try to keep the ball in front of you so you don't have to commit so much to let Jalen Williams have a whole lot of opportunity on the weak side of the floor, which he did the other night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tim will get you out of here on this. You mentioned Rick Carlisle. He has a reputation for making great adjustments. I'm going to ask it straight. What makes, you know, what moves do you think he has left? Rather than me saying, but he probably has no moves left at this point. So what moves do you think he has left?

[Tim Legler]

Look, I don't know that he's got a ton left by the time you get to a game six. I do think zone could be an option. They're not going to play a ton of zone. They never have. I don't think it's a bad idea to sprinkle in some more possessions of zone to make sure that the ball is in front of you. And if that means Oklahoma City knocks down a few three point shots, so be it. You've got to give up something different than what you've given up most of this series, which is Shay, Gilgis, Alexander or Jalen Williams living in the lane, living at the rim, breaking down your defense. So to me, that might be one temporary solution. And then I think offensively for them to get this to a Game 7 on Sunday, this has to be a Pascal Siakam night. And that's not as much, maybe an adjustment for Rick Carlisle other than some wrinkles, maybe to get him in more advantageous spots to catch the ball. He's a, he's a guy that can win matchups in this series because he's got smaller guys on him. So if there's something different he does offensively, look for it to be something directed at Pascal Siakam, a guy capable of having one of those huge scoring nights just to give you a chance to be in this game in the fourth quarter where then you hope your defense can get it done late and get this to Sunday.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you, Tim. It's great when we have you on. Thank you very much.

[Tarek Skubal]

Stay out of those.

[Tim Legler]

Appreciate you guys both.

[Tarek Skubal]

Be safe.

[Tim Legler]

I will, Believe me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, Caitlin Clark scuffles with the sun.

[Tarek Skubal]

And is LeBron right that ring culture is overstated?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, he chased them. He went from team to team chasing rings, didn't he? Isn't that his M.O.

[Tarek Skubal]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time, people. Happy 24th birthday, Evan Mobley. Mobley is one of two Cleveland Big Men with real impact. The other is Jarrett Allen. Both are 6' 11 and both make it very hard for opponents to get to the rim. Mobley was drafted third overall out of USC in 2021, and this year was his best so far. Mobley averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks a game for the first place team in the Eastern Conference. Mobley was defensive player of the year this year, the first Cleveland player ever so honored and was an all star for the first time and second team all NBA. None of this, of course, helped Cleveland when they played Indiana in the playoffs and they lost 4 1.

[Tarek Skubal]

A very nice story, Tony, as you know. But the question for me is, can Cleveland repeat that and finish atop the Eastern Conference standing in the regular season again next year? It's going to be hard. I mean, you know, you got the Knicks, you got the Pacers, who are going to be feeling themselves a lot more coming off a trip to the Finals. Interesting season coming up for the Cavaliers.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You didn't mention the Celtics. You should have. Happy anniversary, Max Scherzer. On this day six years ago in Washington's World Series season, just one day after breaking his nose in a bunting accident in batting practice, the Nationals ace struck out 10 Phillies in seven scoreless innings. The Warrior God went 60 through 45 innings for the Nats that June, becoming the fourth pitcher since since 1920 to post an ERA of one or lower with at least 68 strikeouts in a calendar month. Since leaving the Nats, Scherzer has gone to the Dodgers, the Mets, Texas Rangers, where he was on a World Series winner. Now Toronto. He's pitched just three innings for the Blue Jays due to a thumb injury, but he's slated for a second minor league rehab start today. Could be back in the bigs before the end of the month.

[Tarek Skubal]

All right, if he's back in the bigs, like, where can he help a team? There's so many teams that need a pitcher. Can Max Scherzer? Is there a burst left in him to go from August to October? I'm just asking. What do you think? You love him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He can help Toronto. Sure he can.

[Tarek Skubal]

Toronto.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to three players in last night's Sun Fever game. There was a whole lot of scuffling going on last night between the sun and the fever. In the third quarter, refs handed out a flake run. One to J.C. sheldon of the sun for poking Caitlin Clark in the eye, technical fouls to Clark for pushing back, Marina Mabry of the sun for shoving Clark to the floor, and Tina Charles of the sun, who had rushed into the fray. Then in the final minute of the game, the Fever, Sophie Cunningham, earned a flagrant two and ejection for her takedown of Sheldon. With Sheldon and teammate Lindsay Allen also tossed as quote escalators, the Fever won the game by 17, will face Lynx in the Commissioners Cup Final on July 1st.

[Tarek Skubal]

Yeah, the WNBA is having some growing pains that every league has, and you got to go through them. There's usually no, no shortcut. And these growing pains have a lot of sidebars to them, Tony. And so we're going to be seeing this a lot. Some people say, oh, it's not good for the league. Others will say, well, it is because it's publicity. It's growing pains, period.

[Tony Kornheiser]

People getting knocked down isn't great. Not getting knocked down isn't great. Let's go to the big finish.

[Tarek Skubal]

Let's do it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The Ravens signed former packers corner Jair Alexander to a one year, $6 million deal. Your thoughts he said he wanted to.

[Tarek Skubal]

Go and reunite with his college teammate, Lamar Jackson. I understand that. Turned down more money from other teams. Apparently, Nick Castellanos was not in the Phillies lineup last night for the first time in 237 games for making an inappropriate comment toward his own manager, Rob Thompson. Does that make sense?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, if the manager has authority, yeah. You got to stand by the manager. He's allowed to do this. LeBron criticized ring culture on his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash. Are rings overemphasized?

[Tarek Skubal]

Yes, I agree with the sentiment. I just. He's part of the conversation. Right. So how do you square that? I don't exactly know. I'd like to hear more. The nationals lost their 10th in a row. Fell to the Rockies, got crushed. Second straight night losing to the Rockies. What's up with that?

[Tim Legler]

Dreadful.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I watched all of it. They gave up seven home runs. Four in one inning. Two different relievers. Awful last one. Tarek Skubal's start against the Pirates tonight was rained out. They'll play a doubleheader tomorrow. What do you expect from Scubal Skubal.

[Tarek Skubal]

In the first game, Skeens in game two two in Detroit. Good night. To go to the ballpark.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. We're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser. Live TV kids. Ain't nothing like it.

[Tarek Skubal]

I'm Mike Wilbot. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. Maybe we'll get to Pete Pro Armstrong. That would be mvp.

[Damian Lillard]

In case you didn't know. These young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants. The ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here. And they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.