The Dan Patrick Show: Covino & Rich - Lakers, Yankees, Clark/Ohtani & Ring Culture
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Dan Patrick Show
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
- Description: Listen to Dan's daily radio show. With exclusive insider access, Patrick brings A-list guests from the world of sports and entertainment to the show. Sharing his perspective on pop culture and sports, Patrick also brings a dose of humor to his fans.
- Episode: Covino & Rich - Lakers, Yankees, Clark/Ohtani & Ring Culture
- Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Covino and Rich delve into several high-profile sports topics, including the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory, significant changes within the Los Angeles Lakers' ownership, the ongoing struggles of the New York Yankees' offense, and LeBron James' controversial stance on the NBA's obsession with ring culture. Additionally, the discussion touches upon recent incidents involving Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani, exploring their implications for their respective leagues.
Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup Victory
The episode kicks off with Covino and Rich extending hearty congratulations to the Florida Panthers for securing back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Covino enthusiastically states at [03:37]:
"They win the series, the Stanley Cup Final, four to two, back to back to one game."
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Panthers, highlighting their dominance and resilience in the competitive NHL landscape.
Lakers Ownership Change
Transitioning to the NBA, the hosts discuss the major news surrounding the Lakers. Covino reveals the Guggenheim Group's acquisition of the Lakers' ownership stake while assuring that Jeanie Buss retains her role within the organization [04:07]:
"Jeannie Buss keeps her role, so she's still involved. That's the word we got."
This acquisition is valued at approximately $10 billion [08:48], signaling a substantial shift in the Lakers' management and potentially impacting the team's future strategies and performance.
LeBron James and Ring Culture
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around LeBron James' criticism of the NBA's emphasis on ring culture. LeBron argues that the league excessively values championship rings, possibly at the expense of acknowledging individual greatness. However, Covino counters by highlighting LeBron's own role in perpetuating this culture [56:03]:
"He's the guy that created that culture."
Covino points out the irony in LeBron's stance, considering his own actions in forming superteams to secure championships. This paradox raises questions about the consistency and motivations behind LeBron's critique.
Yankees' Offensive Struggles
The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball, focusing on the New York Yankees' alarming offensive drought. Covino laments the team's inability to score, having not recorded a run in [29 innings]:
"Now in 29 innings, the Yankees haven't scored a run."
Despite having a star-studded lineup featuring players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the team struggles with chemistry and execution, leading to a frustrating slump for fans and analysts alike. Covino and Tom Yamas explore potential reasons behind this performance dip, including overthinking at the plate and lack of teamwork.
Rooting for Failure in Sports
Covino and Rich engage in a philosophical discussion about the phenomenon of fans rooting for failure in dominant teams. They cite various examples across sports where spectators find entertainment in watching powerhouse teams or athletes struggle. Covino shares personal anecdotes, such as enjoying Floyd Mayweather's bouts to see his opponents fail, while Rich echoes similar sentiments about rooting against favorite teams like the Lakers or the Yankees during their down periods [07:27 - 12:44].
This discussion delves into the psychological aspects of sports fandom, exploring why witnessing failure in otherwise successful entities can be both satisfying and entertaining for fans.
Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani Incidents
The episode also addresses recent controversial moments involving WNBA star Caitlin Clark and MLB's Shohei Ohtani. Covino expresses concern over the physical and psychological toll these incidents take on the athletes, questioning the necessity of such aggression in professional sports [26:46 - 31:10]:
"Do you need to protect Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani at all cost?"
The hosts debate whether these dramas are detrimental to the leagues or if they inadvertently boost viewership by adding elements of spectacle and storytelling.
Conclusion
Covino and Rich wrap up the episode by reflecting on the interconnectedness of sports performance, ownership decisions, and cultural values within leagues. They emphasize the importance of balance between celebrating individual and team achievements without falling into the trap of overemphasizing championship rings. The episode provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on current sports events, blending analysis with personal insights and humor.
Throughout the discussion, notable quotes include:
- Covino at [04:07]: "Jeannie Buss keeps her role, so she's still involved."
- Rich at [07:34]: "Are you still quoting 30 year old movies?"
- Covino at [29:47]: "All these dudes are capable of hitting home runs. Or how about this? Not even hitting home runs, scoring runs."
This comprehensive exploration offers listeners a deep dive into the current state of sports, highlighting key issues and fostering an understanding of the broader implications for athletes and fans alike.