The Dan Patrick Show – Episode Summary Title: Hour 1 – Lakers Forgot about Josh Giddey, Cam Heyward Walks It Back
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz delve into critical moments in sports, focusing primarily on a surprising turn of events in an NBA game involving the Los Angeles Lakers and their under-the-radar player, Josh Giddey. The discussion seamlessly transitions into NCAA March Madness predictions and a heated conversation about NFL player Cam Heyward’s recent comments regarding Aaron Rodgers.

2. Lakers’ Collapse and Josh Giddey’s Spectacular Shot

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Lakers' recent game, where they experienced a dramatic loss despite holding a substantial lead. Central to this discussion is Josh Giddey’s unexpected half-court shot that sealed the game for the Chicago Bulls.

• Dan Patrick highlights the Lakers' strategic oversight:

  "[07:34] Dan Patrick: 3.3 left, 117, 116 Lakers Williams to Giddey over the midcourt line. You know, he goes midcourt. Oh, it's gone, it's gone, it's gone."

• Todd Fritz criticizes the Lakers' defensive lapse:

  "[07:56] Todd Fritz: Crazy, crazy. You get Austin Reeves getting the go-ahead basket and then all of a sudden they forgot how much time was on the clock or that somebody might actually get a decent look at half court."

The hosts debate whether Josh Giddey should be a focal point of defensive strategies, questioning if the Lakers underestimated his capabilities:

• Dan Patrick:

  "[08:22] Dan Patrick: Is Josh Giddey the kind of fellow you have to worry about in that situation?"

• Todd Fritz:

  "[08:40] Todd Fritz: Yeah, I mean, anybody is a weapon in that situation because they're going to get the ball."

They reference historical moments to underscore the importance of guarding against versatile players, comparing Giddey’s impact to legendary NBA performances.

3. March Madness Predictions and Team Analyses

Shifting gears, the hosts transition into NCAA March Madness discussions, offering predictions and analyzing team performances leading up to the tournament.

• Todd Fritz provides insights on team strengths and weaknesses:

  "[10:57] Todd Fritz: Alabama's field goal attempts from three-point range. 77% of their field goal attempts were from three-point range. That's the highest percentage of any tournament game since they started using the three-point shot in 1986."

• Dan Patrick emphasizes the significance of team depth:

  "[23:02] Todd Fritz: Nobody argued about Maryland starting five. The problem that I kept pointing out is that's all they have. They have a starting five and you know, you face Florida. The difference was Florida's bench. Maryland got three points from their bench. Florida, their reserves, 29 points."

The duo discusses the importance of bench strength and strategic shooting, particularly the reliance on three-point attempts as a game-changer in tournament settings.

4. Football Focus: Cam Heyward’s Comments on Aaron Rodgers

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting comments made by Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding Aaron Rodgers’ potential move to the team. The discussion reveals varying perspectives on team strategies and player recruitment.

• Dan Patrick introduces the topic:

  "[50:22] Dan Patrick: Cam Hayward, he is one of the leaders on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has a podcast called Not Just Football Podcast and he had some things to say."

• Todd Fritz explores Heyward’s stance:

  "[48:55] Dan Patrick: I ain't doing that darkness, darkness retreat. I don't mean any of that crap like either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don't."

The hosts debate the implications of Heyward’s reluctance to engage in unconventional recruitment tactics and scrutinize the Steelers' current team dynamics and future prospects.

5. Player Spotlight: Cooper Flag

Cooper Flag, a young NBA sensation, is another focal point of the discussion. The hosts evaluate his performance metrics and potential career trajectory, drawing comparisons to established NBA stars.

• Todd Fritz assesses Flag’s versatility:

  "[25:14] Dan Patrick: Yes, Paul, you know, the Thunder are winning their games this season by an average of 13 points. That's the best in the league by three points."

• Dan Patrick compares him to Kevin Durant:

  "[30:55] Dan Patrick: Player comp makes sense. He plays towards a basket as a big guy kind of crouched over. And it appears he has every shot. He'll drive, he'll spin. He had fadeaways, he had runners. He does not just sit back and jack threes."

The conversation underscores Flag’s exceptional stats over a 10-game stretch, placing him alongside NBA legends and discussing the pressure of high expectations at a young age.

6. Fan Interaction: The Corn Dog Poll

Engaging with the audience, Patrick and Fritz run a poll questioning the popularity of corn dogs at fairs, blending lighthearted banter with reflections on changing culinary tastes.

• Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz debate the enduring appeal of corn dogs:

  "[05:37] Dan Patrick: If you want, is the option."
  "[05:48] Dan Patrick: Matters a lot. If you're at some carnival or you're going around going on rides at an amusement park."

The segment evolves into a humorous critique of gourmet fair foods versus traditional corn dogs, highlighting the Iowa State Fair’s extravagant offerings.

7. Concluding Insights and Upcoming Segments

As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap key discussions and tease upcoming segments featuring guest appearances by sports personalities like Clark Kellogg and Charles Barkley.

• Dan Patrick wraps up notable sports narratives:

  "[53:42] Todd Fritz: Wait a minute. I think that was taken out of context, what I just said."

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next hour and an invitation for listeners to engage further through phone calls and social media interactions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick on Lakers’ Defensive Oversight:

  "[07:34] Dan Patrick: 3.3 left, 117, 116 Lakers Williams to Giddey over the midcourt line. You know, he goes midcourt. Oh, it's gone, it's gone, it's gone."

• Todd Fritz on Team Depth in March Madness:

  "[23:02] Todd Fritz: Nobody argued about Maryland starting five. The problem that I kept pointing out is that's all they have. They have a starting five and you know, you face Florida."

• Dan Patrick on Player Comparisons:

  "[30:55] Dan Patrick: Player comp makes sense. He plays towards a basket as a big guy kind of crouched over."

• Todd Fritz on Coaching Decisions:

  "[25:04] Dan Patrick: Why should you listen to Covino and Rich?"

• Dan Patrick’s Reflection on Team Strategies:

  "[53:40] Dan Patrick: Yeah."

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Importance of Underrated Players: The Lakers' loss underscores the necessity of valuing all team members, including those who might not always be in the spotlight, like Josh Giddey.

• Bench Strength in Tournament Success: March Madness insights reveal that a deep bench can be pivotal for championship runs, as exemplified by Florida’s dominance over Maryland.

• Recruitment and Team Dynamics in the NFL: Cam Heyward’s remarks highlight the complexities of player recruitment and the balancing act teams must perform to maintain competitive integrity while fostering team cohesion.

• Rising Stars’ Pressure and Potential: Cooper Flag represents the burgeoning talent in the NBA, demonstrating that with great potential comes significant pressure and high expectations.

• Engaging the Audience with Lighthearted Topics: The corn dog poll exemplifies how engaging with fans on lighter topics can enhance listener connection and add variety to the show’s content.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive blend of high-stakes sports analysis, player evaluations, and interactive segments that resonate with both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners. Through thoughtful discussions and strategic insights, Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz provide a nuanced perspective on current sports narratives, ensuring an engaging and informative listening experience.