The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "Best of The Herd" Episode Summary

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry from iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the discussion centers around significant developments in the NBA, particularly focusing on the Los Angeles Lakers' recent moves and the broader implications for the league. The episode also delves into an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of college football, featuring perspectives influenced by Deion Sanders' remarks.

1. Lakers Acquire Deandre Ayton: A Bold Move

[02:29]

Jason McIntyre opens the discussion by highlighting the Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of Deandre Ayton, a move that has stirred conversations among fans and analysts alike. Ayton, previously with the Portland Trail Blazers, is characterized as a "malcontent" due to his tumultuous tenure in Portland, which included missed team flights and rehab sessions.

Notable Quote:

"Deandre Ayton leaves Portland for the Lakers. Now, I know a lot of people instantly poo pooed this deal as this is no big deal." — Jason McIntyre [02:29]

Yovan Buha counters the initial skepticism by emphasizing Ayton's impressive statistics over his first seven seasons, positioning him among the league's top eight centers. Despite his off-court issues, Ayton's performance metrics—averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and shooting 50%—underscore his value on the court.

[03:59]

Key Points:

• Ayton's transition from Portland to the Lakers for a significantly reduced salary ($8 million compared to Portland's $32 million).
• Assessment of Ayton's defensive prowess and offensive contributions.
• Potential impact on the Lakers' frontcourt dynamics alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

2. LeBron James and Team Dynamics: The Quest for the Missing Piece

[04:05]

The conversation shifts to LeBron James' current standing within the Lakers organization. There's speculation about possible tensions between LeBron and the team's management, especially concerning the allocation of resources and the focus on Luka Doncic.

Notable Quote:

"LeBron's feelings are probably hurt. He's in his feelings a little." — Jason McIntyre [05:04]

Jason McIntyre suggests that LeBron might be observing the organization's prioritization of Luka, potentially feeling sidelined in favor of building around Doncic. This situation raises questions about the Lakers' strategic direction and LeBron's role in future team decisions.

Key Points:

• LeBron's historical pattern of being the central figure around whom teams are built.
• The Lakers' possible shift towards a Luka-centric approach.
• Implications for team chemistry and championship aspirations.

3. Bradley Beal's Potential Arrival: A Game-Changer for the Lakers

[28:04]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the potential acquisition of Bradley Beal by the Lakers. The discussion revolves around Beal's current contract situation, his performance metrics, and how a possible free-agent signing could reshape the Lakers' lineup.

Notable Quote:

"Bradley Beal making $50 million a year is not a great part of your team. He's overpaid at $50 mil." — Jason McIntyre [28:04]

Yovan Buha explores the feasibility of the Lakers securing Beal at a reduced cost (estimated $4-5 million annually) and the strategic advantages it would bring. The conversation also touches upon alternative destinations for Beal, such as the Clippers or Milwaukee Bucks, and the potential roles he would play in those teams.

[30:09]

Key Points:

• Analysis of Bradley Beal's performance: Averaging 17 points, 4 rebounds, and a 39% three-point shooting rate.
• The Lakers' offensive potential with Beal teaming up with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
• Defensive concerns and how Beal's addition might address or exacerbate them.
• Comparative advantages of signing Beal versus his remaining with the Phoenix Suns or moving to other contenders.

4. Deion Sanders on College Football: The Shift Towards Pay-to-Play

[11:25]

Transitioning from the NBA, the episode delves into college football, heavily influenced by Deion Sanders' recent comments. Sanders critiques the rising trend of "pay-to-play," where significant financial investments by universities are becoming pivotal in securing top-tier talent.

Notable Quote:

"The team that pays the most, is going to be that it. It's kind of hard to compete with somebody who's given 25, $30 million during freshman class." — Deion Sanders [11:25]

Jason McIntyre and Yovan Buha discuss the ramifications of Sanders' viewpoint, particularly focusing on Texas Tech's aggressive spending strategy facilitated by a billionaire donor. This approach has led to unprecedented success in the transfer portal, positioning Texas Tech as a formidable contender within the Big 12.

[15:10]

Key Points:

• The influence of financial investments on college football's competitive balance.
• Texas Tech's rise under substantial financial backing and strategic acquisitions.
• The potential need for systemic changes, such as salary caps or collective bargaining agreements, to address the disparities.
• Predictions on how this financial arms race might affect the future of college football playoffs and national championships.

5. Looking Ahead: Lakers' Prospects and the NBA Six-Pack

[35:25]

In the latter part of the episode, Jason McIntyre and Yovan Buha outline their predictions for the upcoming NBA season, identifying a "six-pack" of teams poised for championship contention. The Lakers are positioned as key contenders, contingent on successful roster adjustments and acquisitions like Beal.

Notable Quote:

"If Bradley Beal hits the market and the Lakers can grab him at four or five million dollars a year, well, who's better than the Lakers?" — Jason McIntyre [28:04]

Key Points:

• Evaluation of the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder as top contenders.
• The strategic moves each team has made during the offseason to bolster their championship bids.
• Specific focus on how the Lakers' potential new signings could tip the balance in their favor.

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the NBA, with a particular emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers' strategic maneuvers. Additionally, it provides a thought-provoking examination of the shifting dynamics in college football, underscored by significant financial investments shaping the competition landscape. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, Jason McIntyre and Yovan Buha deliver a nuanced perspective on the evolving sports narratives of 2025.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• Jason McIntyre [02:29]: "Deandre Ayton leaves Portland for the Lakers. Now, I know a lot of people instantly poo pooed this deal as this is no big deal."

• Jason McIntyre [05:04]: "LeBron's feelings are probably hurt. He's in his feelings a little."

• Jason McIntyre [28:04]: "Bradley Beal making $50 million a year is not a great part of your team. He's overpaid at $50 mil."

• Deion Sanders [11:25]: "The team that pays the most, is going to be that it. It's kind of hard to compete with somebody who's given 25, $30 million during freshman class."

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the topics covered, even if they haven't tuned in to the actual podcast.