Best of The Herd

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Best of The Herd (February 26, 2025)

Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves deep into some of the most pivotal sports stories of the day, featuring insightful discussions with guest Dan Wojke from the LA Times. The episode navigates through standout performances in the NBA, potential NFL quarterback moves, and the broader impact of star athletes on sports league dynamics. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key points, discussions, and notable quotes from the episode.

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1. NBA Showdown: Lakers vs. Mavericks

Game Analysis Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode by analyzing the thrilling final game of the NBA season between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. With the Mavericks missing key bigs, the Lakers capitalized, especially through alley-oops and Jackson Hayes' stellar performance.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic Dynamics A significant focus is placed on the evolving partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic:

• JJ Redick’s Insights: Cowherd highlights JJ Redick’s recent analysis, stating, “JJ Redick has figured out the LeBron code” ([05:30]). Redick suggests that Luka serves as a quarterback, controlling the game’s tempo, which allows LeBron to conserve energy and unleash remarkable bursts of performance.

• LeBron’s Remarkable Performance: LeBron’s 16 points and defensive stops in the fourth quarter are lauded as some of the best performances by an older NBA player in a meaningful game. Cowherd remarks, “[...] I could not believe what I was watching. His energy was a notch above every other player on the floor and he's the old guy” ([07:45]).

Guest Insights: Dan Wojke Dan Wojke agrees, emphasizing LeBron's elevated energy and his seamless integration with Luka, which enhances the Lakers' gameplay. Wojke notes, “LeBron's playing at an all NBA defense level. He doesn't get scored on in isolation” ([42:03]).

2. Matt Stafford’s Potential Move to the Raiders

Discussion on NFL Quarterback Dynamics The conversation shifts to NFL quarterback Matt Stafford and his potential interest in joining the Las Vegas Raiders:

• Tom Brady’s Influence: Cowherd discusses rumors that Tom Brady reached out to Stafford, presenting the Raiders as an attractive option due to factors like no state income tax in Nevada and a more lucrative contract offer compared to the Rams.

• Raiders’ Team Composition: Highlighting the Raiders’ robust roster, Cowherd mentions, “Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly give you a legitimate coaching staff” ([17:15]). The combination of seasoned coaches and elite players like Max Crosby and Brock Bowers positions the Raiders as a formidable team.

Financial Considerations: The financial incentives are underscored, with Cowherd stating, “The difference between a two-year deal in LA and a four-year deal with the Raiders could be $70 million” ([18:00]).

3. Impact of Star Athletes on Sports League Ratings

Cyclical Nature of Sports Popularity Colin discusses the cyclical impact that star athletes have on their respective leagues' popularity and television ratings:

• NBA’s Resilience: Drawing parallels with past NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Tim Duncan, Cowherd asserts that the league remains resilient due to current stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He notes, “New York, Jalen Brunson, Steph Butler, LeBron, Luka, Jimmy... they work. They're gonna be fine” ([54:30]).

• Comparisons to Other Sports: He also compares the NBA’s situation to other sports, emphasizing how iconic players like Shohei Ohtani in baseball and Jim Harbaugh in football have similarly influenced their leagues.

Quotes Highlight:

• “[...] LeBron plus Luka plus the Laker brand is good for the league right now” ([54:10]).
• “When you get Jim Harbaugh to Michigan, it changed the Big Ten ratings” ([16:15]).

4. Jimmy Butler’s Fit with the Golden State Warriors

Integration into a Championship Team The episode explores Jimmy Butler’s seamless fit with the Warriors, evaluating his impact on the team’s dynamic and performance:

• Emotional Intelligence and Competitiveness: Butler is praised for his high emotional intelligence and competitive spirit, which align perfectly with the Warriors’ culture. Colin observes, “Jimmy is so competitive, so competitive. And you've put him in an environment where competition has thrived” ([51:35]).

• Statistical Contributions: Despite some analytic concerns about his shooting, Butler’s overall contributions are deemed invaluable. Wojke remarks, “Jimmy is an incredible fit because he fits in this system” ([51:35]).

Quotes Highlight:

• “It's like this is an environment that has continued to win at the highest level” ([51:35]).
• “Jimmy Butler is the anti-wiggins. He's intentional on every possession” ([51:02]).

5. Kevin Durant and Team Fit Considerations

Critical Evaluation of Durant’s Fit in Teams Colin and Wojke engage in a candid discussion about Kevin Durant’s suitability for different NBA teams, debating his fit and leadership style:

• Personality and Leadership: Durant is compared to Aaron Rodgers in terms of being a highly talented yet introspective player. Wojke notes, “He's like Aaron Rodgers. You have to be built for that” ([59:25]).

• Team Dynamics: The challenges of integrating Durant into teams mid-season are highlighted, suggesting that mismatched team dynamics could hinder performance. Wojke states, “It just don't make sense for either side right now to go through that” ([60:23]).

Quotes Highlight:

• “You're going to get a little bit of an older, prickly player who could be a little passive-aggressive” ([60:25]).
• “Durant needs to take ownership” ([60:25]).

6. Broader Reflections on Sports and Society

Event Culture and Audience Engagement Colin reflects on how modern technology and social media have transformed sports into major event spectacles, emphasizing the urgency and engagement required to maintain audience interest:

• Event-like Atmosphere: The Lakers vs. Mavericks game is described as feeling like an “event,” driven by the high-stakes performance of superstars ([09:05]).

• Influence of Major Cities: The discussion also touches upon how major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago amplify the visibility and impact of star athletes on national ratings.

Quotes Highlight:

• “When you watch LeBron play with Luka, it's like a kid that got a new bike at Christmas” ([43:35]).
• “The NBA is going to survive. It's cyclical” ([54:50]).

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Conclusion In this episode, Colin Cowherd masterfully navigates through a spectrum of hot topics in the sports world, providing listeners with in-depth analyses and expert opinions. From the electrifying performances of LeBron James and Luka Doncic transforming the NBA, to potential high-stakes moves in the NFL, and the overarching influence of star athletes on sports leagues’ popularity, "Best of The Herd" offers a rich and engaging overview of the current sports landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “JJ Redick has figured out the LeBron code.” – Colin Cowherd ([05:30])
• “I could not believe what I was watching. His energy was a notch above every other player on the floor and he's the old guy.” – Colin Cowherd ([07:45])
• “Durant needs to take ownership.” – Dan Wojke ([60:25])

Listeners who missed the episode can catch "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio from noon to 3 PM Eastern and 9 AM to noon Pacific, or stream it live on the iHeartRadio app by searching "Fox Sports Radio" or "FSR."

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

Now let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. All right, here we go. All firing, all cylinders, no brakes, all gas or something like that. Live in Los Angeles, it's the Herd. What a showcase it was. Ended up being a really good basketball game. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. I so I It should be noted. Lakers Luka LeBron against the Mavericks. His old team, the Mavericks, all their bigs are hurt, it feels like. So the Lakers got a lot of alley oops. Jackson Hayes feasted. He would not get that if they were fully staffed. So you have. Let's add some context. Dallas's bigs were out, so it was a very small team that really helped Jackson Hayes. But I, I have two big takes on what was a weird night. There was a lot of emotions, a weird night. Number one is JJ Redick, it's official, has figured out the LeBron code. Is that for years and years we've been trying to kind of figure this out. How do you move LeBron off ball? He's figured it out and they tried it with AD it didn't work. The LeBron Luka code, one's a quarterback, one's a wide receiver. Luka's going to control the tempo, control the pace, control the game. He's going to play quarterback and then. And Luka can really fill up the box score. First half he was like Dennis Rodman, he was dominating the glass. Second half he got some scoring, but 12 assists tells you how much and how often Luka had the ball. And he is a very deft passer, especially trying to find players down the floor. He's a great outlet guy, a great down the floor passer. He is running the show. So that's the first thing you know. This is not. Darvin Ham would frustrate Laker fans. Does he know offense? J.J. redick knows offense. We got five games. It took Eric Spoelstra about a dozen games to figure out LeBron and D. Wade and Spoelstra is an all time coach. I think J.J. redick has figured out LeBron Luka in about six games. I think he figured it out in Denver and he figured it out last night. And my number two take is that allows LeBron and I talked about this yesterday to have these five and six minute energy spurts where he's. Where he's just remarkable. But what I watched last night, I've already texted one of LeBron's guys. What I watched in the fourth quarter last night is the greatest performance I've ever seen by an old NBA player in a meaningful game. In the fourth quarter, LeBron was easily the best player on the floor. I could not believe what I was watching. Sixteen points, racing down the floor, making defensive stops, alley oops. I've never seen an old man fourth quarter like that in a game that had some relevance, it had some resonance. They're trying to get the Luka LeBron thing right. It's Luka playing his old team. If you had never seen LeBron James play, if it wasn't for his hairline, let's be honest, you would have watched that fourth quarter and thought, who the hell is this 26 year old? He's amazing. I, I could not believe what I was watching. His energy was a notch above every other player on the floor and he's the old guy. Even on that tip, he positioned himself aggressively, he got the tip, then followed it up with a game clinching shot. And both LeBron and Luka. One of the things that's really obvious, how happy, how joyful LeBron looks. This is bad for the NBA. I today, five games I would sign LeBron to a two to three year contract. You can see it's like a kid that gets a new bike at Christmas. He is a new ice hockey game. He is so happy, he is so joyful. They tried for a year. He loved AD but AD can initiate offense. AD is not a quarterback. He was like the best tight end in the league. And LeBron then had to play quarterback. Now LeBron can get up the floor, conserve energy, wait until they need him for five and six minute spurts. And I'm telling you, I sat and watched that fourth quarter. I could not believe what I was watching. He was so far and away the best player on the floor. And I know Dallas was missing bigs, he was getting shot to the basket he would normally not get. I'm baking that in. I understand that, But I think J.J. redick has figured it out. I think it happened faster than the D. Wade LeBron Convergence. I think it hap happened about the same time. I think Kyrie and LeBron figured it out pretty quick in Cleveland. But there's a Magic Kareem feel to it where Magic runs the show. But if you got to about four minutes left, Magic gave it to the big fella. You drop in the sky hook now, they're obviously much different games. Luke is a much better scorer than Magic and Kareem doesn't run the floor like LeBron, old Kareem doesn't. But there is a magic Kareem feel to it where, hey, Luka, Magic going to run the show. Both great passers, both can score, both just tremendous self awareness on the tile. But we're going to give it to the big fella down late, the old big fella, and he's going to clean stuff up. And I mean, J.J. redick talked about it and Luka after that was fun to watch. And what I saw was energy, happiness, joy. I'm telling you, I don't know if I've seen LeBron this happy since the championship year in Cleveland. I mean, that's what it looks like. His body language, his energy, it's palpable. Here's the coach and Luke after he.

[Dan Wojke]

Gives off a certain level of joy. And I feel that joy and it gives me joy. That's just how it's always been. Him and I communicated the very first day he got to LA was just like, are you comfortable being coached with honesty? And he said, yes. Are you comfortable being coached with direct communication? He said, yes, that's, that's what I want. And I, okay, great, then you and I are gonna be good. And it has been.

[Colin Cowherd]

The closure is gonna take a while, I think.

[Dan Wojke]

You know, it just, it's not ideal, but, you know, like I said, I'm glad this, this game is over.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, there's a lot of emotions, but we go little by little, you.

[Dan Wojke]

Know, and every day is better.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a fun watch. Isn't it amazing? Jimmy Butler to the Warriors, Luca to the Lakers. You look up and you're like, maybe they won't have a TV rating problem next three months in the NBA. So I, let's be honest, obviously Nico Harrison's legacy, this is not going to do it any favors, but this needs to be said about the Luca trade. We have to be fair. If AD Was healthy and he'll be back in a couple of months for the Mavericks, it may be too late. But if AD Was healthy, Dallas is an excellent team. Okay, first of all, Kyrie Irving now gets the ball in his hands more often. He's magical. He is the greatest 62 closer in league history. He is, in my opinion, he is the most skilled basketball player in the world. Left hand, right hand, outside mid range floaters. I've never seen a player like him. This is not a revelation. Everybody knows this. But now that he gets the ball more holy whatever. He, the kid's magical. Number two is AD's a perfect fit with him. In the one game they played together, AD took the Rockets to the cleaners. He dominated 26, 16, 7. AD is a perfect fit. He'll anchor the back line. He'll anchor the defense. He doesn't need the ball in his hands. So Kyrie and AD are actually, you could argue, a better fit than Kyrie and Luka because Kyrie's not a great defensive player, Luka's worse, and AD doesn't need the ball in his hands. That's better for Kyrie, and he's a great defensive player. I think he's the best defensive player in the league. And here's. Here's the other thing. Dallas has got a lot of very good supplemental or role players. PJ Washington, Klay Thompson was hot as hell last night. Spencer Dinwiddie's always been a pro. Max Christie, Derek Lively when he comes back, now two or three months. Generally young athletes, he's young, get healthy faster than you think. But Dallas, actually, I think their roster fits better than the Lakers. Lakers have more playmakers. Between Austin, reeves, Luca and LeBron, they are top heavy on playmakers. But I would argue the Dallas Mavericks have the best center rotation in the league. When everybody's healthy, I think their pieces fit really, really well. And if AD wasn't hurt, I mean, it's a lopsided trade because of Luca's greatness and his age. But if AD was playing right now, I think Dallas is good enough to win the West. I really do. I really like Dallas. I think Jason Kidd's done an unbelievable job. Kyrie Irving gets the ball more, and it's just a bunch of. There's a lot of depth. There's a lot of good rotational supplemental players. I like Dallas. Hell, last night they got no size. Lakers had their number one rebounding game of the season. Jackson Hayes is eating at nobody to guard the tin. And they hung around. They just hung around. I mean, Luca has so much respect for Kyrie. When he got matched up with him in the fourth quarter, it's almost like he just waved the flag. It's like, this is not going to end well. So we can bag on Dallas all you want if AD was healthy. This is a really well constructed basketball team. And I thought their effort last night was surprisingly good. And here's the coach after I thought we did a great job of the emotion of the game, understanding what our game plan and our job was to try to find a way to win. We put ourselves in a position, came up short but I thought the guys fought as you brought up. We were down 16 and we didn't let go of the rope. We kept fighting and found our way into this game and could have went either way but they were the better team tonight. I'll just say this Lakers got a big lead in the first half. That game could have been over at half. Dallas kept hitting threes. Klay Thompson was huge. I mean Dallas had every reason to pack it in. I thought it could be a bloodbath and it got real close with about four minutes and a half. I thought this could be a bloodbath and Dallas just scratched and clawed and fought with none of their bigs. I mean they, they could have lost by 30 and you'd have just said yeah, yeah, this, that's why I thought it was going to be a bloodbath. So we Lakers may have won the trade. Dallas is well constructed. That is a well constructed team. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. With amex, there's always a new experience to explore, from curating the perfect vacation and chilling in the Centurion Lounge before you get there trying out that new trendy restaurant thanks to Priority Notify with global dining access by Resy and getting straight to the action at the Big Game with Card member entrances at select venues with AMEX Platinum, you can experience it all. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Access the card member entrance not limited to the American Express Platinum card. Learn [e-mail] withamx I'm Mary Kay McBrayer, host of the podcast the Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told. Join me every week as I tell some of the most enthralling true crime stories about women who are not just victims, but heroes or villains, or often somewhere in between. Listen to the greatest true crime stories.

[Dan Wojke]

Ever told on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

You get your podcasts. So I thought this was notable. There's been a lot of talk about Matt Stafford being interested in leaving. I'm told he's not interested in leaving, but he wants more years and more money than the Rams will give him. And a lot of the teams out there, you know, the Giants, tire fire coach, GM in the hot seat, Steelers, tone deaf to offense. Cleveland? Yuck. Not interested. The Raiders thing is interesting. So there's a story this morning that Tom Brady reached out to Matt Stafford and said, would you consider us? I just want you to say this out loud because the NFL's magic potion more than any sports league is immediate hope. I mean go, go to The Rams, Pre McVeigh, the Texans, Pre C.J. stroud, the Commanders before they flushed everybody out, they were a laughingstock. So the idea the Raiders could turn it around. Just say this out loud. Pete Carroll, Matt Stafford, Chip Kelly, oc Max Crosby, elite pass rusher and Brock Bowers, an unbelievable once in a generation tight end. That, that's pretty interesting. And they also landed probably a 10 year center last year in the draft. The highest rated center. They look to be pretty good at offensive tackle. So there's two things Tom Brady can sell. Number one, no state tax in Nevada. California has 13 and a half percent. Money matters. Don't listen to anybody. No state tax. Number two, the Raiders will give you more years and much more money. I'm telling you, the difference between a two year deal in LA and a four year deal with the Raiders could be $70 million. You have to consider that this I've said this with the Raiders, they check a lot of boxes now. They got a head coach, they have a left tackle, they've got an elite weapon, they've got an elite edge rusher. Are they wonky upstairs? Yep, they are, absolutely. But Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll give you a legitimate coaching staff. So I mean, Pete Carroll, when people asked why Pete Carroll would take the Raiders job, don't think Tom Brady doesn't have an influence. Tom Brady starts there.

[Dan Wojke]

When Tom wanted to do this and.

[Colin Cowherd]

He wanted to be part of this.

[Dan Wojke]

Thing, that changed my outlook on, you know, what could be possible. I found out sense how consistently he is a great competitive mentality and spirit.

[Colin Cowherd]

And he passed it right through to the rest of the ownership group that.

[Dan Wojke]

Has been incredibly fired up and jacked.

[Colin Cowherd]

To do something special. I always talk about, do you check four or five boxes in this league? Head coach, offensive coordinator, left tackle, quarterback, one great weapon, pass rusher. Matt Stafford shows up. Raiders check all those boxes. They're a little better than people think. Defensively, they were all beat up last year, but they gave Kansas City fits two times they played them. So this one, this is a much better opportunity than New York. You're playing indoors, no state tax. You've got a brand new coaching staff. I get Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll. That's attractive to me. And the Raiders will give you three or four years. Rams are not going to do that. The Raiders would give you 50 million. Rams may not do that. So now, now this, this also makes me think, I think, and I'm, I'm serious on this. Money is something for Matt. All right. He, he's not going to get all the super bowl trophies, folks. The difference between living in California and living Nevada state taxed, if they give you an extra year or two, that could be a 75 million dollar swing of you. You'd be. You got to do your due diligence on that stuff. I know you don't think that matters. The media has always said it doesn't matter. It matters to agents and players. It matters to every business guy in the country. What are the regulations? What's the state tax? What are housing prices? I'm just telling you the Raiders is a very, very interesting fit. And I think Sean mcvan less need and staying Cronky. No, that's the one that scares him. That's the one. I mean, again, he would, he would be going to the other conference. You wouldn't have to face him regularly. That one I'm going to keep my eye on. And this makes me believe that Aaron Rodgers again. What have I said about Aaron Rodgers in terms of fit? The Rams are great bad coaching staff to great coaching staff. Aaron fitting with the Rams. Stafford of the Raiders. It makes sense for a lot of reasons if and I don't think he wants to if Matt Stafford leaves, be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartrad. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months. This one's for the food obsessed. For the phone eats first person, for the influencer who knows about a new spot before it's popping, and for the person who's all in on dining out with AMEX Gold. You can earn four times points at restaurants up to $50,000 and up to $100 back annually in statement credits on eligible purchases at US resi restaurants so you can get rewarded for eating what you love. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Cap applies. Learn more@American Express.com with Amex. I'm Mary Kay McBrayer, host of the podcast the Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told. Join me every week as I tell some of the most enthralling true crime stories about women who are not just victims but heroes or villains, or often somewhere in between. Listen to the greatest true crime stories.

[Dan Wojke]

Ever told on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dan Wojke]

I look forward to it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to the Official Yellowstone Podcast now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Let's go to work. So I went on a rant yesterday. I'm gonna double down on it in my life. Political parties and sports leagues are cyclical. Almost all cyclical. A political party. The Democrats had lost three straight elections. They gotten blown out and then Bill Clinton arrived and oh, changed everything. They had their guy. This is the reality. I saw the ratings for ABC up 29% when Luca and LeBron played. And oh, by the way, last night, TNT, wait till those ratings come in. That'll be up 40% year to year. Again. Sometimes for political parties and leagues, it's just circumstantial. Right person, right time. Look what Caitlin Clark did to the wnba. One player to the wnba. Changed how they fly around the league now they got private jets. So Luka plus LeBron plus the Laker brand is good for the league right now. There are four really good teams in this league. Celtics, Lakers, Knicks, warriors are four of the seven or eight good teams. Huge brands. When you add Jimmy Butler to staff, to Steve Kerr in the warriors brand, I'm sorry, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Oklahoma City can be good teams. They can't carry the NBA. I remember when Tim Duncan and the spurs were dominating the league. The ratings were in the tank. I remember when Michael Jordan left. 50% loss in ratings. You had Iverson, you had Marbury. The audience didn't buy him. The ratings disappeared. Baseball, Shohei Ohtani to the Angels, man, Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers changed the ratings last year. When you get Jim Harbaugh to Michigan, if Jim Harbaugh goes to Purdue, it doesn't feel the same. When you get Jim Harbaugh to Michigan, it changed the Big Ten ratings. So I've said this before. Everything outside of the NFL is cyclical. Republicans are cyclical. The Democrats are the political. Right now the Democrats are reeling like, like hyper aggressive Trump and Elon Musk. Democrats are flailing. What do we do? They're complaining. They don't have a plan. They need their guy. They need their Trump or Clinton, whoever it is. And the putting Luca on the Lakers with LeBron, putting Jimmy Butler who's a star in this league and because he's played in Philadelphia and Miami and now Golden State with Steph, he's a star in this league. It's going to change the ratings. I'm not saying they're going to. I'm not saying everything's going to change. The NBA still has challenges. Too many. Three pointers, seven game Playoff series in the first round are stupid. But Sportico came out this morning with the most valuable teams in American sports. The Cowboys were one. You know what number two was? Warriors, three, Knicks, four Lakers. Brands matter for every league except the NFL. And when you have stars on the warriors, stars on the Lakers, stars on the Celtics, stars on the Knicks, take a deep breath. The NBA is going to survive. It's cyclical. They lost half their ratings when Jordan left. And the players that replaced him, the consumers didn't like or didn't buy. You know, the consumers weren't into Tim Duncan and the Spurs. They just weren't. They were a great team. They weren't into them. But New York, Jalen Brunson, Steph Butler, LeBron, Luka, Jimmy, you know, it works. They're gonna be fine. Take a deep breath. Gonna be fine. Coming up next, we were, we were thinking about this this morning as I'm watching Luka and LeBron play. And it was a real event and we've talked about this, that America's become more of an event culture because our phones and we're distracted and TikTok. And so you gotta, you gotta create urgency. Last night felt urgent, but I was thinking about they were showing shots of the crowd, the three biggest cities in America, New York, L.A. and Chicago. Why is LA getting all the stars? And I want to take all three of those markets and give you an example. Next, live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich. The fastest racing on earth is coming to Fox. The 2025 IndyCar season gets underway in St. Petersburg, the first stop on the road to the Indy 500. Sunday at noon Eastern live on Fox. I bet that's another place I've been to and you've never been to. You ever been to St. Petersburg? The beaches down there? Russia? St. Petersburg, Russia? No, St. Petersburg, Petersburg, Florida. Oh no, I have not been there. They used to be. There's been a, there's a couple good sports bars down there. They used to have this pink hotel. I can forget the name of it. What am I missing in St. Peter? Like is that a top five? You're missing the top 25. It's a beautiful beaches. The downtown is way upgraded over when I live there. It's actually maybe the hotel is the Viceroy. So you lived in Tampa? I lived in. The old joke was the oldest people in the country live in Tampa. Their grandparents live in St. Petersburg. So when I lived there it was a little old but it's not quite as crusty and it's, there's a lot going on. Like the Mets have preseason or something. It used to be the Cardinals. Cardinals. So I was, I was watching the Lakers and Luca last night and it's an event, it felt like an event and you know I spending some time in Chicago their sports right now in a really tough spot. Like nothing in Chicago is good. Like nothing. NBA baseball, NFL. And I'm just watching last night and I'm thinking it has been such a crazy five or six year run in Los Angeles for just the coaches. I mean, I mean Freddie Freeman is a great baseball player. He gets lost on the Dodgers. I mean it is insane. Clayton Kershaw is arguably our generation's Sandy Koufax. And right now I wouldn't put him in the top 12 most well known needle movers in Los Angeles. I was thinking about this this morning. If you took New York, Louisiana and Chicago and I would call it the dynamic dozen. The biggest, most well known personalities. You know, they're obviously great players but like they have a presence about them. And I would, and I would give you 12. Number one is Shohei Ohtani. He's a global superstar. He's going to make eight, nine figures overseas. And endorsements forget about here. The Dodgers average 4,000 more per road game than Anybody else. And a lot of that is Shohei Ohtani. He's our Babe Ruth. He pitches this year, he'll return to pitching. He can steal bases, he's good looking. He is your classic, you know, Ronaldo Messi. I mean if you go look at what Messi did to the MLS in Miami, it's unbelievable what he did to attendance ratings and merch. That Shohei Ohtani, number two is LeBron James and he is a notch below Shohei OHTANI. But again, LeBron is a global superstar because unlike the NFL, basketball is a global sport. So Shohei and LeBron James are 1 and 2. I would put Luka, again, comes from Europe. He is a global superstar and this trade now will just magnify his brand. So I think the first three, you can argue it's Shohei, it's LeBron and Luka Doncic. Now we can argue, I would say number four, who's been a star in sports for 25 years is Jim Harbaugh, folks. He quarterbacked in the NFL. He coached at Michigan. He got the Niners to a Super Bowl. He literally went to the Big Ten and changed the ratings. Remember, in football, coaches are rock stars. Andy Reid is all over commercials. You don't see baseball managers and a lot of NBA coaches. Even like a Greg Popovich, you don't see him doing national commercials. Jim Harbaugh is polarizing. He is a rock star. I'd put number five, Aaron Judge, who has had multiple national commercials. He does not feel as global to me, even close to Shohei Ohtani. But he has prodigious power. He's got a Paul Bunyan. He's a good kid. He's good looking, easy to root for. Had a bad fifth inning in the World Series. But I mean playing in New York, he is a notch below Shohei. But I would put him at number five. I would put number six, Matt Stafford. Good looking star quarterback in Los Angeles with a Super bowl trophy. And now the talk of the town because of his contract, the last pure pocket passer. Again, a guy with national commercials. It's the NFL. He's one of the five best quarterbacks. I, maybe I should have him above Jim Harbaugh. But Harbaugh has been, you know, I mean a lot of Stafford. He was lost in Detroit for 12 years in a division with Aaron Rodgers and Favre and nobody talked about him. So I think Stafford's national exposure with the Rams has, has popped the last five years. I'd put Stafford at 6. I'd put Sean McVay a notch below him. At 7, he's considered the best young football coach in the world. And I mean, McVay had Amazon willing to pay him $20 million a year. That's more than they pay Al Michaels. I mean, think about that. They were going to pay him $20 million a year. I don't think at Fox we pay people that much. Okay, like, like for our NFL. So McVeigh is a rock star, a culture builder. Again, he's telegenic. He's like got photographic memory. He's one. He's probably the best talker at the podium I've ever seen in the NFL. He's magnetic. I would put number eight, Juan Stto. Now. He plays for the second most notable team in New York. But again, he is, I mean, he's, he's Juan Soto. There are arguments to be made on any given week. You know, he's baseball's best player. He's patient, he gets walks, he hits with power, he's a star. And because he left the Yankees and went to the Mets, he's now polarizing. And that is a big factor on this list. A lot of people on this list are love, hate, LeBron's got a little bit of that. I think Juan Soto in New York's got a little bit of that. I'd put him at 8, 9. I'd put it Mookie Betts, mostly because he's not polarized. Now he is a former Boston Red Sox. I think this kid's unbelievable. Three time World Series champ. Plays for two of the three biggest brands in the sport, Dodgers and the Red Sox. Still can't figure out why Boston gave him away. They didn't get enough in return. But I mean, he'll play shortstop. He is he the most skilled baseball player. He can play shortstop, he can play outfield. You can put it. You could bat him leadoff, you could bat him cleanup. I think Mookie bats is number nine. Number ten, I'd put Caleb Williams. He's a rock star. Between USC and the number one pick. Again, this is not just productivity. He's a good looking kid. He's in front of the mic. He plays in Chicago. He feels like, I mean, let's be honest, we said this, you said this J. Mac before. Last year, the Bears were the most interesting team in the league. It wasn't because of Montez sweat. It wasn't because of Roman Dunz. The Bears were arguably the first fascinating football team in the league last year because of one person. It was not Matty it was Caleb Williams. I put him at 10. Number 11, the very quiet, reticent Justin Herbert. Again, Justin Herbert is a quarterback in the NFL and considered one of the five best young quarterbacks in the league. The Chargers are the second most popular organization. But I think Harbaugh helps his brand. I think Jim Harbaugh helps Herbert, who's a really quiet, behind the scenes kid. I'd put him in 11. And number 12. You may think this is weird. I put Rick Pitino in. I think Rick, if you ask basketball people, they'll tell you Rick Pitino is arguably behind Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson is the best coach in the sport ever. That the fact that he goes to St. John's will not recruit high school players. And this. Would you be shocked if St. John's ended up in the Elite Eight? Rick Pitino is just as great. Magnetic again, major polarizing guy. He's led five different teams to the NCAA tournament. And you know how many people, since Louis Carneseca left, people have been trying to get St. John's to work forever. Here comes Rick Matino. Bam. They're great. So I would say these are the most dynamic. Now, if Rick Matino was younger, if he was at Kansas, he may be five or six. When Rick Pitino was at Kentucky, Rick Patino was. There was an argument. The biggest rock star in coaching in America and I'm counting NFL. He was everything. And there was about a 20 year stretch and then he had some personal stuff, blah, blah, blah. But then now Freddie Freeman, I had at number 13, the Dodgers, great, former Atlanta Brave, again, Braves, Dodgers, big brands. You're my guy. But this may be the best list ever produced for a television show. So there's this guy who plays basketball in LA who has a very famous beard. He's been an amazing talent, global superstar. He can't walk around in China because he's such a big deal. James Harden does not make this list. No, nobody likes James Harden. What? What are you talking about? What's his fan base besides like fanboys? First of all, he plays for the Clippers. Second of all, is he playing tonight? Third of all, he's way past his prime. If you look at all these guys right here, do you notice something? Yeah. Rick Patino's 79 and still crushing. He is crushing James Harden. He's playing well, I sure. James Harden's home from the clubs last night. Honestly, he's known for scoring in that. Is he? Am I wrong on that? You're not wrong. You tell me. The James People are sold their stock on James Harden. They have sold their stock on Kawhi Leonard.

[Dan Wojke]

That's fair.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's fair. They have sold their. If one or five years ago. James Harden's price six on this list. I guarantee you Juan Soto could walk onto this FOX lot, take an elevator all the way up to here, and not one person will be like, oh, my gosh, it's Juan Soto. But if James Harden did that, his recognition, because he's been around for. Okay, recognition. Everybody knows him. Popularity. But he's not relevant at all. He's not one of the 20 best players in the NBA. He's not even close anymore right now. Oh, God, not even close. He was. He. I'm. I'm serious. What is he the fourth best player on the Lakers today? He's not better than Austin Reeves. No, no. Austin Reeves could make this list. I mean, if I. If I had any input, if you asked me, JMac. And by the way, if Juan Soto in New York gets into an elevator, everybody knows who Juan Soto probably. I think the ship has sailed on Harden. Really? Oh, I think he and Kawhi people are over it. You know, Ty Lou watches the show regularly. Tyler's a great coach. He's not gonna be happy with that. He's not in the dynamic. Like three Clippers assistants live near me. They're gonna be ticked. One more heard. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the iHeartRadio app search heard to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. All right, here we go. It's hour two live. The city of stars, Los Angeles. Austin Reaves, semi star, wherever you may be, however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. LeBron and Luka last night, Dallas, all sorts of feisty. And in a couple of minutes, we'll be going to Dan Wojke, who covers the Lakers for the LA Times. It was a magical night. But I was saying this is that, you know, that you've heard about the placebo effect where people can talk themselves into being sick. And I was just talking to somebody yesterday who had a rough spot in their life. And I told this person, I said, optimism is such a big part of recovery. Like, you've got to be positive. You've got to wake up. Tony Robbins talks about this all the time. Your mind plays tricks on you. Your mind gets negative very quickly. You got to get things out of there. Don't. Don't consume certain things that get you angry. You'll have a hard Time getting off that merry go round. And so we're all capable of. We wake up in the morning and something happens in our life and it triggers this great optimism or, or negativity. And watching LeBron play with Luca, I said it last hour. It's like a kid that got a, that got a bicycle at Christmas. Every part of LeBron's game in the last four or five games with Luca is energized. And I'm watching him. Last night I said I would give LeBron a new two year deal today, his fourth quarter. Last night it didn't make biological sense. I don't know where he's getting the energy. He was the best player on the floor, Ali. Oops. His defense is unbelievable. And I just think he liked AD personally and professionally. But AD wasn't a playmaker. So LeBron always felt like he had to be the initiator. Occasionally he let Austin Reeves run the show. But it's different now. Luke is the quarterback. J.J. redick has said the quiet part out loud. Luke is running the show. Austin Reeves can be second when LeBron's on the bench. But I, I'm watching the energy right now and it feels very D. Wade and LeBron, where LeBron is really playing with on a nightly basis. An energy that I don't think I saw consistently with AD and it's not a shot at AD but there was a way LeBron had to play. He wanted to pass the baton. And though AD was a remarkable defensive player and a good guy and got in very good shape and was getting hurt less, his game's his game. Luca is allowing LeBron to conserve energy and then give you these intense five and six minute bursts. Last night it was a 12 minute burst and it was like nothing I've ever seen from a 40 year old guy. And here is JJ Redick on the new LeBron James.

[Dan Wojke]

LeBron's playing at an all NBA defense level. He is, you know, people may have perceptions of what he is as a defender. I watch it every night.

[Colin Cowherd]

He doesn't get scored on in isolation.

[Dan Wojke]

When, if teams do try to target him, he blows plays up. You know, I think there was this perception of him at this age, like conserving energy. No, there's no conservation of energy on that end of the floor.

[Colin Cowherd]

And with that, Dan Woicke of the LA Times is joining us in studio. And I so appreciate this. I text a friend. Maverick Carter's a friend. You know, Maverick. Maverick's underneath the basket. But once a year he gives me his tickets so Maverick Carter, a really good guy, and was a high school teammate of LeBron. And I said, I don't even know what I watched last night in the fourth quarter. I'm like, that was insane. The energy was palpable. Yeah. And I do feel like. Not that he's, like, conserving it, but I do feel like LeBron. It sometimes felt like, man, I would like to let somebody else run the show a little bit and play off ball. Does it feel different to you in the last five or six games?

[Dan Wojke]

I think it's an interesting question, Colin. Like, I think that there was a time, right, where we heard about the torch being passed. Right. Or wanting help. He wants help playmaking and stuff. But then when it came, like, time to actually do it, he didn't. And I think part of that was because he was always the best option.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Dan Wojke]

Right. It's always, like, the ball and LeBron, it's kind of sometimes why he's been hard to coach, is that. What better play is it than give LeBron James the ball?

[Colin Cowherd]

Think about this, Dan in Cleveland, as great and skillful as Kyrie was, he ended up being an off guard a lot. And I would argue Kyrie is as skilled as any player I've ever seen with the ball in his hands.

[Dan Wojke]

He's incredible. And he was great last night, too.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So I think your point is this is a little bit of LeBron saying, okay, I've met my equal at initiating offense.

[Dan Wojke]

He said something this year. You know, being around him now, basically every day since he's been in Los Angeles, by and large, I've never heard him hear him say that somebody is better than him at stuff. Like, that's just not what he's. That's not how he's built. He said, luka Doncic does the same stuff as me and some of it even better. And I think at this stage in his career, having somebody who can do that, it does sort of shift LeBron into. I call it, like, Olympics. LeBron.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Wojke]

Like. Like the version of him we saw in Paris where you're controlling the game, but maybe you don't have the ball all the time. Like, you're doing all of these little things. He's such a. Yeah, he's such a basketball savant. He's so smart at finding ways to matter and ways to, like, make differences in games. And. Yeah, it's on the offensive end. That clip of jj, that was a question I asked him post game about LeBron's defense, like, the last six weeks or so defensively like LeBron has been excellent. And they've been good with Anthony Davis. They've been good when Anthony Davis was hurt.

[Colin Cowherd]

Their last 19 games are the best defensive team in the league. Now, here's the question, though, and I'd said this for years about Carmelo Anthony. He'd score 29, he'd give up 22.

[Dan Wojke]

But that still works.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, it's still plus seven. Do you. Do you worry, though, that Reaves, LeBron, the Lakers do feel a little top heavy?

[Dan Wojke]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Reeves, LeBron, Luka, all playmakers. Mavs have one, but the Mavs have size. Do that Mark Williams trade I thought would have made a real difference. Do you worry that Lucas defense will eventually be a liability?

[Dan Wojke]

Yeah, I mean, I think they're not a. They're not a perfect team in any real way. I think the things they're great at, they're great at. And that gives you. That gives you a chance in this league. Right. If you can. If you can manipulate the game in the way where your strengths mask your weaknesses. And I think the way the Lakers have been masking their defensive weaknesses has been with overall team effort. You know, this is a group that has played incredibly hard. You know, Austin Reaves is a really smart defender, even though he has some athletic limitations. Luka Dodric is huge. He is a. He's a big player and he gets into passing lanes. He creates turnovers. Now, does he get beat off the dribble? Sure, it happens. But when he's engaged, like, I mean, you know, forget last night's game for a minute. Let's talk about Saturday in Denver, you know, where they win by 23. Masterful defensive game plan against a team they haven't been able to solve. Luka didn't look like, you know, a negative defender in that game. And I think at times when he's been engaged, he's been a pretty good defender. Defender.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's actually a very good rebounder when he wants to. Last night he was great. Yeah. Like, Luke is one of those guys that. And LeBron's got a little bit of this. Magic Johnson was good at this. Magic, we need you to play center and score 42. Like. Like Luca, when you ask him to be around the basket, he is a big, thick body. He can clean the glass. I mean, last night's first half, I think he had like 10 rebounds at half.

[Dan Wojke]

Yeah. And I know we'll get to the warriors in a minute, but I do think when you have great players that are also smart players. Yeah, it it just helps this process move along much quicker than it might otherwise. Right. Like we'll, we'll see with this Lakers group. I think to your point about LeBron, like there is sort of a, you know, when this trade first happened, there was a feeling around the organization that like this, the Lakers been provided an off ramp. Right. But they can move now in this direction where they don't need LeBron James the same way they needed him six weeks ago. They have a future. I think what they're seeing now is like the immediate future is maybe even more Luke and LeBron than they realized should LeBron want to do it. And we'll see how long he wants to do this. But they have real chances. It feels like they have a real chance this year. I think with an offseason to like perfectly architect the roster around the guys that you have and the core that you have certainly will have a chance there. And they're also catching Luka Doncic at like sort of the perfect time.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it's funny, when J.J. redick got the job, I had heard this about Redick. He's very arrogant. He went to Duke and my take is I am okay with arrogance as long as it's accompanied with self awareness. JJ's got both. JJ's a very good looking, very confident. I mean he's made a lot of money, he's been very successful. He's also got self awareness. He can laugh at himself. He knows when he's over the top is. And I think if you go look at LeBron's history, even if he doesn't always agree with Eric Spoelstra, he respects his iq. Right. He respects, and I, and I really do believe he respects Ty Lu. There is something about J.J. redick, is that I think this job could, the Lakers job is engulfed certain coaches, they didn't have enough like arrogance. They didn't have enough confidence. Oh, Darvin Ham sometimes felt I got, got a little engulfed by it. I think jj, when I watch him, like he's absolutely sure his way is right. And for the record, so far it has been.

[Dan Wojke]

I think the thing with JJ and you mentioned arrogance and that's the word that comes up with him a lot. It's certainly the first impression. It's also paired with open mindedness.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes, absolutely.

[Dan Wojke]

Which is a unique combination. You know, usually like people who are arrogant believe their way is the best because it's their way, not necessarily because it's a way they've cultivated through conversations with, you know, everybody from the guy who you know, sells him his pomade to like, you know, whoever. Like, if you've got a good basketball idea like JJ Redick will listen to it. That's the reality of it. I think coaching is really hard to judge, generally speaking. You know, being there night and night out, it's not always the showiest thing because players do what they do. Basketball is very free flowing. I think the things that I'm hearing behind the scenes, things about, you know, communication, like making sure that you're, you're touching base with players on a very regular basis, like following his gut, his instincts.

[Colin Cowherd]

J.J. redick is a very authentic guy.

[Dan Wojke]

Correct.

[Colin Cowherd]

And so very direct. He's very direct, like, but he's not Kurt. He's direct without being mean spirited. He'll tell you exactly what he feels, but he says it with a smile. He says it like, hey, man, this is what I believe. I just think JJ Redick, there was some concern. He's a podcaster. He absolutely feels big enough for the job. Yeah.

[Dan Wojke]

I think, you know, the, the way that I've kind of settled on this with him is that if you look at, you know, you'll say he didn't have enough experience. Right. Well, like if the most important part of being an NBA coach is relating to your players.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Dan Wojke]

And I believe that to be mostly true. You know, he was a star among stars as a college basketball player. Right. Like biggest in the country. You know, a total villain in a way that very few people are. He was a rookie who couldn't crack a rotation and had to sit on the end of a bench of a contender. He was a ascending player, like looking for a bigger role. He was a starter, he was then a vet. And then he was a guy whose body equipped like he's basically lived every basketball, NBA life in the course of his career.

[Colin Cowherd]

What I remember about him as a player, beyond shooting and Duke, before Steph Curry became a star, I'd never seen a player work harder off the ball. Yeah, he was a cardio machine. If you guarded JJ Reddit, you have.

[Dan Wojke]

To chase him around the floor system unto himself.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep. All right, I want to talk about Jimmy Butler. So I read a couple of stories when. About when before Jimmy Butler and the warriors happened. And there were analytic people that said, you know, I don't know if it works enough shooting.

[Dan Wojke]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And my take was to know he's the anti wiggins. He's intentional on every possession. He plays with intensity that, you know, when he's on the floor, he's never lost. I don't think he will rub Draymond the wrong way because Draymond calls out people who often need to be called out. Jimmy doesn't. In fact, you could say scale it down this. To me, I felt his EQ and his iq. I'm like, just get him in this system. It'll work. And I don't know what the analytics say it has. Are you a little surprised it's worked this well?

[Dan Wojke]

No, I think that, you know, you touched on two of the things. I think EQ in the NBA is a thing that you hear a lot now, like emotional intelligence, like, how do you fit in these systems? And I think, you know, Jimmy is so competitive, so competitive. And you've put him in an environment where competition has thrived, right? Like this is a group that is won at the highest level and they've done it in back to back seasons as a core. And Stephen Draymond and Steve Kerr, to do that, you have to have just this incredible competitive endurance. You can't do it otherwise. It's too hard. And so I think he fits in that. I think that they are a very mature team when it comes to their culture. So, like, it can handle personalities. It's not foreign to them at all. And I think that, you know, like I said before, with like LeBron and Luka and Austin Reeves, to a degree, you. You just tend to trust smart players, right? Like figured out guys. And Jimmy Butler is a figured out guy. He hasn't been a good shooter since he's been in the NBA. It hasn't stopped him from winning. Like. Like it really hasn't. It's not like, you know, his athleticism has changed. Like, it hasn't stopped him, like his availability and stuff like that. And Miami had their reasons for moving on and Jimmy had his reasons for wanting to be out to it.

[Colin Cowherd]

He wanted a lot of years, a lot of money. And that wasn't exactly totally.

[Dan Wojke]

But I think in this situation, for a team like Golden State, right, Like I think similar to the Lakers, there was a feeling that there's an opportunity here in the Western Conference. There is a lurking giant literally in Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, right? Like assuming he'll recover and stuff like that, you have the Oklahoma City Thunder, who, if it's not this year, will be soon. That roster is built to win and built to win for a long time. But right now there's a feeling that there's a chance to be had. When you talk to teams around the.

[Colin Cowherd]

West, I don't think Houston's can shoot well enough. I think in situational basketball, Houston will come up basket shy. Sure, they'll have the athleticism, they can defend. Yeah. But they're, they're not a shooting team. And you tighten people up in a playoff game. And I think Oklahoma City also feels like to me, they're a year away and they're going to be looking for buckets outside of SGA and if you can lock him down again. These playoff. When I play a team seven times and we're all equally rested, Warriors, Lakers, these older teams, Denver, I think the Warriors. I mean, if I said to you right now OKC ends up with Golden.

[Dan Wojke]

State, I mean, I think I would lean Thunder. But it's close. Much closer than a 18 should be. Yep. And I think it's because of the experience. It's because of, you know, we've just seen it so many times with these groups. Golden State can match some of their physicality now with Jimmy Butler. They don't have the size. They're gonna, they're gonna be hurt against teams that have size. And that's what's interesting about the west is like, there's also all these just like really unique matchups. There are teams that are, that are coming at this in very different ways. And I think, you know, Minnesota is going to be coming here. They're getting better, getting healthier at the right time. Playing defense. I know Chris Finch is a little happier about where they've been defensively. Just had a huge win in Oklahoma City themselves. I think all of these teams are. Can look at themselves in the mirror, like six or seven teams, incredibly Memphis and say, like, the time is now for us. Like Memphis has been, you know, kind of at the doorstep a bunch of times. Like, are they really ready to win now? Like, we'll find out. I think it's, it's going to be a really good playoff.

[Colin Cowherd]

So it's interesting. There are teams that I think that are very authentic and you know exactly what they are. And I'll tell you why. The Knicks are this. The Cavs and the Celtics are very good pick and roll teams and the Knicks can't defend it. Carl Anthony Towns is a brilliant offensive player. He's really skilled. Chris Finch told me yesterday. He goes, I knew he was good then. I coached him. And it's, he is so good, he can't defend the pick and roll. Brunson's not great at it. And Cleveland is so efficient that I just think when you look at the Knicks, I think they're a Step away. I think Carl Anthony Towns gets them to elite, gets them to a place. Offensively, they get off of Julius Randle, he makes them a better offensive team. But I think when you look at the Knicks, they are absolutely not built, they're not constructed to beat the Cavs and the Celtics. They just can't defend them well.

[Dan Wojke]

You know, they've struggled against good teams this year. I think defensively they've really struggled against good teams. And it to me that it's just, there's a disconnect, right, because you have such a defensive minded head coach. You have, you have the type of, you know, your coaches and a lot of times your coaches and your best players are what drive your identity. And like, it does feel like their identities are moving in different directions.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right.

[Dan Wojke]

You know, better offense. They're, they're a terrific offensive team with a top tier defensive coach and I think you'd want a little more alignment there. In a perfect world, you know, it is a little bit, feels a little bit like an overcorrection. We'll see what happens. If they're able to get Mitchell Robinson back and like, can get him into shape and playing like, will that help? It'll help some, but it just feels like at their core, who they are is a team that's going to outscore you and that they have to outscore you. And when you have put time and money and assets into players like OG Anunoby and Mikel Bridges and Josh Hart, guys that are there largely to make sure it's hard for the other team to score, you would like to see that sort of personality kind of permeate the entire roster. The way it's just, quite frankly, you know, it doesn't like the night of the Luka Dodges trade, right. Like this feels like ancient history now. Like the Lakers without Anthony Davis, like had no problems with Karl Towns because he was 24ft away from the basket all game, right. And they didn't exploit their size advantages, they didn't exploit their toughness advantages in that game. And that's been kind of a recurring theme against teams that can spread them out. And Cleveland and Boston are going to spread you out. Like that is what they do. And they're going to put Carl Towns into rotations, they're going to make them scramble and you know, it's just, it's hard if one of your best players is, you know, one of your biggest weaknesses on the defensive end.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, let's wrap it up. Let's pivot back to the Lakers. It's one thing to cover a player. It's another thing to see a player occasionally. When you're around Luca, you're at practice with Luca, you're in the locker room with Luca. What does he like to cover? Is there a joyfulness around him? Because it seems like he's bringing that out of LeBron.

[Dan Wojke]

I. I think for him right now, there's still shock. He's still somebody who is dealing with the emotional baggage from this trade.

[Colin Cowherd]

I thought last night at the end of the game, he looked a little shot.

[Dan Wojke]

He was exhausted last night. Like it. Colin Jo at that game reminded me of a little bit. Do you remember doing, like, the presidential fitness testing when you were a kid? Like, where you'd have to.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes, yes.

[Dan Wojke]

That game went out way too fast. In lap one of the mile. It was like, you know, just this horrible cramp after the first quarter. It was so much emotion expended in that game. And then it kind of sputtered to the finish before LeBron was able to really pull it through. I think big picture, luka being around LeBron can have just as much for Luka as it does for LeBron in terms of what it takes day in, day out to have your body ready to play at a consistent level. You know, what. What it takes to. To make others great. Obviously, Luka knows how to do all that stuff, but seeing that and seeing a player that he's loved since he was 13, 14 years old, he's a.

[Colin Cowherd]

Really giving down court passer. And sometimes it's different from when he drives and dishes because there's an immediate payoff. But when you pass the ball down the floor, you're often eliminating yourself from the play. Sure. You're taking yourself out. And a lot of guys, LeBron's always been great at that. Not all offensive players are. They kind of want to bring the ball up.

[Dan Wojke]

It's LeBron, Luka and Jokic are the three best at it, and the Lakers have two of them.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's incredible to watch him. He is so. I mean, he is the classic quarterback in this league.

[Dan Wojke]

And LeBron said the other day, right, like LeBron said, he's built to be a receiver. We can argue about whether he can do both, certainly. But I think. I think the biggest thing that I've seen being around Luka right now, right. Is like, there is somebody who has a fire and wants to prove Dallas wrong. Like, you can see that. Like, he is carrying scar tissue from this trade. And I do you also see a player that is incrementally getting more used to. Like, I mean, Colin, look at this. This looks insane. It's Luka Doncic in a Lakers jersey. It still looks weird, but, you know, you're seeing a player who's getting every day, like, fractionally more comfortable with it. And come April, come May, you're seeing a player too, who loves the spotlight, loves the big stage. And I mean, every night it feels like it's a pretty big stage when you got him on the court with.

[Colin Cowherd]

LeBron James, LA Times. Dan Wojke, great seeing you again, my man. Thanks, Colin. Do we have a coffee machine up here? We should give our guests. We don't have parting gifts, but a nice Cafe Americano out the door would be a nice thing. How about that?

[Dan Wojke]

No one's ever said, I need more caffeine. Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the first ever live in LA. It's the Hurst One More Herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. So before Jimmy Butler went to the warriors and we thought that was the fit and it's worked out, they won again last night, big, there was a lot of rumors about KD to the warriors. And I just, I just watched KD play in Chicago against the Suns. That team's got some fit issues and misses some. A true point guard, and that thing just doesn't work. But KD was on the Draymond Green podcast and, and talked about he was the guy that nixed the KD to the warriors deal because it was there for him. But as far as the Warriors, I just didn't think it was, you know, and then I didn't want to move. And then as a player like me, I just, I cost a lot. I cost. I mean, me going into your team is going to make just a. It's going to be a whole new era of your team when I get to your team, you know what I'm saying? So. And that's a lot of work change through the season. Like I'm still of value, you know what I'm saying? Especially in my contract and just my production that me just getting up and moving in the middle of season, it's going to be a big blow to any team. I'm going to. It just don't make sense for either side right now to go through that, you know what I'm saying? When we just play the season out and if that's the decision you want to make, you Know, in the off season, then, you know, you figure it out. Yeah, I mean, I, that, that makes sense. I, I will say. Don't you. Now you're. What are you looking at? What. What don't you like about. Because I think Phoenix is broken. Maybe I misheard. Did he just say it would be very difficult if I just change teams mid season. That team would have to be blown up. We just saw Luka Doncic get traded midseason. Jimmy Butler mid season. Both those teams are thriving now. Colin, what the hell is he talking about? Well, be too difficult for me. Who? Who? Kevin Durant. What are you even talking about, dude? Well, I, I thought Jimmy Butler was the perfect fit. I thought he was a perfect fit. I think Luca fits. LeBron. I think they've done the KD thing. There's no going home again. I think they did it. But couldn't he have gone anywhere else and easily fit in? Hell, Detroit Pistons are one of the hottest teams in the league. Couldn't he have gone to Detroit and helped them be a top five team in the east or something crazy top four? I don't know. Well, we don't. We don't know that that many teams went after him. We know that Golden State was interested and I, and I. And I think his take was I've done that. Which is. Which is. It's. You know, there are certain places in my life I've been. There's no reason to go back. I get the. I don't need to do that again there. I think Kevin Durant really wishes Phoenix would have worked. And it didn't and it hasn't. And they're missing a point guard and is now some of that on Kevin Durant, though. I don't think he's been the problem. I don't think sometimes, like the Bradley Beal thing did not work. That's. That just didn't work. I thought it would. It did not. I watched them play against the Bulls and it's so obvious when you watch them in person, as you have Durant in the corner and Boozer on the wing. And when they try to initiate the offense, it doesn't work. And so they need a point guard and Bradley Beals more of a two guard. So it just. The Phoenix thing's not going to work. Colin. Last night they lost a game, 151 to 148. Okay. They had five guys score 20 more points. I think they shot 57% from three and they lost. They got bigger problems than a point guard. I Think some of this. Kevin Durant has to take some ownership of this. They got swept by Minnesota last year. He got swept at the end in Brooklyn by Boston. Remember that? Tatum and those guys laughing at him. Kevin Durant needs to get his act, and I'm a huge KD fan, but at some point, you've got to take ownership. Amen. I haven't been good enough. I think it's always. I always feel this with Kevin Durant. Buyer beware. You know what you're getting. He doesn't want to be vocal. He's not going to be the leader. You know, it's sort of like, you know what you get when you get Aaron Rodgers. You're going to get a little bit of an older, prickly player who could be a little passive aggressive. You know that going in. So are you built for that? LeBron is a. I'm going to take. I'm going to be the new ecosystem of the franchise. I'm going to talk to the press. I'm going to push back. It's my ball. I'm going to initiate. That's not who Kevin is. Kevin's more Aaron Rodgers. Sometimes he can be a little prickly. He can be a tad moody. They're both remarkable talents. But I often, and this is nothing against Matt Ishbia, you know, the owner, he came in, he was going to be hyper aggressive. Totally appreciate it. I just met his brother this weekend, Justin. They're aggressive guys. I appreciate that. But I think not every player is built the same. When you brought a rod in as a baseball player, he was not Jeter. He was not a foundational piece. He. He's not the leader in the clubhouse. He is a superstar player that needs to be appreciated. And there are certain things with a rod that. That you have to be ready for, and it worked. But that. And that's not a criticism. We're all different personalities. And so I think you just. You have to be fair to Katie when you bring Katie in. I would prefer to bring Katie in if I have certain elements already in place. Right. And I think Golden State had those. But I think Katie deep down said, I did it. I've been there, I've done it. I won titles, I was mvp. Why repeat it? Colin, you know, as you grow up and mature and get older, like, you change. That's normal. Life is changed. Has Kevin Durant changed at all? I don't know. Still the same guy. I just want to get buckets. I just want to hoop. Like, that's what. That's been his line for that. But that's some players. That's what they want. I, you know, I. Bro, he's 36 years old. Well, it's almost over for KD. It's. You got no more chance for legacy or whatever crap you want to call it. I find myself defending him. I think I don't know him, but I think he's a different personality. And if you inherit him or you trade for him, just know what you're getting, okay? And he doesn't want to be like, in Brooklyn. He's like, hey, man, I'm going to give up on this dynasty because I don't care about trophies. I'm going to go play with my friend. I didn't get it at all. It did not work. But that's who he is. People. People. What? Maya Angelou say people tell you who they are. Listen. Yeah, he's telling you who he is. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other, because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out, and you can learn more by following Hat'supwithhate. I'm Mary Kay McBrayer, host of the podcast the Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told. This season explores women from the 19th century to now. Women who were murderers and scammers, but also women who were photojournalists, lawyers, writers, and more. This podcast tells more than just the brutal, gory details of horrific acts. I delve into the good, the bad.

[Dan Wojke]

The difficult, and all the nuance I.

[Colin Cowherd]

Can find because these are the stories that we need to know to understand.

[Dan Wojke]

The intersection of society, justice, and the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Fascinating workings of the human psyche. Join me every week as I tell some of the most enthralling true crime stories about women who are not just victims, but heroes or villains, or often somewhere in between. Listen to the greatest true crime stories.

[Dan Wojke]

Ever told on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Colin Cowherd]

Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my legacy. I'm Martin Luther King iii, and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our and Craig Kilberger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives. Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter. Listen to My legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dan Wojke]

This is my legacy.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Mark Seale. And I'm Nathan King. This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us.

[Dan Wojke]

To shoot that picture.

[Colin Cowherd]

This podcast is based on my co host Mark Seals best selling book of the same title. Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire, and many others. Yes, that was a real horse's head. Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.