The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Best of The Herd Episode Summary
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Jason McIntyre (Guest Host in Colin Cowherd’s Absence)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction and Show Overview
Timestamp: [03:11]
Jason McIntyre welcomes listeners to "The Best of The Herd with Colin Cowherd," stepping in for the host Colin Cowherd, who is traveling. With the July 4th holiday approaching, McIntyre sets a festive tone, reminiscing about past Fourth of July celebrations in Manhattan Beach and acknowledging the excitement surrounding major sports events, particularly soccer matches.
Lakers Free Agency and Luka Doncic Hot Takes
Timestamp: [03:36 – 14:24]
Navigating the Modern Media Landscape
McIntyre discusses the challenges of cutting through the saturated media environment to deliver impactful sports commentary. He emphasizes the necessity for bold "hot takes" to capture audience attention amidst platforms like TV, radio, social media, YouTube, and TikTok.
Defending Luka Doncic
Addressing the pervasive criticism of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, McIntyre passionately defends him against recent negative narratives. He highlights Doncic's remarkable achievements, stating:
“In the last 40 years, no player has started their NBA career as good as Luka Doncic. Not Michael Jordan, not LeBron James, not Shaq” ([05:30]).
Despite Doncic's recent calf injury and trade rumors, McIntyre underscores his significant impact:
“Luka doesn't play defense. He can't jump. He only had one dunk last season. I mean, Luka, what are we doing? Is he that good?” ([06:55])
He counters these critiques by showcasing Doncic's consistent excellence:
“Luca went rookie of the year and then was first team all NBA five straight years. Top five player in the league for five straight years starting in year two” ([08:10]).
Avery Johnson’s Critique
The discussion intensifies with insights from Avery Johnson, a respected basketball figure, who surprisingly prefers Cooper Flag over Luka:
“Give me Cooper Flag. Really? Cooper Flag in this team?” ([10:45]).
McIntyre criticizes this viewpoint, arguing that writing off Doncic after a single underwhelming season is unjust. He defends Doncic's versatility and leadership, asserting his pivotal role in the Mavericks' future success.
USA Soccer Gold Cup Analysis with Landon Donovan
Timestamp: [21:15 – 31:23]
Game Preview: USA vs. Guatemala
Landon Donovan joins the show to provide expert analysis on the upcoming Gold Cup semifinal between the USA and Guatemala. Donovan anticipates a strong victory for the USA, describing Guatemala as:
“They are a bit of a gift for us. Guatemala is not a top CONCACAF team” ([21:26]).
Team Dynamics and Coaching
Donovan delves into the challenges faced by the U.S. national team, including player opt-outs and injuries. He praises coach Mauricio Pochettino for fostering a new team identity and emphasizing a strong work ethic:
“Pochettino is exerting his thoughts and beliefs and his value system on the team” ([23:24].
He highlights the emergence of players like Matt Freese and Malik Tillman, who have stepped up under pressure, reinforcing the importance of availability and commitment:
“The guys who are there right now have said, I don't care what happens. I'm not coming out of the game” ([27:14].
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Donovan expresses optimism for the USA's performance in the upcoming World Cup, especially with the team hosting in 2026. He believes the current Gold Cup performance will serve as a springboard for future success:
“I do believe quarterfinals and semifinals could be in play for US Soccer” ([30:03].
Interviews and Guest Insights
Interview with Landon Donovan
Timestamp: [20:44 – 31:23]
Donovan shares personal anecdotes, such as his memorable goal against Algeria in the World Cup, emphasizing the emotional and cultural significance of soccer in the U.S. He also discusses the impact of new coaching strategies and the importance of building depth within the team.
Interview with Jovan Buha
Timestamp: [40:15 – 62:35]
Jovan Buha, an NBA analyst covering the Lakers, discusses several key topics:
-
Deandre Ayton's Free Agency: Buha outlines Ayton's potential destinations, highlighting the Lakers' limited offer range ($8.25 million) compared to other teams like Golden State and Indiana, which might offer between $14-$25 million ([41:57]).
-
Jake LaRavia’s Role: Analyzes LaRavia's performance and potential impact as the Lakers seek to bolster their lineup. Buha notes:
“He's guarding Jokic and doing the Caruso of fronting him, deflecting entry passes” ([45:57].
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Mike Brown Hired by the Knicks: Buha evaluates the Knicks' decision to hire Mike Brown as head coach, suggesting it could be an upgrade over Thibodeau based on coaching style and modern approach ([48:16]).
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Speculation on LeBron James’ Future: Engages in hot take speculation about LeBron possibly being traded to teams like the Knicks or Dallas, though he emphasizes the low likelihood due to LeBron's no-trade clause and the Lakers' current roster strategies ([50:06 – 54:04]).
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Defending Luka Doncic Again: Continues to support Doncic amidst criticism, comparing him favorably to other NBA stars and defending his defensive abilities and overall game ([55:25 – 58:33]).
Additional Topics and Commentary
Timestamp: [36:37 – 62:35]
Lamar Jackson’s Leadership and Playoff Performance
McIntyre critiques Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's playoff performances and leadership skills, suggesting improvement is needed:
“He needs to become a different quarterback in the postseason” ([35:15].
Advertisements and Promotions
Throughout the episode, various advertisements are interspersed, promoting products like Capital One banking services, Wasabi Technologies, estate planning services by Trust and Will, Green River Whiskey, Degree Cool Rush deodorant, and machine-washable sofas by Annabe. These segments, while prominent in the transcript, are omitted from the summary to focus on the core content as per user instructions.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [59:32 – 62:35]
As the episode wraps up, McIntyre and guests reinforce their key points:
- McIntyre urges listeners to maintain confidence in Luka Doncic despite ongoing criticisms.
- Buha emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and strategic acquisitions for the Lakers’ future success.
- The hosts highlight upcoming sports events and encourage listeners to tune in for live discussions.
“If you don’t do this, you’re not going to be here” ([27:14]).
Key Takeaways
- Luka Doncic’s Value: Strong defense against criticisms, highlighting his consistent performance and leadership in the Mavericks.
- USA Soccer’s Growth: Optimism for the national team’s future, focusing on depth and new coaching strategies.
- Lakers’ Free Agency Moves: Analysis of Deandre Ayton’s potential moves and the strategic considerations for the Lakers’ roster.
- Coaching Changes: Evaluation of Mike Brown as an upgrade for the Knicks and the broader impact on team dynamics.
- Leadership in Sports: Emphasis on the importance of player availability, commitment, and evolving leadership roles within teams.
For those interested in comprehensive sports analysis, including in-depth discussions on NBA strategies, soccer developments, and player performances, tuning into "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app is highly recommended.