Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: LeBron Trade Rumors, Alex Rodriguez

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd delves into the swirling LeBron James trade rumors, offering a critical analysis of their validity. The episode features insightful discussions with co-hosts J. Mac and Matt Hasselbeck, and culminates with a guest appearance by baseball legend Alex Rodriguez. The conversation spans across the NBA, MLB, NFL, and WNBA, providing a comprehensive look at the current sports landscape.

LeBron James Trade Rumors

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by addressing the persistent trade rumors surrounding NBA superstar LeBron James:

“I don’t buy them. I do not buy the LeBron trade rumors. Here's why...” (03:23)

Colin argues that trading LeBron, a highly productive player nearing his prime, doesn’t make strategic sense for the Los Angeles Lakers. He emphasizes LeBron’s value, citing his recent performance statistics:

“He was 24, 8 and 8 last year. He was all NBA second team. He was sixth in MVP voting. That's the highest in years.” (03:23)

Colin further critiques the motivations behind the rumors, suggesting they are more about media fodder and filling show time rather than genuine considerations:

“Now I do believe they will transition out of this potentially if things go south. But why now and why today?” (04:15)

Co-host Matt Hasselbeck adds to the skepticism, highlighting the Lakers' recent performance:

“LeBron had to all of a sudden adjust to being the second guy offensively... So you would expect them to be better.” (07:09)

Colin concludes that while trade rumors persist, the Lakers remain a strong and interesting team, albeit not championship favorites.

All-Star Game and MLB Highlights

The conversation shifts to the MLB All-Star Game, with Colin expressing approval of the Milwaukee Brewers' Jacob MiSorowski’s inclusion despite his limited appearances:

“The kid is 6 7, averages 99 miles an hour on his fastball. He's probably going to go in middle innings and I can't wait.” (11:32)

Matt Hasselbeck supports Colin’s enthusiasm, noting the entertainment value MiSorowski brings to the game:

“For this young kid to be named All Star, I couldn't be more excited for him.” (11:37)

The hosts discuss MLB’s adoption of the ABS system, praising its efficiency and alignment with modern viewing preferences:

“Rob Manfred is unwriting the unwritten rules. He's getting rid of them... It's very quick. When I initially heard about it, I didn't like it, but it actually is fast, succinct.” (24:10)

NBA Insights: Golden State Warriors and Championship Odds

J. Mac provides updates on the Golden State Warriors’ offseason activities and championship prospects. He notes the team's silence during the offseason but highlights Steph Curry’s confidence:

“Every year presents new challenges, and you got to solve that puzzle. We did a really good job of it towards the end of last year.” (23:34)

Colin assesses the Warriors’ championship odds, placing them alongside the Atlanta Hawks:

“They have the same odds to win the NBA title, plus 2500 as the Atlanta Hawks.” (24:04)

He further discusses potential roster moves, particularly focusing on Jonathan Kuminga:

“If you can't play with Steph Curry and LeBron, you've got a hole in your game.” (25:17)

NFL Quarterback Rankings and T.J. Watt Trade Speculation

Colin reviews the NFL executives’ top 10 quarterback list, expressing disappointment over Baker Mayfield’s exclusion and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the selected quarterbacks:

“I don't think any GM saw Lamar Jackson initially is an elite passer, but he has really developed.” (21:15)

The discussion shifts to T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with J. Mac questioning the team’s reluctance to trade the aging pass rusher:

“They haven't translated to postseason wins. He's getting up there in age.” (26:33)

Colin defends the Steelers’ potential move, emphasizing Watt’s value and the common practice among general managers to explore trades for veterans:

“This is what general managers do... Outside of star quarterbacks and star left tackles, almost everybody.” (27:42)

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark as the League’s Face

Colin brings attention to the WNBA’s recognition of Caitlin Clark as the league’s future face, reflecting on the sudden surge in her popularity and its impact:

“In a runaway vote, it was Caitlin Clark with about 55% of the vote.” (45:54)

He critiques the WNBA’s unpreparedness for her rapid rise, comparing it to historical sports phenomena:

“If you go read Christine Brennan's book, there were a lot of signs she was going to be a superstar in the league.” (45:54)

Colin underscores the importance of Clark’s star power in elevating the league’s visibility and fan engagement.

Interview with Alex Rodriguez

The episode features an engaging interview with Alex Rodriguez, reflecting on his All-Star Game debut and career highlights:

“It was a treat and it was an honor... I couldn't be at the All Star Game.” (32:03)

Alex shares his experiences of participating in the All-Star Game and the honor it represents among peers.

Concluding Discussions

Colin wraps up the hour with final thoughts on the MLB’s strategic adjustments, the Dodgers’ unique position in baseball, and reflections on the evolution of the sport. Matt Hasselbeck commends MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for his initiatives to modernize the game:

“Anytime you make players and umpires more accountable, it's a great thing.” (38:17)

Colin echoes this sentiment, highlighting the balance between maintaining baseball’s rich history and embracing necessary changes to enhance the game’s appeal.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd: “I don’t buy them. I do not buy the LeBron trade rumors. Here's why...” (03:23)

• Colin Cowherd: “He was 24, 8 and 8 last year. He was all NBA second team. He was sixth in MVP voting. That's the highest in years.” (03:23)

• Matt Hasselbeck: “LeBron had to all of a sudden adjust to being the second guy offensively... So you would expect them to be better.” (07:09)

• Colin Cowherd: “The kid is 6 7, averages 99 miles an hour on his fastball. He's probably going to go in middle innings and I can't wait.” (11:32)

• Colin Cowherd: “Rob Manfred is unwriting the unwritten rules. He's getting rid of them... It's very quick. When I initially heard about it, I didn't like it, but it actually is fast, succinct.” (24:10)

• J. Mac: “Every year presents new challenges, and you got to solve that puzzle. We did a really good job of it towards the end of last year.” (23:34)

• Colin Cowherd: “They have the same odds to win the NBA title, plus 2500 as the Atlanta Hawks.” (24:04)

• Colin Cowherd: “If you can't play with Steph Curry and LeBron, you've got a hole in your game.” (25:17)

• Colin Cowherd: “I don't think any GM saw Lamar Jackson initially is an elite passer, but he has really developed.” (21:15)

• J. Mac: “They haven't translated to postseason wins. He's getting up there in age.” (26:33)

• Colin Cowherd: “This is what general managers do... Outside of star quarterbacks and star left tackles, almost everybody.” (27:42)

• Colin Cowherd: “In a runaway vote, it was Caitlin Clark with about 55% of the vote.” (45:54)

• Colin Cowherd: “If you go read Christine Brennan's book, there were a lot of signs she was going to be a superstar in the league.” (45:54)

• Matt Hasselbeck: “Anytime you make players and umpires more accountable, it's a great thing.” (38:17)

Conclusion

Hour 1 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a thorough exploration of current sports topics, anchored by Colin’s insightful commentary and enriched by expert opinions from co-hosts and guests. From debunking trade rumors to spotlighting emerging talents across leagues, the episode serves both dedicated fans and casual listeners with its engaging and informative discussions.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the transcript provided.