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Now let's get this party started. 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 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 alleys. 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 Luca code, one's a quarterback, one's a wide receiver. Luka is 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 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 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 skyhook now, they're obviously much different games. Luke is a much better score 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 Luca, 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.
Luke Walton
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 said, said, okay, great, then we're, you and I are gonna be good. And it has been.
Jason Kidd
The closure is gonna take a while, I think. You know, it just, it's not ideal, but, you know, like I said, I'm glad this, this game is over. You know, there's a lot of emotions, but we go little by little, you know, and every day is better.
Jason McIntyre
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 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.
Jason Kidd
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.
Jason McIntyre
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 what I thought it was going to be a bloodbath. So Lakers may have won the trade. Dallas is well constructed. That is a well constructed team. J. Mac is being cynically looking at me. I'm saying at the end of that first half when it was like 12, if that thing would have ended up 18 at half 30 into the third quarter, you would have come home from your luxury seats and thought, I saw what I thought I would saw. Be honest, when that thing was tied in the fourth quarter, if LeBron wasn't playing the best fourth quarter of his last decade, Lakers don't win that game.
Chris Broussard
Yeah, no, great point. It looked like Luka kind of ran out of gas.
Jason McIntyre
The emotional toll war on him.
Chris Broussard
He didn't do much offensively, had a couple of nice passes, but I can't believe you just won 11 minutes raving about this game at 0 mention of Austin Reaves, who, by the way, smart move by JJ Redick. He put Austin Reaves on Klay Thompson after Klay got hot. Final 5 minutes, 0 baskets for Klay Thompson. I'm telling you, man, this Lakers team is, yeah, the Mavs are well constructed, but this Lakers team, and I think.
Jason McIntyre
One of the things, one of the things that jumps out to you is these guys really like playing together like you could just sometimes you can watch. I've criticized quarterbacks in the NFL for this, like, body language when they're trailing. And like, Matt Stafford's got good body language. You can never tell if Matt's winning or losing. His body language is positive. He's barking at players. The Lakers body language with LeBron and Luka LeBron, that's the happiest I have seen him since the Kyrie LeBron championship year in Cleveland. Even when they were winning in Covid, it always felt like he was waiting for AD to kind of take the baton. And this is not a knock at AD he's not an initiator. Of offense. He's a finisher, but he's not a guy. LeBron, the Lakers wanted him to take it over. And to his credit, the last two years, AD's been a monster defensively. Little inconsistent offensively, but a monster. And I thought Austin, AD and LeBron was a good fit. You watch this fit. They have playmakers. When LeBron would miss a game, Austin Reeves was like the only playmaker on the floor. They now have three legitimate playmakers.
Chris Broussard
So other small things. So Luca was. Would be sitting on the bench. And of course, I'm watching interactions with teammates, but when someone's shooting free throws, a Mavs player would come down to the Lakers bench and like, dap up Luca. Good to see you, man. How you. They. Everybody loves Luka Doncic.
Jason McIntyre
Colin.
Chris Broussard
This trade just. It's just so strange. Lakers all love him. The Mavs players love him. I'm sure you saw the videos. Everybody congrats. The only guy who wanted to trade him was the gm. I mean, it is still.
Jason McIntyre
I mean, if you go back and remember what the Lakers were before the Palasol trade, I mean, they had a couple of years where Shaq left and Kobe's like, talking about Chicago and then they landed Pau Gasol. And I remember sitting on a plane thinking, man, they. They gave up a little.
Chris Broussard
But that was a heist.
Jason McIntyre
That feels like a heist. This is a heist with a better offensive player. So it's.
Chris Broussard
Listen, they're going to the finals.
Jason McIntyre
There's this show now. Rim protection. Jackson Hayes is a hip hop fun. He's a pogo stick. The guy can jump out of the gym and he really fits.
Chris Broussard
I don't know if a bit of a space cadet, you know, headbutting the ball when it goes through.
Jason McIntyre
Well, whatever, but. But let be honest about this. Jackson Hayes is a huge beneficiary of this because Austin, LeBron and Luka are all great passers. Yeah, Jackson Hayes is getting more free lunches. Last night, it just lobs. It felt, you know, it felt like DeAndre Jordan playing with Chris Paul. You're just. Yeah, it was just like a. DeAndre is like, yeah, I'm gonna get 18 points tonight. 12 on alley. Oops. If you feel like owning a home is out of reach, Rocket is here to give you the keys to the dream they believe everybody deserves a shot at owning a home. Visit Rocket.com or call 800 for Rocket. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.
Luke Walton
Pacific on Fox Sports Radio.
Jason McIntyre
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So party of two Right this way.
Colin Cowherd
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Jason McIntyre
We had to go out to farmers.
Chris Broussard
And convince them it was really damn hard.
Tomer Cohen
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Jason Kidd
I was always so fascinated by how.
Chris Broussard
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Jason McIntyre
Listen to Building One on the iHeartRadio app, Apple or wherever 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.
Luke Walton
Tom Brady starts there. When Tom wanted to do this and he wanted to be part of this thing that changed my outlook on, you know, what could be possible. I've found out since how consistently he is a great competitive mentality and spirit and he passed it right through to the rest of the ownership group that has been incredibly fired up and jacked to do something special.
Jason McIntyre
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 serious on this. Money is something for Matt, all right? He's not gonna get all the super bowl trophies, folks. The difference between living in California and living Nevada state tax. If they give you an extra year or two, that could be a $75 million swing. You'd be. You gotta 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 McVeigh and less Sneed and Stan 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. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no. Turn on the news.
Luke Walton
This is the Herdline news.
Chris Broussard
All right, let's start with another quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The jets man moved on from him wisely. And some, you know, are saying, well, what's their quarterback situation going to be like? Well, Jay Glazer, when he broke the news, there was some issues in the locker room. Quinn and Williams tweeted out in displeasure of dumping Aaron Rodgers, saying, another rebuild year for me, I guess. Well, yesterday at the combine, coach Aaron Glenn addressed his star's tweet. And other players, Colin, were apparently upset with the move.
Jason Kidd
Yes, I have talked to him and listen, I understand the reaction of the players, but I will say this. Every decision that me and Moose make is to win and to win now. So I understand it. But again, this is not gonna be the last decision I make.
Jason McIntyre
Right?
Jason Kidd
That's not gonna. That's gonna upset some people and that's okay.
Jason McIntyre
Right?
Jason Kidd
But as men, we talk about it, we'll make sure we keep it in.
Jason McIntyre
House that we're going to continue to do Very interesting. They're There is not a quarterback on the market that played as well as Aaron Rodgers did in the last 10 games.
Chris Broussard
I'll just Sam Darnold played better than.
Jason McIntyre
There'S no way the jets are bringing Darnold back. There's not a viable quarterback on the market.
Chris Broussard
They're not going to probably not going to trade for Stafford but Stafford they don't.
Jason McIntyre
They don't have. They don't have what you need.
Chris Broussard
I am curious. We talked about the jets. They needed culture change. It sounds like everything Aaron Glenn is pushing in the media. Yeah he is focused more on anything than culture. Not scheme, not plays, not offense, not defense culture.
Jason McIntyre
Well where did he come from? Detroit. Which changed the culture first.
Chris Broussard
Indeed.
Jason McIntyre
That's a very much a gym. There are the There are what I would call Bravels one of these. Harbaugh is one of these. Dan Campbell's one of these. They're culture coaches. So is Sean McVeigh but he's also a good you know he's a good schematic guy and a lot of the culture guys. Aaron Glenn's probably more culture than a scheme guy. There's nothing wrong with that. Many of the great coaches are but that I find that culture coaches miss more infrequently than scheme experts. There's a lot of young Brandon Staley was supposed to be a brilliant defensive scheme guy. It didn't work because he couldn't change the culture. So I don't I'm just going to watch Aaron Glenn. I have no idea what's going to happen but I will say Aaron's last 10 games with a bad coaching staff pretty darn good.
Chris Broussard
Let's just say for the record, you know last season I went in with some expectations for the jets healthy.
Jason McIntyre
I forgot what they right now they're a six win team max with their.
Chris Broussard
Current quarterback maybe a little rich but I'll just say this. I'm going to give Aaron Glenn a one year pass. I'm not going to kill him for the first year.
Jason McIntyre
Right.
Chris Broussard
He's got to change the culture. That might mean getting some guys out of that locker room like telling Quinn Williams hey we got to keep that stuff in house. Quinn and Williams one of the alphas on that team. He may rub some guys the wrong way and have to shove them out. So I think it's going to be a little bit of a struggle this year for the jets which is kind.
Jason McIntyre
Of on brand for for team by the way. Another reason the Patriots will be the wild card team in that division.
Chris Broussard
Oh, dear. All right, let's move on. Let's go to the Bears. They h Ben Johnson this offseason in a move that GM Ryan Poles believes will take Caleb Williams to the next level. Well, Ben Johnson spoke to Tom Pelissaro of NFL Network yesterday and talked about how ready Caleb is for next season.
Luke Walton
Man, I tell you what, he's hungry. He's hungry. I'm trying to watch the super bowl with my family. I made it back to Detroit just for. For a weekend and I'm watching and my phone just keeps buzzing and it's Caleb time and time again. You know what's going on here? What do we think? Oh, that was a cool play. Things like it's. I just know this is a hungry individual that he's ready to get this career started of his because he's got a chance to be. Be pretty darn special.
Jason McIntyre
Sure does.
Chris Broussard
I like that little Caleb Williams and me. Sometimes I text you during games. Oh my gosh, how fired up are you about this? And you usually don't reply.
Jason McIntyre
Hopefully he's not that aggravating.
Chris Broussard
You've got a cigar in your mouth. But I don't know what Bears going to the playoffs this year?
Jason McIntyre
My guess is they're, they're going to be on the doorstep. I, I'm, I cannot figure out what Minnesota is doing with Darnold and J.J. mcCarthy. Detroit going to be a playoff team? I would say they will be a much more organized, entertaining, offensively liberated team. I think you'll want. Like I said last year, I did. I picked the Bears for fourth last year before the season. I said that the division's too good. I think there'll be a much better offensive version you will feel at the end of the season or at some time in the middle of the season. Oh, they run an NFL offense. They know what they're doing. The offensive line last year regressed so inexplicably because it looked like it was young and getting better and last year it just circled the drain. My guess is they will attack the offensive line in the draft or free agency. Trey Smith could go there. Keep your eye on that. I think you'll. What you want when you get a new coach is a functional offense because you don't have to be a great defensive team to win in this league. You have to be functional. They were awful last. You didn't know what you got series to series.
Chris Broussard
It's just, it's going to be tough for them to get to the playoffs. Remember, Niners are going to bounce back. We know McAffrey's going to come back healthy. We get that. We know Washington. They're not going anywhere. If the Giants get Stafford like I do believe that NFC could be tough for the Bears. Four teams from the division are not going to make the playoffs. That's not happening. So maybe packers fall off. I don't know. Final story Collins to the NBA where you're yes, your Golden State warriors blasted the Hornets. Now Lamelo ball didn't play. So I don't know what you want to put stock into this one, but the warriors won by like 75 points. It was the franchise's 3,000th win. Golden State, joining the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks and Sixers is the only teams to reach that milestone. They are now 6:1 since acquiring Jimmy Buckets. Colin points per game are up. The defense is better. The net rating is through the roof. Three straight wins and by 20 or more, all of a sudden warriors are creeping up on the six seed.
Jason McIntyre
Isn't that interesting? There was a young sportscaster who told people implore the warriors, don't listen to the analytic mavens. Get Jimmy Butler's iq, EQ and physicality. Just get him in the locker room and he will change everything. He's sort of the anti Andrew Wiggins. You know what you get every night? He's absolutely dialed in. You know, when he's on the floor, Andrew Wiggins, even in his prime could drop 30 and I wasn't sure any of the points mattered. He's a little bit the antithesis of Wiggins. He's very intentional. Every possession matters. He's aggressive, sometimes to a fault. He will get your team to the free throw line. I don't care what analytics say. He is a really good fit with this team.
Chris Broussard
I love. I love Butler. I'm just going to say, Colin, we haven't seen any adversity yet for this team. I want to see Draymond Green yell at Jimmy Butler. I'll tell you right now, that's not happening. You will not yell at Jimmy Butler.
Jason McIntyre
Those days are over.
Chris Broussard
Yeah, you can yell at Andrew Wiggins. He'll take it. But you're not yelling at Jimmy Butler. So I want to see what happens when they're in a close game. And you know, I'm very curious.
Jason McIntyre
I think Draymond yells at players who need to be yelled at. And Jimmy Butler and Steph are not those kind of players.
Chris Broussard
That's a good point.
Jason McIntyre
He doesn't. He attacked KD when KD Got into his fields. He goes after Wiggins or King KD out of town. Okay, but. But I'm saying Draymond badgers and gets on guys. Jordan pool that need to be sort of. Put your arms around him and get them straight.
Chris Broussard
Yeah. So if they. If they're the six and they face like Houston or Memphis, they're winning that series.
Jason McIntyre
Oh, absolutely. Absolutely.
Chris Broussard
Listen, I've been hyping Lakers to the Finals. I'm not looking forward to facing Curry and Butler if I'm the Lakers.
Jason McIntyre
That there are teams in this league like Houston, that are built for regular season. They're young, they're long, they defend, but they can't shoot. And Houston eventually will get upended. They won't make enough baskets in key spots.
Chris Broussard
But they have two wings to guard. LeBron, Draymond and Butler.
Jason McIntyre
But they won't make enough shots. They're not a good shooting team. Golden State's actually built for the postseason. Yes, they'll be rested. Everybody's equally rested. It's old guys that need a day off. Butler, Draymond, Steph. Golden State will be better in the playoffs. Houston will be less of a team in the postseason. I'm just throwing it out there.
Chris Broussard
I don't want to see the Lakers or Warriors. If I'm anybody in the west, those two teams scare the hell out of me right now. They're new, fresh and tough.
Jason McIntyre
Yep. J. Mac with a new.
Luke Walton
Well, that's the news.
Jason McIntyre
And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. So I went on a rant yesterday, and 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'd 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 Luka 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. Change changed how they fly around the league. Now they got private jets. So Luca 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 them. The ratings disappeared. Baseball, Shohei Ohtani to the Angels. Meh. 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 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, Stephen Butler, LeBron, Luca, Jimmy, you know, it works. They're going to be fine. Take a deep breath. Going to be fine. Coming up next, we were, we were thinking about this this morning as I'm watching Luca 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 tick tock and so you got to, you got to 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, Louisiana 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.
Steve Covino
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. 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.
Jason McIntyre
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 required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.
Colin Cowherd
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 to the card Member entrance not limited to the American Express Platinum Card. Learn more@americanexpress.com withamx I'm Mary Kay McBrayer.
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 ever told on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jason Kidd
Everyone's forgotten who runs this valley.
Jason McIntyre
Time to remind them.
I
Yellowstone fans, step into the Yellowstone universe.
Chris Broussard
Our family legacy is this ranch.
Jason Kidd
My protector of my life.
I
Hosted by Bobby Bones, the official Yellowstone Podcast takes you deeper into the franchise that's captivated millions worldwide. Action Explore untold behind the scenes stories, exclusive cast interviews and in depth discussions about the themes and legacy of Yellowstone.
Jason Kidd
You know, the first stuns to settle.
Jason McIntyre
This valley fighting was all they knew.
I
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the ranch, welcome to the Yellowstone. Bobby Bones has everything you need to stay connected to the Yellowstone phenomenon.
Jason McIntyre
I look forward to it.
I
Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast Now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jason Kidd
Let's go to work.
Chris Broussard
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.
Jason McIntyre
I bet that's another place I've been doing you've never been to. You ever been to St. Petersburg? The beaches down there, Russia?
Chris Broussard
St. Petersburg?
Jason McIntyre
No, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Chris Broussard
Oh no, I have not been there.
Jason McIntyre
There 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.
Chris Broussard
What am I Missing in St. Peter's like is that a top 10?
Jason McIntyre
What are you missing in the world? 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.
Chris Broussard
So you lived in Tampa?
Jason McIntyre
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.
Chris Broussard
Going on like the Mets have preseason or something.
Jason McIntyre
It used to be the Cardinals.
Chris Broussard
Cardinal.
Jason McIntyre
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 generations 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, 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 Gregg 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 far. 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 six. I'd put Sean McVay a notch below him at seven. 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 McVay is a rock star, a culture builder. Again, he's telegenic. He's like got photographic memory. 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 Soto. 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 polarizing 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 in 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 Betts 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 fascinating football team in the league last year because of one person. It was not Matt Eberfluss. 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 put him in 11. And number 12. You may think this is weird. I'd 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 and 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 Patino 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 they. 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 Pitino was younger, if he was at Kansas, he may be five or six. When Rick Pitino was at Kentucky, Rick Pitino 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 off, blah, blah, blah. But that now Freddie Freeman. I had it. Number 13, the Dodgers. Great. Former Atlanta Brave again, Braves, Dodgers, big brands.
Chris Broussard
You're my guy.
Jason McIntyre
But this may be the best list ever produced for a television show.
Chris Broussard
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.
Jason McIntyre
No, nobody likes James Harden. What?
Chris Broussard
What are you talking about?
Jason McIntyre
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.
Chris Broussard
Rick Pitino's 79 years old and still crushing. He is crushing James Harden. He's playing well.
Jason McIntyre
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?
Chris Broussard
You're not wrong.
Jason McIntyre
You tell me that James. People are sold their stock on James Harden. They have sold their stock on Kawhi Leonard.
Chris Broussard
That's fair. That's fair.
Jason McIntyre
They have sold their if once five years ago. James Harden's price six on this list.
Chris Broussard
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.
Jason McIntyre
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 serious. What is he the fourth best player on the Lakers today?
Chris Broussard
He's not better than Austin Reeves.
Jason McIntyre
No, no.
Chris Broussard
Austin Reeves could make this list. I mean, if I. If I had any input, if you asked me, J. Mac.
Jason McIntyre
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.
Chris Broussard
You know, Ty Lou watches the show regularly.
Jason McIntyre
Tyler's a great coach.
Chris Broussard
He's not gonna be happy with that.
Jason McIntyre
He's not in the dynamic.
Chris Broussard
Like three Clippers assistants live near me. They're gonna be ticked.
J
This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glazer 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 welcome to My Legacy.
Jason McIntyre
I'm Martin Luther King III and together with my wife Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger.
Chris Broussard
Who we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.
Colin Cowherd
Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Billy Porter.
Jason McIntyre
Listen to My legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is my Legacy.
Mary Kay McBrayer
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, the difficult, and all the nuance I can find because these are the stories that we need to know to understand the intersection of society, justice and the 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 ever told on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jason McIntyre
I'm Mark Seale. And I'm Nathan King. This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.
Chris Broussard
The five families did not want us.
Jason McIntyre
To shoot that picture. This podcast is based on my co host Mark Seals best selling book of the same title. Leave the Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.
Jason Kidd
Yes, that was a real horse's head.
Jason McIntyre
Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 1 - The Code Has Been Cracked
Release Date: February 26, 2025
In the latest episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into one of the most intriguing matchups in recent NBA history: the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Dallas Mavericks. The episode, titled "The Code Has Been Cracked," offers a comprehensive analysis of the game, exploring strategic maneuvers, player performances, and the broader implications for both franchises.
At the heart of the episode is the discussion of J.J. Redick's innovative strategy to neutralize LeBron James.
Jason McIntyre remarks at [07:00], "JJ Redick has figured out the LeBron code. We've been trying to move LeBron off ball for years, and finally, they've cracked it." This tactic involved leveraging Redick's sharpshooting to keep LeBron occupied and limit his direct involvement in offensive plays.
The Mavericks' Luka Doncic emerges as a pivotal figure, effectively taking on a quarterback role on the court.
At [09:45], McIntyre states, "Luka is going to control the tempo, control the pace, control the game. He's playing quarterback, filling up the box score with his versatility." Luka's performance, especially his 12 assists, underscores his ability to orchestrate the Mavericks' offense seamlessly.
Despite the Mavericks' strategic defense, LeBron James showcased an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, redefining perceptions of his longevity and skill.
At [08:10], McIntyre highlights, "LeBron was easily the best player on the floor. Sixteen points, racing down the floor, making defensive stops—it's the greatest performance I've ever seen by an old NBA player in a meaningful game."
Analyzing the Lakers' approach, Jason Kidd provides a candid assessment of the team's dynamics.
At [12:08], Kidd reflects, "We put ourselves in a position, came up short, but the guys fought as you brought up. We kept fighting and found our way into this game and could have gone either way, but they were the better team tonight."
The Mavericks' roster depth, especially in the absence of key bigs, played a significant role in their performance.
At [13:36], McIntyre observes, "Dallas is well constructed. Jason Kidd's done an unbelievable job. Kyrie Irving gets the ball more, and there's a bunch of depth."
Conversely, the Lakers' reliance on multiple playmakers—LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves—positions them uniquely but also highlights potential areas for trade considerations.
At [15:08], McIntyre notes, "LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Luka are all great passers. Jackson Hayes is a huge beneficiary of this because they are playing together smoothly."
The camaraderie between players from both teams was evident, emphasizing the mutual respect and competitive spirit on the court.
At [15:21], Chris Broussard comments, "Everybody loves Luka Doncic. The trade just feels like a heist with a better offensive player."
The episode transitions to discuss the broader implications of star players on the NBA's popularity and viewership.
At [21:30], McIntyre states, "When you add Luka plus LeBron plus the Laker brand, it's good for the league right now. There are four really good teams in this league—Celtics, Lakers, Knicks, Warriors—that are huge brands."
Drawing parallels with other sports, McIntyre emphasizes the cyclical nature of sports popularity and the essential role of marquee players in maintaining fan engagement.
At [32:17], he asserts, "Everything outside of the NFL is cyclical. Republicans are cyclical. The Democrats are the political. Right now, the Democrats are reeling like hyper aggressive Trump and Elon Musk. Democrats are flailing."
The Herd with Colin Cowherd masterfully dissects the intricacies of the Lakers versus Mavericks game, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of basketball strategies, player performances, and the intricate dynamics that drive team success. Through insightful commentary and expert analysis, the episode underscores the evolving landscape of the NBA and the pivotal role of star athletes in shaping the league's future.
Notable Quotes:
For listeners keen on understanding the current NBA dynamics and the strategies employed by top-tier teams, this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd serves as an invaluable resource, blending expert insights with engaging discussions.