The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 2 - Reaction to LeBron
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Doug Gottlieb (Guest Host for Colin Cowherd)

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, guest host Doug Gottlieb delves into a recent interaction with NBA superstar LeBron James that has stirred conversations across social media and sports communities alike. The episode focuses on LeBron's unexpected tweet directed at Gottlieb, its implications, and broader NBA-related topics, including team performances and significant injuries.

LeBron James' Tweet and Its Implications

Breaking the Ice: At the outset, Gottlieb addresses a surprising event where LeBron James tweeted at him, seemingly mocking his team's performance.

Doug Gottlieb [03:54]: "The context of the tweet was clearly making fun of our record, which the tweet was old."

Speculations on LeBron's Motives: Gottlieb explores potential reasons behind LeBron's tweet, questioning whether it's a personal grudge or merely a spontaneous social media reaction.

Doug Gottlieb [04:42]: "Maybe it's over, Bronnie. Maybe it's... Or he listens to the show, he didn't like some of my football picks."

Impact on Team Morale: The host discusses how such public critiques can affect team morale and player psychology, emphasizing the importance of focusing on performance rather than external opinions.

Doug Gottlieb [11:44]: "Anthony Roy is our best player. ... I would rather start him than Bronny James. No one in my program, no one in basketball would argue with that."

Team Performance and Player Evaluations

Evaluating Key Players: Gottlieb provides an in-depth analysis of his team's roster, highlighting standout players like Anthony Roy and contrasting their performance with that of Bronny James.

Doug Gottlieb [16:42]: "My Instagram is full of bronze sexuals who know nothing about anything other than LeBron."

Critique of Bronny James: The conversation turns critical as Gottlieb assesses Bronny's capabilities, suggesting that despite his potential, he may not currently match up to other key players.

Doug Gottlieb [31:31]: "He had a bunch of points, he wasn't actually very good. ... He's been completely ineffective, and he's not good enough to play in the NBA."

Team Dynamics and Leadership: Gottlieb emphasizes the importance of leadership and chemistry within the team, praising his own players' resilience despite a challenging season.

Doug Gottlieb [40:07]: "The guys just have a great spirit about that, and that spirit is kind of reinvigorated by winning a game."

NBA News and Developments

Victor Wembanyama's Injury: A significant portion of the episode covers the unfortunate news of Victor Wembanyama suffering deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, leading to his absence for the remainder of the season.

Doug Gottlieb [25:24]: "Victor Wembanyama is going to miss the remainder of the season. Apparently has deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder."

All-Star Game Ratings: Gottlieb critiques the NBA's handling of the All-Star Game, particularly the experiment with new formats that have not yielded the desired ratings.

Doug Gottlieb [28:04]: "The new problems were this year is that you had a little bit better intensity because of the pride factor... It's not a playoff matchup."

Playoff Predictions: The host offers his predictions for the NBA playoffs, discussing potential favorites and the strengths of various teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Doug Gottlieb [32:14]: "I think the Thunder still the favorite, but not the predominant favorite."

Lakers vs. Hornets Game Analysis

Game Breakdown: Gottlieb analyzes the recent game between the Lakers and the Hornets, highlighting key moments and player performances that influenced the outcome.

Doug Gottlieb [29:57]: "Luka Doncic, he's played only three games with them. Not only just with the Lakers, but since Christmas with his injury."

Strategic Insights: He discusses strategic decisions, such as player rotations and defensive setups, questioning the Lakers' ability to guard top opponents effectively.

Doug Gottlieb [32:14]: "They can't defend anyone. ... they don't really have much size."

Controversial Topics and Listener Engagement

LeBron's Social Media Presence: The episode touches on the intense scrutiny of LeBron's social media interactions, labeling certain fans derogatorily and questioning the authenticity of such engagements.

Doug Gottlieb [16:45]: "Bronze sexuals. That's what they are. Bronze sexuals."

Fan Reactions and Social Media Dynamics: Gottlieb comments on the polarized reactions from fans on social media, noting a trend of extreme support or condemnation with little middle ground.

Jason Stewart [18:15]: "Most of the comments, and I would say a ratio of like 9 to 1, are ripping on LeBron for wasting time tweeting about you after he just cost somebody an all-star spot the day before."

Conclusion and Forward Look

Final Thoughts: As the episode wraps up, Gottlieb reiterates his stance on maintaining focus within the team and minimizing distractions from external critiques.

Doug Gottlieb [41:57]: "There's a Couple of more articles... something happens. And that's her line news."

Upcoming Topics: Listeners are teased with upcoming discussions on MLB spending and more NBA insights in future episodes.

Doug Gottlieb [42:34]: "Coming up next in the Herd, Lakers lose after having a huge lead to the Hornets. What did we learn? I'll tell you next time."

Notable Quotes

• Doug Gottlieb [03:44]: "I don't even know if I should. Do I need to address LeBron tweeting at me randomly a couple days ago?"
• Doug Gottlieb [11:44]: "Anthony Roy is our best player. ... I would rather start him than Bronny James."
• Doug Gottlieb [25:24]: "Victor Wembanyama is going to miss the remainder of the season. Apparently has deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder."
• Doug Gottlieb [28:04]: "If I had a guess moving forward next year... Just try hard and act like you know, you can give it, you know what just to put on an entertaining show."
• Doug Gottlieb [32:14]: "They can't defend anyone. ... they don't really have much size."

Key Takeaways

• LeBron's Influence: The episode highlights the significant impact of LeBron James both on and off the court, especially regarding public interactions and social media presence.
• Team Focus: Emphasis is placed on maintaining team morale and focus despite external criticisms and distractions.
• NBA Insights: Gottlieb provides valuable insights into current NBA standings, player performances, and strategic decisions affecting playoff outcomes.
• Fan Engagement: The discussion underscores the polarized nature of fan interactions on social media, advocating for a more balanced perspective.

This episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and candid discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing dynamics in sports, particularly concerning LeBron James and his interactions with the broader sports community.