Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 3 - Latest NBA News
Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion delves deep into the latest NBA news, featuring insightful analysis on emerging talents and veteran superstars. The episode also touches upon developments in the NFL and college football, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

NBA Highlights

Cooper Flag’s Summer League Performance

[02:23] Colin Cowherd kicks off the NBA segment by welcoming Joe Varden, a seasoned NBA journalist. The primary focus is on Cooper Flag's recent performance in the Summer League.

• Colin Cowherd: "How good was Cooper Flag last night? I don't care that he was 5 for 21. I thought he looked great." [02:23]

• Joe Varden: "I was gonna say he stunk. Five of 21 stinks. ... I am as excited as you are about what we're going to see long term from Cooper." [02:41]

Despite Flag's underwhelming shooting statistics (5 for 21), Joe acknowledges his potential and attributes his performance to the learning curve typical in Summer League debuts. He emphasizes that the exposure and experience Flag gains are indicative of his future trajectory in the NBA.

Key Discussion Points:

• Role and Positioning: The debate centers around whether Cooper Flag should start in a hybrid point guard role or be eased into the lineup as a sixth man to accommodate his developing skills.

  • Colin Cowherd: "Do you think he starts in some kind of hybrid point guard role or do they bring him off the bench just like a sixth man..." [04:38]

  • Joe Varden: "No, I would be surprised if he doesn't start. ... They’ve already built around him. That puts him at such an advantage." [04:38]

Joe believes Flag will likely secure a starting position, highlighting the Lakers' commitment to building around him as the number one pick. He underscores the added pressure of being a point guard in the NBA but remains optimistic about Flag's growth and the support system surrounding him.

LeBron James’ Status with the Lakers

The conversation shifts to LeBron James, exploring rumors and reports about his satisfaction with the Lakers' current trajectory.

• Colin Cowherd: "Is there something here or nothing? Is this normal? LeBron? Is he really ticked? Do you see?" [06:12]

• Joe Varden: "Is there a way for literally everything you've just said to be true? ... I question this. I think they, they traded for Luka Doncic. ... they have players, but there's still something about being able to run an offense..." [06:57]

Key Discussion Points:

• Team Dynamics: Joe counters the notion that the Lakers aren’t committed to competing by emphasizing their acquisition of Luka Doncic, positioning him alongside LeBron to form a formidable duo.

• LeBron’s Influence: The discussion highlights LeBron's role in maintaining the team's competitiveness and his possible considerations if the Lakers' management doesn't align with his championship aspirations.

  • Colin Cowherd: "I think they could absolutely not buy him out right now. ... they could trade him. There are only a couple of teams..." [08:25]

Joe dismisses the idea that the Lakers are not serious about winning, arguing that trading or buying out LeBron is implausible given the financial constraints and the team's strategic planning around key players like Doncic.

• Colin Cowherd: "What a take. Joe Varden. The Athletic knows LeBron well, knows the Cavs..." [11:08]

Joe reaffirms his stance, illustrating his expertise and deep understanding of LeBron's career and motivations. He concludes that the Lakers remain a top contender with LeBron's presence, ensuring they remain in the conversation for championships.

NFL Updates

Aiden Hutchinson’s Return to the Lions

Moving beyond basketball, the podcast transitions to NFL news, focusing on Aiden Hutchinson and his impact on the Detroit Lions.

• Alex Curry: "The Lions need him to be the best that he can be because they have a lot of new this year. ... Do you think he can be one of the NFL's elite edge rushers again?" [20:20]

• Colin Cowherd: "Certainly get back to top five? No doubt about it. ... He’s a superstar. They just need him back badly." [21:34]

Key Discussion Points:

• Hutchinson’s Impact: Colin and Alex discuss Hutchinson’s recovery from a broken leg and his potential to return as a top-tier edge rusher, comparing him to contemporaries like Miles Garrett and Micah Parsons.

• Team Dynamics: The Lions’ need for Hutchinson's elite skills is emphasized, especially with significant changes in their coaching staff and the retirement of key players like Frank Ragnow.

49ers’ Super Bowl Contention

The discussion then shifts to the San Francisco 49ers, evaluating their prospects for the upcoming season.

• Alex Curry: "Reports indicate that Brandon Aiyuk will likely start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after tearing his ACL and MCL last season. ... the division is loaded." [16:44]

• Colin Cowherd: "So I'm looking at their stats from last year. ... They don't have a lot of young guys." [18:58]

Key Discussion Points:

• Injuries and Roster Challenges: The potential sidelining of Brandon Aiyuk poses a significant challenge for the 49ers' offensive lineup. Colin scrutinizes the team's depth, particularly their reliance on veteran players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

• Division Analysis: The NFC West is highlighted as a competitive division, with the Warriors’ seasoned roster being a focal point. Colin and Alex debate the Warriors' ability to compete despite the aging core.

College Football Insights

Deion Sanders’ Salary Cap Proposal

The podcast briefly touches upon Deion Sanders’ advocacy for a salary cap in college football.

• LeVar Arrington: "Isn't this what everybody wanted in college football or open market? Yeah, pay the players, make them employees, money galore. ... Everyone gets paid. Which way do you want?" [32:48]

Key Discussion Points:

• Financial Implications: The conversation acknowledges the complexities of implementing a salary cap in college sports but recognizes the potential benefits in leveling the playing field and compensating athletes fairly.

Oregon vs. Penn State Preview

Joe Varden offers his predictions for the upcoming college football season, focusing on matchups like Oregon vs. Penn State.

• LeVar Arrington: "I do, I think there's an assumption that there's going to be a massive step down from Dylan Gabriel to Dante Moore at quarterback. ... finishing the year 11 and 1." [33:15]

• Colin Cowherd: "All right, well, we got a minute left. ... I can't believe this." [34:00]

Key Discussion Points:

• Player Evaluations: The analysis questions the perceived decline of Oregon's quarterback, Dante Moore, suggesting that his potential may be underestimated.

• Season Predictions: Colin and LeVar discuss the possibilities of Oregon outperforming expectations, considering their schedule and the pressure on Penn State to secure wins.

Sports Gambling and Betting Insights

The podcast incorporates segments on sports betting, with Chris Felica, the Bear, providing his expertise.

• LeVar Arrington: "He is just. By the way, how is the tournament going for you?" [26:24]

• Chris Felica: "It was great up until yesterday when like an idiot, I got involved and bet under two and a half in a match that had seven goals scored. So outside of that, it's been pretty good." [26:34]

Key Discussion Points:

• Betting Strategies: Chris shares his experiences and insights on betting, highlighting both successes and the unpredictability inherent in sports gambling.

• Market Analysis: The discussion includes evaluations of betting odds for teams like the Chiefs and Commanders, offering listeners informed perspectives on potential wagers.

Closing Remarks

[36:14] Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by thanking the guests and previewing upcoming content, including segments on soccer and future guest appearances. Listeners are encouraged to tune into the Fox Sports app for continued coverage and live editions of The Herd.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "If you don't have a plan, you plan to fail." [11:23]

• Joe Varden: "I am as excited as you are about what we're going to see long term from Cooper." [02:41]

• LeVar Arrington: "Anyone who knows me in Miami knows that I am tough on them in the past." [35:22]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a multifaceted exploration of current sports topics, blending in-depth analysis with engaging discussions. From evaluating young NBA talents and superstar dynamics to dissecting NFL team strategies and college football forecasts, the podcast offers listeners a rich and informative experience. Notably, the inclusion of expert guests like Joe Varden and Chris Felica enhances the depth of conversation, making it a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive insights.