THE HERD - Hour 2 - The new Herd Hierarchy, the Chiefs are on the brink, Nick Wright

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Herd Hierarchy, Chiefs Concerns, and the Lakers Controversy

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Nick Wright

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Episode Overview

In this dynamic hour, Colin unveils his latest Herd Hierarchy NFL rankings, explores bubbling concerns with the Kansas City Chiefs' direction, and hosts Nick Wright for a spirited discussion on top NFL and NBA stories, including a brewing controversy with the Los Angeles Lakers. The hour is packed with sharp insights into playoff races, quarterback evaluations, and front-office intrigue in both football and basketball.

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Key Segment Breakdown

1. Herd Hierarchy – Top 10 NFL Teams (03:52–11:35)

Colin runs through his current top 10 NFL teams, providing analysis, context, and his trademark “trust factor” commentary for each. Teams are evaluated on recent performance, roster health, and playoff potential.

• #10: Buffalo Bills

  • Strengths: Josh Allen’s top form, high offensive ceiling
  • Weaknesses: Too dependent on Allen; turnover and run defense issues
  • “I think right now the best quarterback in the world, not the most decorated, but the best is Josh Allen. But there’s too many questions for me.” (05:16)

• #9: Los Angeles Chargers

  • Noted for success in prime time and resilience despite injuries; praised for strong pass defense and coaching.

• #8: San Francisco 49ers

  • Confusing profile: Top scoring defense since Week 11, but skepticism remains about their personnel and reliance on key players.

• #7: Houston Texans

  • “Their offense can worry me. I do like C.J. Stroud. They have played the fourth hardest schedule in the league. So they are battle tested.” (07:00)

• #6: Chicago Bears

  • Higher turnover differential and dynamic play from Caleb Williams highlighted, but poor yards-per-play defense makes Colin wary.

• #5: Seattle Seahawks / #4: Denver Broncos

  • Both praised for offensive/defensive line play and coaching; Broncos slightly ahead due to experience.

• #3: Green Bay Packers

  • “Best third down offense tied for the fewest giveaways. They’re a very smart, clean young team.” (09:11)

• #2: New England Patriots

  • 10–0, but schedule softness noted.

• #1: Los Angeles Rams

  • “Devante Adams a steal… Puka Nakua averaging the most receiving yards per game in NFL history. This feels like the most complete team in the league.” (10:02)
  • Notably, Philadelphia is left out due to coaching and “if” quarterback concerns.

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2. Chiefs Are On The Brink: A Candid Conversation with Nick Wright (11:35–17:46)

Nick joins to dissect the Chiefs’ slump and draw parallels with other NFL dynasties.

Eagles & Jalen Hurts Comedown

• Nick: “You can’t be the quarterback who might be limited but always wins and never turns the ball over and then have a three game losing streak because you keep turning the ball over. Like that doesn’t work.” (11:43)
• Draws comparison between Jalen Hurts and Russell Wilson's tenure in Seattle, citing locker room disconnect and concerning trends.

Chiefs’ Problems, Not Just Bad Luck

• Nick: “At the highest leverage moments of these games, they’ve been at their worst.” (15:17)
• Goes through key moments; says the margin for error has evaporated.

Dynasty Cycle Comparison

• Nick: “Brady, who Mahomes is always compared to… over the next three years, the Patriots won zero playoff games and got blown out in the playoffs... Mahomes,... right now they look like they’re going to miss the playoffs... The Chiefs right now for the first time in the Mahomes era are not a great team.” (17:02)

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3. Justin Herbert & Quarterback Evaluation (18:00–20:41)

Colin and Nick debate the value of Justin Herbert’s resilience versus the “stat sheet” discourse.

• Colin on Herbert: “Herbert has an atrocious O line...they’re in a division with the reigning super bowl dynasty and Sean Payton...Even you last night watching Herbert 9 and 4, weren’t you a little impressed with him?” (18:00)

• Nick’s Frustration:

  • Criticizes shifting standards around Herbert, arguing you have to “pick a lane” in quarterback evaluation.
  • “I think despite a horrible stat line, he was really impressive yesterday...But the folks who for years have been the biggest Justin Herbert defenders...are gonna. Now with yesterday, they’ll be like, yeah, I understand he had a passer rating of 40 and threw a bunch of turnovers, but, man, the guy sure knows how to win, doesn’t he? Like, you gotta pick the lane here.” (19:34)

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4. Shador Sanders, Browns Conspiracy, & Coaching Decisions (20:41–23:39)

A quick debate on narratives around Shador Sanders, Browns controversy, and Kevin Stefanski’s coaching:

• Colin: “I understood the Tebow delusion. He was winning...With Shador, it’s almost like the trend 6 and 7...He’s not winning. He seems like a nice enough kid...I don’t get the animosity toward Stefanski. What am I missing?” (20:41)

• Nick:

  • Rebukes conspiracy theories; attributes Browns’ turmoil to classic organizational dysfunction.
  • “Don’t assign to malice what can be explained to stupidity. I don’t think it takes a conspiracy to get to where we’ve gotten with the Browns handling of the quarterback position." (21:31)
  • Dissects Stefanski’s controversial two-point conversion, calling it an “awful decision.”

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5. College Football Playoff – Expansion & Selection Debates (23:39–28:19)

• Colin: Argues Miami deserved playoff spot over Notre Dame due to on-field result.
• Nick: Champions the 12-team expansion, citing this year’s parity as the ideal case for a broader field.
  • “The entire purpose of the playoff is to make sure A&M on up…have a chance to compete for a national championship...The playoff was not created to make sure the 10th best team in the nation can have a chance to win the national championship.” (25:02, 25:55)
• Country Club Theory (Colin): The more you expand, the more subjective the complaints (“I make more than him…”).

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6. NFL News Updates: Rivers, Colts, and Rams Ascendant (35:32–39:44)

• Philip Rivers’ Return: Noted for comic effect—a 44-year-old signed to the Colts’ practice squad due to injuries; skepticism over his potential impact.
• Rams’ Domination: Praised for resiliency, depth, and health; coach Sean McVay’s quote:

  “This is a player-led team...We got a lot of really great leaders in that locker room.” (39:44)

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7. Lakers’ Controversy: Rich Paul's Comments & The Austin Reaves Debate (40:31–53:07)

Rich Paul’s Candid Assessment

• Rich Paul (via podcast): “I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now. Not right now...I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Final.” (41:01)

In-Studio Reactions

• JMac: Alarmed at the public airing of doubts, sees it as pressure for a roster shakeup:

  “The Lakers love Austin Reaves. They love him. They don’t want to trade him...But the reality is, this is not what you need when you’re 17–6 and second in the west. This is now a diversion. This is all the Lakers are going to be asked about.” (42:23)

• Colin: Rationalizes Paul’s critique; warns against being fooled by regular season success:

  “Rich Paul is saying, don’t be fooled by records...The Lakers are built to come into town and beat you because they have three great play initiators, but they’ve got holes in the roster. And I appreciate anybody who isn’t a fanboy.” (43:12)

Austin Reaves’ Role & Future Questions

• Clip Played: Suggests Reaves is a “sixth man” on a championship team, likely to be exposed deep in the postseason.

  • “Playoffs in the NBA. They swallow the whistle. So you can bully Austin Reeves. He’s not a super long player...You can bully him. He’s not that strong...Austin was not a great playoff guy.” (51:53)

• Debate on LeBron’s Future:

  • JMac suggests Rich Paul’s comments as a LeBron strategy to engineer a bigger move/Giannis trade.
  • JMac: “This is to me, them getting ahead of that and trying to prolong his career by bringing in Giannis and moving Austin. I don’t like that. That’s a dirty game.” (53:03)
  • Colin: “It’s the game.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Josh Allen:

  • “I think right now the best quarterback in the world, not the most decorated, but the best is Josh Allen.” (05:16)

• On Chiefs’ struggles:

  • “At the highest leverage moments of these games, they’ve been at their worst.” (15:17)

• Rich Paul’s Lakers assessment:

  • “I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now.” (41:01)

• On the nature of sports evaluation:

  • “Don’t assign to malice what can be explained to stupidity.” (21:31)

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Key Timestamps

• 03:52 – Herd Hierarchy Top 10 countdown begins
• 11:35 – Nick Wright joins: Eagles, Buffalo, Chiefs analysis
• 18:00 – Herbert discussion and QB narratives
• 20:41 – Shador Sanders and Browns conspiracy
• 23:39 – College football playoff and playoff expansion debate
• 35:32 – NFL news: Rivers to Colts, Rams statement win
• 40:31 – Lakers controversy: Rich Paul’s comments dissected
• 49:51 – Austin Reaves’ role and Lakers’ playoff prospects discussed
• 53:07 – Segment wraps, looking ahead to hour three

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Tone & Style

The hour is lively, analytical, and laden with both sharp critiques and playful jabs. Colin keeps a macro perspective, while Nick Wright dives deep into narratives and patterns, unafraid to challenge consensus views. The dialogue is rapid-fire, opinionated, and often tongue-in-cheek.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This hour covers the NFL’s playoff landscape, the Kansas City Chiefs on the ropes, quarterback myth-making, college football’s shifting playoff, and a new round of Laker drama – all with the typical wit, candor, and sarcasm you expect from Colin and Nick. The segment offers a mixture of insider analysis, macro-level sports commentary, and sharp behind-the-scenes speculation, especially regarding the Lakers. Notable for its directness and willingness to wade into controversy, this episode is a must-listen for fans eager to understand not just what’s happening, but why it matters.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Oh, here we go. Hour two and a Tuesday. The Herd hierarchy and Nick Wright could be a bubbling, simmering controversy. With the Lakers going on right now, things are getting very, very interesting. I gotta tell you, the I hope LA sports fans. The Dodgers just signed Edwin Diaz, the Lakers are red hot, Harbaugh and the chargers and Herbert 9 and 4. Rams could be the best team in football, and USC just signed the number one recruiting class. I hope LA sports fans realize. I mean, the Clippers are, you know, shocking a circus, but most of their, you know, franchise history is littered with nonsense. But I. I'm just. Cities go in cycles. Man, LA is hot. Let's not waste any time. Let's get to our herd hierarchy right now.

Herd hierarchy time is now. Let's go. The top 10 NFL teams according to college number 10. Well, listen, the Bills are flawed, but they have won 12 straight home games in December and January, and Josh Allen has a career high completion percentage and yards per attempt this season. I still think they're asking too much of them, which is why they've had 12 giveaways in five games. They're not a clean team. They can get sloppy. They're bad against the run, although they've been a little better in the last couple of weeks. I think the reality is they'll go as far as Josh Allen can take them. I don't Trust them situationally. They were fumbling near the goal line this week. I think right now the best quarterback in the world, not the most decorated, but the best is Josh Allen. But there's too many questions for me. They sneak in at number 10, number 9. The Chargers are now 5 and oh in prime time this season. They're a big stage team, at least in the regular season. 13 and 4 under Jim Harbaugh in the second half of seasons. That's best in the NFL. Remarkable with all their injuries. The offensive lines atrocious, all beat up. The running game depends on who's healthy. But they have a great pass defense. Best in the league since Week 8. Between the head coach and the star coordinator in Herbert, they're in every single game. I have the Chargers at nine, number eight. I can't even figure the Niners out. How in the world do they have the number one scoring defense since week 11? Robert Sala. I don't like their defensive personnel. I'm mid on Brock Purdy. But they've got five wins of 10 plus or more points since week seven. That's tied for the NFL lead. They don't get penalized. They've got two easy games coming up. Just had the buy. San Francisco. Yes, they're too Christian McCaffrey dependent. But Kittle and Jennings and Pearsall, they're getting healthier. I'll put them at eight, number seven. Texans have the best defense in the league. Five game winning streak, eight of ten. Their offense can worry me. I do like C.J. stroud. They have played the fourth hardest schedule in the league. So they are battle tested. Number one scoring defense. I'll tell you, there's a couple of young defensive coaches in this league that are really sharp. Demeco Ryan's and I told you I had somebody inside the Niners tell me years ago d' Ameco Ryan's was going to be a star as head coach. That Houston defense is no fun to play. I've got him at seven, number six. I'm going to give it to the Bears. They lead the NFL in turnover differential. They run the football, they can win time of possession, people bang on Caleb Williams completing 58% of his throws. But he is so electric and dynamic. I can live with that. I think their biggest issue, they give up 6.1 yards of play. That's near the bottom of the NFL. That's what worries me. It's not Caleb's lack of accuracy. I think you gotta live with that because he's so dynamic. They've gotta shore up their defense on the average play. Number five, Seattle. Maybe I have them low, but there's a. There's a slew of teams above them and there's reasons why they can be reckless. They're a run first team. They're aggressive sometimes a little, you know, penalties, youth. I don't think they're a Super bowl team yet. I think like the packers who are young, it. It'll take another year. I think Green Bay is ready this year. They weren't last year. They have, you know, tied for the fewest sacks allowed. Some of that's just Darnold's good on his feet, but I have Seattle at five. Number four, but I think the Broncos roster is a little more experienced. And I get offensive coach Sean Payton first game though this year they have not trailed. Listen, here's what's really impressive. Tied for the most sacks and then the fewest allowed. You can't get to their quarterback.

They.

They always get to yours. That's going to serve them well in the playoffs. Offensive line, Sean Payton's got it number one after a couple years. I love their roster. I really like their roster. I wish their quarterback wasn't this uneven, but I have a nick ahead of Seattle. Number three, Green Bay. I may have them low. Best third down offense tied for the fewest giveaways. They're a very smart, clean young team. I thought last year they were a bit too young. I love that Christian Watson is healthy because Jordan love like a Sam Darnold loves to throw the deep ball and throws a brilliant deep ball. I also think the Micah trade was brilliant. Not, not always bad for Dallas, but it was brilliant because they're going to lead a lot of games late and he's the closer. I have green bay at three. Number two. Patriots were idle. I have them at 2:10 and oh, and Christian Gonzalez plays their elite corner ten game winning streak. Are they a bit young? Is Drake may ready? Listen, they have played the easiest schedule in the NFL. That needs to be noted. Houston could be better. Houston's played the fourth hardest schedule. So I think it they're a little harder to judge team. We know the coach is good and the quarterback is good, but I have him at two. Number one. The Rams boy was Devonte Adams. A steal leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns. Puka Nakua, by the way, averaging the most receiving yards per game in NFL history. 91 tight ends, quarterback, head coach, running back, o line. They have no weakness offensively other than Stafford's immobility. The defense is young and outstanding. This feels like the most complete team in the league. And you may have noticed I do not have Philadelphia in. I'm sorry. I think their coach is coordinator dependent and their quarterback in Philadelphia is an IF quarterback. He's circumstantial. If the O line is healthy, if the defense is great, if Saquon's having a great year, I have Philadelphia at 11. And with that Nick Wright joining us on a Tuesday. First things first. All right. Eagles not in. I'm not judging rosters, I'm judging. How are you today? I don't love Buffalo. They should have lost and I don't like what I see from Philadelphia. Any major complaints?

[Nick Wright]

Well, I agree with you on Philadelphia, I disagree with you on Buffalo. Let's start with Philly. Yet you can't be the quarterback who might be limited but always wins and never turns the ball over and then have a three game losing streak because you keep turning the ball over. Like that doesn't work. Other quarterbacks can get away with some rough moments because their high moments are what carries you. That hasn't been Jalen. And I am really concerned about the Eagles and I've been saying this all year when it the last half of the year when there seems like once again there is some real uneasiness within the locker room about the offense that for different reasons but a very similar timeline. This reminds me a lot as a player and seemingly as relationship with his teammates of Russell Wilson in Seattle a little. They both went to two Super Bowls. They Russ won the first, lost the second. Jalen did it in the reverse order. They're both excellent deep ball throwers and efficient short throwers. Struggle in the intermediate stuff, dynamic with their legs when they want to be, yet didn't seemingly get all the credit for the championship. And also there seems to be a real disconnect between the player, the quarterback and the rest of the locker room. Yeah, that came to a head in Seattle and I think it's coming to a head in Philadelphia.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And that interception last night, Colin, not that one or this one or the next. What the other one, the last one.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

You can't make this mistake on 1st and 10 in overtime. You just can't. And so. Yeah, and I don't. I know what his record is and it's unbelievable. And Jalen, to his credit is a great big game quarterback. Great. We've seen him play excellent in two Super Bowls. But I also know what Sirianni's record is and it's alongside John Madden for The best winning percentage for a coach, start of his career. I don't trust Sirianni to get it right. And I don't think an inflatable bunny in the locker room fixes it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, and I.

[Nick Wright]

And if I sound a little extra harsh. Sorry to keep ranting. It's because misery loves company, Colin. And if the Chiefs are going down, we're pulling a lot of teams with us.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, yesterday we were all concerned at Fox Sports when I turned on your show and I saw a stretcher come out. Now, you did have a pack of smoke, so that let me know you were still breathing. But there was a lot of concern here. Explain. It was a real.

[Nick Wright]

You were so concerned. Yeah, that's why you checked in on me. You were so worried. You were laughing, making fun of me. You and J. Mac going over what should have been your freezing cold off season takes and instead reveling in them. Yeah, go ahead.

[Colin Cowherd]

I said yesterday. Is it a reboot or a subtle rebuild? This may not just be a tweak. And they can do it, by the way. You can see what Mike Vrabel did. It's. And you have Mahomes and Andy Reid. I gotta. When I watch Seattle and the Rams and when I watch the Texans and I see the athleticism and the speed and the youth. Are the Chiefs a rebuild at this point?

[Nick Wright]

Well, no, they're. You're never a rebuild if you have one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, you know, in his pr. But they listen. This isn't a fluke. Just like last year. I was adamant that that team was a great team. And everyone's like. But the margin of victory and the close wins. Winning in the NFL is a skill just like a great tennis player understands. There's like four or five points in the match that actually matter. I'm going to win those. The Chiefs last year understood that. And this year they have been the opposite. At the highest leverage moments of these games, they've been at their worst. And it started. I can chapter and verse it just quickly for you, Colin. Then I'll talk the rebuild. Week one, third and 15, fourth quarter against Justin Herbert. Get off the field and you can win the game. Chris Jones doesn't keep contained. Week two, about to take the lead against Philadelphia despite being outplayed. Kelsey lets it go off his hands against the Jaguars. You're about to put that game away. Mahomes doesn't see the D lineman lurking. Pick six against the Broncos. Fourth quarter lead. Bo Nix in a third and long. You let him pick it up. And then a comedy of errors on Sunday night from Andy's decision to go for it when the Texans offense was dead, to Travis once again mishandling a pass, Patrick having some uncharacteristic mistakes. This team deserves to be 6 7. There is no denying it. But what I would tell you is this and it's the, the similarities are stunning in this regard. Brady, who Mahomes is always compared to Brady in year seven played in a Super bowl to win his fourth super bowl and be cemented as the greatest team ever.

[Colin Cowherd]

They lost.

[Nick Wright]

And then over the next three years, Colin the Patriots won zero playoff games and got blown out in the playoffs, including a loss to Mark Sanchez at home. Zero playoff wins over three years. Patrick Mahomes in his seventh year as a starter played in a Super bowl to win his fourth super bowl and be the greatest team ever. They lost and right now they look like they're going to miss the playoffs. Now I don't think they're going to go two more years without a playoff win, but it does ebb and flow. And so the Chiefs right now for the first time in the Mahomes era are not a great team. And they have to, they have to reckon with that and figure out what needs to be done in the off season to correct it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, you've. I've said this before. It's one thing if you're a millionaire and you're a trust fund kid. It's another if you grew up in chaos and you're a millionaire. They're not all even.

I said earlier some quarterbacks are hot air balloons. They're weather dependent. Jalen hurts summer fighter pilots. Just give me the coordinates, I'll land the plane. Herbert has an atrocious O line. They've been on a third string running back. They're in a division with the reigning super bowl dynasty and Sean Payton, the Denver's pass rush elite. And here's Herbert 9 and 4. They shouldn't have won the game. Broken hand, stiff arming people. Listen, I know he doesn't have the pelts but even you last night watching Herbert 9 and 4, weren't you a little impressed with him?

[Public Ad/Announcer]

A little.

[Nick Wright]

Well listen, I, I don't. I'm not anti Justin Herbert first of all. Second of all last night is. It's such an interest. This is here is my issue. Now I know I'm talking to a guy and I don't know if we can put Colin back on the screen but who in all of a sudden new age Colin Cowherd you said, I know he doesn't have the pelts on the wall. I don't think Colin Cowherd believes in walls or pelts or anything. I heard yesterday, I heard you call Josh Allen the greatest player in the history of the sport. A guy who's played your friend, A friend of yours, a personal friend of yours. Tom Brady went to 10 Super Bowls. Josh Allen's been done. You're like, josh Allen's the greatest player I've ever seen. So I listen. I know you're very new age. It's, you know, the it factor here is what I find frustrating about some of the Herbert discourse. All right, so I think despite a horrible stat line, he was really impressive yesterday.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Despite the fact that half his yards came on a dump off to Kamani Vidal. I thought his toughness, his running, the circumstances, that was impressive. But I feel like I'm allowed to think that way because.

I was not also being like, hey, I know they lost a game. They had no business losing, but did you see how many yards Justin Herbert threw for and how pretty the throws were? The folks who for years have been the biggest, Justin Herbert defenders that are like, yeah, wins aren't a quarterback stat. What are you. What are you talking about? Clutch. Like, just watch him throw. Are gonna. Now with yesterday, they'll be like, yeah, I understand he had a passer rating of 40 and threw a bunch of turnovers, but, man, the guy sure knows how to win, doesn't he? Like, you gotta pick the lane here. And so that. That's my frustration there. I also. You know what we're staring at? Colin Herbert versus the Prince in the playoffs again. We're still right down the barrel of that gun, and I'm excited to see it.

[Colin Cowherd]

I said about Shador Sanders.

Is that I understood the Tebow delusion. He was winning. And there was the Christianity connection with Shadour. It's almost like the trend 6 and 7. You can try to explain it to me. I don't get it. He's not winning. He seems like a nice enough kid. I. The conspiratorial feel the conspiracy theory stuff. Dylan Gabriel set a college record with starts, he was more ready to play early, but Shador is more talented. That's it. Or am I missing something? This. This belief they're trying to bury Shador. I don't culturally get it. What?

[Nick Wright]

What?

[Colin Cowherd]

I got Tebow. Shador is much better than Tebow. I don't get the animosity towards Stefanski. What am I missing?

[Nick Wright]

Well, I mean, I listen, I don't. I've said this now for a couple days. Don't assign to malice what can be explained to stupidity. Like the. I don't think it takes a conspiracy to get to where we've gotten with the Browns handling of the quarterback position. I just think. I think the simpler answer is Kevin Stefanski might make some really poor decisions and the two point conversion was a poor decision. Whenever you make a play call that is so bad and goes so poorly that people's only explanation is you must be intentionally sabotaging your team, it means that's probably one you would like back. And it does. Listen, I don't buy the conspiracy piece of it. I do think it's. I know this will shock people. I think it's possible that the Browns organizationally make a lot of poor decisions, not the most buttoned up, don't have the quarterback thing figured out. And I also think that the game we saw Shador play on Sunday, I don't think Dylan Gabriel is capable of playing at that level now. Shador will make some mistakes Gabriel might not make, but at least there are some big plays.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And so I It was wholly a lot. The only. Here's my problem, my biggest problem with Stefanski's two point conversion decision.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

The only way this silly conspiracy stuff continues after that game is by that decision. If you simply call a regular handoff or let Shidor throw the. If you do literally anything else for at least a week, the noise around your team dies down because Shador is the starter. He played well, win or lose. Instead you do a wildcat reverse pass that looked like the worst play in the NFL this season that Max Brosmer wasn't involved in. And I don't understand it.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I'm a college football die hard. I thought Miami deserved to be in over Notre Dame. I think notor I said this earlier. You know, Notre Dame won't commit. Put a ring on it. They won't. ACC's asked him to marry him three times and they're like we're not quite ready. Well so The ACC backed 21 year member Miami, who was more deserving anyway and said we got Miami's back and now. Now Notre Dame's like, you know, feels like we're on an island out here. Yeah. You're independent still. You've been in an island of your choosing. That's so I think that I think they mostly got it right. I was very happy Miami got in over Notre Dame. You have acknowledged that you're not a huge college football fan. But I like that because you tend to embrace the bigger macro topics. What did you make of the playoff announcement?

[Nick Wright]

So I think you're going to love this, Colin. So I first of all, I agree with you. Miami over Notre Dame was very simple. They have the same record. They played each other. Miami won. Like you can say that's caveman stuff. Like, I don't know, I think the game should matter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

But I don't actually care about that piece of it because here is my argument and leave the bracket up and see if you agree with me. I wanted the playoff expanded from 4 to 12 for seasons exactly like this one where there is one team, Indiana, that in any system ever was going to get in.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And then four to six teams that all had a legitimate claim to be in the top four because without the new playoff system, what do you do about Georgia, Ohio State, Tech, Oregon, Ole Miss, A and M? They all have one loss. They all have an argument. So that for me, the entire purpose of the playoff is to make sure A and M on up, if you will, A and M, Oregon, Ole Miss, and then the top four teams have a chance to compete for a national championship. After that, I simply don't care. And you're lucky you got included. Like everyone who is not A. No doubt inclusion doesn't get to complain. The playoff was not created to make sure the 10th best team in the nation can have a chance to win the national championship. The playoff for me was created to make sure a team that actually might be the third best team in the country doesn't get left out because they're fifth ranked. Oregon, that's what. So I think they got it right. First of all, I actually might have considered Notre Dame over Alabama, but forget that. But everyone after A and M is on a free pass. You lost twice. You gave the committee a reason to leave you out. You're lucky you got in. Everyone from A and M up is why the playoff was created. And I'm happy about it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you know, I think it's a good take. And I also have always had my country club theory is that you think the more you expand the country Club from 30 members to 60, everybody will be happy. But what happens is you weren't allowed in. And then your neighbor gets in. As the 60th person, you're like, I make more than him. I'm a nicer guy than him. I've lived in the community longer. I'm a better golfer. The more you expand the playoff, the surlier the arguments get if it was two teams, you'd be like, well, Indiana. And then you have one argument, Ohio State or Georgia. So I think what happens is when we expand playoffs, we think it's going to dim and lessen the arguments. The more you go into the country club, the more people go, well, my neighbor got in. Well, how did I get in?

[Nick Wright]

It expands the argument. But what I like about it is it makes the argument less, have less gravity because if it was still four teams, there is a really like Texas Tech versus Oregon is a really, really hard call. And Ole Miss and A and M, while I think they're a cut beneath Tech in Oregon would feel like, wait a minute, why aren't we included? And so expanding it the way they have, I think is really smart. I would not expand it any further. And I also do like the fact that Duke didn't get in just because they won their conference championship. Like, if we're going to put a team in that has no shot of winning the whole thing, having it be a 1 loss James Madison as opposed to a 5 loss Duke, I like that a lot.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. By the way, because of HIPAA laws, we can't tell you what was wrong with Nick Wright yesterday. But the video is so dramatic. Let's show it again.

[Nick Wright]

Broken heart, Colin. That's what's wrong. Broken heart. And I'll tell you one other thing because I might have to hit you off the air for, you know, a bridge loan. It's also, I'm going to send this video to all my creditors after this football season because I'm being reminded that all my preseason futures bets I tied and the Chiefs making the playoffs to him to get a little extra juice. And now all that's coming due on me, Buddy. I'm in a rough way. I'm in a rough, rough way, my friend.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Sam Darnold can still win a Super bowl, so I'll be the medic that saves your life. That's all I can.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, well, thank God. I appreciate it, Buddy, but more than that, I just need some money. Talk to you later, Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Nick Wright, first things first. Very funny show yesterday. Yeah. The. You know, you expand the playoffs to me and everybody says, okay, that'll solve it. No, it just opens up more arguments. I think we had an amazing college football season. I loved it. I thought the committee mostly got it right. And if you want to expand it, I'm fine with that. I. I don't. I think the one thing I'll say is everybody kept telling me blowing up the PAC 12 would ruin college football. Didn't Nil would ruin college football. Didn't Transfer portal was bad for college football isn't they're not perfect. I mean it's it the the transfer portal feels sometimes moving a little fast for my taste. But coaches are moving all over the place. They're Lane Kiffin's leaving in the middle of the night. So if players leave, they leave. Good stuff. It's the herd.

One more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search heard to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube and you can be a part of it. Pay attention. Just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos from your favorite shows. Two pros and a cup of Joe Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb Covino and Rich the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Ma Show Fox sports radio on YouTube. Subscribe. Hit that thumbs up icon and comment away.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures this.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and jules. For the second season in a row, I partnered with T Mobile's Friday night 5G lights powering up hometown football across America. This year T mobile invested over $4 million in prizes to help schools take their Friday nights to to the next level. The votes are in. And now it's time to crown our $1 million grand prize winner. Congratulations to Derrick's High school and Derrick, Arkansas, home of the Outlaws and your 2025 T mobile. Friday night, 5G lights champion. The Outlaws and their community rallied to help them score a game changing home field upgrade, a Gronk Fitness weight room makeover and an epic 2026 tailgate party and a VIP trip to the SEC championship game. To every school that competed, posted and rallied your communities, thank you and to T Mobile for making it all possible. This season may be over, but the story isn't. Stay tuned for season three in 2026. Congratulations again to Derek's High School Outlaws.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Doug. Oh, what a horrible call. Hey, open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that. Come on. Hey, ref, why didn't you customize your.

[Nick Wright]

Car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money? I don't think you get what we're doing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sure I do.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.

[Colin Cowherd]

Nope, that's not it.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Colin Cowherd]

Liberty.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Liberty.

[Colin Cowherd]

Liberty.

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebr. But don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30, shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all, from highlight reel editing to intense player research so you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn [e-mail] laptops Snapdragon the heart of your PC. Battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors.

Welcome back. Are you doing that Laker Controversy?

Why are you teasing the good stuff, bro? Come on.

Have you seen the NFL schedule next week? Oh my.

Wait, next week or this week?

The coming up? This week.

This week has five double digit favorites. I think maybe a sixth.

Rams. Lions. Okay, well that again. It's like Fox is on a heater. That one is a great game.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, do we have the rating in for Green Bay Chicago this weekend?

Yes, 75 minutes.

I'm telling you, that thing was gripping. It was everything. Traditional rivals, cold weather, close game. That was more gripping.

That or the World cup bracket reveal and the pools. That was fun. We liked.

That was great.

Yeah, yeah.

J. Mack with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the third line news.

We got some breaking news out of Andy Collins. Yesterday we talked about Philip Rivers. This is not maybe going to the Colts. Well, it's official. He's been signed to the practice squad. Yes. 44 year old Philip Rivers. He's a grandfather. Did you know this? 44 years old grandfather.

He was. He played old when he was 36.

So he's older. According to the staff, he's older than the head coach, Shane Steichen. I don't even know what to make of this. Now here's the reason why he signed. Riley Leonard is the number two, but he's hurt. Anthony Richardson's on ir. This is how crazy their season's been. He was working with bands. I know you go to the gym and use those bands. Yeah, it's snapped back and broke his orbital bone like early in the season. He's out. I mean, I think it's dangerous to put Philip Rivers on the field. In Seattle the line has ballooned to 13 and a half. Colin, this is. When I say dangerous, I'm not kidding. I joked on social media. This is like when Apollo Creed went to fight Ivan Drago and Rocky 4 and literally got killed. I mean Philip Rivers hasn't played football in five years.

Well, he's a. He's big, thick, strong, smart. He like, he'll.

He can't move. You've seen you talk about Dexter Lawrence in that defensive front. Those guys are nasty.

No, DeMarcus, DeMarcus law.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Sorry.

[Colin Cowherd]

You look at that honestly, the front seven of Seattle, what they've done to support.

I want to, I want to read this. The staff just sent me this. Colin, Other quarterbacks who have played at 44. And I remember this.

George Blanda with the Raiders and athletes are in much better shape now. Warren Moon, Chiefs 2000. Vinny Testaverde, remember that Tom Brady, Buccaneers?

Yeah, but the defenders now are bigger, faster and stronger. They're scary. I'm just telling you, man, this is not a smart.

I'm surprised the line isn't like 20.

Well, remember the Seahawks have the Rams next week. On Thursday night Football. So they're not going to give a max effort to power down once. This is 24 to 6 and then just coast.

[Nick Wright]

So.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love Philip Rivers. I love that he's like, saddle up, let's go. You know, Troy. Troy Aikman told the story. He was retired for like four or five years. People came after him when he was retired.

Well, remember Frank Ragnow, the center of the Lions tried to come back and they're like, oh, you have a torn hamstring, bro.

You can't play football. No, I think, I think that Rivers.

Passed the physical is impressive.

I'm. I bet you Matt Ryan's been called. He just retired a couple years ago.

He's like, he's in the booth with.

Yeah, I guarantee you Matt Ryan got called by somebody. Philip Rivers.

You're telling me there's no young guy you would feel. I mean, Josh Dobbs, what's he doing?

Okay.

Remember NASA or something?

Well, remember, it is, what is it, week 15. So there's just a lot of beat up quarterbacks.

Yeah.

And you know, I've argued for years, the NFL needs to expand its roster to carry another quarterback somewhere. This is a. I love Philip so much, but he played old in his late 30s. I mean, Brady felt. I mean, I watched Brady on the broadcast. You could never guess his age. I mean, he, he looks and feels young. This is, It's. It's gonna make me watch.

So the Colts are fighting for their playoff lives. The schedule is tough, Colin. They're not getting in the playoffs. It's over. And that Sauce Gardner deal will look horrible. He's out with the Cavs. Still, I mean, look at the schedule. Where's the win here? Who are they beating?

No, this schedule is brutal.

I don't want to see toughest last.

Month in the league.

It's certainly up there. The Chargers have a tough week, but this is like the Niners and Robert Sala. You know, the Jags have some edge rushers and the Texans as shown against Patrick Mahomes. You don't want to face him. All right, let's move on to. Let's go to another team on the west coast. That's the Rams. They slaughtered the Cardinals really easy dub. 45 17.

Puka Nkua is having. Yeah, an absolutely unbelievable. He and Devonte Adams are the best one two in the league. Jamar Chase Higgins, too. Those two are both Pro Bowlers.

Yeah, for sure. Here's McVeigh on his team's performance in the blowout.

[Nick Wright]

I thought the guys did A great job.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This is.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is a mentally tough group. This is a resilient group. You know, you got to earn it. And. And I thought they had a great week of preparation. I thought even just the maturity of even some of the stuff where I wasn't around a little bit just because of what I was dealing with, just.

[Nick Wright]

The way they handle it.

[Colin Cowherd]

These are grown men, you know, and.

[Nick Wright]

They do such a great job.

[Colin Cowherd]

Job of. This is a player led team.

[Nick Wright]

And really, I can't say enough about what a great job our coaches do.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't mean that to be minimizing them at all, but we got a.

[Nick Wright]

Lot of really great leaders in that locker room.

[Colin Cowherd]

And they are healthy, Jason. They're usually this time of the year, you're banged up. The Rams are hot, hungry, healthy. And when that ball gets rolling with.

That offense, they are a machine. I mean, Kyron Williams, Blake Corum.

Corum's playing now. We thought fought last year. Now he had a. Didn't he break his wrist?

An injury, but he had a couple fumbles too, that they were like, now.

Blake Corum is arrived.

He's nice.

And now the Terrence Ferguson, the tight end out of Oregon. Like, they don't miss a lot of their draft picks either.

You know, we don't like to fire coaches here, but a lot of Arizona fans are like, yo, it's over for Gannon. I mean, that was listless, terrible performance. Final story. This is the one you were teasing.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, boy.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't love this. Colin. Rich Paul is LeBron's guy. They've been tight forever. He's his agent. He went on a podcast and said a lot of stuff. Now, you know, the conspiracy theorists will say he's a mouthpiece for LeBron here, but you watch the video during the break. The lakers reminder are 17 and 6 second in the west behind OKC.

That's true.

Rich Paul was like, yeah, I don't really think we're contenders. Here we go.

[Nick Wright]

I personally don't think the Lakers are.

[Colin Cowherd]

Good enough to be contenders right now.

[Nick Wright]

Not right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

When you say contenders, what do you mean?

I don't think they have enough to.

Get to the Western Conference final.

[Nick Wright]

I don't think they have enough to.

[Colin Cowherd]

Get to really contend from that perspective.

So, okay, as currently constructed, you don't love the Lakers chances.

[Nick Wright]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now there is.

I totally agree. They're not good enough athletically on the wing. They don't have good offensive teams will eat them alive in the playoffs. When you can play a team six, seven times. You know this. It's difference between going on a date and being married. And when you're married, you argue about stuff because you're around each other all the time. The Lakers are a hard team to prepare for because they're so good offensively. Redick, Austin, LeBron. Luke is the best offensive player. So when they just come into town and you get one preps film session, it's like they're a handful. But if I play the Lakers over the course of a series and I can go, oh, they can't defend the wing. And LeBron's going to give you at this point, maybe two really good games in the series and three or four average games in a series. Luka, okay, you can pick on him. Defensively, they have no rim protector. So this happens all the time. Remember those Houston Rocket teams with Harden? You're like, they're amazing in the regular season. Harden doesn't defend. So I think. I think Chris Paul's. You think he's picking on who?

So if you watch the full video, essentially Rich Paul is being a mouthpiece for LeBron and saying, we don't have enough right now. You know, we can't defend on the wing. We're not athletic enough. And this is coded about Austin Reaves. And it really sounds a lot of Laker fans are angry right now that LeBron and Rich Paul are trying to get Austin Reaves. Move for Giannis. Bring Giannis here, then we'll have enough to battle okc. Colin, I don't like this at all. Okay? The Lakers love Austin Reaves. They love him. They don't want to trade him. Now, if you bring on Giannis, that's another story. But the reality is, like, this is not what you need when you're 17 and 6 and second in the west. This is now a diversion. This is all the Lakers are going to be asked about. LeBron's, of course, saying all the right things. I love Austin. That's my guy. Why would your best friend and agent come on here and say the Lakers are not good enough when they're 17 and 6?

Well, because they're not. That's called contextualization. Rich Paul is saying, don't be fooled. Fooled by records. It's like in the NFL, we say this all the time. Everybody goes crazy. The Miami Dolphins are on fire. In Miami, it's September. They're not built for late in the season, though. They're playing well now. What he's basically saying is, this is great, but look at the T Wolves and okc and you start looking at these western teams, San Antonio, those teams are better defenders, better rim protectors, better wing defender. I mean, like, San Antonio is built for a long series. So is okc, so is Denver. The Lakers are built to come into town and beat you because they have three great play initiators, but they've got holes in the roster. And I appreciate, I appreciate anybody who isn't a fanboy. I, I totally agree with Rich Paul here.

Yeah, it's less about. Do you agree with him? It's. Do you think when you're 17 and 6 and riding high, you want.

Basically he's got a new podcast.

But do you want LeBron? This is essentially LeBron saying we're not good enough when we're great.

Well, let's see.

Want that? Because how do you get better?

You trade. So you're assuming this is, this is LeBron talking. I know Rich Paul. I think it's Rich Paul talking.

I would hope so. I can't. This feels like sabotage, does it not?

Well, no. Rich Paul's a pretty successful strong guy. Nobody's going to force him to say anything. He's got a new podcast on the Simmons Group. He. And so I, I think this is an authentic opinion. It's right.

Some of the advanced stats tend to agree. They're not great with the point differential. I'm just telling you, offensively, they can hang with anybody. They've also had LeBron, Reaves and Luka for what, like five games together? Can we give it a little more time to breathe? Like. Yes, you're right. No rim protector. But Colin, this is not what you need ahead of the spurs game. This is all the Lakers are going to ask. J.J. redick, by the way, Redick was at the Eagles game last night. My buddies ran into him. LeBron, Reeves, Luke. That's all they're gonna talk about. We don't need this crap. Sorry.

What is this?

Weed? Sorry. For the Wii.

Are you on the roster?

I may be a towel boy, you know, during the NBA Cup.

J Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by. The Herd lie news this week in the NFL. I'm telling you, man, we get, we get so there are so many good rivalry games coming up. Live in la. It's the Herd.

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you try transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member finra SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures this.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and jules. For the second season in a row, I partnered with T Mobile's Friday night 5G lights, powering up hometown football across America. This year, T mobile invested over $4 million in prizes to help schools take their Friday nights to the next level. The votes are in and now it's time to crown our $1 million grand prize winner. Congratulations to Derrick's High school and Derrick's Arkansas, home of the Outlaws and your 2025 T mobile Friday night 5G lights champion. The Outlaws and their community rallied to help them score a game changing home field upgrade, a Gronk Fitness weight room makeover, an epic 2026 tailgate party and a VIP trip to the SEC Championship game to every school that competed posted and rallied your communities. Thank you and to T Mobile for making it all possible. This season may be over, but the story isn't. Stay tuned for season three in 2026. Congratulations again to Derek's high School Outlaws.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

To help someone customize and save on.

[Colin Cowherd]

Car insurance with Liberty Mutual.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Even if it means playing in a football game.

[Nick Wright]

Boom.

[Rob Gronkowski]

42.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're going down Doug.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Your price on car insurance when you.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Customize and save is going down.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey.

Limu, what are you doing on their team?

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations. But don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30th. Shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all. All from highlight reel editing to intense player research so you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn [e-mail] laptops Snapdragon the heart of your PC. Battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors.

We got a huge SEC biggies battle on Fox College Hoops Friday as Texas takes on solo ball and fifth ranked Yukon. It all tips off Friday night at 8 Eastern on Fox.

So Rich Paul, LeBron's agent, right, Max Kellerman, got a new podcast and this is the one that got J. Mac all worked up. Is that Rich Paul in one of the bites is essentially saying this Laker team is fun. But eventually Austin Reeves becomes a major liability. Here's the bite.

[Nick Wright]

When you have the talent up top.

[Colin Cowherd]

That they have, those guys can win games.

LeBron and Luka.

[Nick Wright]

But also Austin's playing Austin Reeves.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's absolutely taking a step. Then when you go into the playoffs.

[Nick Wright]

We'Ve seen last year they ran into athleticism and length.

[Colin Cowherd]

They struggle going back to the championship.

[Nick Wright]

Organization versus an organization with championships. The Spurs.

[Colin Cowherd]

On the spurs, he'd be the sixth man, right.

Especially back in the day made that.

[Nick Wright]

Decision and you know what Ginoby did?

[Colin Cowherd]

He embraced it. Right?

[Nick Wright]

Right. And how many championships they win?

[Colin Cowherd]

5.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, it's those type of decisions to be made.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So so basically they're saying is, you know Austin Reeves is is first guy off the bench on a great team. But, but eventually he'll be exposed in the postseason. Which is what happened last year. Which it it, it got you know these guys you love Brock Purdy, Jalen hurts Austin Reeves. I know the story is great but they do get exposed. Like Austin Reeves gets exposed athletically. Playoffs in the NBA. They swallow the whistle. So you can bully Austin Reeves. He's not a super long player. He's aggressive, he works his butt off. You can bully him. He's not that strong. He's not very long. In the playoffs, the ref swallow their whistle. So Austin was not a great playoff guy. But in the in a regular season where they kind of just let you play, you know, they call more whistles, he initiates contact. Austin gets to the line. He's a 20 point guy. So I can like Austin Reaves in one setting. It's like Tua in the sun is wonderful to in the wind. Not my favorite quarterback.

I love how Austin Reeves is having the best season of his career. He's a lock to be an all Star. We were on this over six weeks ago and what we're doing is having LeBron's best, best guy come out and slander Austin Reeves. Yeah, he's a good sixth man. What is happening, Colin? Where's the agenda here? You know what this is doing? This is deflecting away from LeBron because I think everybody knows this is probably his final year with the Lakers, right? Unless he takes a dramatic pay cut.

Austin has been the better player this year on the Lakers over LeBron, at least in terms of consistency.

I like LeBron. I don't want to be bashing him here, but Colin, let's talk through this. We got a minute. What's. What's LeBron's game plan in the offseason? Because a, ain't nobody paying him.

Well, 40, 50 million, the new owners, this is it. Okay, JJ, Redick, Luca are the future. Austin Reeves is up for discussion. LeBron's not the future.

I get that. So where then what becomes of LeBron?

[Nick Wright]

He.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's over.

So he's going to retire. Because I'm telling you, Charlotte's not giving him $30 million a year.

He's made his money. It's over.

He's not going anywhere. So this is to me, them getting ahead of that and trying to prolong his career by bringing in Giannis and moving Austin.

Yes, probably.

I don't like that. That's a dirty game.

It's the game.

Play basketball. LeBron. Hey, you know, have you seen the numbers on him? He's not getting to the rim like he used to. Well, not finishing at the rim like he used to.

It's his last year in the league.

So why aren't we talking about that? Instead of getting Austin Reaves, who's having the life career season, why are we talking about that?

I don't know. I think you're reading like this Drama.

Stay out here next week, my friend.

Don't go home.

We need more Lakers content in between.

We got a great last hour. Joel Klatt's gonna stop by. Do not shed a tear for Notre Dame. I thought I always was a Notre Dame guy. I said this the LA Times yesterday finally came to my side. USC does not need Notre Dame. Notre Dame getting left out needs usc. Jen Cohen, you've got the leverage. Use it Hour three Next.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available at public.comDisclosures PCs powered.

[Colin Cowherd]

By Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all from highlight reel editing to intense player research so you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn [e-mail] laptops snapdragon the heart of your PC battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors. Everybody has goals and every goal starts with an assist, whether it's on the field or off. That's why Halion is teaming up with US Soccer to launch for the Assist. It's a new campaign that celebrates those everyday acts of support that help people achieve their goals. As the makers of trusted brands like Advil, Centrum, Tum, Sensodyne and Voltaren, Halion knows how to support everyday wellness goals. To learn more, go to helionassist.

What a matchup we got y'.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is that classic HBCU vibe non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.

Yeah, that tap days always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and in.

[Nick Wright]

Ice cold Coca Cola.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going. The day begins at the Chase Sapphire.

[Nick Wright]

Lounge by the club.

[Colin Cowherd]

At Boston Logan Airport, you get the clam chowder. In San Diego, it's Tostadas New York.

[Nick Wright]

Espresso martini. It's 10am why not?

[Colin Cowherd]

It's the quiet before your next flight. The shower that resets your day. The menu that lets you know where you are.

[Nick Wright]

This is access to over 1300 airport lounges and every Sapphire lounge by the club. And one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve, the most rewarding card.

[Colin Cowherd]

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JPMorgan Chase bank and a member FDIC.

[Public Ad/Announcer]

Subject to credit approval.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

Guaranteed Human.