What's Wright - Best Of - Is LeBron James sending Lakers a WARNING? Patrick Mahomes still owns Allen, Lamar & Burrow

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: What's Wright - Best Of - Is LeBron James Sending Lakers a WARNING? Patrick Mahomes Still Owns Allen, Lamar & Burrow
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Nick Wright and Mina Kimes dive deep into the current state of the NBA, focusing primarily on LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers amidst trade rumors. Additionally, they explore Patrick Mahomes' dominance in the NFL, contrasting him with other top quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.

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2. LeBron James and the Lakers' Future

Mina Kimes initiates the discussion by addressing LeBron James' decision to opt into his $52 million contract and the subsequent trade rumors surrounding him.

[01:19] Mina Kimes: "LeBron opted into his $52 million contract and then came the trade rumors. Rich Paul came out with a statement and said, LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all."

Nick Wright expresses his frustration with the media's relentless focus on LeBron, especially during an otherwise stagnant free agency period.

[01:43] Nick Wright: "I have just been mystified by the combination of misinformation, disingenuous commentary, and almost huffing and puffing from the media like, oh, I guess we're forced to talk about LeBron again. What the fuck else has happened in free agency?"

Key Points:

• Limited Free Agency Activity: Nick highlights the lack of significant moves in the free agency market aside from the anticipated Kevin Durant trade and Norman Powell's move to Miami.

• 15-Year Anniversary of LeBron's Decision: Reflecting on the impact of LeBron's 2010 decision to join the Miami Heat, Nick underscores how it transformed player empowerment and team-building strategies in the NBA.

[09:33] Nick Wright: "Today's the 15-year anniversary of the Decision, which means we've had 15 years of enhanced, more round-the-clock, more 12-month-a-year, 365-day NBA transaction interest from player empowerment to the owners trying to wrestle it back."

LeBron's Impact and Media Perception:

Nick argues against the narrative that LeBron's hefty salary is a hindrance to the Lakers' success, citing his recent MVP awards and All-NBA votes as evidence of his continued value.

[09:50] Nick Wright: "LeBron James is probably pretty underpaid. And that's even before you consider all of the off-court stuff that I bring to the table. So yeah, I'll just play for my 50 million is more than totally reasonable."

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3. Speculations on LeBron's Communication with DeAndre Ayton

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around recent interactions (or the lack thereof) between LeBron James and DeAndre Ayton, raising questions about the Lakers' internal dynamics.

Mina Kimes probes deeper into the situation where DeAndre Ayton received a welcome message from Luca but none from LeBron.

[20:18] Mina Kimes: "Aiden is getting settled in LA, getting all comfy and all that. Luca sent him a welcome message... LeBron James not said anything to him though. Is there something to read into here?"

Nick Wright enumerates possible reasons for LeBron's silence, ultimately leaning towards LeBron leveraging the situation to pressure the Lakers' management to make necessary roster improvements.

[21:57] Nick Wright: "Here's the reason I have... LeBron expects to be a Laker but wants to keep the screws on the Lakers to continue to make moves as the reason for him not reaching out. I would put that at 65%."

Possible Scenarios Discussed:

1. LeBron Intentionally Withholding Communication: To exert pressure on the Lakers to enhance the roster.
2. LeBron Doubts His Future with the Team: Considering the possibility of not returning next season.
3. Personal Feud or Oversight: Though deemed less likely by Nick.

Notable Insight: Nick emphasizes that this situation is not trivial and indicates underlying tensions that could influence the Lakers' strategy moving forward.

[27:33] Mina Kimes: "So I really think that LeBron James is like, man, y'all got DeAndre and that's not the center I wanted. I'm not texting him. I'm not welcoming, oh, this guy to the team."

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4. Analysis of LeBron's Contract and Value

Nick provides a comprehensive breakdown of LeBron's contractual status, arguing against the notion that his salary hampers the Lakers' championship aspirations.

[10:25] Nick Wright: "If LeBron James had said, 'I'll go from 52 million to the league minimum,' it would have opened up roughly $10 million in cap space for the Lakers. So the idea that the Lakers could have been major players in free agency if LeBron had simply taken a discount is belied by the facts."

Supporting Arguments:

• MVP and All-NBA Recognition: Despite his high salary, LeBron continues to receive top honors, underscoring his value on the court.
• Comparative Contracts: Comparing LeBron's salary with players like Jimmy Butler, Nick argues that LeBron's contract is favorable given his contributions.

[11:00] Nick Wright: "Jimmy Butler makes more money than LeBron and is worse than LeBron."

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5. Patrick Mahomes' Dominance in the NFL

Shifting gears to the NFL, Nick and Mina discuss Patrick Mahomes' unparalleled status among quarterbacks, contrasting him with peers like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.

Nick Wright vehemently defends Mahomes as the best quarterback alive, critiquing the media's favoritism towards other quarterbacks despite their lack of comparable postseason success.

[35:40] Nick Wright: "Patrick Mahomes has pretty clearly not been judged based on his numbers. He's been judged based on the fact that his team wins, that he is a leader, that he plays his best in the biggest spots."

Mina Kimes concurs, acknowledging Mahomes' offensive prowess while recognizing LeBron's overall skillset.

[15:06] Mina Kimes: "Offensively, I’d say Kevin Durant. But as far as who's the better player, like just, yeah, better all-around. I'd have to give it to LeBron."

Key Points:

• Mahomes vs. Other Quarterbacks: Despite strong performances by Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow, Nick maintains that Mahomes remains superior due to his consistent leadership and performance in critical moments.

• Media Bias: Criticism of the media's inconsistent standards in evaluating quarterback greatness, favoring less accomplished players over Mahomes.

[43:22] Mina Kimes: "The guy had a few drinks, but..."

[43:24] Nick Wright: "...that's beyond dumb to me, the every other."

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6. Historical Context and Player Empowerment

Nick reflects on the evolution of player empowerment in the NBA since LeBron's seminal 2010 decision, highlighting its lasting impact on team-building and player negotiations.

[09:33] Nick Wright: "15 years later he's still one of, if not the most interesting person in the league. And folks who cover the league for a living seem almost resentful that this is a story."

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7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Nick and Mina emphasizing the significant shifts in both the NBA and NFL landscapes, driven by influential figures like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes. They underscore the importance of recognizing true athletic excellence over media-driven narratives.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [01:19] Mina Kimes: "LeBron opted into his $52 million contract and then came the trade rumors."
• [01:43] Nick Wright: "What the fuck else has happened in free agency?"
• [09:33] Nick Wright: "15 years later he's still one of, if not the most interesting person in the league."
• [10:25] Nick Wright: "If LeBron James had said, 'I'll go from 52 million to the league minimum,' it would have opened up roughly $10 million in cap space for the Lakers."
• [15:06] Mina Kimes: "Offensively, I’d say Kevin Durant. But as far as who's the better player, like just, yeah, better all-around. I'd have to give it to LeBron."
• [35:40] Nick Wright: "Patrick Mahomes has pretty clearly not been judged based on his numbers."

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Final Thoughts

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an insightful analysis of the current sports landscape, questioning media narratives and highlighting the true value of standout athletes like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes. Nick Wright and Mina Kimes offer compelling arguments that challenge conventional perceptions, making this a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding.

Transcript

[Nick Wright]

This is an iHeart podcast. Check out behind the Flow, a podcast documentary series following the launch of San Diego Football Club. San Diego coming to MLS is going to be a game changer because this region has been hungry for a men's professional soccer team. We need to embrace this community. Listen to San Diego FC behind the flow on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Greg Rosenthal]

Who are the 25 greatest football players to grace the gridiron since the year 2000? Introducing NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years. Join me, Greg Rosenthal and an all star cast of media personalities including Mina Kimes, Steve Weiss, Kevin Harlan and more for a look at football's best since the turn of the century. Listen to NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years starting on June 30th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

Welcome to the Best of the Week for what's Right with Nick Wright. The best takes and moments from this week on the show. Enjoy soul.

[Mina Kimes]

LeBron opted into his $52 million contract and then came the trade rumors. Rich Paul came out with a statement and said, lebron knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. You thought they were going to come away with a sinner. They ended up getting DeAndre Hayton, who was a sinner. Yeah, but something about this whole process has been p and you off. Do you care to share with the audience?

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. So I have just been mystified and at the combination of misinformation, disingenuous commentary, and almost huffing and puffing from the media like, oh, I guess we're forced to talk about LeBron again. What the fuck else has happened in free agency? The Kevin Durant trade that all of us knew was coming, that we, that we talked about, that. That was awesome. That was exciting. Other than that, it's been the deadest free agent agency imaginable. One team had cap space. It was the Nets. They. They decided to use it just to take other teams bad contracts there. Shams was telling us a month ago this could be the craziest offseason ever since nothing's happened other than the Durant move. The most notable move is Norman Powell getting traded to Miami. Norman Powell, who, by the way, oddly enough, the. The only time Norman Powell's been discussed on regularly on podcasts and TV shows, aside from ones focused on the Clippers, was a different LeBron James thing when people were like, oh, won't anyone think of Norman Powell and his all star spot if LeBron knew he wasn't going to play? And so but I, but I'm listening to and reading folks basically be like all right, I guess we'll feed the content and engagement monster and have the boring tired discussion of could LeBron James be traded? You mean the greatest player of all time or you know what to not argue with folks, the atwor second greatest player of all time who's never been traded, who is open now potentially to being traded. That's a boring discussion. We'd rather talk about the Pacers losing Miles Turner because they don't want to pay the tax because Halliburton got hurt. That's what we'd rather talk about. Cam Whitmore for two second round picks. Like what are we doing? This is and it's not lost on me today, this very Moment is the 15 year anniversary. I didn't know that until I saw, I saw an article written about it this morning. Today's the 15 year anniversary of the Decision which means we've had 15 years of enhanced more round the clock, more 12 month a year, 365 day NBA transaction interest from player empowerment to the owners trying to wrestle it back. Super teams homegrown, all of came because LeBron and Maverick put together a TV show and changed the whole paradigm. And, and 15 years later he's still one of, if not the most interesting person in the league. And folks who cover the league for a living seem almost resentful that this is a story. So I don't understand that. But that's I guess a matter of taste. That's a personal preference. So be it. But then there is what I consider the outright misinformation might be too strong, especially in today's climate, but just misleading and incorrect I guess opinions on LeBron's money and LeBron's value and LeBron's impact on winning because here's what I know last year we played, we had an off season by the way, we're in the Olympics. They had a whole all the best players in the world came together in Paris to play a basketball tournament and then they voted on who was the most valuable player in that tournament and it was LeBron James. Now I argued you could have gone co MVPs because LeBron carried the team up until the final and then Steph was so utterly brilliant in the semifinal and the final to if you wanted to split the baby, so be it. That's fine. But he won the MVP of that. Then this year we had a whole NBA season and then the entirety of basketball media voted on awards. And after this season, if your name was not Shay Gilgeous, Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antonokounmpo, Jayson Tatum or Donovan Mitchell, basketball media said you were not as valuable as LeBron James. Those are the five guys that finished higher in MVP voting. Those are the five guys who received more first team all NBA votes. That's the entire list. Not Steph, not Kawhi, not Durant, not who's the younger guys that I'm leaving out? Not Cade, not Halliburton in the regular season. He obviously came on huge in the postseason. None of those guys. We had an awards. We had a season. 6th most first team, all NBA votes. 6th most, 6th in the MVP voting. And the reason I bring that up is then the discussion around LeBron James make being the 13th highest paid player was. Well, doesn't LeBron understand that a huge impediment to winning is his salary? In what world? In what world is the league's. I don't know, I'll be conservative. 8th best player being the 13th highest paid player an impediment to winning? We, we just saw the Golden State warriors trade for and then extend Jimmy Butler. And the narrative surrounding that is that open steps championship window. Jimmy Butler makes more money than LeBron and is worse than LeBron. Say it again. No, I'm talking about the right now. The right now because I by the way, I would bet LeBron's got as many all NBA caliber seasons more all NBA caliber seasons left in him than Jimmy Butler does. Jimmy Butler's done being an all NBA player. LeBron was last year and Stephen LeBron probably have about the same amount of seasons left, give or take. And I'm talking about the here and the now people thought that the warriors made a great move giving Jimmy Butler that money. And it's a touch more than LeBron makes. And he's a worse player. Great player, but a worse player. He like in, in the, in what universe is LeBron James making less than Karl Anthony Towns and the same as Paul George a bad contract. Not a world where he was second team all NBA and sixth in MVP voting. So there's that piece of it that if you're the seventh or eighth best player in the sport and you're the 13th highest paid player in the sport, you're on a bargain contract. Then there was this piece of it. Well, if he was really focused on winning. He should have taken less to help the Lakers. And that was. That is a understandable opinion by fans and a just abhorrent job by the media in perpetuating that. Because LeBron James, if he had cut his salary to Monse from 50, if he had opted out of the 52 and said, you know what, I'll play for 20, you know how much cap space that opens up for the Los Angeles Lakers? Zero dollars, not a penny. Because they're that far over the cap already. If LeBron James had said I'll go from 52 million to the league minimum, it would have opened up roughly $10 million in cap space for the Lakers. 10 million bucks. So this idea that the Lakers could have been these major players in free agency if LeBron had simply taken a discount is belied by just the facts. And it's also, it's also a, and we all know this is true, a disingenuous Discussion because had LeBron, let's say LeBron opted out and said, I'm going to be a free agent and guess what guys, I'm going to play for the minimum, the entire conversation would be about stacking the deck. Unfair fake ring like that. So there was him simply saying, I don't know, I'm the 13th highest paid guy in the league. I'm probably pretty underpaid. And that's even before you consider all of the off court stuff that I bring to the table. So yeah, I'll just play for my 50 million is more than totally reasonable.

[Mina Kimes]

Was there like.

[Nick Wright]

So he go, you have to.

[Mina Kimes]

But he opted into the contract like what would have his other options have been?

[Nick Wright]

You know, he could have opted out and been a free agent. He could have opted out and been a free agent and signed anywhere for the. Literally anywhere for the league minimum and leave 50 million on the table or a lot of places for the mid level, which is about 14 million bucks. And the only team that could have signed him for more than $14 million would have been the Nets, which would have made no sense. So those were. Go ahead.

[Mina Kimes]

And why did he not do that? Are you saying like because he thought the Lakers were going to do a better job with securing a better.

[Nick Wright]

Well, I mean, I think that, I think it's, I don't think there is a perfect solution here for, you know, what they're trying to accomplish all these things. And I'm a big believer of you can't have everything you want in life. And sometimes like you, you know, you have to make trade offs I'm not sitting here arguing that the Lakers owe him something more than they owe Luca, which is to try to win a damn championship this season. And I'll get to the Lakers piece of it in a minute. I'm not saying that there is a perfect solution for what he's trying to accomplish. What I'm saying is the narrative that a. A huge impediment to winning is, you know, when you pay a player way more than he's worth, that's going to hurt you. Like the. The example we will use is, you know, Kobe at the end, when LeBron was, according to NBA voters, which I am not, was the sixth best player in the league last year. Right? So, so, so that part is to me just erroneous. Then there is the, okay, you've made over a billion dollars. You want the Lakers to be more competitive, take less money, Dirk style and give them flexibility. When you look at it that him taking less money would not have given them any flexibility. And then there is this other part of it which, which I mentioned on TV yesterday and it was the way it was captioned, made it seem like more of a shot at Durant than I wanted it to be. But I said what I said, which was. And this is the part to me demanze that I find no one can explain this to me correctly. Nobody do. Who do you think right. Right now, this moment. And there's no wrong answer here to Monza, because you might disagree with me. Who do you think right now, this moment is better? Durant or LeBron? And do you think it's close in either direction?

[Mina Kimes]

Offensively, I. I'd say Kevin Durant. But as far as who's the better player? The better player, like just, yeah, better all around. I'd have to give it to LeBron.

[Nick Wright]

But it's either way, it's pretty close. Probably, right? Like the, like if one guy's the eighth best player in the league, the other guy is the 10th best player in the league, or 9 and 12 or whatever, right? So I. And despite the age, I think we can agree that LeBron is the more durable player has been like, you know what I mean? LeBron is less likely to miss 30 games with an injury. That's just. That's not a matter of opinion. We just. We just know it. Okay, so here's what I don't understand. Kevin Durant was available for trade and the media lost its mind. Who should go after him? These are the teams Durant doesn't want. The Minnesota. Should Minnesota trade for him anyway. If you trade for him, do you just, do you want to just give him a contract? The Rockets were the two seed gave up their leading scorer, a valuable defender who I don't like in Dylan brooks and the 10th pick of the draft. And everyone's reaction was like, what a great job by the Rockets. They might win the title. A guy who at the very least is as good as Durant and I think a touch better is available potentially and the same media is like, who'd fucking want him? I mean real life, it doesn't make any sense. That's why I don't understand like last year, last year LeBron was better than Steph. They are similar. LeBron's older but again like at kind of similar port places in their career. Steph's team was 24 and 25. When they traded for Jimmy Butler, you felt like it made them contenders. They lost to the Timberwolves in five in the play playoffs. LeBron's team was hanging on to the 3, 4 seed. They trade for Luca. You felt like it made them contenders. They lost to the Timberwolves and five in the playoffs. That's like they had after very similar Olympics, very similar seasons. They LeBron finished higher in MVP and all NBA voting, but it was very close, right? If Steph Curry had released a statement like I don't know about the future of the warriors and people thought he might be available, it would be a full stop freak out about what teams should package what things to try to get him. And, and we just saw it happen with Durant when last year LeBron was better than both those guys and that the collective reaction is, well, I guess maybe, maybe a team or two should make a courtesy call and a collective eye roll of I can't believe we're having this discussion. Has everyone lost their mind? For the first time ever, full blown all women's boxing mega event going down in New York City. Two title fights same night. And if you're like me and you Love the Action DraftKings sportsbook is where it's at. Talking Katie Taylor against Amanda Serrano iii. The trilogy fight. I didn't even mention this to you guys when I was talking about this before. I went to one of the first two of these that was also in New York City. This, the trilogy is in New York City as well. They are absolute legends. Katie's putting her super lightweight belt on the line and you know, Serrano is bringing the heat. And don't sleep on the co main. Alicia the bomb bomb gardener with explosive Powers taken on the undefeated WBA interim champ Jennifer Miranda. That one's going to be fireworks. If you Never bet with DraftKings, super simple pick who you think is going to win. Truly that easy. Check this out. If you're new to DraftKings, throw down five bucks and boom. You get $5. You get $150. Pardon me. In bonus bets instantly. It's really that simple. If you're new to DraftKings, bet five bucks, get $150 in bonus bets instantly. Download DraftKings sportsbook app now. Use promo code WRIGHT. That's code WRIGHT. W R I G H T for new customers to get $150 in bonus bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours.

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[Mina Kimes]

So Aiden is getting settled in in la, getting all comfy and all that. Luca sent him a welcome message, you know, welcome to LA. DeAndre. Aiden decided to play with you next year. LeBron James not said anything to him though. Is there something to read into here?

[Nick Wright]

It's not nothing. Yeah. So this DeAndre did this interview two days ago, I think one, whatever it was the interview that he did, we played a piece of on the TV show yesterday and we did not play this piece because it was a radio interview in L. A And I, you know, I hadn't, I didn't know that this was said. So credit to whomever clipped this and you know, posted it because I didn't. I hadn't listened to the full 15 minute or whatever radio interview it was. And so I had only seen kind of what had made mainstream, so to speak. But I saw this and I was like, oh, well that's something. So. And the reason it's something is because it is either. How do I phrase this properly?

[Mina Kimes]

LeBron's not going to be there. Well, I need to talk to him.

[Nick Wright]

It's not. That is so. That is by no means like, oh, lock it in because of that. This. But it certainly Added a little more fuel to the idea that LeBron James might not be a Laker next year, that it's that. So if famously or I shouldn't, I don't know if it's famous, but at least to me it is. LeBron, when he announced he was going back to Cleveland and he did it with Lee Jenkins in an SI article, he listed all the guys he was excited to be playing with with the Cavs, and he had not listed number one overall pick from a week prior, Andrew Wiggins. And one way to read that was the article was written before the draft or that he was, you know, he was only thinking about or including the active veterans. And another way to look at it was LeBron expected did that they would be trading Wiggins as part of getting a veteran win now guy. And that is exact. And so he did not want to include Andrew Wiggins when he did not think he was ever going to be playing with Andrew Wiggins, which is exactly what they did. So here are. Before I give my opinion on what I what I think this actually is, let's lay out all of the available options for this and we can, you know, put a percentage on each of them at the end. Option one, busy guy forgot. That's like, again, like, these are not power ranked in order. I'm just saying if we want to lay out all of the possibilities, right. Option one, busy guy forgot. I guess option two is not that busy. Didn't forget, but has some feud with DeAndre8 and we didn't know about and he's furious about this trade. I would say of all these, that's probably the least likely. I think if there was a DeAndre 8 and LeBron beef, we would have known about it, right? Option three, he did. And DeAndre didn't see the text. DeAndre's wrong. He. Because he said Luca texted him and LeBron didn't. So at night, and he didn't say anyone talk to him on the phone. They missed the text. Got so many texts that, you know, when the news broke that he got a text from a number that he didn't have, it was like, yo, congrats, man, let's get it. And he was like, okay, whatever. And turns out that's LeBron James. Again, I these are not power ranked in order. I'm just trying to lay out all of the available possibilities. Those first three, by the way, slim to very, very slim. But they're on the possibilities. All right. Now, the more salacious ones that LeBron does not want to tell Deandre Ayton excited to play with you when he does not know if he will be playing with him. And then the Last option is LeBron wants to. Expects to be playing with Deandre Ayton, but wants to keep maximum pressure on the Lakers to make every move possible to make their team better going into this year. And the only leverage he has over them right now is the specter of, well, maybe I don't think I'm going to be on this team. That to me, those are the. Those five possibilities cover, you know, 99% of the. Call it, 100% of what the reason could be. Here's how I would apply the likelihood of each. My first draft pick of that would be. LeBron thinks he's going to be on the Lakers, did not reach out to DeAndre because he had a feeling it would be public, become public that he had not yet reached out to DeAndre and wants to keep the pressure on Rob Pelinka to continue to improve the roster, which, if we're being honest, they have had a underwhelming off season. On that note, if I may, then I'll get back to the percentages parts because Brew and I got into this yesterday, going into this off season, we felt like the Lakers, it was an absolute lock and mandatory that they upgrade the center position. They did do that, and they did that in an interesting way where they didn't have to give up assets, where it didn't cost them a lot of money and the talent upside is quite high. But it's also a guy who's six years into his career has been unreliable and not that mature and really alienated teammates and coaches.

[Mina Kimes]

So I really think that LeBron James is like, man, y' all got DeAndre and that's not the center I wanted. I'm not texting him. I'm not welcoming, oh, this guy to the team.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, so you. Oh, so you think, oh, I should have included that one, I guess, as an option. LeBron is. LeBron is pissed that it was Ayton. Yeah. Oh, so I didn't actually. So the reason I didn't even think of that, but that's obvious. I definitely should have. I guess that's kind of that, you know, I think it's more likely.

[Mina Kimes]

Right?

[Nick Wright]

Oh, yeah, for sure. So here's the reason that I'm. I don't put a pin in that real quick and let me finish this other thought, then we'll get to that one because that's good. I'm glad you mentioned that one. So they did get a center and we can argue about if it was their best option, if it was the best of bad options, whatever it is. But the rest of the roster not only remained basically unchanged but got a touch worse because switching out Dorian Finney Smith for Jake Laravia is at the very least in the short term a downgrade. And so there would be real frustration there. So I would put LeBron expects to be a Laker but wants to keep the screws on the Lakers to continue to make moves as the reason for him not reaching out. I would put that at 65%. I think that is the biggest percentage here. I would put LeBron didn't reach out because he does not think he's going to be a Laker next year at 20%. I think there is a 1 in 5 shot right now that LeBron thinks yeah, I'm not going to be on the team now that's not, that's, that's not huge. But it's not nothing. It's, you know, more likely than rolling a single die and rolling a, a six or any number on the, any particular number on the die. So 65% he's trying to keep the pressure on him. 20% he, he doesn't think he's going to be there. I will give demanz he, you know, this is not the player he wanted and therefore he didn't reach out at 5%. I will certainly massively upgrade demons a theory if we found out he did reach out to Jake Laravia. If like he was like yo man, let's get it then then then your likelihood is way, way higher. I will put it at busy guy just didn't do it at 5%. And that leaves what? Oh, that leaves 5 more percent left. And I will put it at he did reach out. DeAndre didn't have the number saved and did not know it was LeBron. It was like why is this person texting me with a crown at 4%. And I will put there is a long standing maybe based maybe out of loyalty to his buddy Chris Paul. Deandre Ayton beef at 1%. So that's, that's how I handicap this whole thing. It's not nothing though. Something that's my takeaway. It's not nothing and I, I am interested in the next time. And you know, because you know what's also not nothing? Damanze if we're doing the not nothing meter. The Lakers who sent out a bunch of press releases about a bunch of off season moves. The Lakers not sending out A press release about LeBron opting into his player option. That's also not nothing. Now. Does that mean it's everything? No, no, no, no. There's press releases come from the team. Like your official press release is released by the team and sent to all NBA media. The most. You want to know, the most famous NBA press release ever. Hold on, I gotta. I got. I want to quote it to you exactly. This is an all time one. So Pat. Pat Riley, who's never. My, My light just fell. Do I still look okay? I hope so. The so Pat Riley on official in Miami Heat letterhead sent out to the league, league comms and everyone covering the league after Danny A took a shot at Pat Riley. So this is. So let me give the background. Danny Ains told Boston this 2013 Danny Ainso Boston radio station WEI that LeBron James had no cause to challenge officials for failing to classify fouls assessed Kirk Heinrich and Taj Gibson as flagrant. He said, quote, I think the referees got the calls right. I don't think it was a hard foul. I think the one involving LeBron against Boozer, that was a flagrant. I think the officials got it right. I think that it's almost embarrassing that LeBron would complain about officiating. And the. So Danny Ainge who was running the Celtics comments on the radio about something that was happening between the Heat and the Bulls. So Pat Riley has the Miami Heat press office type up an official press release that reads, and I quote, danny Ainge needs to shut the fuck up and manage his own team. He was the biggest whiner going when he was playing and I know that because I coached against him. End of statement.

[Mina Kimes]

I like that. Right?

[Nick Wright]

At all time, at all time, I'll take the fine. But I've never liked this guy. I coached against him. We now play against him and I quote, danny Ains needs to shut the up and manage his own team. He was the biggest whiner going when he was playing and I know that because I coached against him. Oh my goodness gracious, Danny Ains. Then again, I don't know why we're doing this. Ainge then replies, I stand by what I said. That's all. I don't care about Pat Riley. He can say whatever he wants, but this is just Danny A talking. This isn't a press release. This is Danny A. And then angel added, I don't want to mess up his Armani suits and all that hair goop. It would be way too expensive for me. And so, I mean, this is that's so sorry about that. I mean, Pat Riley's just such a legend. I mean, he's just such a. I, I remember when that came out and I was like, I didn't even know that was like allowed like in official communications, I guess. You know, what a simpler time. Yeah.

[Mina Kimes]

So Mahomes wants to get past that super bowl loss and get that nasty taste out of his mouth. And he's also getting tired of all the talk saying that he wants to just settle all this on the football field. Yeah, this, this is another thing that really annoyed you, which I'm curious what the angle is here. What, what, what PG off about this one.

[Nick Wright]

Well, it's not. No, no, his comments didn't annoy me. Oh yeah. Last week. Which was. So here's the deal. If someone wants to have the courage to come out and be like, you know what, you know, here's a take, free take for someone who wants it. Okay. Like, it's just sometimes, sometimes I'm disappointed in my industry because there are these, I can see these. I'm like, oh, that would be a good take. I don't believe it. But no one has made had this take and it's right there and I know it would cut through the noise and it, you could establish yourself with it. And no one, no one, no one has said it. Now I don't believe this. This is not my take. So consider this like the, the sports take version of developing some type of vaccine or cure for something and be like, we're not patenting it. Anyone can copy it free for the world public use. Here's a take. The last few years, Patrick Mahomes has pretty clearly not been judged based on his numbers. He's been judged based on the fact that his team wins, that he is a leader, that he plays his best in the biggest spots. And that is how he has held on to the best quarterback alive moniker, despite the fact that his two biggest conference rivals, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, have Both won league MVPs in this, in this time. And if that has allowed Mahomes to climb to the top of the quarterback mountain, then the exact same standard should be used to evaluate Jalen Hurts. And Jalen Hurts, who's never missed the playoffs, whose team wins double digit games every year, who's been to two Super Bowls, been awesome in both, some would argue outplayed Mahomes in both, certainly in this last one, and has done it with what, you know, let's call it a polarizing coach and a polarizing receiver in a Tough city. And now is coming off, you know, leading an offense to damn near 100 points combined in the conference championship game and the super bowl. And puts his body on the line, doesn't care about his passing numbers for the most unstoppable play in football. That player, the defending super bowl mvp, he's the best quarterback alive. End of take. That take is again, I do not believe it. But it doesn't have a ton of logical holes if someone wanted to have it. Instead, these dopes want to knock Mahomes off his perch of best quarterback in the league. And they are doing it for one of three quarterbacks, really one of two and mostly one of just one who's never once outplayed him in a big spot. That it's it. The majority of quarterback rankings list right now have Josh Allen number one, which is hilarious and indefensible and is not an allowable take until one time in a spot that matters. He it's not a quarterback wins thing. He outplays Patrick. And the last two years, one in his building, one in the Chiefs building, he's had the ball in his hands, chance to go do it and it couldn't get 40 yards either time. So that's not allowed. Lamar can win every MVP from here until retirement and until he wins a single big game, it's obviously not allowed. And Joe Burrow had outplayed Patrick in a big spot, had a chance to really put a stake in the heart of the Chiefs through fourth quarter interception, the conference championship game lost and hasn't been back to the playoffs since. And the amount of people trying to argue any one of those three guys has ascended past Patrick because Patrick got beat by Jalen Hurts and they played poorly in the Super Bowl. It's the dumbest shit I've ever heard. You then combine it with this whole, ooh, so the Chiefs era over based on what? That they were just the second best team in football last year? Based on the fact that they just completed the best three year stretch in the history of the league and are tied for the best five and seven year stretches in the history of the league. What is the, what is the piece of evidence you have like oh, this might be the Broncos or Chargers year. There is none. And so the again the Eagles have bragging rights and Jalen Hurts has bragging rights and the Eagles have it because they want as a team and Jalen Hurts has it because individually he played, you know, he was the best quarterback on the field that Sunday. But these AFC also rans that are being elevated because of what I just, I can't, I can't deal with thinking. It's just one, one time. Can I just see? It's what I said to that guy in Hawaii. This guy. I'm walking, I, I, I'm walking with the family down the boardwalk in Honolulu, and this guy walks up to me and is like, hey, man, this is Bill's country out here. In my, in my head, I'm like, no, it's fucking not, man. We're in. It's actually, I'm not sure there's a place in the United States that is, that is further removed, literally geographically, but also spiritually from Buffalo, New York, as the boardwalk in Honolulu. Like, first of all, it's just a bad take. Second of all, get a life.

[Mina Kimes]

The guy had a few drinks, but.

[Nick Wright]

I didn't say, I didn't say any of that. I'm like, okay, nice to meet you. Like, five minutes later, he runs me down and was like, hey, man, I'm so sorry I said that. Can I please get a picture? And I'm like, sure. So I take the picture. He's like, yeah, man, thanks. Sorry about that. I'm like, it's all right. But then I couldn't resist because I was like, I'm with my wife and kids, like, so I was like, I was like, hey, and listen, man, one day you'll win a big game. And I saw a look on his face, and it stung. You know why it stung? The same reason why when people put up that picture of me and Mahomes a couple parades ago, where I'm smiling and my nose is casting a shadow on my teeth, it stings because I know it's true. I'm like, damn, that is weird. That is like, a thing that most people like. It shouldn't be physically possible, but it's a picture. It does cast a shadow. Like, that sucks. But that's what it stung him because he knows it's true. And so I just don't. That I. It is. It's really beyond dumb to me, the every other. Let me add one other thing. And I said this to Cowherd, and he just laughed because he knew I was right. Not just like, this year, but basically, for all of modern NFL history, if there is a team in a division that everyone agrees the same team has the division's best quarterback and the division's best coach, that team will be the pick to win that division. If there's no debate, like, it just like. So I'll give you an example in FC west, there's a debate, is McVeigh or Shanahan the best coach? And I guess for some there might be a debate, is Purdy or Stafford the best quarterback? Not to me. But. What. Like there's. It's not often there that it is crystal clear on both, but when it is, that team is everyone's pick to win the division. And the amount of people this year that are going to pick. Fucking Bo Nicks. Sorry for all the curse words today to win that division. Or Justin Herbert, who again, I. I don't. I don't know if he's won a big game since high school and I have to look at the high school. I don't think he did it. Oregon. I. It's just. It's just dumb. You know what? I just. I just.

[Mina Kimes]

People get fickle with the greatness. I don't know. People just don't. Yeah, sometimes you're just too much.

[Nick Wright]

You heard it. But they think we have the next Trent Williams and Josh Simmons. Oh boy. Oh boy. Now that might be a little strong. Trent Williams, one of the greatest players of all time, but if they just. If Josh Simmons just ends up being the 10th best tackle left tackle in the league. Slightly above average. It is such a. I mean, my home's been to five Super Bowls. He had a different starting left tackle in all five. It would be just such a massive, massive value. That can be the case.

[Mina Kimes]

O line situation yet, right?

[Nick Wright]

No, the thing is, what. What's weird is the Chiefs had a really good guard, center guard. O line this year. The tack, it was the worst tackle play he's had and previously they had. They had been bad up the middle, but good that like. And so it got really shaky by the end of it. Check out behind the Flow, a podcast documentary series following the launch of San Diego Football Club. San Diego coming to MLS is going to be a game changer because this region has been hungry for a men's professional soccer team. We need to embrace this community. Listen to San Diego FC behind the Flow on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

Who are the 25 greatest football players to grace the gridiron since the year 2000? Introducing NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years. Join me, Greg Rosenthal and an all star cast of of media personalities including Mina Kimes, Steve Wych, Kevin Harlan and more. For a look at football's best since the turn of the century. Listen to NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years, starting on June 30 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

This is an iHeart podcast.