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Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

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Oh, it suddenly becomes a very interesting day and a Thursday live in Los Angeles. It's The Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. We've got a lot of things. Jmack brewing today. Yesterday Jmack just threw out a little nugget, a little McNugget, he said, you know, Matt Stafford Giants. This was actually two days ago. Keep your eye on it. All things are percolating. Also, a story that Jay Glazer and Jordan Schultz broke. I think it was on Super Bowl Sun here Saturday, Jets, we're gonna move off Aaron Rodgers. Well, that is official this morning, So it came down late this morning. This is clearly was a Jets decision. Last week we met with Aaron Rodgers said New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, and we informed him we're moving off. I can see j Max pumping his fist over there. That has been his mantra for the last six months. So this was This is pretty interesting. Aaron contacted the Jets much like he contacted the Packers, and they both dumped him. In my opinion, Aaron will tell you, hey, I'm gonna wrap it up. Heck of a career. He can say that, that's all BS. Aaron needs a third act. You do not want to be remembered. Farv had success in Minnesota, Peyton Manning wins a Super Bowl in Denver, Tom Win ones in Tampa. You're known as a quarterback that leaves Green Bay and the Packers the next year are better without you. And you bomb in New York and become kind of a zany conspiracy theorist. That is not what you want to be remembered as Aaron's going to tell you, I don't listen to traditional news. I do my own homework. I don't care about criticism. That's BS. Everybody hears it. People care what you say about him? You do I do? Everybody does so. And what's really interesting here is the Jets do not have a succession plan. Okay, the Jets don't have a quarterback. It's a bad quarterback class. I want you to think about this because this is what I told you Monday on the show, and I said it's Sunday night in my podcast on the volume. I told you this. This is not just moving off Aaron Rodgers the quarterback. What the Jets are telling you is in a quarterback league, they have no succession plan. And they told Aaron, yeah, we're good here. This is not an indictment of Aaron the quarterback. He was good. It's an indictment on Aaron the person. They don't want him in the building. This is a coach with the rebuilt He didn't want him in the building because Aaron's last ten games hit a ninety seven passer rating. He was actually pretty darn good. That's why I was surprised they didn't bring him back. Aaron's got a market and by the way, with an incompetent coaching staff, he put up those numbers so Aaron can play. And I'll say this, if it was about giving Aaron the control of the franchise hard pass, but if you give him a competent staff I'm all in, and I think this is a real moment here. Second franchise dumped you, and I don't care about your resume. I don't care if you're a supermodel. If you get dumped by a long haul trucker. Time to look in the mirror and work on that personality. Aaron has sort of had this, I'm above football. I'm not going to do this. I'm off the Egypt. Stop the nonsense. You're not You're not that quarterback anymore. Okay, you could have done that seven years ago. It's a different time. So the New York Jets, who do not have a quarterback, basically said we are good here. Not only do the Jets not have a quarterback, it's a bad quarterback draft class. I had another executive tell me last night, there's a reason the Giants want Matt Stafford. They're telling you they don't like the quarterback draft class. They don't like cam Ward, and they don't like saduor Sanders, and they don't like Jalen Milrow. That's why that story is surfaced now. Albert Breer is on Next Hour, so there is a quote this morning in an Albert Breer story that Matt Stafford. The big domino in this year's quarterback market is Matt Stafford. So I am going to propose something. I'm just proposing it. But I made a couple of calls yesterday, a couple of Texas morning I'm gonna propose something. And yesterday I was talking to a long time NFL exach and he said, this is not crazy. Okay. The Rams like Matt Stafford, but they're tiring of the constant quarterback talk, his wife saying things publicly. They're not real happy with Cooper Cup going public with something they tried to keep quiet. They're kind of over Cooper Cup and with that a little bit. Matt Stafford. They like him, but they don't want to restructure his deal and give him a big contract. Meanwhile, the Giants do not like the quarterback class and Brian dabol the head coach, and Joe Shane the GM have got a win or they'll be fired by Thanksgiving. Okay, they're gonna get run out of the building because if they don't have a quarterback. Washington now is big time. Philadelphia will steamroll them. The Packers, the Bears, the Rams. NFC is getting better, and the Giants have some good players, so they are going to make a move move I believe on Matt Stafford. And the first person to talk about this on the air was Jmack. I'm gonna give him credit on this. He was like five days ago. So what the Rams want. I'm told they want the Giants' first round pick at number three, So they probably want a first, a second, a first, a third. But you gotta pay Stafford. If you're the Giant, you have to give him a new deal. They'll probably get a first and a fourth. But let's just talk about that number three pick. The Rams want that number three pick in the draft because they're drafting away later. They want to take that pick, move down and get more picks. Why so they have extra picks for next year when they have to move up to get a quarterback. So what the Rams will be in the market for if Matt Stafford moves is a one to two year rental at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers. Hear me out. Aaron needs a rehab. Packers got better without it him. His image, big advertisers not interested, Jets was a mess. He needs a rehab. Got a house in Malibu. West Coast Guy by the way in a division with Geno Smith, Kyler, Murray brock Perty Aaron Rodgers last ten games last year, he was good. He was actually and remember that was with a third tier coaching staff. Now he gets McVeigh an established o line, an excellent young defense. Remember Matt Lafleur's brother is the OC with Sean McVay. Well, he's been in that system before, so Aaron knows the system. With the Rams, I believe Aaron is craving infrastructure, stability. A head coach, he respects organizational excellence. If the Rams do move down and do get the giants number one pick, don't be surprised if they don't draft Teamac the Arizona wide receiver to replace Cooper Cup who they're moving off of. He is easily the best receiver in this draft. So this sounds crazy. The Matt Stafford of the Giants thing is real. I'm told, I am told they like Matt Stafford, but he's old. Let's be honest. You look at the playoffs. There were two immobile quarterbacks, Stafford and Golf. It is a mobile quarterback league. We just had another mobile quarterback. Win Brady's the last pocket guy, right like that's Stafford's the last great pocket quarterback ramsmont inexpensive rental quarterback for one year. So, and I'll say this again, giving Aaron Rodgers the key keys to the kingdom, I'm not interested in that. I know what his personality is, right, I'm not interested in that. But having Aaron come as at one or a two year rental rehab absolutely Aaron to the Rams, Stafford to the Giants. Remember Aaron Rodgers last year with a third tier coaching staff, through more touchdown passes than Patrick Mahomes, Jaden Daniels and Justin Herbert. What are you rolling your eyes? He did? Okay, so uh I'm just I am. I am saying Stafford, the Giants, that GM and that coach got a vote of confidence. They're not winning, They're done. And now with Jayden Daniels, those are two l's. If you have the quarterback situation you have, you just put down zero to four Eagles commanders put it down. Matt Stafford gives you instant credibility. Malik Neighbors, you gotta one Thomas the left tackle. You got that. That solves a lot of problems to the Giants, a lot of problems for the New York Giants, the team. You don't like it, so you're torn. Today you hate the Giants and love the Jets, so you're torn. Yeah, I do like Stafford a lot. What were your quarter back to You said that Rogers is better than Justin Herbert, and no, I said this morning the guys as I was doing this rant and write notes, the guys said, do you know he threw more touchdown passes last year than Herbert? That I had heard, but I didn't know Jayden Daniels or Mahomes.

Oh, it suddenly becomes a very interesting day and a Thursday live in Los Angeles. It's The Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. We've got a lot of things. Jmack brewing today. Yesterday Jmack just threw out a little nugget, a little McNugget, he said, you know, Matt Stafford Giants. This was actually two days ago. Keep your eye on it. All things are percolating. Also, a story that Jay Glazer and Jordan Schultz broke. I think it was on Super Bowl Sun here Saturday, Jets, we're gonna move off Aaron Rodgers. Well, that is official this morning, So it came down late this morning. This is clearly was a Jets decision. Last week we met with Aaron Rodgers said New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, and we informed him we're moving off. I can see j Max pumping his fist over there. That has been his mantra for the last six months. So this was This is pretty interesting. Aaron contacted the Jets much like he contacted the Packers, and they both dumped him. In my opinion, Aaron will tell you, hey, I'm gonna wrap it up. Heck of a career. He can say that, that's all BS. Aaron needs a third act. You do not want to be remembered. Farv had success in Minnesota, Peyton Manning wins a Super Bowl in Denver, Tom Win ones in Tampa. You're known as a quarterback that leaves Green Bay and the Packers the next year are better without you. And you bomb in New York and become kind of a zany conspiracy theorist. That is not what you want to be remembered as Aaron's going to tell you, I don't listen to traditional news. I do my own homework. I don't care about criticism. That's BS. Everybody hears it. People care what you say about him? You do I do? Everybody does so. And what's really interesting here is the Jets do not have a succession plan. Okay, the Jets don't have a quarterback. It's a bad quarterback class. I want you to think about this because this is what I told you Monday on the show, and I said it's Sunday night in my podcast on the volume. I told you this. This is not just moving off Aaron Rodgers the quarterback. What the Jets are telling you is in a quarterback league, they have no succession plan. And they told Aaron, yeah, we're good here. This is not an indictment of Aaron the quarterback. He was good. It's an indictment on Aaron the person. They don't want him in the building. This is a coach with the rebuilt He didn't want him in the building because Aaron's last ten games hit a ninety seven passer rating. He was actually pretty darn good. That's why I was surprised they didn't bring him back. Aaron's got a market and by the way, with an incompetent coaching staff, he put up those numbers so Aaron can play. And I'll say this, if it was about giving Aaron the control of the franchise hard pass, but if you give him a competent staff I'm all in, and I think this is a real moment here. Second franchise dumped you, and I don't care about your resume. I don't care if you're a supermodel. If you get dumped by a long haul trucker. Time to look in the mirror and work on that personality. Aaron has sort of had this, I'm above football. I'm not going to do this. I'm off the Egypt. Stop the nonsense. You're not You're not that quarterback anymore. Okay, you could have done that seven years ago. It's a different time. So the New York Jets, who do not have a quarterback, basically said we are good here. Not only do the Jets not have a quarterback, it's a bad quarterback draft class. I had another executive tell me last night, there's a reason the Giants want Matt Stafford. They're telling you they don't like the quarterback draft class. They don't like cam Ward, and they don't like saduor Sanders, and they don't like Jalen Milrow. That's why that story is surfaced now. Albert Breer is on Next Hour, so there is a quote this morning in an Albert Breer story that Matt Stafford. The big domino in this year's quarterback market is Matt Stafford. So I am going to propose something. I'm just proposing it. But I made a couple of calls yesterday, a couple of Texas morning I'm gonna propose something. And yesterday I was talking to a long time NFL exach and he said, this is not crazy. Okay. The Rams like Matt Stafford, but they're tiring of the constant quarterback talk, his wife saying things publicly. They're not real happy with Cooper Cup going public with something they tried to keep quiet. They're kind of over Cooper Cup and with that a little bit. Matt Stafford. They like him, but they don't want to restructure his deal and give him a big contract. Meanwhile, the Giants do not like the quarterback class and Brian dabol the head coach, and Joe Shane the GM have got a win or they'll be fired by Thanksgiving. Okay, they're gonna get run out of the building because if they don't have a quarterback. Washington now is big time. Philadelphia will steamroll them. The Packers, the Bears, the Rams. NFC is getting better, and the Giants have some good players, so they are going to make a move move I believe on Matt Stafford. And the first person to talk about this on the air was Jmack. I'm gonna give him credit on this. He was like five days ago. So what the Rams want. I'm told they want the Giants' first round pick at number three, So they probably want a first, a second, a first, a third. But you gotta pay Stafford. If you're the Giant, you have to give him a new deal. They'll probably get a first and a fourth. But let's just talk about that number three pick. The Rams want that number three pick in the draft because they're drafting away later. They want to take that pick, move down and get more picks. Why so they have extra picks for next year when they have to move up to get a quarterback. So what the Rams will be in the market for if Matt Stafford moves is a one to two year rental at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers. Hear me out. Aaron needs a rehab. Packers got better without it him. His image, big advertisers not interested, Jets was a mess. He needs a rehab. Got a house in Malibu. West Coast Guy by the way in a division with Geno Smith, Kyler, Murray brock Perty Aaron Rodgers last ten games last year, he was good. He was actually and remember that was with a third tier coaching staff. Now he gets McVeigh an established o line, an excellent young defense. Remember Matt Lafleur's brother is the OC with Sean McVay. Well, he's been in that system before, so Aaron knows the system. With the Rams, I believe Aaron is craving infrastructure, stability. A head coach, he respects organizational excellence. If the Rams do move down and do get the giants number one pick, don't be surprised if they don't draft Teamac the Arizona wide receiver to replace Cooper Cup who they're moving off of. He is easily the best receiver in this draft. So this sounds crazy. The Matt Stafford of the Giants thing is real. I'm told, I am told they like Matt Stafford, but he's old. Let's be honest. You look at the playoffs. There were two immobile quarterbacks, Stafford and Golf. It is a mobile quarterback league. We just had another mobile quarterback. Win Brady's the last pocket guy, right like that's Stafford's the last great pocket quarterback ramsmont inexpensive rental quarterback for one year. So, and I'll say this again, giving Aaron Rodgers the key keys to the kingdom, I'm not interested in that. I know what his personality is, right, I'm not interested in that. But having Aaron come as at one or a two year rental rehab absolutely Aaron to the Rams, Stafford to the Giants. Remember Aaron Rodgers last year with a third tier coaching staff, through more touchdown passes than Patrick Mahomes, Jaden Daniels and Justin Herbert. What are you rolling your eyes? He did? Okay, so uh I'm just I am. I am saying Stafford, the Giants, that GM and that coach got a vote of confidence. They're not winning, They're done. And now with Jayden Daniels, those are two l's. If you have the quarterback situation you have, you just put down zero to four Eagles commanders put it down. Matt Stafford gives you instant credibility. Malik Neighbors, you gotta one Thomas the left tackle. You got that. That solves a lot of problems to the Giants, a lot of problems for the New York Giants, the team. You don't like it, so you're torn. Today you hate the Giants and love the Jets, so you're torn. Yeah, I do like Stafford a lot. What were your quarter back to You said that Rogers is better than Justin Herbert, and no, I said this morning the guys as I was doing this rant and write notes, the guys said, do you know he threw more touchdown passes last year than Herbert? That I had heard, but I didn't know Jayden Daniels or Mahomes.

Yeah, well those three guys had something that Rogers didn't have, playoff trip and some playoff success. I know Herbert lost, but still, I Colin, I don't hate this idea of Rogers or the Rams.

Yeah, well those three guys had something that Rogers didn't have, playoff trip and some playoff success. I know Herbert lost, but still, I Colin, I don't hate this idea of Rogers or the Rams.

I just don't know that LA's ready for Aaron Rodgers.

I just don't know that LA's ready for Aaron Rodgers.

Oh I think LA's fine. It's a big city, They're fine. Now ask yourself again.

Oh I think LA's fine. It's a big city, They're fine. Now ask yourself again.

But it's lesson eg gonna let him do podcasts and conspiracy that is that gonna fly.

But it's lesson eg gonna let him do podcasts and conspiracy that is that gonna fly.

I don't think anybody cares.

I don't think anybody cares.

I don't.

I don't.

I think. Here, I'll give you an example. I think if you're Aaron Glenn and you're taking over the Jets, I under I understand. I want you camp, I want you off podcasting. If you're Sean McVay, do you give a rip? This is a big city, it's successful, it's organizationally excellent. I don't think they give a rip. And I also think Aaron is not coming as a savior. When he went to New York, like Russell Wilson went to Denver, he was a savior. Okay, when these quarterback Deshaun Watson the Cleveland a savior, Russell Aaron and Deshaun Watson knew they were running the organization. Aaron's coming here rent a quarterback for a year or two.

I think. Here, I'll give you an example. I think if you're Aaron Glenn and you're taking over the Jets, I under I understand. I want you camp, I want you off podcasting. If you're Sean McVay, do you give a rip? This is a big city, it's successful, it's organizationally excellent. I don't think they give a rip. And I also think Aaron is not coming as a savior. When he went to New York, like Russell Wilson went to Denver, he was a savior. Okay, when these quarterback Deshaun Watson the Cleveland a savior, Russell Aaron and Deshaun Watson knew they were running the organization. Aaron's coming here rent a quarterback for a year or two.

By the way, did you see the other note this morning that all of a sudden the Giants, Hey, Sam Donald didn't play for the Giants. You know that's obviously a leverage play. Hey, Rams, you don't want to trade us Stafford.

By the way, did you see the other note this morning that all of a sudden the Giants, Hey, Sam Donald didn't play for the Giants. You know that's obviously a leverage play. Hey, Rams, you don't want to trade us Stafford.

We're just go out to Sam Donald. He's on the market. Nobody seems to want him. We'll take him.

We're just go out to Sam Donald. He's on the market. Nobody seems to want him. We'll take him.

Obviously, the Giants don't want Donald. But it's this game of chess where the Rams. Hey, listen, they're kind of struck with an unhappy quarterback.

Obviously, the Giants don't want Donald. But it's this game of chess where the Rams. Hey, listen, they're kind of struck with an unhappy quarterback.

He's underpaid again, he.

He's underpaid again, he.

Just lost his guy Cooper cup.

Just lost his guy Cooper cup.

What the Jets are telling you in a league of quarterbacks, it's not that Aaron camp play. The numbers tell you we can play. They didn't want Aaron the dude in the building, so I'm telling you the Packers got better without him. The Jets was a mass. Aaron will maybe insinuate, Hey, I can just wrap it up. Play golf. That's fine. He's got a lot of money. Peyton ended with a ring, Brady ends with a ring. Old Stafford gets a ring, like I'm sorry. The Jets is not how Aaron Rodgers' career should end. He deserves it himself. He deserves better than that.

What the Jets are telling you in a league of quarterbacks, it's not that Aaron camp play. The numbers tell you we can play. They didn't want Aaron the dude in the building, so I'm telling you the Packers got better without him. The Jets was a mass. Aaron will maybe insinuate, Hey, I can just wrap it up. Play golf. That's fine. He's got a lot of money. Peyton ended with a ring, Brady ends with a ring. Old Stafford gets a ring, like I'm sorry. The Jets is not how Aaron Rodgers' career should end. He deserves it himself. He deserves better than that.

Do you remember when Kyrie.

Do you remember when Kyrie.

Irving went to Brooklyn and was burning stage in the locker room and James Harden's like, what the hell get me out of you. I don't want anything to do with this. I wonder if that young rams locker room. They got a lot of young guys now right, the Verse leading the defense, Pook and the cool I wonder how they're gonna take to Aaron Rodgers, because remember Garrett Wilson had some beef with him in New York and it was like, I don't know that it's gonna go as swimmingly as you think with Rogers.

Irving went to Brooklyn and was burning stage in the locker room and James Harden's like, what the hell get me out of you. I don't want anything to do with this. I wonder if that young rams locker room. They got a lot of young guys now right, the Verse leading the defense, Pook and the cool I wonder how they're gonna take to Aaron Rodgers, because remember Garrett Wilson had some beef with him in New York and it was like, I don't know that it's gonna go as swimmingly as you think with Rogers.

No, I don't think you're a super Bowl team with him. I'm saying for a one year rental, so I don't get tied to a massive contract. This is not a good quarterback. It's just not. The Giants are telling you that. I mean, the New York Giants are telling you, we just don't sit. We got the number three pick, we could move up or stay there. We're not interested. That's what they're telling you. That's why the Donald story. They like Darnald's better than the quarterbacks. They like a forty million dollars Sam Darnold over the college quarterbacks who were basically free for a few years. So the Jets are trying to establish a new culture. The Rams are trying to add Rogers to a great culture. That's a totally different quarterback. And again I'm not saying it makes the Rams super Bowl team. I don't think Aaron's as good as Matt Stafford right now. I don't think he is. But don't we cannot deny. We have to be fair on this show. Aaron, in his last ten games with a bottom five coaching staff in the league, put up real grown up numbers. You have to be fair. The old line wasn't great. The running game was okay. He had good receivers, but no tight end of note. Aaron put up good numbers.

No, I don't think you're a super Bowl team with him. I'm saying for a one year rental, so I don't get tied to a massive contract. This is not a good quarterback. It's just not. The Giants are telling you that. I mean, the New York Giants are telling you, we just don't sit. We got the number three pick, we could move up or stay there. We're not interested. That's what they're telling you. That's why the Donald story. They like Darnald's better than the quarterbacks. They like a forty million dollars Sam Darnold over the college quarterbacks who were basically free for a few years. So the Jets are trying to establish a new culture. The Rams are trying to add Rogers to a great culture. That's a totally different quarterback. And again I'm not saying it makes the Rams super Bowl team. I don't think Aaron's as good as Matt Stafford right now. I don't think he is. But don't we cannot deny. We have to be fair on this show. Aaron, in his last ten games with a bottom five coaching staff in the league, put up real grown up numbers. You have to be fair. The old line wasn't great. The running game was okay. He had good receivers, but no tight end of note. Aaron put up good numbers.

I mean they were three and eight at the time, season over, no pressure whatever.

I mean they were three and eight at the time, season over, no pressure whatever.

I mean.

I mean.

Yeah, it was like Kevin Love in Minnesota. Remember he was stacking twenty and twelve. Oh my gosh, Kevin Love's awesome goes to Cleveland, He's a day go stand in the corner and make some trees.

Yeah, it was like Kevin Love in Minnesota. Remember he was stacking twenty and twelve. Oh my gosh, Kevin Love's awesome goes to Cleveland, He's a day go stand in the corner and make some trees.

Like I mean, I just I can't be Villan Love.

Like I mean, I just I can't be Villan Love.

It's a Hall of Famer, by the way, everybody gets in the NBA Hall of Fame, right, I mean you're I think you're in there. No, they've put a few officials in there. Two globetrotters, I will admit.

It's a Hall of Famer, by the way, everybody gets in the NBA Hall of Fame, right, I mean you're I think you're in there. No, they've put a few officials in there. Two globetrotters, I will admit.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in neon eastern nine am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in neon eastern nine am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

You are now entering the No Bull Zone sponsored by Credible Great Rates None of the bulls. So the Lakers played Utah again and got blown out, and uh listen. Luca has never been known as a cardio master. Is not in good shape. He had a team low minus sixteen plus minus lost. In all of this Ad Luca movement is that Ad was a sensational defensive player, and Luca is an atrocious defensive player, especially when he's out of shape. So he hadn't played until Christmas until a few days ago. So the Utah Jazz started three centers, John Collins, Kessler, Lori Marknen who's a seven to one three. I mean, they were huge, and Jackson Hayes got hurt. The Lakers are tiny and totally outclassed. So what's fascinating about the Lakers and Luca. They're going to transition as a team. They're now a very bad defensive team and they're gonna have to make up for it by shooting threes. Last night, the Lakers shot fifty threes. They're not a team that shoots a bunch of threes, But now with Luca and still Austin Reeves Dalton connect, they're gonna shoot a ton of threes. Lebron's gonna shoot more threes. They shot fifty last night. So you're basically asking a team that was a very strong team defensively around the rim, not that great in the perimeter, but pretty good around the rim. Now they're awful, and now they're small, so they're not going to match up well with a team that's big, like Memphis or Denver or like last night Utah if Jackson Hayes gets into trouble. Now Utah is not a great team, but it was funny to watch them start three of their bigs. Everybody in the league knows what the Lakers weakness is, and right now one of the weaknesses is actually Luca. Defensively, he is by Lucas standards and those aren't very high. It's not in good shape. I mean he picked up. I looked this morning. Five fouls and twenty three minutes. He can't stay in front of that chair next to me. Here was Luca after.

You are now entering the No Bull Zone sponsored by Credible Great Rates None of the bulls. So the Lakers played Utah again and got blown out, and uh listen. Luca has never been known as a cardio master. Is not in good shape. He had a team low minus sixteen plus minus lost. In all of this Ad Luca movement is that Ad was a sensational defensive player, and Luca is an atrocious defensive player, especially when he's out of shape. So he hadn't played until Christmas until a few days ago. So the Utah Jazz started three centers, John Collins, Kessler, Lori Marknen who's a seven to one three. I mean, they were huge, and Jackson Hayes got hurt. The Lakers are tiny and totally outclassed. So what's fascinating about the Lakers and Luca. They're going to transition as a team. They're now a very bad defensive team and they're gonna have to make up for it by shooting threes. Last night, the Lakers shot fifty threes. They're not a team that shoots a bunch of threes, But now with Luca and still Austin Reeves Dalton connect, they're gonna shoot a ton of threes. Lebron's gonna shoot more threes. They shot fifty last night. So you're basically asking a team that was a very strong team defensively around the rim, not that great in the perimeter, but pretty good around the rim. Now they're awful, and now they're small, so they're not going to match up well with a team that's big, like Memphis or Denver or like last night Utah if Jackson Hayes gets into trouble. Now Utah is not a great team, but it was funny to watch them start three of their bigs. Everybody in the league knows what the Lakers weakness is, and right now one of the weaknesses is actually Luca. Defensively, he is by Lucas standards and those aren't very high. It's not in good shape. I mean he picked up. I looked this morning. Five fouls and twenty three minutes. He can't stay in front of that chair next to me. Here was Luca after.

I think we can we can go very far. Obviously today I felt a little bit rusty, you know, two games, saying enough to my injury turnover miss Ritros so I got it the way better. But no, I think we're approaching this break. So we got arrests for me. I think it's more romant to rest than anything else. But still gotta work. So I'm excited about this breaking and I can't wait to go back to play so again.

I think we can we can go very far. Obviously today I felt a little bit rusty, you know, two games, saying enough to my injury turnover miss Ritros so I got it the way better. But no, I think we're approaching this break. So we got arrests for me. I think it's more romant to rest than anything else. But still gotta work. So I'm excited about this breaking and I can't wait to go back to play so again.

So much attention was paid offense in Luca, but you were replacing, in my opinion, the best defensive player in the league with the worst defensive player in the league. Now, I still think the Lakers when Luca is scoring thirty a night, not sixteen, and it is not plus minus. I think it was plus minus. Maybe it was nineteen last night. But you went best defensive player to worst. And boy, Utah figured it out really quickly, like go big. Houston's also a team was size. Memphis has size O case, he's got sized, Denver's got real size. I still think this team can shoot their way to the Western Conference finals. But boy did Utah figure it out the second time they played the Lakers. Jmack with the news.

So much attention was paid offense in Luca, but you were replacing, in my opinion, the best defensive player in the league with the worst defensive player in the league. Now, I still think the Lakers when Luca is scoring thirty a night, not sixteen, and it is not plus minus. I think it was plus minus. Maybe it was nineteen last night. But you went best defensive player to worst. And boy, Utah figured it out really quickly, like go big. Houston's also a team was size. Memphis has size O case, he's got sized, Denver's got real size. I still think this team can shoot their way to the Western Conference finals. But boy did Utah figure it out the second time they played the Lakers. Jmack with the news.

No news, this is the herd line news.

No news, this is the herd line news.

All right, let's go back to the NFL Colin.

All right, let's go back to the NFL Colin.

The Eagles, fresh off winning the Super Bowl last weekend, blew out the two time defending champs.

The Eagles, fresh off winning the Super Bowl last weekend, blew out the two time defending champs.

Oh it felt so good with the win.

Oh it felt so good with the win.

Philly will play in this season opener next season, yep, and a team that is on their schedules, the Detroit Lions. Well amaraan Saint Brown wants a primetime matchup up with the Eagles on opening night.

Philly will play in this season opener next season, yep, and a team that is on their schedules, the Detroit Lions. Well amaraan Saint Brown wants a primetime matchup up with the Eagles on opening night.

Eagles have the home opener next year because they won the Super Bowl.

Eagles have the home opener next year because they won the Super Bowl.

You don't want that smoke.

You don't want that smoke.

There's can you read you the list of teams that could potentially be in that first game, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Lions and Raiders, Rams, Broncos. Out of all those teams, Like, if you're the NFL, you put in the.

There's can you read you the list of teams that could potentially be in that first game, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Lions and Raiders, Rams, Broncos. Out of all those teams, Like, if you're the NFL, you put in the.

Lions Lions with Commanders.

Lions Lions with Commanders.

I'm saying you would see what they got our healthy defense, how they I mean I.

I'm saying you would see what they got our healthy defense, how they I mean I.

That'd be a great game. Those are the two best rosters in pro.

That'd be a great game. Those are the two best rosters in pro.

What would you rather see Lions or Commanders?

What would you rather see Lions or Commanders?

I would rather see Lions. Yeah, because Commanders are bringing in a bunch of free agents and draft picks. I think they could be great. They're not going to be great in the first week. Jayden's not gonna play much in the preseason. They're gonna have like eight draft picks. They're going to rely on them to play free agents. They got tons of cap space. Washington's gonna be really good. Don't be shocked if they're not great in September.

I would rather see Lions. Yeah, because Commanders are bringing in a bunch of free agents and draft picks. I think they could be great. They're not going to be great in the first week. Jayden's not gonna play much in the preseason. They're gonna have like eight draft picks. They're going to rely on them to play free agents. They got tons of cap space. Washington's gonna be really good. Don't be shocked if they're not great in September.

What about the Lions? They lose boat coordinators, right, you don't think that's significantly saw the Eagles pull back.

What about the Lions? They lose boat coordinators, right, you don't think that's significantly saw the Eagles pull back.

When they lost their They got a bunch of dudes that have played together. Now they may go backwards. They'll be great early, will they be great at the end of the season or will their coordinators? And this happened. Remember when Philadelphia had new coordinators and they came off a great season. They were very good early, but over the course of a season people found weaknesses on film with the coordinators who both got fired. So Detroit's gonna be good early. We'll find out if the coordinators are as good as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn because the coaching is so good in the NFL. If they're not good by Thanksgiving, they'll be exposed. But Detroit will be very good week one.

When they lost their They got a bunch of dudes that have played together. Now they may go backwards. They'll be great early, will they be great at the end of the season or will their coordinators? And this happened. Remember when Philadelphia had new coordinators and they came off a great season. They were very good early, but over the course of a season people found weaknesses on film with the coordinators who both got fired. So Detroit's gonna be good early. We'll find out if the coordinators are as good as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn because the coaching is so good in the NFL. If they're not good by Thanksgiving, they'll be exposed. But Detroit will be very good week one.

If I'm Philly, I would rather play the Lions at home and say December when the weather's crappy and Jared Goff has to go outside, as opposed to September where it's gonna be a ball me sixty five, no weather elements come into play. I'm just trying to think like a like a team that wants to go back to back. You know, disagree, No, I don't disagree. I just as a consumer, I want to watch Lions Eagles. That is un those are the two best rosters in the.

If I'm Philly, I would rather play the Lions at home and say December when the weather's crappy and Jared Goff has to go outside, as opposed to September where it's gonna be a ball me sixty five, no weather elements come into play. I'm just trying to think like a like a team that wants to go back to back. You know, disagree, No, I don't disagree. I just as a consumer, I want to watch Lions Eagles. That is un those are the two best rosters in the.

Yeah, I can't argue with that. That's a fair point.

Yeah, I can't argue with that. That's a fair point.

Let's go to the next door and that's Jaden Daniels had an amazing rookie season, Offensive Rookie of the Year. They were twelve and five. They went to the NFC Championship Game. Well, the Cowboys faced him twice, and Micah Parsons believes Jaden had the best rookie campaign since Lamar Jackson.

Let's go to the next door and that's Jaden Daniels had an amazing rookie season, Offensive Rookie of the Year. They were twelve and five. They went to the NFC Championship Game. Well, the Cowboys faced him twice, and Micah Parsons believes Jaden had the best rookie campaign since Lamar Jackson.

I think the rib injury held him back, But what I noticed in these last couple of weeks is he's not afraid to run no more. He's taking a running I think if he didn't have that rib injury, we're looking at, you know, MVP conversation for him. Obviously, he's locked up the offensive Rookie of the Year. I haven't seen more of a cold blooded rookie, you know, since I've been in the NFL, probably the past, you know, besides Lamar, probably past five seven years. But I think he's at, you know, a different level.

I think the rib injury held him back, But what I noticed in these last couple of weeks is he's not afraid to run no more. He's taking a running I think if he didn't have that rib injury, we're looking at, you know, MVP conversation for him. Obviously, he's locked up the offensive Rookie of the Year. I haven't seen more of a cold blooded rookie, you know, since I've been in the NFL, probably the past, you know, besides Lamar, probably past five seven years. But I think he's at, you know, a different level.

There's a comparison on the screen of Jaden to Lamar. I think their first twenty starts very comparable.

There's a comparison on the screen of Jaden to Lamar. I think their first twenty starts very comparable.

And Jaden is much better in the pocket than Lamar was as a rookie.

And Jaden is much better in the pocket than Lamar was as a rookie.

Yeah, and remember Jayden spent I think it was he transferred from ASU to LSU, so he had a lot of college starts under his belt. Lamar had plenty at Louisville. I know everybody wants to put Jayden Daniels as the.

Yeah, and remember Jayden spent I think it was he transferred from ASU to LSU, so he had a lot of college starts under his belt. Lamar had plenty at Louisville. I know everybody wants to put Jayden Daniels as the.

Fifth weell, Jayden also played in the SEC and and and Lamar played in the ACC. Yeah, right, Louisville. So the difference is Jayden in college. This last two years in college was facing NFL bodies every Saturday, so I think he was just more ready for the NFL. Lamar, you know, I mean Clemson was good, but most of the people in that schedule are not playing pro football.

Fifth weell, Jayden also played in the SEC and and and Lamar played in the ACC. Yeah, right, Louisville. So the difference is Jayden in college. This last two years in college was facing NFL bodies every Saturday, so I think he was just more ready for the NFL. Lamar, you know, I mean Clemson was good, but most of the people in that schedule are not playing pro football.

I can't wait for your off season quarterback rankings because I have this feeling you're gonna put Jayden at five and it has to be Jalen Hurts and I'm gonna get upset with that, just just letting.

I can't wait for your off season quarterback rankings because I have this feeling you're gonna put Jayden at five and it has to be Jalen Hurts and I'm gonna get upset with that, just just letting.

You know, like I'm considering everything.

You know, like I'm considering everything.

Oh, Justin Hubert didn't play at five.

Oh, Justin Hubert didn't play at five.

I don't know. I will say this mobility is increasingly and I think we saw it in the playoffs off script. Yesterday, Mark Sanchez came on. Those Jalen Hurts runs in the second half were literally backbreakers to the chief. I mean they weren't one in that game anyway, but when he took off those two times, you're like, oh, this is just this is really ugly.

I don't know. I will say this mobility is increasingly and I think we saw it in the playoffs off script. Yesterday, Mark Sanchez came on. Those Jalen Hurts runs in the second half were literally backbreakers to the chief. I mean they weren't one in that game anyway, but when he took off those two times, you're like, oh, this is just this is really ugly.

Kellen Moore had a pretty pretty damn good suit he did. He would call it a great game.

Kellen Moore had a pretty pretty damn good suit he did. He would call it a great game.

If you didn't hear Sanchez yesterday. He really broke down what Kellen Moore did. How and whenever you say simplified, but Mark did a good job of explaining what you want to do for a quarterback because so many things are hard as a quarterback. You want to make some things easier. And the way Sanchez talked about what Kellen Moore did, just make everything work into your line of sight so you don't have to literally look all over the field. And it gets a bad rat like when you say game manager or they simplified the offense. Well, you should manage a game as a quarterback, and you should have some layups. That's one of my knocks on some of these offensive coordinators the Bears last year. Can you give Caleb Williams six to seven layups a game, just easy stuff like you don't make a quarterback. Not everything has to be a six hundred pound bedlift.

If you didn't hear Sanchez yesterday. He really broke down what Kellen Moore did. How and whenever you say simplified, but Mark did a good job of explaining what you want to do for a quarterback because so many things are hard as a quarterback. You want to make some things easier. And the way Sanchez talked about what Kellen Moore did, just make everything work into your line of sight so you don't have to literally look all over the field. And it gets a bad rat like when you say game manager or they simplified the offense. Well, you should manage a game as a quarterback, and you should have some layups. That's one of my knocks on some of these offensive coordinators the Bears last year. Can you give Caleb Williams six to seven layups a game, just easy stuff like you don't make a quarterback. Not everything has to be a six hundred pound bedlift.

I also liked what Sanchez said about every third down they went tempo, so Spags didn't have time to put in those exotic blitzes.

I also liked what Sanchez said about every third down they went tempo, so Spags didn't have time to put in those exotic blitzes.

Real smart start killing Moore at a good super Bowl.

Real smart start killing Moore at a good super Bowl.

Got to give himrops for that final story.

Got to give himrops for that final story.

Collins to the NBA where Steve Kerr he was a little whiny, shall we say, last night the Warriors lost to the Mavericks a bit of a surprise. Kerr picked up a technical foul in the third after yelling at officials, but he revealed that he was really ticked off because the game didn't start until eight forty five, I know it, and because they were on a back to back.

Collins to the NBA where Steve Kerr he was a little whiny, shall we say, last night the Warriors lost to the Mavericks a bit of a surprise. Kerr picked up a technical foul in the third after yelling at officials, but he revealed that he was really ticked off because the game didn't start until eight forty five, I know it, and because they were on a back to back.

Her ear's Kerr ranting after the game.

Her ear's Kerr ranting after the game.

It's a tough back to back, and you know that's why, that's that's what makes this loss even more frustrating, is.

It's a tough back to back, and you know that's why, that's that's what makes this loss even more frustrating, is.

That you know we got to and.

That you know we got to and.

Get into Houston at three o'clock. You know, whatever it is, because you know the NBA and it's infinite wisdom makes us play an eight forty five game, And they clearly don't care about you know, rest or player health. It's just ratings and all that stuff. So I get it. So everyone's got.

Get into Houston at three o'clock. You know, whatever it is, because you know the NBA and it's infinite wisdom makes us play an eight forty five game, And they clearly don't care about you know, rest or player health. It's just ratings and all that stuff. So I get it. So everyone's got.

To do it. The whole league's got to do it.

To do it. The whole league's got to do it.

And so it is.

And so it is.

What it is.

What it is.

We got to strap it up, get ready for tomorrow.

We got to strap it up, get ready for tomorrow.

Yeah, I was wondering last night. Last night was a great NBA night. I watched the Celtic Spurs. I'm telling you, San Antonio. Now they know as good as Boston, but watch out they got some dudes.

Yeah, I was wondering last night. Last night was a great NBA night. I watched the Celtic Spurs. I'm telling you, San Antonio. Now they know as good as Boston, but watch out they got some dudes.

Did this smoke last night?

Did this smoke last night?

When I was watching it, it was an eight to a ten point game. It's Boston. They're easily the best team in the league. Yeah, Boston humiliated the Knicks. They did not humiliate San Antonio. It was an eight ten point game.

When I was watching it, it was an eight to a ten point game. It's Boston. They're easily the best team in the league. Yeah, Boston humiliated the Knicks. They did not humiliate San Antonio. It was an eight ten point game.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I like Steve caurr Lot. The flight from Dallas to Houston is like a puddle jumper.

I like Steve caurr Lot. The flight from Dallas to Houston is like a puddle jumper.

Dude, what are you complaining about?

Dude, what are you complaining about?

Come on, I'd be more depressed that they could not stop Kyrie Irving When you start Steph Kurry.

Come on, I'd be more depressed that they could not stop Kyrie Irving When you start Steph Kurry.

He he was penomenal last night.

He he was penomenal last night.

Yeah, Kyrie look good and they score two points.

Yeah, Kyrie look good and they score two points.

God, he was good last night. Yeah, he was great.

God, he was good last night. Yeah, he was great.

I mean, I'm sorry, buddy, Heal has a zero chance against him.

I mean, I'm sorry, buddy, Heal has a zero chance against him.

Warriors just have no defense on the perimeter. They can't lose that.

Warriors just have no defense on the perimeter. They can't lose that.

Game, didn't you like? I think my two picks in the NBA last night for DraftKings were I liked the Jazz plus nine against the Lakers and the Warriors minus five. And I had money in my pocket ready to burn. And then that second half they couldn't stop Gyriy Irvin. You couldn't make stops.

Game, didn't you like? I think my two picks in the NBA last night for DraftKings were I liked the Jazz plus nine against the Lakers and the Warriors minus five. And I had money in my pocket ready to burn. And then that second half they couldn't stop Gyriy Irvin. You couldn't make stops.

But here here's the other thing. The NBA, I knew, you'd like to credit the NFL for doing this a lot. The NBA said, Oh, the Super Bowl is that Sunday. Let's have a stacked week. Was really good game.

But here here's the other thing. The NBA, I knew, you'd like to credit the NFL for doing this a lot. The NBA said, Oh, the Super Bowl is that Sunday. Let's have a stacked week. Was really good game.

Last night was one of the best. I mean, the games didn't turn out very well, but the matchups were great last night.

Last night was one of the best. I mean, the games didn't turn out very well, but the matchups were great last night.

And it leads into All Star weekend, which has kind of gone the way of the Pro Bowl. Like, I mean, do you even know who's in the Dunk Contest? If I asked you, do you know who's in it?

And it leads into All Star weekend, which has kind of gone the way of the Pro Bowl. Like, I mean, do you even know who's in the Dunk Contest? If I asked you, do you know who's in it?

No?

No?

I didn't know until I had to look it up this morning.

I didn't know until I had to look it up this morning.

I was like, ooh, I don't know. Great, I know Lebron's not in that.

I was like, ooh, I don't know. Great, I know Lebron's not in that.

He's not doing that's correct.

He's not doing that's correct.

Jmack with the news.

Jmack with the news.

Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the herd line newss.

Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the herd line newss.

Baby steps for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are broken offensively as a franchise, so this is interesting. A reporter in Jacksonville, Ryan Burr, says, the Steelers, you have to applaud them for just making a phone call to an offensive player. The Steelers are calling the Jaguars for Trevor Lawrence Man discovers fire, Steelers discover quarterback. Give them credit. Nine of the last ten Super Bowl champs were top ten offenses. Pittsburgh is broken offensively, so yes, they're competitive in the regular season. They are not a competitive franchise in the postseason. Listen to this. This is nuts. In their last five playoff games, this is crazy. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been outscored in the first quarter three to nothing in their last six playoff games. They have trailed by twenty one points or more in all six playoff games. So it's sad that it's taken this long to realize the league is pivoted to offense. But it's a start, so you can say that, you know, defense wins championships. The Eagles were a head thirty four to nothing, and that thirty four, that number is like scoring points and stuff. So you know, I've been saying this now a couple of years. Let's stop pandering to Mike Tomlins. He's never missed the playoffs. Who cares? They're not a competitive playoff team. So I mean to me, this story is it's it's real progress. Yesterday there was a billboard in Pittsburgh that a fan bought, trade Tomlin or sell the team. Now, as I noted, it's right next to a chain link fence. It doesn't look like it's an ideal location on a busy freeway. It could be somebody's backyard. But nonetheless, did we have a new one? Is there a new one out there? Don't worry, Kevin, We're making calls. Okay, there we go. I just think it's I think we have to be honest. I think it's I think it's progress. I think it's it's progress. So Kevin Adams Steeters bought a billboard. They're making calls for you coming up free agency in the NFL. It is suckerville or you can change your franchise. There is one player in this free agent class I would absolutely pay for now. Last year, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, there were some hits. Saquon Barkley there were absolutely I think Derrick Henry there were some hits. Last year there were more hits than average. But this free agent class man buyer, beware, there's some things to worry about this year. There is one free agent I would empty the bank for. I'll talk about that my buddy Ethan Strauss, NBA writer House of Strauss around the corner as well.

Baby steps for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are broken offensively as a franchise, so this is interesting. A reporter in Jacksonville, Ryan Burr, says, the Steelers, you have to applaud them for just making a phone call to an offensive player. The Steelers are calling the Jaguars for Trevor Lawrence Man discovers fire, Steelers discover quarterback. Give them credit. Nine of the last ten Super Bowl champs were top ten offenses. Pittsburgh is broken offensively, so yes, they're competitive in the regular season. They are not a competitive franchise in the postseason. Listen to this. This is nuts. In their last five playoff games, this is crazy. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been outscored in the first quarter three to nothing in their last six playoff games. They have trailed by twenty one points or more in all six playoff games. So it's sad that it's taken this long to realize the league is pivoted to offense. But it's a start, so you can say that, you know, defense wins championships. The Eagles were a head thirty four to nothing, and that thirty four, that number is like scoring points and stuff. So you know, I've been saying this now a couple of years. Let's stop pandering to Mike Tomlins. He's never missed the playoffs. Who cares? They're not a competitive playoff team. So I mean to me, this story is it's it's real progress. Yesterday there was a billboard in Pittsburgh that a fan bought, trade Tomlin or sell the team. Now, as I noted, it's right next to a chain link fence. It doesn't look like it's an ideal location on a busy freeway. It could be somebody's backyard. But nonetheless, did we have a new one? Is there a new one out there? Don't worry, Kevin, We're making calls. Okay, there we go. I just think it's I think we have to be honest. I think it's I think it's progress. I think it's it's progress. So Kevin Adams Steeters bought a billboard. They're making calls for you coming up free agency in the NFL. It is suckerville or you can change your franchise. There is one player in this free agent class I would absolutely pay for now. Last year, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, there were some hits. Saquon Barkley there were absolutely I think Derrick Henry there were some hits. Last year there were more hits than average. But this free agent class man buyer, beware, there's some things to worry about this year. There is one free agent I would empty the bank for. I'll talk about that my buddy Ethan Strauss, NBA writer House of Strauss around the corner as well.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern nn am Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern nn am Pacific.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture, stories that well other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture, stories that well other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty years and still work together. I mean that says something, right, So check us out.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty years and still work together. I mean that says something, right, So check us out.

We like to get you involved too, take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say, I'd say, the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the.

We like to get you involved too, take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say, I'd say, the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the.

Most interactive on planet.

Most interactive on planet.

Be sure to check out Cavino and Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific, and if you miss any of the live show, just search Kovin on Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media.

Be sure to check out Cavino and Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific, and if you miss any of the live show, just search Kovin on Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media.

That's Covino and Rich. Probably my favorite podcaster in the country. I think I had listened to him on More Walks and Treadmill Johns as I do anybody in the country. Ethan Strauss, NBA writer really does culture business. House of Strauss is what it's called, and he's done a great job ditching traditional media and starting his old little mini empires. I'm always proud of him, and I like guys that do that. So you have really interesting stuff. Of course, you wrote the book years ago about making an unmaking of the Warriors Dynasty. You had a contentious relationship with Kevin Duran, a good relationship with other Warriors. So there's a bunch of stuff here on unpack. You had an interesting relationship with Nico Harris and the GM of the Mavericks that pulled off this trade, which is being labeled as the worst NBA trade of all time. I have somewhat defended it, saying if they got two more first round picks, seventy four million extension out of shape, hurt a lot missing camp. I kind of get it, it's still a bad trade. Take my audience back to why you think they ultimately made this deal and was Nico just a lone rogue agent here making it happen.

That's Covino and Rich. Probably my favorite podcaster in the country. I think I had listened to him on More Walks and Treadmill Johns as I do anybody in the country. Ethan Strauss, NBA writer really does culture business. House of Strauss is what it's called, and he's done a great job ditching traditional media and starting his old little mini empires. I'm always proud of him, and I like guys that do that. So you have really interesting stuff. Of course, you wrote the book years ago about making an unmaking of the Warriors Dynasty. You had a contentious relationship with Kevin Duran, a good relationship with other Warriors. So there's a bunch of stuff here on unpack. You had an interesting relationship with Nico Harris and the GM of the Mavericks that pulled off this trade, which is being labeled as the worst NBA trade of all time. I have somewhat defended it, saying if they got two more first round picks, seventy four million extension out of shape, hurt a lot missing camp. I kind of get it, it's still a bad trade. Take my audience back to why you think they ultimately made this deal and was Nico just a lone rogue agent here making it happen.

Well, you said it they'd gotten more picks, Maybe you could justify it. But I think the issue with Nico and the issue with the higher a lot of people they don't know about the origins. Nico is a former Nike marketing rep. That kind of job. It's somebody who's good with people, somebody who can help recruit players and make them happy. They're assigned to a player, they hang out with the player. And so what I think might have happened is that Nico is used to having a relationship with the star that is his rais on Detraview, Will that's what he's supposed to do. I think Luca might have shot him out.

Well, you said it they'd gotten more picks, Maybe you could justify it. But I think the issue with Nico and the issue with the higher a lot of people they don't know about the origins. Nico is a former Nike marketing rep. That kind of job. It's somebody who's good with people, somebody who can help recruit players and make them happy. They're assigned to a player, they hang out with the player. And so what I think might have happened is that Nico is used to having a relationship with the star that is his rais on Detraview, Will that's what he's supposed to do. I think Luca might have shot him out.

And at that.

And at that.

Point, from his perspective, given him background, he's going, well, the relationship's bad, then what am I doing here? And then you had this other problem column, which is that Mark Cuban never said it, but he was GM of the Mavericks. He said, I'm the owner and I've hired a GM, but he was the guy on the phone call who was doing everything. The idea is that they had a symbiotic relationship where Nico helps recruit the talent and then Mark makes the big decisions. So Mark high tails it out of there. He sells the team to new ownership. And I don't think he told them. I don't think he said, look, guys, you know I was really the GMGM. This guy sort of operated in a role where he was helping me. I think he just said, Nico Harrison's the GM, good luck with it. We've done pretty well. Go MAVs and boom. You have a situation where the GM does not understand the asset climate and does not get enough back when he makes this major decision that is upset the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Point, from his perspective, given him background, he's going, well, the relationship's bad, then what am I doing here? And then you had this other problem column, which is that Mark Cuban never said it, but he was GM of the Mavericks. He said, I'm the owner and I've hired a GM, but he was the guy on the phone call who was doing everything. The idea is that they had a symbiotic relationship where Nico helps recruit the talent and then Mark makes the big decisions. So Mark high tails it out of there. He sells the team to new ownership. And I don't think he told them. I don't think he said, look, guys, you know I was really the GMGM. This guy sort of operated in a role where he was helping me. I think he just said, Nico Harrison's the GM, good luck with it. We've done pretty well. Go MAVs and boom. You have a situation where the GM does not understand the asset climate and does not get enough back when he makes this major decision that is upset the Dallas Fort Worth area.

So the Lakers ownership group, the Bus family is one of the poor ones. They've been saved largely Kobe Bryant's last five years they were abysmal. Lebron kind of saved them. They got the COVID Championship, which was wonky, but it is what it is. I do believe they got a gift now. They got a gift with Kobe Bryant from Charlotte for Vlade Divots, who wasn't even an All Star. They got a gift when Paul Gasol So that either the smartest of the luckiest franchise in the history of American sports. Do you think Luca because there are conditioning issues, he's more offense than defense. I just argued eighty is the best defensive player in the league. Luca is the worst. That was very visible last night against a big front line with Utah. Or do you believe that Luca's going to change it and going forward? He is their Kobe, He is their Kareem, he is their magic.

So the Lakers ownership group, the Bus family is one of the poor ones. They've been saved largely Kobe Bryant's last five years they were abysmal. Lebron kind of saved them. They got the COVID Championship, which was wonky, but it is what it is. I do believe they got a gift now. They got a gift with Kobe Bryant from Charlotte for Vlade Divots, who wasn't even an All Star. They got a gift when Paul Gasol So that either the smartest of the luckiest franchise in the history of American sports. Do you think Luca because there are conditioning issues, he's more offense than defense. I just argued eighty is the best defensive player in the league. Luca is the worst. That was very visible last night against a big front line with Utah. Or do you believe that Luca's going to change it and going forward? He is their Kobe, He is their Kareem, he is their magic.

Well, it's funny that dumont in the new ownership group for the Mavericks, is talking about how we need guys who really work hard, and he named a few NBA players, and it felt as though chat ChiPT might have been helping him because one of the guys he named that wasn't a guy you would name. He named Shaq right that famously shack All, great winner, not known to be the hardest worker. And so I think you look at Luca like that, you take him warts and all, because he's so brilliant with the basketball, and he has physical advantages. Even if he's not great at defense, he's so physically imposing. I think what you look at you try to build around him and account for some of the deficiencies.

Well, it's funny that dumont in the new ownership group for the Mavericks, is talking about how we need guys who really work hard, and he named a few NBA players, and it felt as though chat ChiPT might have been helping him because one of the guys he named that wasn't a guy you would name. He named Shaq right that famously shack All, great winner, not known to be the hardest worker. And so I think you look at Luca like that, you take him warts and all, because he's so brilliant with the basketball, and he has physical advantages. Even if he's not great at defense, he's so physically imposing. I think what you look at you try to build around him and account for some of the deficiencies.

You can do that.

You can do that.

Steph Curry obviously I covered the Warriors back in the day. His effort level was clearly higher than Luca. But he is not an ideal defensive player if you were building one from scratch, and the Warriors managed to build the perfect team around him. So the Luca situation is about the future. What makes it a little strange column is that Lebron is here right now, and right now it feels like a big deal that Lebron is here, But in the future it might be one of those weird footnotes where you go, hey, you remember when Lebron and Luca were on the same team. I totally forgot about that because it doesn't quite fit to have a liability on perimeter defense along side a guy who's going to be in his forties. But we'll see them try.

Steph Curry obviously I covered the Warriors back in the day. His effort level was clearly higher than Luca. But he is not an ideal defensive player if you were building one from scratch, and the Warriors managed to build the perfect team around him. So the Luca situation is about the future. What makes it a little strange column is that Lebron is here right now, and right now it feels like a big deal that Lebron is here, But in the future it might be one of those weird footnotes where you go, hey, you remember when Lebron and Luca were on the same team. I totally forgot about that because it doesn't quite fit to have a liability on perimeter defense along side a guy who's going to be in his forties. But we'll see them try.

Yeah, So I don't know how good Jimmy Butler makes the Warriors. He absolutely makes them more captivating. When Steph is off the floor before Jimmy Butler arrived, they're unwatchable. What do you make of it? It kind of rinked a little bit of desperation, did it not. What do you make of the move at somebody that's covered the Warriors for a long time.

Yeah, So I don't know how good Jimmy Butler makes the Warriors. He absolutely makes them more captivating. When Steph is off the floor before Jimmy Butler arrived, they're unwatchable. What do you make of it? It kind of rinked a little bit of desperation, did it not. What do you make of the move at somebody that's covered the Warriors for a long time.

Well, I think unwatchable is the key word, Colin. I think a lot of the time, don't make perfect the enemy of good? Everybody's looking at every situation through Does this completely optimize our ability to win a title with the Warriors? I almost felt like, don't make perfect the enemy of interesting. They were boring, yes, very boring. The story had run out. They were a rough watch. I know they lost last night, but the shots were better. Jimmy Butler's impact on the game makes you want to you know, it makes you want to tune in. Yeah, I'm not saying they're gonna be able to beat the thunder. They still have to make the playoffs. They've got a tough run ahead of them, but they're not depressing and you want to watch. You want to know how those two are going to play off each other. It does work. Jimmy puts pressure on the paint, he gets fouled. That's been a problem for this team, and you can work off of him in the post and trying to get Steph Curry open shots. So I understand people were making that argument saying I don't even know if Jimmy Butler is better than Wiggins. Look, all I can tell you is right now, there's energy in the bay. People are excited about this team and for the last two seasons of what might be Steph Curry's career. I will take that. Even knowing that Jimmy Butler has a little bit that scorpion in the frog fable where the scorpion hops on the frog's back and something bad happens across the pond. Every single time it seems to go bad. Even with that, with Jimmy Butler, even with the burn bridges that you would expect, I will take it because the present until he got here was just so dang boring.

Well, I think unwatchable is the key word, Colin. I think a lot of the time, don't make perfect the enemy of good? Everybody's looking at every situation through Does this completely optimize our ability to win a title with the Warriors? I almost felt like, don't make perfect the enemy of interesting. They were boring, yes, very boring. The story had run out. They were a rough watch. I know they lost last night, but the shots were better. Jimmy Butler's impact on the game makes you want to you know, it makes you want to tune in. Yeah, I'm not saying they're gonna be able to beat the thunder. They still have to make the playoffs. They've got a tough run ahead of them, but they're not depressing and you want to watch. You want to know how those two are going to play off each other. It does work. Jimmy puts pressure on the paint, he gets fouled. That's been a problem for this team, and you can work off of him in the post and trying to get Steph Curry open shots. So I understand people were making that argument saying I don't even know if Jimmy Butler is better than Wiggins. Look, all I can tell you is right now, there's energy in the bay. People are excited about this team and for the last two seasons of what might be Steph Curry's career. I will take that. Even knowing that Jimmy Butler has a little bit that scorpion in the frog fable where the scorpion hops on the frog's back and something bad happens across the pond. Every single time it seems to go bad. Even with that, with Jimmy Butler, even with the burn bridges that you would expect, I will take it because the present until he got here was just so dang boring.

Yeah, totally agree. So Kevin Durant and taking shots at Ramona Shelburne, who I think is an excellent reporter. That was a couple of days ago when she said the toxicity in the locker room of Phoenix was palpable. He didn't like that. I really like Kevin Durant. He's pushed back on you, he hears everything. I love him. He's one of my favorite players ever. I think he's an all time I've said before he'd win a one on one all time NBA tournament. If he took out centers, he'd beat Jordan. You can't stop him, that said, I saw a story this morning Phoenix is gonna probably move him. Are you surprised, I said yesterday, it's almost like he tanked his career leaving the Warriors. Are you surprised what's happened since he left Golden State because you kind of knew him and followed him.

Yeah, totally agree. So Kevin Durant and taking shots at Ramona Shelburne, who I think is an excellent reporter. That was a couple of days ago when she said the toxicity in the locker room of Phoenix was palpable. He didn't like that. I really like Kevin Durant. He's pushed back on you, he hears everything. I love him. He's one of my favorite players ever. I think he's an all time I've said before he'd win a one on one all time NBA tournament. If he took out centers, he'd beat Jordan. You can't stop him, that said, I saw a story this morning Phoenix is gonna probably move him. Are you surprised, I said yesterday, it's almost like he tanked his career leaving the Warriors. Are you surprised what's happened since he left Golden State because you kind of knew him and followed him.

Yeah, I'm not surprised, I have to say, and I want to as an aside on the Ramona thing, I did find that to be totally absurd. But he was saying about Ramona, this idea that she walked in the locker room and didn't know what was happening and maybe just made a mistake. I mean, Ramona has reported on some of the calamitous locker room situations on the Lakers. She was way ahead of when Mike Brown got run out of there with Kobe back in the day. She's a veteran reporter. He's very well connected. Yes, and I think this is fitting the Durant pattern where he hears everything, as you said, but he'll tend to angrily respond to what's true. You know when he got mad at me, I said, Kevin Durant wants to get out of here. He doesn't want to resign with the Warriors. That's what he got mad at. Now, for all the drama with Durant, the interesting thing about him is that the people around him like him. He's somehow likable and also impossible. He's a really interesting guy. As I've said, the open book nobody can read. But this doesn't surprise me because you've said it, Colin. Did you say he's like an artist. Yeah, he's like an artist. He's an individualist. He's somebody who wants to do the coolest thing that he can do. With his skill set, which is at a genius level. But I don't think he's ever bought into the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't think he's bought into the idea that he should sacrifice or he should lead. That's just not what he does. And in the right situation, it's been something that worked. But at the same time, he's not somebody who really thinks much about situations, and so he keeps choosing the wrong situation.

Yeah, I'm not surprised, I have to say, and I want to as an aside on the Ramona thing, I did find that to be totally absurd. But he was saying about Ramona, this idea that she walked in the locker room and didn't know what was happening and maybe just made a mistake. I mean, Ramona has reported on some of the calamitous locker room situations on the Lakers. She was way ahead of when Mike Brown got run out of there with Kobe back in the day. She's a veteran reporter. He's very well connected. Yes, and I think this is fitting the Durant pattern where he hears everything, as you said, but he'll tend to angrily respond to what's true. You know when he got mad at me, I said, Kevin Durant wants to get out of here. He doesn't want to resign with the Warriors. That's what he got mad at. Now, for all the drama with Durant, the interesting thing about him is that the people around him like him. He's somehow likable and also impossible. He's a really interesting guy. As I've said, the open book nobody can read. But this doesn't surprise me because you've said it, Colin. Did you say he's like an artist. Yeah, he's like an artist. He's an individualist. He's somebody who wants to do the coolest thing that he can do. With his skill set, which is at a genius level. But I don't think he's ever bought into the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't think he's bought into the idea that he should sacrifice or he should lead. That's just not what he does. And in the right situation, it's been something that worked. But at the same time, he's not somebody who really thinks much about situations, and so he keeps choosing the wrong situation.

Yeah.

Yeah.