The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 1 - Defending Bonny James

Episode Date: June 28, 2024

Jason McIntyre fills in for Colin and can't believe the United States Men's National Team lost to Panama 2-1 in Copa American and why big changes could be coming for this team. He defends the Lakers drafting Bronny James in the 2nd round   Guest: Aaron TorresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people.

Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard,

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Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to 3 Eastern 9 a.m. to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox SportsRadio.com or stream us. live every day on the IHeart Radio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Welcome in to the herd here on a beautiful Friday in Los Angeles. It's me, Jason McIntyre,

in for Colin Cowherd and very excited. I had an amazing night last night. I watched a gripping soccer match that did not end well for us. Then I watched, you know, the NBA draft, second round Ronnie James of course you know what I did do last night Alex what Alex Curry

I did not watch two senior citizens argue at Bingo Night I did not do that you didn't do it either you don't need to get into that right now it was a tough night for America all around soccer wise debate wise but

we did get some history as you mentioned in the NBA draft with the first ever father son duo possibly playing together on team yeah that's gonna be a bit of Let's focus on the positives from yesterday. Let's sports, shall we? Yes, please.

With USA soccer, boy, this team, oh boy. It was a rough one. I gathered the family around the TV. Guys, got a big one. Going to take down Panama. And, oh, boy, it ended in spectacular disaster, conceding a goal late in the match and losing to lowly Panama. Sorry, Panama fans.

Yeah, lowly. Two to one. And now it's winner go home. Monday night. against Uruguay. It's a big one. You're going to want to reshape your plans for Monday night in Kansas City. It's a tough spot for the USA Soccer Club. Listen, you guys know this. In America, we love winners. We love winners. And globally, we dominate a lot of sports. You go look at the Olympics, tennis, golf, basketball, on down the list, swimming, track and field, the U.S.

rules. We're great at everything. We cannot figure out this soccer thing. It always, it always. always seems to be one step forward, two steps back. And we've got this golden generation of U.S. soccer players. You go on down the list, Pulisic, Adams, McKinney, Eunice Musa, who inexplicably did not play yesterday. What the hell, Burrhalter? We got this golden generation. All these guys are between 21 and 26. We're ascending.

We're competing with some of the best. We tied Brazil recently. and all signs are pointing up. We can make the final. We've got this. We're preparing for the World Cup on our turf in 2026. And then we go out last night and Tim Wea, a very promising wing,

gets a foolish, silly red card. There's no way around it. He screwed us. And that doesn't mean go after Tim Way on social media like the gibronies are doing. He made a mistake. A dumb, foolish mistake. Here he is.

see on FS1, clobbering a guy in the head. Now, he was frustrated. If that's a shove to the chest, it's not a red card. I can't really argue it. You know, way of screwed up. Still, nevertheless, after that, Flo Balligan, a young promising stud on our team, I mean, puts in what's called a golazo, just a left-footed, awesome strike. We're up one-nothing. Yes, we've got this. We can hold it down. Everything's looking great. Four minutes later. we give up the equalizer. And then from that point on, it was just a stressful, I think it was like the next 65 minutes

were full of stress. And of course, we concede in the 83rd minute now, and then we lose two to one. Now, yesterday we talked with Alexi Lollas, and it was very clear. Greg Burhalter, at the minimum, needs to get the U.S. out of the group stage and into the knockouts.

That's the bare minimum. Well, yesterday, after the match, Alexi Lollas went off on Burrhalter. We talked so much about this tournament being an assessment of this team, an assessment of head coach Greg Burrhalter relative to getting out of the group and playing against the likes of Colombia and Brazil. Well, you know what? That challenge and that assessment and that ultimate assessment is now going to happen in the third game against Uruguay. And they better be up for it because if they do not go through,

Greg Berhalter is going to lose his job, and rightfully and fairly so. But this is a situation that this team, including Greg Berhalter, have created for themselves. Now, find a way to get out of it. He's not wrong. And listen, we've been here before. The U.S. always puts himself in difficult spots where it's win in advance, win and get in. And you know, remember the great Landon-Donovan goal in the World Cup many moons ago? Last World Cup against Iran, we had an amazing game.

I know it's Iran. Folks, we can't lose on Monday. We've got to beat Uruguay. We're going to be underdogs. I looked this up. Uruguay has one loss. since October. Okay?

And they've beaten the likes of Argentina and Brazil in that same time frame. And they shelled Mexico recently. So it's going to be difficult. I'll close on this for USA Soccer. We talked also yesterday with Lollas about how this team is, you know, the U.S. has the most accomplished group of players playing overseas. But in some ways, they're not, I'm not calling them soft. They just don't have that hard scrabble, gritty, tough, resolve feel that they used to

have. And yesterday, if you look at the fouls, Panama got away with murder. Nineteen fouls. The U.S. had four. They bullied us. They pushed us around. They pushed our buttons. We took the bait. And I'm just saying, they've got to get back to their old ways of fighting because this Uruguay team put it on Bolivia last night. Yeah, I watched that over the old guy, senior citizens. They scored five goals against Bolivia. I mean, just a total bloodbath. The USA must come out Monday. Otherwise, when this show reconvenes next week, we're going to be talking about next head coaching options for USA soccer. All right, let's get to the NBA draft,

which was split into two nights for the first time, I believe, ever. And I think this was partially done because LeBron's son, Brony James, was going to go in the second round. Everybody knew he was going to go 55. There were some fun scenarios or someone else tries to steal him. But that wasn't really going to happen. We'll get to the Rich Paul scaring teams later in the show. But I want to kind of focus on.

on brawny going 55, the Lakers, LeBron, all that fun stuff, because this is a great story. Father's son duo teaming up in the NBA, how can you not love it? Yet here we are the usual suspects, the haters, the naysayers, oh, this is nepotism. How can this happen? Yeah, these same gibronies, these meatballs. Where were they when Janus was getting his brother on the bucks? Where were they when my Knicks? J.R. Smith was on the Knicks.

Jerry Smith's like, hey, can we get my brother on the team? E.J. on the team. This nepotism happens in sports. It happens in business. It happens in entertainment, music, movies. It happens in coaching, in college basketball. Hey, by the way, guys, is Andy Reed's son? Was he qualified to be a position coach in the NFL?

You can go look up his resume. How was he a position coach? This happens everywhere. I don't know why people are so worked up about LeBron and Brani. It seems a little bit excessive. And when you listen to Rob Polinka, talk about the Brani decision, it was a no-brainer. Here's Rob Polinka last night. In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court.

And that feels like something that could be magical. And we know and have to respect, of course, that LeBron has a decision. about his opt-out. But if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made, and NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform. I like that. That's nice. I like Rob Polinka sentiment. Now, I should turn back the clock just a little bit for my favorite nepotism story of all time. You guys know I'm a hardcore college hoops fan. I talked about it yesterday. So there was this guy named Danny Manning back in the day who was the best recruit in the country. I mean, he was phenomenal, and he was down to Kansas and North Carolina. So the Kansas coach at the time was Larry

Brown. Okay. Danny Manning, awesome recruit. His father had been a truck driver for four years. This was written about in the New York Times. You can look it up. His dad was a truck driver. So what did Larry Brown do? He went and hired Danny Manning's dad as an assistant coach. Hey, come on the staff in Kansas. And what would you know a couple days later? Danny Manning picked Kansas. Kind of worked out for the Jayhawks, huh? Danny Manning, Danny and the Miracles, led Kansas to an awesome title, and I vividly remember that championship

because I'm a college basketball nerd. This kind of thing happens. Nepotism's going to happen. It's not the end of the world. There's no reason that LeBron shouldn't get what he wants, which brings me to LeBron, and what I think is an incredible theory, it was kind of pooh-poohed in the staff meeting.

I don't know how it'll go over now. So let's take it all into consideration here, Okay. So LeBron can opt out. He can change teens. He can go anywhere. There was the small veiled threat that I don't think anybody took seriously, but it was out there. Hey, if Bronny's drafted by Utah, maybe I'll go to Utah or Phoenix. And remember, Golden State went after LeBron back at the trade deadline in, I think, February. Okay? So take all of it into account and hear me out. A magician never shows his trick, so I don't expect LeBron to ever confirm any of this.

But what's to say LeBron didn't go to the Lakers and say, hey, guys, I got this amazing podcasting partner. You may know him. His name is J.J. Reddick. He'd make a phenomenal coach. Wait till he gets to the whiteboard. He's going to wow you. Fine, LeBron will take a look at Reddick.

And, oh, by the way, guys, could you do me a solid and draft my son at 55? That would be awesome. Fine, LeBron, we'll capitulate. We'll do what you want. And then internally, the Lakers are probably like, damn. The Miami Heat did like everything LeBron wanted. and then he left him high and dry. Is he going to screw us?

But this is 39-year-old LeBron, who's 40 in December. Is there a world where as LeBron breaks down the, hey, can we get Redick as a coach? Yeah, sure, LeBron. Hey, can we draft my son? Yeah. LeBron says, well, I'm going to do you guys a solid. You hooked me up. I'm near the end.

Instead of taking a max deal. Can you just, I don't know, workshop it out for me? Hey, what would we look like if I took less than the max? say instead of 55, 60 million. What if I took 40? What if I took 45 mil? Is there a world where you can present to me free agent options that we could land? Because listen, I don't trust any front offices.

They screwed me in Cleveland. Everywhere I go in the league front offices mess things up. So is there a world where you guys could say, hey, look, we can get DeMar de Rosen on the cheap. He wants to be in L.A. He'll play for us. We could get Tobias Harris on the cheap as a seventh guy. There's a world where LeBron goes to the Lakers. Can you guys give me what I want, Reddick and my son?

And in return, you know what? Wink, wink, wink. I'll take less than the max. And we can add a couple more guys in free agency. I don't know. Clay Thompson so far spent most of his summer out here in Los Angeles out in the beach cities. Can we get, could we steal Clay from Steph Curry? Is that possible?

Now, I know Clay wants all the money and all the years. Hey, Clay, come play with us in L.A. to the Warriors. The LeBron influence is strong. I just wonder, LeBron's gotten everything he wants from the Lakers so far. Does he in exchange say, you know what, I'm 39, I don't need to play for the max, I'm still going to be a billionaire? Yeah, I'll take a little less. Can you tell me for sure who we're going to land and we can get right back on top? Because I'm just telling you, we may break it down later, maybe next week. The Western Conference, there is no dominant team. I don't know if you guys saw what happened in Denver.

KCP all of a sudden doesn't look like he's going back. Could KCP be returning to the Lakers? He did win a chip with LeBron and AD. I'm just saying there are scenarios where the Lakers, hey, LeBron, scratch our back, we'll scratch yours. And that's how some of these deals are done. I know people want to poo-poo nepotism and bashed the Lakers. I think it's a little overblown.

And maybe I'm being too optimistic and too positive and pro LeBron. But I would think he's gotten everything he wants so far. I think LeBron will probably in turn make some concessions with the Lakers as we headed a free agency, which starts, I think, this weekend. So Alex, listen, I know that's a wild theory and I'm sure Laker fans are loving it or hating it. Where are you on that?

Any shot LeBron takes less than the max, he's never taken less to the max. When it comes to money, I never want to suggest to an athlete to. take less. But if there was ever an athlete that could, LeBron is one of those people. He is a billionaire and he has this media empire. But again, like the Lakers pride themselves in taking care of their own. And this is a perfect example of what they've done, right? You were talking about it earlier. I mean, if they wanted to keep LeBron, this is something that they had to do to get Bronny. He said he wanted to play with his son. It has never been done before. A father-son duo playing in the NBA. And LeBron James is the all-time greatest.

in the history of the NBA. He's one of the greatest players in the game, one of the most impactful players we have ever seen. This needed to happen if you wanted to move forward with LeBron James. And what's going to motivate LeBron James more than himself wanting to win a title? Wanting to win one for his son with his son. I'm going to Vegas this weekend. I'm putting money on the Lakers. Oh, I like that. I like that. What team I do not recommend betting on is the New England Patriots and coming up. Gerard Mayo. Oh my gosh. People are gassing him up like he's going to be the second coming of Bill Belichick. Are you kidding me?

We'll do that next year on The Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeard Radio app. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes

for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th.

You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment. And the next, we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast.

It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes,

follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jay and I'm Alex English

Each episode we pick it here unpack what went down and try to make sense of how we survived it Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill Waxing all about crack in the 80s To be clear 84 is big to me not just because of crack I'm down to talk about crack on day But just so y'all know I mean at this point this is the second episode

where we've discussed crack so I'm starting to see that there's a through line We also have AIDS on the table right now So Thank you for finishing that. sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years

for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness

month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests, I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing.

And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross. Because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth. Are you a good person because you're afraid?

Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different. levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related

episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of tontons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to Stuff to Bo Your Mind on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Back here on the herd, it's me, Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd. And I think you guys will be proud. This is two days in a row.

I have not done a jet segment, but I am cherry picking some. AFC East teams. Yesterday we did the dolphins was relentlessly positive. Kind of, sort of, about Tua. Today, a little less so about the New England Patriots. So a couple friends of Fox, Julian Edelman, who comes on this show regularly, and Rob Grancowski, they got together to chop up Gerard Mayo and the Patriots on Edelman's podcast called Games with Names.

And here's what they said about why Gerard Mayo was built to be a head coach. Gerard Mayo was just a phenomenon on the football field with lining everyone up and then also in the meeting rooms as well. He knew where every player needed to be during any situation that occurred on the defensive side of the ball. I mean, he knew how to read offenses. He knew when the call out plays and he was always correct when he called a play out or else he was just making the whole defense just aware when that play was going to be. called. He was just always alert, and you could always tell that that was going to translate into the next phase of his life. Okay, sounds very, very positive. Gerard Mayo, who knows, maybe he's the next Belichick. Vegas disagrees. Have you guys seen the Patriots win total?

Four and a half. Lowest in the league below the Carolina Panthers and below the Denver Broncos. The Patriots are going to be really hot due to this year, folks. I'm sorry to be harsh. Here's the reality. You don't want to follow a legend. It is extremely difficult. Bill Belichick, I don't think there's any argument against him being the most successful, greatest coach in NFL history.

I just quickly glanced at a couple guys who were also in that legendary category and left and how the teams fared afterwards. Let's start with Don Shula, who was a pretty damn good coach in Miami, undefeated dolphins, blah, blah, blah. So he left in 1995. The Miami Dolphins, since Shula left, have three playoff wins. You know, I was really good at math when I was a kid, not so much now. But that's almost 30 years, three playoff wins.

Losing Shula have not been able to find your slam dunk coach. Maybe McDaniel's the guy. Well, I like McDaniel. He's a good coach. But replacing a legend extremely difficult. I found another one. This guy by the name of Joe Gibbs. Now, you guys, hardcore listeners of this show, my podcast.

No, I grew up in Northern Virginia. I was born in New York, but the family moved because my dad got a job. And Washington, at the time, Redskins, were everything in D.C. And Jason, who likes to go against the grain, contrary in Jason. I did not like Washington. And they had this coach named Joe Gibbs, who was just freaking good. And they were always in contention, winning Super Bowls. And, you know, I had to be there like, oh, go Jets.

You know, and Washington's racking up 10, 11, 12 wins. and I think they've won the Super Bowl 55, 10 or something like that. Of course, I wasn't betting at the time, but I was telling everybody, Denver's going to beat Washington. I was way off. I just didn't like Washington. Joe Gibbs was a beast. You guys want to know how many playoff wins Washington has since Joe Gibbs left?

Joe Gibbs left. Last 25 years, they have one playoff win since Joe Gibbs left. A legend, a top six coach in the history of football, it's difficult to keep that ball rolling. when you lose a legend. The institutional knowledge that walked out the door when Bill Belichick left or was shoved out, whichever one you, whichever storyline you prefer,

it went out and it's not coming back. And I looked at the depth chart, folks. Listen, you guys know I like Drake May leading up to the draft. I like Drake May a lot. By all accounts, it's going to be Jacoby Brissette's team this year. That's not a good thing.

Jacoby percent is a solid backup. As a starter with no weapons and a questionable offensive line, it's bleak. Even the defense, which people are excited about. Belichick was a defensive guy. You think the defense is going to stay up there? Now, yards per play, they were third defensively. That's very good.

But you dug in closer to the numbers and some of the DVOA numbers which take into account every play, and they were middle of the pack with the legend Belichick. There's no world where the Patriots and Mayo are successful this year. None. not even if Drake May turns into Fricot It's just not happening Maybe in a couple years

Mayo can get through these tough ones And they can bounce back But folks, I'm looking at this schedule You know, I know Joe Burrough starts off slow They're not losing to the Bengals Seattle, I guess it could be a win We'll see I don't know

Jets, that's a loss Niners, that's a loss Miami gets to go to New England That's a loss. Houston was in the playoffs Jacksonville's a potential playoff playoff team. Jets, we're looking at 1 and 7 out of the gate for Gerard Mayo. And then,

this guy doesn't know what he's doing. He was a great player. He was smart. He was the Tom Brady of the defense. Good luck, Gerard Mayo. Massive uphill climb. Let's go to Alex Curry with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news.

This is the herd line news. Well, let's move to the NFC North, where all eyes are going to be on Caleb Williams this season after he was drafted first overall by Bears. Now, Caleb has progressed well through mini-camp and was quickly named the week-one starter by head coach, Matt Iber Fluse.

And Tideon, Cole Kometz spoke to the growth that he's seen in the rookie so far this off-season. That whole draft process was so interesting just because you're hearing all these different names about him. But as I got to know him and as everyone else got to know him, you realize he's really just a normal dude. A really good kid

and ultra-competitive and you can see why he's been so successful thus far in his football career and why he has those type of intangibles to succeed in the NFL. So I'm really excited for him. He's been putting in a lot of work, and you can see the progress

that he was making up throughout the OTA period. It just makes me wonder. Does anyone think that it was going to be perfect for Caleb Williams right out of the gates? Because there's a lot of stories written about him in the first mini-camp OTAs, that he was struggling. He was a little behind on his throws.

But he is in a learning a completely new system, making the transition from college to the NNNNN. NFL is going to be tough no matter who you are, but you also want them to struggle in practice. This is what you want to hear because if they're not struggling in practice, that means they're going to be struggling in the games in the NFL. Like that's not something you want to do. So, I mean, he knows what pressure is like. He's had pressure on him since winning the Heisman two years ago and then all of last year

struggling at USC knowing he was going to be the first overall pick. All the eyes are going to be on Caleb Williams, not only because of that, but also because the Bears have never had that guy. They've never had a quarterback throw over 4,000 yards in a season, throw more than 30 touchdowns in a season. Like, Caleb Williams can very quickly be that guy in Chicago. I was trying to think, who's the best quarterback they've had in, like, the last 30 years. Like, Jim McMahon, Rex Grossman, Jake Cutler.

Rex is who they got to the Super Bowl with? Like, it's just, that's the thing. They've never had that guy at quarterback. So it's weird. They've been a defensive team. They've prided themselves off that. The expectations are super high, but the bar is super low. Right.

So Williams should be able to clear it. And the schedule early is favorable. Like it's not like top five defenses that he's facing out of the gate. He also got lucky that he was the number one overall pick and not going to the worst team in the league. Like the Bears got this pick by trading for this pick the season before. So Caleb is in a great situation to succeed. That Titans team is going to look different defensively. I know they got Sneed.

but they're not world beaters. I think at home, Chicago wins that. At Houston will be a bit of a challenge. That'll be tough. That'll be tough. But listen, let's not act like Houston as world beaters just because they had a really good season. All right.

Their defense was torched at times. I know they got, did a lot in free agency. Colts defense, eh, nothing special. Rams, no Aaron Donald breathing down your neck. Panthers were a bottom 10 defense last year. I know they got some dudes. Yeah. And then the Jags.

So, like, he starts out facing not very difficult defenses. Later in the season, no, nine-er. It doesn't really face the division until the back half of the season. And he should be sitting pretty with like an ease into the NFL season going into their buy in week seven. I think they're a wild car team with Caleb. Definitely. All right. Let's move to Philly because the Eagles started their offseason strong.

But despite going 10 and 1, they dropped six of their last seven games leading to some questions. Jalen Hertz steady and more reserved leadership style. Now, however, Lane Johnson has seen a louder and more vocal. hurts this offseason. I think just this offseason, he's really done a good job of bonding with his teammates. I felt like the connection has definitely grown, a really big offseason. The work ethic has never been an issue, a tremendous worker, but just becoming a more vocal leader.

And, you know, I think whenever he speaks, you know, guys listen up. Every year's a kind of a proof of deal to everybody when you're in that town. And, you know, we all feel it to some degree. but Jaylon's our guy moving forward. We love him. We're respect him. And, you know, nobody puts him more work than he does. Now, I don't think anyone was questioning Jalen Hertz's leadership,

but it's good to hear that he's being more vocal because they lost their anchor on the offensive line in Jason Kelsey. He was the heart and soul of that team. So now hearing that Jalen Hertz is being a little more vocal in that sense is always going to be a positive. And obviously he's coming off of two really tough. ends to the season. Last year, they had one of the best starts going 10 and 1, then dropping six of their last seven. And then obviously the year before, losing in the Super Bowl to the Chiefs

and Mahom. So they haven't had that really strong finish. And again, it's not how you start, it's how you finish in a season, right? That's what matters. That's what people are going to remember. And another thing to know is, you remember there was some drama with A.J. Brown last season. We didn't hear a lot about it, meaning that they handled it in a way that a responsible leader should. And then they rewarded him this off season. So it should be, you hope, they figure it out and get it together in Philly? Yeah. Something feels weird about this. Has become a more vocal leader. Was he not a vocal leader when he was like the MVP favorite two years ago? Was he not a vocal leader? I mean, some leaders like lead by example. But again, like. Was it the center of Kelsey who's

down retirement? Oh, yeah. Jason Kelsey was like the vocal heart and soul. of that offensive line, and I'm sure of the offense. I mean, it just feels a little bit odd that he's saying this about her. It's almost like everybody's down on hurts for some reason. I don't get it. He's not the reason they suck last year. He's always had that doubt. Their head coach was...

He's always had that doubt. The defensive coordinator situation and promoting the rocket scientist, I've forgotten his name. But Matt Patricia, he was like running the defense midseason. That guy's a clown. I don't even know if he's in the league anymore, probably in New England. But it just feels weird vibes about Philly right now because I like Hertz a lot. Yeah.

And remember, Colin, I think after the Super Bowl, it was one of those like, I don't take a call if you call about Hertz. And now he's like not even on his top five list. Guess what, folks? We're doing top five quarterbacks. I don't know if Hertz has made the cut. We're doing that later. All right. Well, let's move to the NBA where the Nuggets were not able to complete their title defense,

falling to the T-Wolves in the Western Conference semifinals, but good news for Denver, with Sean's reporting that Jamal Murray and the Nuggets are negotiating a four-year extension worth up to $209 million. Now, J. Mike, this needed to happen. NBA duo-wise, Yokic and Murray are one of the best. He's a big reason that the Nuggets won that title a year ago,

and this year he set career records in points per game, assists per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Like this, I think this isn't a surprise. Like this was expected. Awesome player. Yeah. Still never been an All-Star. Which is so crazy to me.

How is that possible? Like, feels like one of the more underrated players in the league. Yeah. Never been able to just like stop. All-Star doesn't matter. It's like a popularity contest. It is. He's clearly one of the best players at his position.

He's making 50-mill a year and he's never been an All-Star. That's crazy. The interesting thing, and I touched on earlier, is this whole losing KCP, who's in there starting back court. That's a big loss, especially if he goes to Lakers. He's going to have any insider info? It's the second time you drop that. I do not have any insight.

I'm just hopeful for the last. I want them to be interesting. Same. But yeah, Jamal Murray also, he's going to be playing for Team Canada this summer in the Olympics. Supposedly. I'm just telling you, Olympics, NBA men's basketball is going to be fire. It's going to be fun. Isn't it USA?

They're all meeting up in Vegas next week? They are. Yeah. Are you going to Vegas next week for that or no? No, I'm in Vegas. I leave right after the show. Oh, goodness. Yeah, yeah.

This weekend. Yeah. Oh, wow. That's what's time. Going to Vegas this weekend, betting on the Lakers. What's the, uh... It's the NHL draft out there yesterday and today. So I've...

You know, I used to work as a Kings reporter when they won the Stanley Cup. Oh, that's right. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Kings. I have a lot of NHL friends connections. Yeah. Going out there for a good time. The pool scene. Pool scene's going off in late June. It should be.

It's going to be hot, 105. You need to get back there. Let's go. Alex Curry with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Herd Lie News. All right, coming up next, we got a fun guest stopping by Aaron Torres.

Talk about the draft. My LeBron theory. He's a big college hoops hunk. The sport's taking a bit of a hit this week with the draft. A lot of people are like, who are these dudes getting drafted? We'll talk about that next here on the herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific. Hey, what's up, everybody?

It's me, three-time Pro Bowl of LaVar Arrington, and I couldn't be more excited to announce a podcast called Up on Gets. What is up on game, you ask? Along with my fellow pro bowler, T.J. Hushmanzada and Super Bowl champion. Yep, that's right. Plexico Burris. You can only name a show with that type of talent on it. Up on game.

We're going to be sharing our real life experiences loaded with teachable moments. Listen to Up on Game with me, LaVar Arrington, T.J. Hushman Zada and Plexico Burris on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you Get your podcast from. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential.

Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement

to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast, it's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger.

So, if you've ever supported me, or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Cliverts show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross

double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jek. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here,

unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack, so I'm starting to see that there's a through line.

We also have AIDS on the table right now, so... Thank you finishing that sentence. Yes, I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years. for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart

radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Care Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience

in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing and we're still chasing it and we don't know when we've done enough because people scoreboard watch life becomes about wins and losses

Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth or are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, is we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway.

Open your free iHeartRadio app, search Learn the Hardway, and listen now. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of Tontons and Wampas on the Ice Planet Hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two.

Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Colin Cowherd, who just got a new pet, apparently, I don't know. The guy, you should hear some of these calls and texts that he's been having this week. Oh, you're actually following him then? No, no, he told me about it. But you're still not following him on social. I'm not. Well, no, on Twitter.

He's posted about the new pup twice. Oh, I follow him on Twitter, just not Instagram, because he hasn't followed me. We'll talk about it. Be the first. Anyways, let's get to a guest here. He's a Fox Sports Radio host. I've known him for a while. Big Hoops guy.

It's going to help us break down Brony, the draft. Aaron Torres. My man, Aaron Torres. Host to the Aaron Torres Sports Podcast. How you doing, dude? J-Mack, I am great. I'm curious to hear about Collins' pet. I don't know if that's going to make the after show or what.

But happy to be here. I'm curious what that pet might be, I know that's probably not priority number one in our conversation. No, priority number one has to be nepotism because I heard your cousin is getting a Fox Sports Radio show. You know, congrats on getting him a job. No, I'm just kidding. To the Lakers at 55.

People are freaking out like this is the first time this crap has happened. I'm like, slow your role, folks. This is not that big of a deal. Yeah, you know, I think two things are true. And I've always, and I believe this. By the way, and I want to bounce about to you in a minute. I was surprised at the reaction yesterday that people were surprised that it actually happened. Like I thought we kind of knew this was going to happen for a year plus now.

But listen, I think two things can be true. Listen, I'm not a parent. I know you are, J. Mack. I know you do anything for your kids like any parent would. That's whether you're the highest paid professional basketball player on planet Earth, whether you're a teacher, doctor, lawyer, whatever. So I have no real problem with that. My problem is you just at this point in your career, LeBron,

you can't sit here and say that you're all about championships, that you're all about winning at the highest level. And I think the Lakers as an organization, it's hard to say that. Because obviously we know about the coaching search. We know that JJ Reddick's biggest credential is bluntly that he's LeBron James' podcast and wine drink it, buddy. That's his number one credential as the Lakers head coach. And then, of course, you use the pick at 55 on Brony.

And listen, I know it's the end of the draft. But there are guys that were available that could help the team next year. Not superstar roles, but as a 7th, eighth, ninth guy, as a defensive stopper, Akisha Johnson from Arizona, Kevin McCuller from Kansas, who was picked a few spots later.

These are guys that can come into the NBA and contribute tomorrow. We know Bronnie's a long-term project. I'm not of the belief that he can never develop into an NBA prospect, but I just don't think that you can sit there if you're in LeBron James and truly look your fan base in the eye

and say that we are all about winning and that we're winning at all costs. See, that's a very good point. Now, I would push back and say, well, let's see what happens in free agency. I know the Lakers don't have a ton of cap room, but LeBron's gotten everything he's wanted. He got Reddick, his coach, his podcast partner, as you noted. Now they drafted his son. What is the Lakers said?

Hey, Bron, we hooked you up. Can you take a little less than the max so we can bring in a free agent? How does, I'm just, KCP sound. How does Clay on the cheap, just to stick it to the worst? Like, we could do this if you take less than the max. do you think that's something LeBron would be open to? I think that would help win back the L.A. fan base

because if they're not competing for a title next year, I think the fans are going to probably turn on LeBron. Well, I think that's an interesting thing, Jay Mack, is that you know, I live in L.A. like you do. And I think this last two, three month period,

I think it's kind of been an eye-opener nationally about where the Lakers are as a franchise. I mean, listen, I'm admittedly a Yukon alum. So when the Dan Hurley news broke, people said that I couldn't be unbiased about the situation. I know what he said on your airwaves with you and Colin. I don't know if he ever seriously considered that job. But the idea that you don't turn down the Lakers, it's like, what is this?

1984? Like, is Magic Johnson stuff? Did I miss something? Is Byron Scott? Is James Worthy still on the team or Shack? Like, you know, I think what this has exposed is that this organization is kind of being held. together by duct tape. We can criticize LeBron, but I think it's also worth noting they were in a six, seven year, whatever it was rebuild prior to him even coming. And he basically gave the organization

some relevance. So I don't know if he is willing to do those things. I think he should be at this age. I think, listen, 39, 40 years old, we all watch the playoff game. He still has that fastball. I just don't know that the fastball could hit 98 on the corners like it used to. I mean, it just felt like even in that Denver series this year, great first quarter, great first half, and he starts to run out of gas as the game goes on. That's not a criticism of him. He's 39 years old going on 40, and I think it's clear that he does need more help. So the bottom line is you're probably a little bit more plugged into the day-to-day of the organization than I am, J-MAC, but I do hope that he's willing to listen to what Rob Polinka has to say because at the

end of the day they do need help. Brani isn't going to provide it. And I think, by the way, that would be an ultimately fair compromise considering the decision that was made with the 55th pick on Thursday night. All right. Before we go, macro, one more Lakers question. You are a big college hoops guy. Dalton Connect was a tremendous story. He's a little older, 23, when the season starts. I like to pick a lot. Some people had him mocked in like the top seven. You know, I think there's a steal for the Lakers. I think he could contribute immediately. Tell Laker fans what they can expect from Connect. Yeah, he's a stud.

And, you know, first of all, I'll say this. The idea that you can't get better at 23 years old is ridiculous, one. But then two, I think it's especially ridiculous for this kid. And I know the story's been beaten to death at this point, but began his career as a Juco kid, ends up going to Northern Colorado, has a huge growth spurt at 18, 19 years old. And so the player that we're seeing now, right, like we talk about Zach. Oh, Zach, he didn't start playing basketball until he was 17, 18 years old. Well, this version of Dalton Connect really hasn't.

come along until the last year or two. But the fact that he was able to step up a major level, and I'm not comparing even major college basketball to the NBA. As much as I love college hoops, I know there's a big difference in expectations and all that. But at the same time, his ability in one year to step up, play the highest level of college basketball, dominate 40 points against Purdue and the elite eight, 30, I think it was 38 in the season finale against Kentucky. Like what it just speaks to me is that we are just scratching the surface on this version of Dalton Connect. I don't really care that he's 23 years old.

The dude can get buckets. And as we've obviously referenced throughout this conversation, I know you've referenced throughout the last couple days, this is LeBron James's window right now. So ultimately, I have no problem with drafting a 23-year-old because your superstar is 39 years old. Yeah, now I know this was considered a boring draft, but again, you're a college hoops guy like I am.

I think a lot of people looked at the top 12 picks, and I think nine of the first 12 were teenagers. And there's something going on with college basketball. I can't totally put my finger on it. You've seen some stuff out there like, is the value of going to college basketball what it once was? Is the mystique of March Madness what it once was? Are some of these guys better served to going to European route?

Get into an academy and really grind away at the skills. Forget this G-League where you're just playing games, games, games. Get the foundational stuff ready. because some of these guys going to college, it takes them two, three years to pop. I don't know. What's happening with the college game as it pertains to feeding guys to the NBA?

Yeah, I just think what's happened is really they've become two different sports. And I was talking to somebody about this the other day, Jamie. When you and I were kids, you could kind of correlate the best players on the best teams. We're generally going to go at the top of the draft.

You know, Christian Leitner might go number three overall, but he's still going number three. And so when I look at the state of college, basketball. I actually think college basketball is very healthy. As you referenced, G League Ignite is done. That was the NBA's shot at a developmental program. I think there were forces

outside of their control. Jason Hart ran that program. He did a great, great, great job with that group in that program. But I bring it up because I think what's happening is a few things. I think NBA teams, and this has been this way for a while, but they're not really evaluating based on what you do in college.

By the time you even get to college, the best players, they have a two, three-year sample size of seeing it, the McDonald's All-American game, the Jordan brand, the Nike Hoops Summit, whatever. And so it is still a largely upside potential draft. But what I also think you're seeing is on the other end, there's real money to be made in college basketball if you're not a surefire guy. And so just as an example, and this probably isn't the best example, there's probably a better one. But you look at Alex Caraband, start around the Yukon's national championship team, I think he, I'm certain he would have been drafted. I think it's possible.

he would have been a first round pick late first round but but a first round pick I bring it up because now you come back you're going to make money as as the face of obviously a two-time national champion And you don't have to rush the process and so I think a lot of those guys that maybe are a little bit more household names even if you just tune into the tournament for a week or two in March those guys that aren't the sure fire Paolo bank heroes Cape Cunningham's from previous years obviously this year it was the the the Steph Castle's whoever, the guys that aren't sure if I'm going to be a top 10 pick, a top 15 pick. A lot of them are just frankly electing to come back. Ask college, excuse me, because the money there is good. I totally agree. Now, you are plugged in on Kentucky despite being a Yukon honk.

I got to ask you, Shepard going three, still surprised. I know the numbers, the analytics, the deflections, the three points. I get all that. Is some of what Shepard and Dillingham will get to in a sec, is some of that based on the fact that Booker, a Kentucky guy, fell in the draft and is like a superstar. Jamal Murray fell as a superstar. There's a history of Kentucky guards

who were kind of underused, kind of falling in the draft, and then in the NBA, oh my gosh, look what this guy can do. Well, see, it's funny. I thought you were going to go with the, how did they not start in the tournament? It's like, well, you know,

he criticized Cal Perry for whatever. They lost that game because I hate to be crass about it, but Rick Sheppard had the worst game of his short Kentucky career in that game. Antonio Reeves, who was a second round pick yesterday of the New Orleans Pelicans was essentially the only guy that showed up. But I do think, to your point, there is something.

I mean, Cala Perry said it himself. He did the media tour on whatever it was Tuesday, Wednesday, and he said, don't take my word for it. Just bet on my guards. You know, Emmanuel quickly we saw this morning, just signed an extension, 21st, 22nd pick. I'll be honest, I didn't remember Tyrese maxi falling to the 20s. I figured he was a top 15, top 10 guy.

And Cal's like, those guys went 21 and 22. or 22 and 23, whatever. And so I think there is something to be said. Now, there is, you know, I think the frustration of Kentucky fans at the end was it became too much about draft night and being able to talk about what you did on draft night as opposed to March and April. I know this isn't a college basketball segment. I think it was best for both parties to move on.

But I think it is interesting to see Reed Shepard go high, Rob Dillingham, as well. Although I will also say that is a reflection to our points earlier that it was a little bit of a weaker draft than normal this year. Yeah, all right. We got a minute left. Dillingham should have been paired with Wembe. If you're Wembe Nyman, his group, his team, his agency, are you pissed off right now at the spurs? I don't think so. I mean, Dillingham, to me, I've heard the Lou Williams cop, I think it's perfect. He's small, but he's a bucket getter. He's quick twitch, maybe the most dynamic player in the draft. So you're ultimately arguing over probably a career

six man. I don't know that I have a problem. Steph Kavis. the kid that was drafted out of Yukon. He's kind of a two-way guy that can kind of grow with Wemby. I know they made some moves in the second round as well. I'm not as upset about that as you are, J.Mack, but I'll just say, like, I do think Rob Dillingham is going to have a bright career. I think he's going to be that Jamal Crawford, Lou Williams guy that can get you 20 on any given night off the bench.

He's going to be fun to watch. I don't think it's like an affront to Wemby or anything. But I also think that Rob Dillingham was probably a piece they could use. Yeah, Aaron Torres, Fox Sports Radio. Good stuff, as always. Enjoy the weekend, my man. Take it easy. My man, we'll talk soon. Thank you for having me. Appreciate you. Good stuff from Aaron Torres. Coming up, but we got a couple of awesome guests. Tori Holtz stopping by Chris the Bear Felica. You know we'd love to do gambling. Obviously, we'll do some NBA NFL. It's going to be a pop-in final two hours on a Friday before Alex heads to Vegas. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy. Not quite.

on Humor Me with Robert Smygel and Friends, me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform?

We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'll say.

Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Clifford Show on the IHeard Radio app, Apple Podcast,

or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok, Podcast Network on TikTok. On The Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 was big to me. I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English.

Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or where wherever you get your podcasts.

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth.

Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host Keer Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional

who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor? It signals to the world that you not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to, Listen to learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed human.