It finally happened. After an entire offseason of talking about, wondering about it, dreaming about it or, for some, even complaining about it, LeBron James finally took the court with his son Bronny for the first time in the Lakers’ season-opening win over the Timberwolves.
The gang on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz shared their thoughts on the made for Hollywood moment (in more ways that one) during Wednesday’s show.
For many, the father-son duo checking in together was a feel good moment. Billy Gil, no matter how much anyone may claim otherwise, likes to feel and likes warm, fuzzy moments. However, he says he likes those moments to feel natural and not fabricated, designed by corporations to sell him more sneakers. He doesn’t like to feel controlled by mega corporations where every feel good moment is a PR move. But, Dan says that is what LeBron’s Hollywood era is meant to birth as he transitions from on-court legend to whatever his future is off the court. Dan says the whole reason he went to Hollywood, it seems, is to get the Hollywood ending.
Dan, meanwhile, points out that even as his legendary peers, such as Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are doing podcasts, LeBron is still out there playing and controlling Hollywood by putting his son on the roster and making people argue about it.
Stugotz liked Kenny Smith’s point in the pregame about how before Bronny had had his cardiac episode last year, he was one of the top prospects in his class. He would have made it to the NBA eventually, but LeBron was able to use his leverage to provide himself and his family a special moment. He gets what Billy is saying, but it was still a nice moment. If you could choose the perk where you get to pick your coach, your teammates and put your son on the team, why wouldn’t you?
Billy is irked by the fact that the manufactured nature of the situation isn’t being hidden at all, as evidenced by the fact that as soon as Bronny was drafted by the Lakers the commercial campaigns were ready to go. There’s even a rookie hazing commercial featuring Bron and Bronny. It just doesn’t feel real to Billy, which is why he thinks it is hard to enjoy the moment. It feels over the top manufactured by Nike and the NBA.
But Dan asks an important question: Why can’t both these things exist in your head at the same time? It can be manufactured and still cool at the same time. It’s not a binary choice, you don’t have the choose. But Billy won’t budge, saying that being manufactured makes the moment less cool. What’s real and what’s not real, because Billy doesn’t know anymore. That’s just how he feels.
Make sure you tune into The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network!
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Local Hour: Odd Cat or Strange Bird?
Today’s cast: Dan, Stugotz, Chris, Billy, Mike, and Roy. Stugotz is full of energy after a splashy NFL trade, but for whatever reason, the crew wants to discuss a hypothetical QB trade of Matt Stafford for Sam Darnold because of a rumor on an aggregation account on X. Then, Billy missed his opportunity to become a millionaire after video has revealed he was inches away from obtaining the Shohei Ohtani 50-50 home run ball. Plus, Yankees GM Brian Cashman says the Astros didn’t win in his personal record book and Jared Goff is the best QB is the NFL. Also, Michael S. “Mike on a Mobile” Schmidt of the New York Times joins the show to share info on Donald Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly saying Trump is a fascist, but instead, he discusses his love of Mad Dog Russo, the Astros cheating scandal, and “Steinbrenner Duty.”
The Big Suey: Are We Done?
Michael Schmidt sticks around so we can finally get to the horrifying news surrounding Donald Trump as his former Chief of Staff warns he would rule like a dictator. We also dive into the reports of Trump saying he with he had “the kind of generals that Hitler had,” why a normally private John Kelly decided to speak out in this moment, and the challenge to tell factual stories in new ways because of how Trump has eroded faith in the media. Then, David Samson is here to discuss being a step-son, the time he broke the news of Muhammad Ali’s death, Texas fans throwing garbage on the field, his tiers of actors, World Series ratings, and Mike’s obsession with NASCAR.
Hour 1: All You Other Barack Obamas Are Just Imitating
Hey…basketball started last night! Amin Elhassan and Charlotte Wilder join us from Boston after attending last night’s Celtics-Knicks game. They chat with Dan, Stu, and the Shipping Container about the excellence of the Celtics, why the Knicks are discouraged, and Ray Allen’s connection to Boston vs. Miami. We also take a look at a moment between Charlotte and a Celtics fan outside the arena and learn why Amin has done this entire segment in his Obama voice. Then, are we allowed to enjoy the Bronny James debut? Do we have to be cynical about it? Can we enjoy LeBron’s love for his family? Do you believe he’s a caring father? Is it all just a Nike commercial? Plus, why were the Celtics not respected for their obvious greatness? Are they just difficult to fall in love with? Check out Oddball with Amin and Charlotte every Monday-Thursday.
Hour 2: Biiiiiiiiiiiiig Joe Harper
After going through a series of events Dan and the crew needed to promote, we take a look “Behind the Bit” at Stugotz’s first lie detector test with Big Joe Harper. Then, does every team in the NFL besides the Panthers and Patriots have a chance to win? And after DeAndre Hopkins was dealt, could Cooper Kupp be next? Plus Sarah Spain is here to dish out some rulings as the commish as we go through this week’s Bucket of Death, but first, she chats with Dan about her interview with Christine Brennan and the current male backlash against women masking support for Donald Trump.
Postgame Show: The Alous
Dan and Stugotz pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela after the legendary Dodgers pitcher passed away yesterday at the age of 63. Then, inspired by LeBron and Bronny’s debut together last night, Stugotz delivers his Top 5 Father-Son Duos in Sports History.
VIDEO
Check out the Le Batard and Friends YouTube page for more and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow the show on X at @LeBatardShow.
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