March 4, 2025 • 42 mins
We discuss an interesting theory that Colin Cowherd had this morning: Did Lebron James actually know (and even help orchestrate) the Luke-AD trade? David Vassegh joins us to talk about Dodgers' position battles at Spring Training and more.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, here we go, Fred Rogan and Rodney Pete
on five seventy LA Sports Today, we have a big
three hour show, a big three hour show.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Let's go to work, let's do it. Included this time
of year where you know, we're not sure. Sometimes we're
two hours, one hour stand by spring training time, and
of course Dodgers are playing a take precedent. But today's
the big show, Fred, the big show.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Got big three and David Vath say, is going to
join us here in the first hour.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
So when the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, it was done
in the cone of silence. It was done in the
darkness of night. It was done with complete and total secrecy.
And everybody said that. Nico Harrison, the GM of the MAVs,
said it. Rob Palinka said a Jennie Buss said it.
Lebron said it immediately following I didn't know, No one knew,
(00:58):
But did anyone know? Did anyone know it was going down?
Or did it really happen in the cone of silence?
So Colin was on this morning listen to his theory
about this.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Over the last couple of years, as Lebron ages Lebron
privately he did, and you know, it was concerned that
Ad could not get him easy baskets. Ad was a
good teammate. They worked together, but they weren't perfect. As
Lebron aged, and Lebron looked around the league and thought,
(01:32):
who can get me easier baskets? The two best outlet
guys are Jokic. He's locked up in Denver and Luca,
and he gets Luca and the Lakers are now on fire.
AD immediately gets hurt. The entire organization's a mess. Now
I'm supposed to believe that Lebron didn't know. I find
(01:52):
that very hard to believe. And you can call him selfish,
but here's something you have to call Lebron as well. Right,
Ad he was the star that just needed help. And
then AD's played a couple of really good years and
he stayed mostly healthy, and you know what that means.
It was time to sell the stop. You got your title.
(02:13):
He was finally consistently healthy, he was older, and Lebron's like,
I'm still a top five guy in the league. And
I think privately Lebron had said he's a good fit,
he's not the perfect fit.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Okay, that was Colin This morning talking about his theory
on whether or not Lebron actually knew about this deal. Rodney,
you hear that and you say, what.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
H I say, It's possible, and it's more than possible.
It's probable that he knew something was in the works.
I think that they of all, it's hard to hide
something like that, that magnitude from everybody because you you
(03:05):
have to get certain parameters in place. The league has
to be notified and know about it. I mean, there's
just there's so many moving parts to it, and it's
there's more than and I know it sounded like it
was just a simple conversation with Nico and Rob Polinka
and they went, you know, back to the Nike days
and and when when Rob represented Kobe and equals that
(03:28):
Nike and they had this bond and they call each
other on a regular basis, and hey, what about what
about Luca for a d What do you think? And
that just happened the next day. You know, you you
don't believe that, especially, uh, knowing the impact that Lebron
has had on this franchise has in the NBA. You
(03:52):
just you just got to figure that he knew something
was in the work. Now how much he knew if
it was going to go down, you know, if this
was you know, a real possibility or anything like that.
At the end of the day, I don't know how
much they involved him, but I got to believe that
(04:14):
he knew something.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Fred, Yeah, I do too. And you know, initially, immediately
everybody said, dummied up, We don't know anything. But if
you really take a couple of minutes in process it,
do you think they're not going to clue him in
on a move like this? And Colin also suggested that
it was Lebron who laid the ground work and foundation
(04:37):
for this over a year ago, that that was the
guy he wanted Luca, and he even suggested, I don't
know if this is true. Occasionally would text him say hello,
what's going on. He was kind of getting him to
a point where he might be excited about joining the Lakers.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Now.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Of course, the end of Luca came because Dallas had
just become sick of his antics and they wanted him out.
He wouldn't listen, he wouldn't do what they wanted, he
wouldn't get into shape, so they just said you're done.
Now the Lakers are the beneficiaries of that. Also, I
believe that, you know, if we can sit here and
(05:15):
actually on a daily basis say the Lakers are good
with Anthony Davis, but they're not going anywhere. I still
maintain that. I don't care how many games they've won
in a row. I don't think they can win with
Anthony Davis and Lebron. It's not a criticism of Anthony Davis.
I think that group was going about, you mean, win anymore, right,
because I did win, right, I mean anymore anymore? And
(05:37):
I think that that group had gone as far as
it could.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That was it.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
We've seen it. They got their one, and I don't
think it's going to happen again for him. So Lebron
knows that too.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Now wait, wait, wait, do you think that they can
win with Lebron and Luca? Uh? Yeah, I don't know.
If it's this year. Whoa Kevin?
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Yeh, well we have him Sam, because if then I
go in this year and Lebron needs to leave.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So yeah, well that's what are we doing.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Well, it'll be uh no, my bad if they don't
do it this year with Lebron, because yeah, maybe he
should go. They can still do with the other James.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Bronni Okay, it just couldn't help yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Well, I didn't need to do that, all right. So
here's the bottom line. If they have a chance, they've
got a better chance to win with Luca.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
No, no, no, no, no, you don't think that's a
cop out. That's a cop out. Either they can win
or they can't. It's not oh they can do good. No, Fred, don't, don't.
Don't do that. Don't do that, because you've been out
on the limb several times before. They can't win anymore
here with Lebron and and and now since they've been
(06:50):
on a hot roll, you've changed your tune a little
bit that yes they can.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
I think I just said this yesterday, so I don't
think we need to revisit it.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
But then you said, but then he said, if they
don't win it this year, then then maybe they can
in the future.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
But I think we talked about well, I'm saying this.
I think given what we're seeing, they've got a better shot. Yeah,
they've got a better shot to win it. So if
that's the case, Lebron probably knew that as well. If
that's the case, Lebron probably knew that as well.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Can they win. The question is can they win with
with Luca and Lebron? Yeah? When I say win, like
you said yesterday, it's about winning championships, not just win.
Can they win a championship with Lebron and Luca? Yeah,
they got a better chance to win with that. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
(07:42):
stop it. We're not starting a show like that straddling
that damn fence. Oh, they got a better chance to
win now. And no, aren't you the guy that always
they win? Aren't you? Guys? Can they win? But aren't
you the guy that always says aren't you the guy
that always says another crystal ball? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (07:59):
I think they can. I think they can. Yeah, I'll
put it like this. They got a better shot to win,
yes than they did with Anthony Davis one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Yes. But I don't know if they can win. But
they got a better shot. I don't know. Is Boston
gonna win? I don't show. Are we on it just
to you know, let's let's just play. Let's just play
tether ball and just keep going around and spinding our wheel.
I don't even think we need to win. I don't. Yeah,
they can win. Okay, that that. Why do would take
(08:29):
five minutes? Do you get that answer? Just go out
on that limb say yes, they can win. And if
they can win, then that means that you are coming
around to think that they they need to stay together,
are you not? Are you saying if they don't win
it all this year, we're hoping Lebron opts out and
(08:49):
he's gone and then they can rebuild with Luca, or
as you call it, reload with Luca. Oh, are you saying,
let's run this thing? Lebron is still playing like a
type five player in the league. You know, I know
it's you know it's that of the last ten games.
Tell me he's averaging twenty eight points a game, ten rebounds,
(09:10):
and six assists in the last ten games. I mean,
you're you're willing to give that up? Or are you
saying that, don't give it up and let's go forward
with this. Maybe if we need as the rest of
the season plays out, we'll figure out what other piece
that we may need and other in order to put
(09:32):
us over the top. Or maybe it's just they just
need one more year to play together or two more
years to play together to figure it out. Are you
saying that they can do that, yes or no. Yeah, yeah,
I'm saying put it like this. Their best shot to
win now is Luca and lebron right now. That's our
(09:52):
best shot. So what's right now? What's right now? Right now?
Going forward? Right now the next two years.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
I'm not committing to two years because I don't know
what's going to happen. I don't have that crystal ball.
Right now. This is their best shot. And depending how
they do this year because of the way they are playing,
maybe next year it will be their best shot. Maybe
it won't. But right now, this is their best shot.
This is the best shot they've had. They've got a
better shot to win it now than when they won it.
(10:22):
That's how good I think these two guys are right now.
But let's see, they still need pieces. We'll see how
Jackson Hayes plays. We'll see right now. Yeah, these are
the guys because it seems to be working, I think,
And maybe lebron knew it would work like this all along.
Maybe Rob Polinka thought so. I'm sure Nico Harrison didn't
(10:43):
think it would be this good this fast, because that's
a team in the West.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Right If that's the case, that Lebron knew, as you're suggesting,
and people have suggested, do we give him the credit
as much as we beat him up over Russell Westbrook. Yeah,
you can give him crowd it absolutely if he knew,
(11:10):
I don't even see that's what I preface it by.
If he knew and he was involved in it, like,
if he was if he was putting this together, if
he had a hand in putting this together. Well that's
the suggestion that you came off the top of the
show with, and that he had his suggestion of putting
this thing together, and if he had a hand in
(11:31):
this that was pretty smart. Well that's that's a that's
a crazy flip of how it was treated and talked
about with Russell Westbrook. No, it wasn't. That was a
terrible decision. But we know why can't you Why can't
you say it was the most outstanding position. It was
a great decision by Lebron if he knew, that's exactly
(11:53):
what I'm saying. You didn't say that with Russell Westbrook.
It was an automatic Oh yeah, he did it, because
it was at every beginning that the people believed that
he was involved in that.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Now we hear he may have been involved in this
because initially the reports where he knew nothing.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
He and a d were on the record and that
they were very.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
But now it's now it's coming out that they possibly
Lebron possibly knew. That's what Colin reported, That's what the
other people are saying, Lebron knew about this thing. And
I'm saying if he did know and had a part
in it and was doing this backhand, like you just said,
Lebron looked around, and they're saying that he he thought
Luca was a better fit than a d Uh to
(12:33):
get him to the championship, then don't we got to
give him the flowers, like as much as we beat
him up on Russell Westbrook thousand percent? Yeah, And it's like, oh, yeah,
it was a good move, but that was a terrible
decision with terrible oh my god.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
In fact, if, in fact, but did have a hand
in this, as Colin is suggesting, you have to give
him credit one hundred percent, just like you have to
say that was a terror.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Will Will Yeah, Will, Yeah, I think he will. People.
I think I'm doing it right now. Well, I think
I'm doing it this second. No, I brought it up.
You didn't say that was a great If this is true,
that was an outstanding move and decision by Lebron James.
You did not say that, no, because we're not. I
(13:21):
didn't say rob pol I said Lebron, No, you said,
you did not say this was if this this is true,
this is a great move by Lebron. Where on the
other side you said it was a terrible decision by
Lebron and a horrible thing and horrible reason for him
to bring in Russell Westbrook. Nothing until I brought it up,
(13:42):
was this is true? Amazing, amazing vision by Lebron James
to get off of a d and bring in Luca.
What an amazing that did That would not come out
of your mouth unsolicited. This is a fact. This is
a fact. Well, no, it can't give it to him.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Well, it's a little soon. We're just guessing now. But
I did say if he thought he couldn't go any further.
But it's true, it's true we ran something. Colin said.
He hasn't confirmed that, No one has said that, but
but it sounds like it could be true. And if
it is, that was a pretty shrewd move. There was
(14:22):
a very shrewd move.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
If it's true. Yes, it was a shrewd move. Russell
was not a great move, not a fantastic move, but
a shrewd move. Yeah. I think it was. Okay, I
get it. Give it a word. It was a great move.
And your words, not mine. You get it. Shrewd. It
was very shrewd. All right.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
David Vassey is going to join us next from Arizona.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Oh yeah, let's keep it moving. Full time show today,
three hours show on a Tuesday. Is it Tuesday? Yes, Tuesday,
Rodney Pete, fred Rogan coming at you. What do you say? Freddie?
Still want to go back on uh? On the Lakers
(15:11):
and Lebron superhero Luca, Luca better do no wrong. I'm
gonna tell you what you're right neither the second coming
to I don't know who.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Lucas great and Lucas so much fun to watch. I
think I think he gives the team a whole new field,
a whole new energy. I really think the Lakers are
a lot more fun to watch now.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
I do.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
I think there are a lot of fun and I
love watching him because again, it's the ur guy syndrome.
When he's on your team, it's one thing the other guy.
When he's on the other team, you hate him, but
when you got him, you love him.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
And here's what you like watching him more than anybody
else in the league.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
No, but I like watching him on the Lakers. I
think it's fun. I'm glad he's on the Lakers. Oh yeah,
I think it's fun to watch him.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Like won the deal. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
I like his antics, which I would hate anywhere else,
but I would love him here. Here's a guy who's antics.
We always love David Vass. Say he's with the Dodgers. Oh,
he's not ready yet. Okay, Oh, we're having some phone issues. Okay,
he popped up. I saw his nasty he was flashing.
I said, okay, let's go. It's dusty and windy in Arizona.
(16:22):
You gotta you know, it's not always just technology. There's
some stuff going on.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
I don't think there's any haboobs though. Oh no, no,
I don't think so. I think there are no haboobs
in Arizona right now. I think noboo, no haboobs. Haboobs
you said, isn't that what they are? He boops? Haboob?
What's a haboob? Isn't that big dust storm? A boob?
I never heard of a hoboop. Well, you're from Arizona,
(16:48):
and so am. I isn't a big dust storm called
a hoboob? I've never heard of hooboo. All right, you
may be a technical term for it. I've never heard
of it. Boop. Well, I'm gonna look it up right now.
A boom, a boob, A boob is, yes, there it is.
(17:09):
A boob is a massive dust storm saying h b
ob yeah, boom yep, never heard of it.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
H ab ob Right, and in Arizona you see them
all the time. You see them out in the desert.
Here is what it is.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
When the wind starts all of a sudden, it just starts,
and it is so blanketing that you can't even see.
If you get caught in one of those, your visibility
is zero. So maybe they're having one of those in Arizona.
A boob. Never heard of it. I just call them,
you know, dust storm, dirt devils, dust devils. I mean
(17:44):
it is never heard of a boob. It is the.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Most massive of dust storms. When you hit that, you've
hit everything. All right, Well, we're trying to get we're
trying to get David Vasse.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Yeah, efferting Dave's having some phone issues, so we're trying
to work through that right now.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
Okay, so let's start talking about the Dodgers and Tommy Edmund.
So if the second baseman Kim doesn't make the opening
day roster and he finds himself in Oklahoma City to
get some some reps in and some basically training on
how to hit major league pitching, it looks like Tommy
Edmund could play second base, and that surprised me a
(18:20):
little bit. I didn't think it would be Edmund. So
that means that center field slot will open up. I mean,
I thought they might even put Chris Taylor there. Honestly,
you've mentioned Miguel Rojash, you have Key k Hernandez on
the roster. But Dave Roberts says it could be Edmund,
and that surprised me a little bit because I didn't
think he'd be the guy. But he can play everywhere.
(18:40):
I just didn't think he was there. Yeah, he can
definitely play. He can definitely play in the middle infield. Oh,
pretty much every policing but middle infield. You don't find
those guys often that can can play shortstop, in second base.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And play the outfield and play their base. But as
talented as he is, it makes sense because you know, defensively,
shortstop in second base are are the positions you're going
to get the most traffic, most most balls hit to him.
It's going to be the most activity. So no, it
(19:20):
makes sense. And you know it may not be a
steady diet of it, but it definitely makes sense to
uh TO if they feel like he is their best
defensive player when it comes to you know, of the
of the three or four guys that you just mentioned,
it makes sense to put him at second base because
you don't you're not going to lose much in the outfield.
(19:41):
If if, if, if Autman or even Pai has played there.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
All right, well David Vasse has now joined us. Dave,
you were not victimized by a haboob, were you?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
I was not. I just needed to reboot my phone.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Haha. There he is, there he is. He never misses
a beat speaking, never missing a beat. Day. I want
to give you a shout because I talked to a
few people that were part of a group that you guys,
you and Andre Ehier had a little Q and a
session with in front of and they absolutely love you
(20:15):
guys and said that was the highlight of the certainly
the big highlight of their trip, and that they suggested
that you guys, you guys go on the road together.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Man, A few people have suggested that, I, you know,
the verbal punishment I would have to endure if that
were to take place, Rodney, I'm not sure I could
do it. I'm too fragile. I'm too emotionally fragile for that.
But yeah, with a great time. We were at the
Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix. A lot of our partners
(20:47):
with Dodgers Radio were in attendance, and we did a
special Dodger talk show that's up on the iHeartRadio app
that you can listen to with Andre Ethier and also
Rick Monday, another Arizona state number sixteen that played for
the Dodgers.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
Dave, I like the Arrogant Butcher. That's pretty good. Right
right around the street from the Palomar the Hotel.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Yeah, yeah, right right around the street from the arena
where the Sinking Sun play right now, and.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Then down to the left is where the Diamondbacks play.
But that's a good restaurant.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
I like that. I've been there.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
It's good, solid. Fred. Are you recommending to your listeners
if they go see the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks, they
should have a dinner or lunch there.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Absolutely. Absolutely, Yeah. I think it's a great spot and
you can walk right over to the game, so it's
not a big deal.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Oh God, that's great.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Dave Roberts said, Tommy Edmund could play second base if
Kim doesn't make the opening day roster. So that leads
to two questions, is he going to make the opening
day roster? And if he doesn't, is it going to
be Tommy Edmund?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
No, I mean Tommy Edmund's on the roster. They sign
him to a four or five years during the off
season if Kim doesn't make it. Yeah, well Tommy. If
Kim doesn't make it, Tommy Edman, who won the Gold
Glove at second base a few years ago with Saint Louis,
is going to play primary primarily at second And we've
(22:15):
seen him during these spring games play primarily at second base,
so that's some sort of indication there, even though he's
been taking you know, drills in center field. That's the
beauty of Tommy Edmond and that's the versatility the Dodgers
have on their roster. With a few players, but right
now Kim's on the bubble. He had to remake his
(22:36):
entire swing. The Dodger hitting coaches completely did an overhaul
on his swing. It's hard to come to a new
league with a new swing and expect immediate results. That's
just going to be really tough to uh to do.
And so if he does have to start the year
in the minor leagues, I think it's understandable. And right
(22:57):
now Andy Pajes is a more finished and polished product.
Andy pa Has could play a lot of center field
to start the year with this type of scenario, and.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
So it's definitely Pa has more over James Outman taken
over that role in center field. You say, huh.
Speaker 4 (23:17):
In my mind, Rodney Altman hasn't had that great of
a spring. Pa has proved he could do it all
last year. He proved it in the postseason. He's got
that dog mentality. I'm a big fan of his, and
taoscar Hernandez is a big fan of his and has
taken him under his wing. And you know, I just
think pi has has had the better spring and the
(23:38):
better last year.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Jack Harris wrote about the number of injuries that people
didn't really know about last year. First of all, I'm
guessing you knew every single guy that was banged up.
Is that fair to say?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (23:50):
And he even didn't have all the extent of the
injuries to certain players, so it was extensive.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
Yeah, And does it make it that more remarkable because
because you knew, and so if a guy had an
off night or a bad game or didn't really come through,
you could absolutely sit there and pinpoint. But yeah, here's
why you just couldn't say it. Does that make it
even more remarkable given what they did?
Speaker 2 (24:14):
For sure?
Speaker 4 (24:15):
And that's why it's so hard to repeat, because you
push yourselves as a group that far with those type
of injuries, it's hard to repeat because it's hard to
put the pieces of your body back together in three
months to be ready to start all over again. And
I firmly believed, and I said this, that was the
main motivating factor why the Dodgers went out and not
(24:37):
only signed Kirbyates but also Tanner Scott. They needed some
fresh arms in that bullpen with the question marks of
Michael Kopek and Evan Phillips and you know, Alex Vesia,
Anthony Banda, they were all pushed to the limits. So
that's the reason why they needed some fresh arms. And
that's why bringing in a guy like Blake Snell that
(24:58):
can give you some length, can he's the burden on
those guys that were not only used but used a lot.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Yeah, Dave another guy that we all love, but he's
struggling as well. Is Chris Taylor. What kind of role
do you see him playing this year? And how much
time do they give him? I mean, I know he's
under contract and making some good money, but how much
how much leash do they give Chris Taylor and how
much playing time does he get?
Speaker 4 (25:27):
Yeah, that's the multi million dollar question, Rodney. If he
wasn't making as much as he was, would he be
getting as long of a leash as he has gotten.
I you know, I thought it's a tough situation right
now as far as that goes. If you're judging just
purely on performance in the last year and spring training,
(25:47):
you would say no, he shouldn't make the team over
even Kim or Andy Paz. But he does have a
track record. He has built up a lot of credit
with this team and with this front office, and they're
not just going to cut him because they know what
he's capable of. So I see him starting the year
with the Dodgers. It's not you know, you can understand
(26:08):
why they may decide to go with a different player,
but you know, you're not just gonna cut ties with
the guy that's the twenty sixth man on your roster.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Yeah, but if they went with a different player, what
happens to Chris Taylor? Do they have to just release him?
Speaker 4 (26:25):
Yeah, unless they make a trade for you know, I
don't know, you're not getting much for him right now.
He you know, unless you do an exchange of salary.
That's there's that possibility if they were to trade him.
But yeah, I would say he doesn't have a lot
of market value right now.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Day going back to Kim, if he does start in
the minor leagues and we're all hoping that he you know,
works and improves on his on his on his hitting
and his swing and and all those things, is it
one of those we want a fast tracking back or
is it if he's still maintains that he hasn't you know,
(27:05):
he's still struggling. Is it possible that he stays down
there for a length period of time.
Speaker 4 (27:11):
Well, that's interesting, right, because there's some variables there. What
if he's you know, figured it out in the minor leagues,
and Chris Taylor struggles when given the opportunity, you.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Know, and maybe back to Prince's question.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Maybe the Dodgers are at the crossroads earlier in the
year than they expected. At some point they're going to
be at those crossroads in my opinion, so we'll have
to see which way they decide to go.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
Dave, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, if you're just looking at
it right now, what in the rotation, both in the rotation,
how do you see that playing out?
Speaker 4 (27:47):
I see Dustin May starting the year in extended spring
training because he's coming back from not just.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Often.
Speaker 4 (28:00):
Yeah, I could see Dustin May just to buy some
roster time being put in an extended spring training situation.
And I certainly see Tony Gonsolin making this rotation. I
really do. And I could even see Dustin May being
part of the pitching staff and maybe going into the
(28:21):
bullpen and maybe being that long guy for two or
three innings because of what we talked about earlier, just
the toll of going all the way through October for
a lot of these relievers. I mean, the Dodgers have
done that before, where they use a guy like at
Dustin May that can go multiple innings to take the
burden off early in the season of guys like Vessia
(28:43):
and trying in and fill ups and those guys.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
All right, well, Dave, we know you got to run.
We know stuff's happening. Thanks for coming on, all right, guys, thanks, okay,
So there we have it.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Tommy Edmund. That was just interesting to me that, yeah,
he could play base. I thought he would stay in
center field. We know he can play everywhere, but Dave
said no, they'd put him at second base. So that
opens up Paez in the outfield or key k in
the outfield. And then the question you bring up about
Chris Taylor, and that's just a tough one because if
you look when they signed him to that deal. I
(29:19):
remember that offseason very well. If you had not signed
Chris Taylor, there would have been a revolt. People would
have revolted in the city because that's how well he
had played, and that's how much people loved him. You
had to sign him, and you thought, actually you got
him in a bargain price. To be quite honest with you, Yeah,
(29:39):
give him what he had done, but once he got hurt,
he was never able to be the same guy. Everybody's
rooting for him, but he really wasn't able to And
Day makes a valid point now, and it was suggested
last year. If he doesn't have this deal, which he earned,
but if he doesn't have it, he's probably not even
(29:59):
on the team. That's a tough spot to be in.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Yeah. Yeah, it is certainly all on you know, reputation
and what he's what he's given to this team and
this city. As you mentioned, Fred, because you think about
all the clutch situations that he's come through for this
team over the years. It's just hard to just let
a guy like that go. But you're right when they
signed him to that deal, they were like, like you
(30:25):
always like to say, and you got him, and they
got him. So, you know, hopefully he breaks out. He's
such a likable guy. I love him, great personality, great
team guy, can play multiple positions, and he's a guy
that you just root for. So I'm hoping he breaks
out of the slump he's been in over you know,
over the last year and a half or maybe more now. Yeah,
(30:47):
because he is a great guy.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
Dave always says baseball is a performance based business. You know,
ultimately the Dodgers, and I guess in any business that
works this way, the Dodgers aren't making any decision on players.
Players are making decisions on themselves. Right, You do what
you have to do. Net Kaletti would say, I'm just
a messenger. The game tells you. The game lets you
(31:11):
know where you're at. I'm just a messenger. So I
think guys do know in their mind. And as a
guy that played, I think you would agree. You know
in your mind if you've lost it a little, or
if you're struggling. That doesn't mean you don't believe you'll
always get back, but I would think you would realize
as the athlete, there's something off here or I'm struggling.
Speaker 2 (31:33):
Yeah, you understand where you're struggling. The key part about it,
and the hard part about it is you can overthink it.
And once you start struggling, and then you start overthinking
it and you start doing things that are out of character,
and you try to force some things. You know, you're oh,
I'm oh for this, oh for twenty five and my
(31:54):
last guys at second and third, I gotta and we're
down by two. I got to hit a home run here,
and that'll bring me out of it. You start thinking
that way and and that sets you back even farther.
So it's it's a very tough situation to be in.
But certainly, yeah, you you really understand when you're struggling.
And the hard part about that is is again not
to overthink it, but just go back to the basics
(32:16):
and and and try to do the little things that
gets you over the hump. Maybe up. You know, we
always ask you have coaches, a bunch of bunch your
way out of a slump, dude, there's something different to
get you out of that situation. But again, we're all
rooting for Chris Taylor because he's uh, he's a he's
a wonderful guy and hopefully, uh, you know, he turns
it around.
Speaker 1 (32:35):
Next hour, the Salta Adam Ouslin jumps on the program
three hours for us today. Uh oh, and we'll also
talk about an NBA team that may be cursed that's
coming up as well.
Speaker 2 (32:46):
Next hour. Oh. After New Delight is Love and Real
Life by Lizzo. It's selling's title track off the artist
forts coming album I'm Saying Name, which we released later
this year, in an Instagram post about the album, she wrote,
this album was my strut back into society after hard
(33:08):
twenty twenty and twenty twenty one. When they help people
turn up the music, turn down the lights and get
a feeling they'll be all right. I want to remind
people how they may be broken but still perfect in
their own way. Again. Today's afternoon delight is Love and
Real Life by Lizzo.
Speaker 5 (33:31):
All Right and now.
Speaker 2 (33:34):
From the court to the court room with Jacob m Ronnie.
Speaker 1 (33:37):
Okay, Now are weekly chat with our good friend Jacob
m Ronnie. Jacob, how are you today?
Speaker 5 (33:42):
Hey?
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Fred? How are you? Hey?
Speaker 5 (33:44):
Rodney?
Speaker 2 (33:45):
Hey Jacob? What are you doing? Jacob? You got a
big case you're working on?
Speaker 5 (33:50):
Uh, you know, we actually have a couple of our
clients here today. We're having a client appreciation day or
having lunch with them. And these are clients whose case
have already settled and kind of tells, you know, tells
us that these relationships don't stop when their case settles.
(34:10):
We like to keep that relationship with our clients, and
that's what we're doing today. So it's a good day.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
So, Jacob, these are cases that are settled and Obviously,
these clients won, which is great. And obviously if they
came to you, they covered expenses and won an awful
lot of money. And you're having a lunch. So given
that they won that much money, do you make them
pay for lunch?
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Of course?
Speaker 5 (34:34):
Well, first of all, you know, the way I look
at it is, you know, these clients have trusted us
in order to help them, and you know, some of
the most stressful time of their life, and a lot
of times, you know, relationships after both sides kind of
do what they're supposed to do ends. And in our situation,
(34:55):
you know, I have clients who still come to me
from twenty five years ago and now they're kids are
coming to me. So you know, the relationship is important.
And I'm always, always, always happy to pay for lunch.
That's not a problem.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Hear that, Fred? Hear that, Fred? Always happy to pay
for lunch. Good. No, I'm talking about you. You never
pay for lunch. But I thought you were inviting me.
I didn't know. Yeah, No, in the West, what never Didaco?
(35:29):
How do you know? I'm not? Luke and Lebron and
the rest of the team play together and and going
this this run that they're on beating the Clippers place
three days was fantastic. Uh for for Laker fans? Is
this sustainable? Will this last? I know they got tougher
games come out, but can they can they hold that
spot and really make a run at this thing this year?
Speaker 5 (35:53):
Listen ten and two in February beating the Clippers, who
basically have been our cryptonite, and actually beating them with
having two of your starters out, Austin Reeves out, Ruy
Hachimura out. They're coming out to play and I think,
you know, the beauty of it is, it's all about
(36:14):
the defense. You're realizing that this coaching staff is really
game planning per opponents. And you know, sometimes we watch
a team play another team twice in a row and
you say to yourself, they're going to figure that out.
And this is a perfect example. You have the Clippers
(36:37):
twice in a row. You were able to come out.
Clippers made adjustments. Our team, our coaching staff made counter adjustments,
and even though you know both teams went on runs,
at the end of the day, you know we got
the win and it's looking good. And sustainability, I think
is going to have everything to do with being healthy
sustainability is going to have everything to do with the
(37:00):
defense that we're playing. And you know, we don't say
enough about you know, the likes of you know, Jackson
Hayes and you know some of these other guys that
are literally coming off the bench giving us, you know,
a lot of minutes and actually giving you some nice hits.
And tell me about this getting Dalton connect back, What
a what a wonderful thing it is to have Dalton
(37:22):
back giving you fifteen points. I mean these are all
just you know, everybody's contributing. And when you talk about sustainability,
I think as long as they're doing it as a team,
everyone's going to step up. But you count on a
different person stepping up. So it's looking good so far.
Speaker 1 (37:39):
Uh okay, Jacob, do you And I said this to
Rodney earlier. I can't remember a time where I've had
as much fun watching the Lakers and maybe Lucas new
and you know, we're just excited that he's here. I
just love watching that guy. Now if he's on another team,
I hate him. I have to be honest with you.
It's our guy theory. But no matter what he he
(38:00):
seems to do, it doesn't bother me. Do you feel
the same way?
Speaker 5 (38:03):
Oh my god. You know, the thing I love about
him is the raw emotion. You know, the guy has
so much confidence. Talks to the opposing bench and I
was watching the game with my boys and Luca steps back,
shoots the three basically from the half court and he
tells the Clippers bench, you got to tell him to
(38:25):
come up further, have him step up further. I mean
that confidence. You know, you're having that conversation to a
bench that is you know that that catches on right
when you when you got a guy like Luca bringing
the kind of confidence, when you got Lebron basically being
your second best player. There's not another team in the
(38:46):
league that's got someone like Lebron being their second best player.
And I think Luca's attitude has been you know, has
been great for the team. I think we all kind
of started off seeing, oh, boys, you're happy to be here.
Obviously he was in shock. But every game that goes on,
I think he's just bringing and showtime's back. I mean
the passes he makes, all those and ones that you
(39:09):
would never imagine go in. It's just it's just it's
just exciting to watch the guy play and you know
that's why Crypto is buzzing again.
Speaker 1 (39:21):
Jacob, our viewer, our viewers, not TV trading. You know,
here's the thing, Jacob, just get it. Old habits die
hard anyway. They love when when you offer advice, and
you know, I would like to know when we kind
of know this Rodney and I, but I'd like you
to talk about it. What separates one law firm from another.
Do insurance companies react differently when dealing with different firms?
Speaker 5 (39:45):
You know, absolutely. I mean, I think insurance companies are
very good at looking at the history of what attorneys do,
they characterize, and they put people in different compartments, you know,
Mercury Insurance or State Farm or TRIPLEA, know which firm
(40:05):
has hit them for big numbers and which firm will
take whatever offer they give them. I'll never forget. A
few years back, a brand new firm had come into California.
They had offices elsewhere and their infrastructure was not set up,
and a defense attorney told me that we basically low
ball them by about twenty five percent and see if
(40:26):
they'll accept the offers for their clients, and if they do,
we're saving twenty five percent, and if they don't, then
maybe we'll give them a couple more percent, but at
the end of the day, until they show us that
they're going to fight until the end, we're going to
continue to low all them. And that's something that clients
don't know. The clients don't know what the value of
(40:48):
their case is. And depending on the attorney that they choose,
if the insurance company doesn't have a history with that
law firm, if the insurance company has not seen what
that law firm is capable of doing, then they're going
to test them. And it's not good for a client
to be, you know, a test case for you know,
for an attorney those clients. When we bring clients in,
(41:10):
our goal is always to maximize their case. Now, you know,
every case is different, every result is different. But insurance
companies definitely, you know, characterize and put reserves what they
call is a reserve aside based on who the attorney
is and what their success has been and how many
years they've been practicing. It makes a big difference, and
(41:32):
that obviously makes a big difference of what the client's
going to get paid for their terrible injuries.
Speaker 1 (41:39):
All right, Jacob, good advice is always and just enjoy lunch.
What are we serving today, Jacob, So.
Speaker 5 (41:48):
Today it's actually good. Today We've got you know, we've
got some panini which is uh, you know, chicken beef.
We have some rice uh, and you know, we have
some panini sandwich. So it's a little bit of everything.
Just depends on what your case is. I was actually
supposed to be there hanging out with you guys in
the studio, and then I was told by my team
(42:10):
that today's a day when we're having you know, these
nice people come, so I have to postpone. But I'm
looking forward to hanging out with you guys in the studio.
You know, hopefully next week we'll.
Speaker 2 (42:19):
Do it down the road, no question, Jacob, Thanks for
coming on.
Speaker 5 (42:23):
Thank you guys. Take care.
Speaker 2 (42:25):
All right.
Speaker 1 (42:26):
As we continue to Salta, Adam Auslan will join the
program and we'll get into the NBA
All right, here we go, Fred Rogan and Rodney Pete
on five seventy LA Sports Today, we have a big
three hour show, a big three hour show.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Let's go to work, let's do it. Included this time
of year where you know, we're not sure. Sometimes we're
two hours, one hour stand by spring training time, and
of course Dodgers are playing a take precedent. But today's
the big show, Fred, the big show.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Got big three and David Vath say, is going to
join us here in the first hour.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
So when the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, it was done
in the cone of silence. It was done in the
darkness of night. It was done with complete and total secrecy.
And everybody said that. Nico Harrison, the GM of the MAVs,
said it. Rob Palinka said a Jennie Buss said it.
Lebron said it immediately following I didn't know, No one knew,
(00:58):
But did anyone know? Did anyone know it was going down?
Or did it really happen in the cone of silence?
So Colin was on this morning listen to his theory
about this.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Over the last couple of years, as Lebron ages Lebron
privately he did, and you know, it was concerned that
Ad could not get him easy baskets. Ad was a
good teammate. They worked together, but they weren't perfect. As
Lebron aged, and Lebron looked around the league and thought,
(01:32):
who can get me easier baskets? The two best outlet
guys are Jokic. He's locked up in Denver and Luca,
and he gets Luca and the Lakers are now on fire.
AD immediately gets hurt. The entire organization's a mess. Now
I'm supposed to believe that Lebron didn't know. I find
(01:52):
that very hard to believe. And you can call him selfish,
but here's something you have to call Lebron as well. Right,
Ad he was the star that just needed help. And
then AD's played a couple of really good years and
he stayed mostly healthy, and you know what that means.
It was time to sell the stop. You got your title.
(02:13):
He was finally consistently healthy, he was older, and Lebron's like,
I'm still a top five guy in the league. And
I think privately Lebron had said he's a good fit,
he's not the perfect fit.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Okay, that was Colin This morning talking about his theory
on whether or not Lebron actually knew about this deal. Rodney,
you hear that and you say, what.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
H I say, It's possible, and it's more than possible.
It's probable that he knew something was in the works.
I think that they of all, it's hard to hide
something like that, that magnitude from everybody because you you
(03:05):
have to get certain parameters in place. The league has
to be notified and know about it. I mean, there's
just there's so many moving parts to it, and it's
there's more than and I know it sounded like it
was just a simple conversation with Nico and Rob Polinka
and they went, you know, back to the Nike days
and and when when Rob represented Kobe and equals that
(03:28):
Nike and they had this bond and they call each
other on a regular basis, and hey, what about what
about Luca for a d What do you think? And
that just happened the next day. You know, you you
don't believe that, especially, uh, knowing the impact that Lebron
has had on this franchise has in the NBA. You
(03:52):
just you just got to figure that he knew something
was in the work. Now how much he knew if
it was going to go down, you know, if this
was you know, a real possibility or anything like that.
At the end of the day, I don't know how
much they involved him, but I got to believe that
(04:14):
he knew something.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Fred, Yeah, I do too. And you know, initially, immediately
everybody said, dummied up, We don't know anything. But if
you really take a couple of minutes in process it,
do you think they're not going to clue him in
on a move like this? And Colin also suggested that
it was Lebron who laid the ground work and foundation
(04:37):
for this over a year ago, that that was the
guy he wanted Luca, and he even suggested, I don't
know if this is true. Occasionally would text him say hello,
what's going on. He was kind of getting him to
a point where he might be excited about joining the Lakers.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Now.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Of course, the end of Luca came because Dallas had
just become sick of his antics and they wanted him out.
He wouldn't listen, he wouldn't do what they wanted, he
wouldn't get into shape, so they just said you're done.
Now the Lakers are the beneficiaries of that. Also, I
believe that, you know, if we can sit here and
(05:15):
actually on a daily basis say the Lakers are good
with Anthony Davis, but they're not going anywhere. I still
maintain that. I don't care how many games they've won
in a row. I don't think they can win with
Anthony Davis and Lebron. It's not a criticism of Anthony Davis.
I think that group was going about, you mean, win anymore, right,
because I did win, right, I mean anymore anymore? And
(05:37):
I think that that group had gone as far as
it could.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That was it.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
We've seen it. They got their one, and I don't
think it's going to happen again for him. So Lebron
knows that too.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Now wait, wait, wait, do you think that they can
win with Lebron and Luca? Uh? Yeah, I don't know.
If it's this year. Whoa Kevin?
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Yeh, well we have him Sam, because if then I
go in this year and Lebron needs to leave.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So yeah, well that's what are we doing.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Well, it'll be uh no, my bad if they don't
do it this year with Lebron, because yeah, maybe he
should go. They can still do with the other James.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Bronni Okay, it just couldn't help yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Well, I didn't need to do that, all right. So
here's the bottom line. If they have a chance, they've
got a better chance to win with Luca.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
No, no, no, no, no, you don't think that's a
cop out. That's a cop out. Either they can win
or they can't. It's not oh they can do good. No, Fred, don't, don't.
Don't do that. Don't do that, because you've been out
on the limb several times before. They can't win anymore
here with Lebron and and and now since they've been
(06:50):
on a hot roll, you've changed your tune a little
bit that yes they can.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
I think I just said this yesterday, so I don't
think we need to revisit it.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
But then you said, but then he said, if they
don't win it this year, then then maybe they can
in the future.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
But I think we talked about well, I'm saying this.
I think given what we're seeing, they've got a better shot. Yeah,
they've got a better shot to win it. So if
that's the case, Lebron probably knew that as well. If
that's the case, Lebron probably knew that as well.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Can they win. The question is can they win with
with Luca and Lebron? Yeah? When I say win, like
you said yesterday, it's about winning championships, not just win.
Can they win a championship with Lebron and Luca? Yeah,
they got a better chance to win with that. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
(07:42):
stop it. We're not starting a show like that straddling
that damn fence. Oh, they got a better chance to
win now. And no, aren't you the guy that always
they win? Aren't you? Guys? Can they win? But aren't
you the guy that always says aren't you the guy
that always says another crystal ball? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (07:59):
I think they can. I think they can. Yeah, I'll
put it like this. They got a better shot to win,
yes than they did with Anthony Davis one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Yes. But I don't know if they can win. But
they got a better shot. I don't know. Is Boston
gonna win? I don't show. Are we on it just
to you know, let's let's just play. Let's just play
tether ball and just keep going around and spinding our wheel.
I don't even think we need to win. I don't. Yeah,
they can win. Okay, that that. Why do would take
(08:29):
five minutes? Do you get that answer? Just go out
on that limb say yes, they can win. And if
they can win, then that means that you are coming
around to think that they they need to stay together,
are you not? Are you saying if they don't win
it all this year, we're hoping Lebron opts out and
(08:49):
he's gone and then they can rebuild with Luca, or
as you call it, reload with Luca. Oh, are you saying,
let's run this thing? Lebron is still playing like a
type five player in the league. You know, I know
it's you know it's that of the last ten games.
Tell me he's averaging twenty eight points a game, ten rebounds,
(09:10):
and six assists in the last ten games. I mean,
you're you're willing to give that up? Or are you
saying that, don't give it up and let's go forward
with this. Maybe if we need as the rest of
the season plays out, we'll figure out what other piece
that we may need and other in order to put
(09:32):
us over the top. Or maybe it's just they just
need one more year to play together or two more
years to play together to figure it out. Are you
saying that they can do that, yes or no. Yeah, yeah,
I'm saying put it like this. Their best shot to
win now is Luca and lebron right now. That's our
(09:52):
best shot. So what's right now? What's right now? Right now?
Going forward? Right now the next two years.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
I'm not committing to two years because I don't know
what's going to happen. I don't have that crystal ball.
Right now. This is their best shot. And depending how
they do this year because of the way they are playing,
maybe next year it will be their best shot. Maybe
it won't. But right now, this is their best shot.
This is the best shot they've had. They've got a
better shot to win it now than when they won it.
(10:22):
That's how good I think these two guys are right now.
But let's see, they still need pieces. We'll see how
Jackson Hayes plays. We'll see right now. Yeah, these are
the guys because it seems to be working, I think,
And maybe lebron knew it would work like this all along.
Maybe Rob Polinka thought so. I'm sure Nico Harrison didn't
(10:43):
think it would be this good this fast, because that's
a team in the West.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Right If that's the case, that Lebron knew, as you're suggesting,
and people have suggested, do we give him the credit
as much as we beat him up over Russell Westbrook. Yeah,
you can give him crowd it absolutely if he knew,
(11:10):
I don't even see that's what I preface it by.
If he knew and he was involved in it, like,
if he was if he was putting this together, if
he had a hand in putting this together. Well that's
the suggestion that you came off the top of the
show with, and that he had his suggestion of putting
this thing together, and if he had a hand in
(11:31):
this that was pretty smart. Well that's that's a that's
a crazy flip of how it was treated and talked
about with Russell Westbrook. No, it wasn't. That was a
terrible decision. But we know why can't you Why can't
you say it was the most outstanding position. It was
a great decision by Lebron if he knew, that's exactly
(11:53):
what I'm saying. You didn't say that with Russell Westbrook.
It was an automatic Oh yeah, he did it, because
it was at every beginning that the people believed that
he was involved in that.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Now we hear he may have been involved in this
because initially the reports where he knew nothing.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
He and a d were on the record and that
they were very.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
But now it's now it's coming out that they possibly
Lebron possibly knew. That's what Colin reported, That's what the
other people are saying, Lebron knew about this thing. And
I'm saying if he did know and had a part
in it and was doing this backhand, like you just said,
Lebron looked around, and they're saying that he he thought
Luca was a better fit than a d Uh to
(12:33):
get him to the championship, then don't we got to
give him the flowers, like as much as we beat
him up on Russell Westbrook thousand percent? Yeah, And it's like, oh, yeah,
it was a good move, but that was a terrible
decision with terrible oh my god.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
In fact, if, in fact, but did have a hand
in this, as Colin is suggesting, you have to give
him credit one hundred percent, just like you have to
say that was a terror.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Will Will Yeah, Will, Yeah, I think he will. People.
I think I'm doing it right now. Well, I think
I'm doing it this second. No, I brought it up.
You didn't say that was a great If this is true,
that was an outstanding move and decision by Lebron James.
You did not say that, no, because we're not. I
(13:21):
didn't say rob pol I said Lebron, No, you said,
you did not say this was if this this is true,
this is a great move by Lebron. Where on the
other side you said it was a terrible decision by
Lebron and a horrible thing and horrible reason for him
to bring in Russell Westbrook. Nothing until I brought it up,
(13:42):
was this is true? Amazing, amazing vision by Lebron James
to get off of a d and bring in Luca.
What an amazing that did That would not come out
of your mouth unsolicited. This is a fact. This is
a fact. Well, no, it can't give it to him.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Well, it's a little soon. We're just guessing now. But
I did say if he thought he couldn't go any further.
But it's true, it's true we ran something. Colin said.
He hasn't confirmed that, No one has said that, but
but it sounds like it could be true. And if
it is, that was a pretty shrewd move. There was
(14:22):
a very shrewd move.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
If it's true. Yes, it was a shrewd move. Russell
was not a great move, not a fantastic move, but
a shrewd move. Yeah. I think it was. Okay, I
get it. Give it a word. It was a great move.
And your words, not mine. You get it. Shrewd. It
was very shrewd. All right.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
David Vassey is going to join us next from Arizona.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Oh yeah, let's keep it moving. Full time show today,
three hours show on a Tuesday. Is it Tuesday? Yes, Tuesday,
Rodney Pete, fred Rogan coming at you. What do you say? Freddie?
Still want to go back on uh? On the Lakers
(15:11):
and Lebron superhero Luca, Luca better do no wrong. I'm
gonna tell you what you're right neither the second coming
to I don't know who.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Lucas great and Lucas so much fun to watch. I
think I think he gives the team a whole new field,
a whole new energy. I really think the Lakers are
a lot more fun to watch now.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
I do.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
I think there are a lot of fun and I
love watching him because again, it's the ur guy syndrome.
When he's on your team, it's one thing the other guy.
When he's on the other team, you hate him, but
when you got him, you love him.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
And here's what you like watching him more than anybody
else in the league.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
No, but I like watching him on the Lakers. I
think it's fun. I'm glad he's on the Lakers. Oh yeah,
I think it's fun to watch him.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Like won the deal. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
I like his antics, which I would hate anywhere else,
but I would love him here. Here's a guy who's antics.
We always love David Vass. Say he's with the Dodgers. Oh,
he's not ready yet. Okay, Oh, we're having some phone issues. Okay,
he popped up. I saw his nasty he was flashing.
I said, okay, let's go. It's dusty and windy in Arizona.
(16:22):
You gotta you know, it's not always just technology. There's
some stuff going on.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
I don't think there's any haboobs though. Oh no, no,
I don't think so. I think there are no haboobs
in Arizona right now. I think noboo, no haboobs. Haboobs
you said, isn't that what they are? He boops? Haboob?
What's a haboob? Isn't that big dust storm? A boob?
I never heard of a hoboop. Well, you're from Arizona,
(16:48):
and so am. I isn't a big dust storm called
a hoboob? I've never heard of hooboo. All right, you
may be a technical term for it. I've never heard
of it. Boop. Well, I'm gonna look it up right now.
A boom, a boob, A boob is, yes, there it is.
(17:09):
A boob is a massive dust storm saying h b
ob yeah, boom yep, never heard of it.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
H ab ob Right, and in Arizona you see them
all the time. You see them out in the desert.
Here is what it is.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
When the wind starts all of a sudden, it just starts,
and it is so blanketing that you can't even see.
If you get caught in one of those, your visibility
is zero. So maybe they're having one of those in Arizona.
A boob. Never heard of it. I just call them,
you know, dust storm, dirt devils, dust devils. I mean
(17:44):
it is never heard of a boob. It is the.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Most massive of dust storms. When you hit that, you've
hit everything. All right, Well, we're trying to get we're
trying to get David Vasse.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Yeah, efferting Dave's having some phone issues, so we're trying
to work through that right now.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
Okay, so let's start talking about the Dodgers and Tommy Edmund.
So if the second baseman Kim doesn't make the opening
day roster and he finds himself in Oklahoma City to
get some some reps in and some basically training on
how to hit major league pitching, it looks like Tommy
Edmund could play second base, and that surprised me a
(18:20):
little bit. I didn't think it would be Edmund. So
that means that center field slot will open up. I mean,
I thought they might even put Chris Taylor there. Honestly,
you've mentioned Miguel Rojash, you have Key k Hernandez on
the roster. But Dave Roberts says it could be Edmund,
and that surprised me a little bit because I didn't
think he'd be the guy. But he can play everywhere.
(18:40):
I just didn't think he was there. Yeah, he can
definitely play. He can definitely play in the middle infield. Oh,
pretty much every policing but middle infield. You don't find
those guys often that can can play shortstop, in second base.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And play the outfield and play their base. But as
talented as he is, it makes sense because you know, defensively,
shortstop in second base are are the positions you're going
to get the most traffic, most most balls hit to him.
It's going to be the most activity. So no, it
(19:20):
makes sense. And you know it may not be a
steady diet of it, but it definitely makes sense to
uh TO if they feel like he is their best
defensive player when it comes to you know, of the
of the three or four guys that you just mentioned,
it makes sense to put him at second base because
you don't you're not going to lose much in the outfield.
(19:41):
If if, if, if Autman or even Pai has played there.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
All right, well David Vasse has now joined us. Dave,
you were not victimized by a haboob, were you?
Speaker 4 (19:52):
I was not. I just needed to reboot my phone.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Haha. There he is, there he is. He never misses
a beat speaking, never missing a beat. Day. I want
to give you a shout because I talked to a
few people that were part of a group that you guys,
you and Andre Ehier had a little Q and a
session with in front of and they absolutely love you
(20:15):
guys and said that was the highlight of the certainly
the big highlight of their trip, and that they suggested
that you guys, you guys go on the road together.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Man, A few people have suggested that, I, you know,
the verbal punishment I would have to endure if that
were to take place, Rodney, I'm not sure I could
do it. I'm too fragile. I'm too emotionally fragile for that.
But yeah, with a great time. We were at the
Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix. A lot of our partners
(20:47):
with Dodgers Radio were in attendance, and we did a
special Dodger talk show that's up on the iHeartRadio app
that you can listen to with Andre Ethier and also
Rick Monday, another Arizona state number sixteen that played for
the Dodgers.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
Dave, I like the Arrogant Butcher. That's pretty good. Right
right around the street from the Palomar the Hotel.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Yeah, yeah, right right around the street from the arena
where the Sinking Sun play right now, and.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Then down to the left is where the Diamondbacks play.
But that's a good restaurant.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
I like that. I've been there.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
It's good, solid. Fred. Are you recommending to your listeners
if they go see the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks, they
should have a dinner or lunch there.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Absolutely. Absolutely, Yeah. I think it's a great spot and
you can walk right over to the game, so it's
not a big deal.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Oh God, that's great.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Dave Roberts said, Tommy Edmund could play second base if
Kim doesn't make the opening day roster. So that leads
to two questions, is he going to make the opening
day roster? And if he doesn't, is it going to
be Tommy Edmund?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
No, I mean Tommy Edmund's on the roster. They sign
him to a four or five years during the off
season if Kim doesn't make it. Yeah, well Tommy. If
Kim doesn't make it, Tommy Edman, who won the Gold
Glove at second base a few years ago with Saint Louis,
is going to play primary primarily at second And we've
(22:15):
seen him during these spring games play primarily at second base,
so that's some sort of indication there, even though he's
been taking you know, drills in center field. That's the
beauty of Tommy Edmond and that's the versatility the Dodgers
have on their roster. With a few players, but right
now Kim's on the bubble. He had to remake his
(22:36):
entire swing. The Dodger hitting coaches completely did an overhaul
on his swing. It's hard to come to a new
league with a new swing and expect immediate results. That's
just going to be really tough to uh to do.
And so if he does have to start the year
in the minor leagues, I think it's understandable. And right
(22:57):
now Andy Pajes is a more finished and polished product.
Andy pa Has could play a lot of center field
to start the year with this type of scenario, and.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
So it's definitely Pa has more over James Outman taken
over that role in center field. You say, huh.
Speaker 4 (23:17):
In my mind, Rodney Altman hasn't had that great of
a spring. Pa has proved he could do it all
last year. He proved it in the postseason. He's got
that dog mentality. I'm a big fan of his, and
taoscar Hernandez is a big fan of his and has
taken him under his wing. And you know, I just
think pi has has had the better spring and the
(23:38):
better last year.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Jack Harris wrote about the number of injuries that people
didn't really know about last year. First of all, I'm
guessing you knew every single guy that was banged up.
Is that fair to say?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (23:50):
And he even didn't have all the extent of the
injuries to certain players, so it was extensive.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
Yeah, And does it make it that more remarkable because
because you knew, and so if a guy had an
off night or a bad game or didn't really come through,
you could absolutely sit there and pinpoint. But yeah, here's
why you just couldn't say it. Does that make it
even more remarkable given what they did?
Speaker 2 (24:14):
For sure?
Speaker 4 (24:15):
And that's why it's so hard to repeat, because you
push yourselves as a group that far with those type
of injuries, it's hard to repeat because it's hard to
put the pieces of your body back together in three
months to be ready to start all over again. And
I firmly believed, and I said this, that was the
main motivating factor why the Dodgers went out and not
(24:37):
only signed Kirbyates but also Tanner Scott. They needed some
fresh arms in that bullpen with the question marks of
Michael Kopek and Evan Phillips and you know, Alex Vesia,
Anthony Banda, they were all pushed to the limits. So
that's the reason why they needed some fresh arms. And
that's why bringing in a guy like Blake Snell that
(24:58):
can give you some length, can he's the burden on
those guys that were not only used but used a lot.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Yeah, Dave another guy that we all love, but he's
struggling as well. Is Chris Taylor. What kind of role
do you see him playing this year? And how much
time do they give him? I mean, I know he's
under contract and making some good money, but how much
how much leash do they give Chris Taylor and how
much playing time does he get?
Speaker 4 (25:27):
Yeah, that's the multi million dollar question, Rodney. If he
wasn't making as much as he was, would he be
getting as long of a leash as he has gotten.
I you know, I thought it's a tough situation right
now as far as that goes. If you're judging just
purely on performance in the last year and spring training,
(25:47):
you would say no, he shouldn't make the team over
even Kim or Andy Paz. But he does have a
track record. He has built up a lot of credit
with this team and with this front office, and they're
not just going to cut him because they know what
he's capable of. So I see him starting the year
with the Dodgers. It's not you know, you can understand
(26:08):
why they may decide to go with a different player,
but you know, you're not just gonna cut ties with
the guy that's the twenty sixth man on your roster.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Yeah, but if they went with a different player, what
happens to Chris Taylor? Do they have to just release him?
Speaker 4 (26:25):
Yeah, unless they make a trade for you know, I
don't know, you're not getting much for him right now.
He you know, unless you do an exchange of salary.
That's there's that possibility if they were to trade him.
But yeah, I would say he doesn't have a lot
of market value right now.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Day going back to Kim, if he does start in
the minor leagues and we're all hoping that he you know,
works and improves on his on his on his hitting
and his swing and and all those things, is it
one of those we want a fast tracking back or
is it if he's still maintains that he hasn't you know,
(27:05):
he's still struggling. Is it possible that he stays down
there for a length period of time.
Speaker 4 (27:11):
Well, that's interesting, right, because there's some variables there. What
if he's you know, figured it out in the minor leagues,
and Chris Taylor struggles when given the opportunity, you.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Know, and maybe back to Prince's question.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Maybe the Dodgers are at the crossroads earlier in the
year than they expected. At some point they're going to
be at those crossroads in my opinion, so we'll have
to see which way they decide to go.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
Dave, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, if you're just looking at
it right now, what in the rotation, both in the rotation,
how do you see that playing out?
Speaker 4 (27:47):
I see Dustin May starting the year in extended spring
training because he's coming back from not just.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Often.
Speaker 4 (28:00):
Yeah, I could see Dustin May just to buy some
roster time being put in an extended spring training situation.
And I certainly see Tony Gonsolin making this rotation. I
really do. And I could even see Dustin May being
part of the pitching staff and maybe going into the
(28:21):
bullpen and maybe being that long guy for two or
three innings because of what we talked about earlier, just
the toll of going all the way through October for
a lot of these relievers. I mean, the Dodgers have
done that before, where they use a guy like at
Dustin May that can go multiple innings to take the
burden off early in the season of guys like Vessia
(28:43):
and trying in and fill ups and those guys.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
All right, well, Dave, we know you got to run.
We know stuff's happening. Thanks for coming on, all right, guys, thanks, okay,
So there we have it.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Tommy Edmund. That was just interesting to me that, yeah,
he could play base. I thought he would stay in
center field. We know he can play everywhere, but Dave
said no, they'd put him at second base. So that
opens up Paez in the outfield or key k in
the outfield. And then the question you bring up about
Chris Taylor, and that's just a tough one because if
you look when they signed him to that deal. I
(29:19):
remember that offseason very well. If you had not signed
Chris Taylor, there would have been a revolt. People would
have revolted in the city because that's how well he
had played, and that's how much people loved him. You
had to sign him, and you thought, actually you got
him in a bargain price. To be quite honest with you, Yeah,
(29:39):
give him what he had done, but once he got hurt,
he was never able to be the same guy. Everybody's
rooting for him, but he really wasn't able to And
Day makes a valid point now, and it was suggested
last year. If he doesn't have this deal, which he earned,
but if he doesn't have it, he's probably not even
(29:59):
on the team. That's a tough spot to be in.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Yeah. Yeah, it is certainly all on you know, reputation
and what he's what he's given to this team and
this city. As you mentioned, Fred, because you think about
all the clutch situations that he's come through for this
team over the years. It's just hard to just let
a guy like that go. But you're right when they
signed him to that deal, they were like, like you
(30:25):
always like to say, and you got him, and they
got him. So, you know, hopefully he breaks out. He's
such a likable guy. I love him, great personality, great
team guy, can play multiple positions, and he's a guy
that you just root for. So I'm hoping he breaks
out of the slump he's been in over you know,
over the last year and a half or maybe more now. Yeah,
(30:47):
because he is a great guy.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
Dave always says baseball is a performance based business. You know,
ultimately the Dodgers, and I guess in any business that
works this way, the Dodgers aren't making any decision on players.
Players are making decisions on themselves. Right, You do what
you have to do. Net Kaletti would say, I'm just
a messenger. The game tells you. The game lets you
(31:11):
know where you're at. I'm just a messenger. So I
think guys do know in their mind. And as a
guy that played, I think you would agree. You know
in your mind if you've lost it a little, or
if you're struggling. That doesn't mean you don't believe you'll
always get back, but I would think you would realize
as the athlete, there's something off here or I'm struggling.
Speaker 2 (31:33):
Yeah, you understand where you're struggling. The key part about it,
and the hard part about it is you can overthink it.
And once you start struggling, and then you start overthinking
it and you start doing things that are out of character,
and you try to force some things. You know, you're oh,
I'm oh for this, oh for twenty five and my
(31:54):
last guys at second and third, I gotta and we're
down by two. I got to hit a home run here,
and that'll bring me out of it. You start thinking
that way and and that sets you back even farther.
So it's it's a very tough situation to be in.
But certainly, yeah, you you really understand when you're struggling.
And the hard part about that is is again not
to overthink it, but just go back to the basics
(32:16):
and and and try to do the little things that
gets you over the hump. Maybe up. You know, we
always ask you have coaches, a bunch of bunch your
way out of a slump, dude, there's something different to
get you out of that situation. But again, we're all
rooting for Chris Taylor because he's uh, he's a he's
a wonderful guy and hopefully, uh, you know, he turns
it around.
Speaker 1 (32:35):
Next hour, the Salta Adam Ouslin jumps on the program
three hours for us today. Uh oh, and we'll also
talk about an NBA team that may be cursed that's
coming up as well.
Speaker 2 (32:46):
Next hour. Oh. After New Delight is Love and Real
Life by Lizzo. It's selling's title track off the artist
forts coming album I'm Saying Name, which we released later
this year, in an Instagram post about the album, she wrote,
this album was my strut back into society after hard
(33:08):
twenty twenty and twenty twenty one. When they help people
turn up the music, turn down the lights and get
a feeling they'll be all right. I want to remind
people how they may be broken but still perfect in
their own way. Again. Today's afternoon delight is Love and
Real Life by Lizzo.
Speaker 5 (33:31):
All Right and now.
Speaker 2 (33:34):
From the court to the court room with Jacob m Ronnie.
Speaker 1 (33:37):
Okay, Now are weekly chat with our good friend Jacob
m Ronnie. Jacob, how are you today?
Speaker 5 (33:42):
Hey?
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Fred? How are you? Hey?
Speaker 5 (33:44):
Rodney?
Speaker 2 (33:45):
Hey Jacob? What are you doing? Jacob? You got a
big case you're working on?
Speaker 5 (33:50):
Uh, you know, we actually have a couple of our
clients here today. We're having a client appreciation day or
having lunch with them. And these are clients whose case
have already settled and kind of tells, you know, tells
us that these relationships don't stop when their case settles.
(34:10):
We like to keep that relationship with our clients, and
that's what we're doing today. So it's a good day.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
So, Jacob, these are cases that are settled and Obviously,
these clients won, which is great. And obviously if they
came to you, they covered expenses and won an awful
lot of money. And you're having a lunch. So given
that they won that much money, do you make them
pay for lunch?
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Of course?
Speaker 5 (34:34):
Well, first of all, you know, the way I look
at it is, you know, these clients have trusted us
in order to help them, and you know, some of
the most stressful time of their life, and a lot
of times, you know, relationships after both sides kind of
do what they're supposed to do ends. And in our situation,
(34:55):
you know, I have clients who still come to me
from twenty five years ago and now they're kids are
coming to me. So you know, the relationship is important.
And I'm always, always, always happy to pay for lunch.
That's not a problem.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Hear that, Fred? Hear that, Fred? Always happy to pay
for lunch. Good. No, I'm talking about you. You never
pay for lunch. But I thought you were inviting me.
I didn't know. Yeah, No, in the West, what never Didaco?
(35:29):
How do you know? I'm not? Luke and Lebron and
the rest of the team play together and and going
this this run that they're on beating the Clippers place
three days was fantastic. Uh for for Laker fans? Is
this sustainable? Will this last? I know they got tougher
games come out, but can they can they hold that
spot and really make a run at this thing this year?
Speaker 5 (35:53):
Listen ten and two in February beating the Clippers, who
basically have been our cryptonite, and actually beating them with
having two of your starters out, Austin Reeves out, Ruy
Hachimura out. They're coming out to play and I think,
you know, the beauty of it is, it's all about
(36:14):
the defense. You're realizing that this coaching staff is really
game planning per opponents. And you know, sometimes we watch
a team play another team twice in a row and
you say to yourself, they're going to figure that out.
And this is a perfect example. You have the Clippers
(36:37):
twice in a row. You were able to come out.
Clippers made adjustments. Our team, our coaching staff made counter adjustments,
and even though you know both teams went on runs,
at the end of the day, you know we got
the win and it's looking good. And sustainability, I think
is going to have everything to do with being healthy
sustainability is going to have everything to do with the
(37:00):
defense that we're playing. And you know, we don't say
enough about you know, the likes of you know, Jackson
Hayes and you know some of these other guys that
are literally coming off the bench giving us, you know,
a lot of minutes and actually giving you some nice hits.
And tell me about this getting Dalton connect back, What
a what a wonderful thing it is to have Dalton
(37:22):
back giving you fifteen points. I mean these are all
just you know, everybody's contributing. And when you talk about sustainability,
I think as long as they're doing it as a team,
everyone's going to step up. But you count on a
different person stepping up. So it's looking good so far.
Speaker 1 (37:39):
Uh okay, Jacob, do you And I said this to
Rodney earlier. I can't remember a time where I've had
as much fun watching the Lakers and maybe Lucas new
and you know, we're just excited that he's here. I
just love watching that guy. Now if he's on another team,
I hate him. I have to be honest with you.
It's our guy theory. But no matter what he he
(38:00):
seems to do, it doesn't bother me. Do you feel
the same way?
Speaker 5 (38:03):
Oh my god. You know, the thing I love about
him is the raw emotion. You know, the guy has
so much confidence. Talks to the opposing bench and I
was watching the game with my boys and Luca steps back,
shoots the three basically from the half court and he
tells the Clippers bench, you got to tell him to
(38:25):
come up further, have him step up further. I mean
that confidence. You know, you're having that conversation to a
bench that is you know that that catches on right
when you when you got a guy like Luca bringing
the kind of confidence, when you got Lebron basically being
your second best player. There's not another team in the
(38:46):
league that's got someone like Lebron being their second best player.
And I think Luca's attitude has been you know, has
been great for the team. I think we all kind
of started off seeing, oh, boys, you're happy to be here.
Obviously he was in shock. But every game that goes on,
I think he's just bringing and showtime's back. I mean
the passes he makes, all those and ones that you
(39:09):
would never imagine go in. It's just it's just it's
just exciting to watch the guy play and you know
that's why Crypto is buzzing again.
Speaker 1 (39:21):
Jacob, our viewer, our viewers, not TV trading. You know,
here's the thing, Jacob, just get it. Old habits die
hard anyway. They love when when you offer advice, and
you know, I would like to know when we kind
of know this Rodney and I, but I'd like you
to talk about it. What separates one law firm from another.
Do insurance companies react differently when dealing with different firms?
Speaker 5 (39:45):
You know, absolutely. I mean, I think insurance companies are
very good at looking at the history of what attorneys do,
they characterize, and they put people in different compartments, you know,
Mercury Insurance or State Farm or TRIPLEA, know which firm
(40:05):
has hit them for big numbers and which firm will
take whatever offer they give them. I'll never forget. A
few years back, a brand new firm had come into California.
They had offices elsewhere and their infrastructure was not set up,
and a defense attorney told me that we basically low
ball them by about twenty five percent and see if
(40:26):
they'll accept the offers for their clients, and if they do,
we're saving twenty five percent, and if they don't, then
maybe we'll give them a couple more percent, but at
the end of the day, until they show us that
they're going to fight until the end, we're going to
continue to low all them. And that's something that clients
don't know. The clients don't know what the value of
(40:48):
their case is. And depending on the attorney that they choose,
if the insurance company doesn't have a history with that
law firm, if the insurance company has not seen what
that law firm is capable of doing, then they're going
to test them. And it's not good for a client
to be, you know, a test case for you know,
for an attorney those clients. When we bring clients in,
(41:10):
our goal is always to maximize their case. Now, you know,
every case is different, every result is different. But insurance
companies definitely, you know, characterize and put reserves what they
call is a reserve aside based on who the attorney
is and what their success has been and how many
years they've been practicing. It makes a big difference, and
(41:32):
that obviously makes a big difference of what the client's
going to get paid for their terrible injuries.
Speaker 1 (41:39):
All right, Jacob, good advice is always and just enjoy lunch.
What are we serving today, Jacob, So.
Speaker 5 (41:48):
Today it's actually good. Today We've got you know, we've
got some panini which is uh, you know, chicken beef.
We have some rice uh, and you know, we have
some panini sandwich. So it's a little bit of everything.
Just depends on what your case is. I was actually
supposed to be there hanging out with you guys in
the studio, and then I was told by my team
(42:10):
that today's a day when we're having you know, these
nice people come, so I have to postpone. But I'm
looking forward to hanging out with you guys in the studio.
You know, hopefully next week we'll.
Speaker 2 (42:19):
Do it down the road, no question, Jacob, Thanks for
coming on.
Speaker 5 (42:23):
Thank you guys. Take care.
Speaker 2 (42:25):
All right.
Speaker 1 (42:26):
As we continue to Salta, Adam Auslan will join the
program and we'll get into the NBA
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