Do the Lakers and Warriors Deserve All Those National TV Games?
Aug 16, 2024
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The discussion kicks off with a lackluster NBA schedule reveal, spotlighting the need for more exciting rivalries. The hosts debate whether the Lakers and Warriors deserve their abundant national TV slots despite being less competitive this season. They also ponder if it's time to let new stars shine and move on from the current veterans. Listeners submit intriguing questions, leading to talks about Wemby's potential, fan excitement for the Olympics, and even a humorous dive into the existence of Bigfoot.
59:47
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Quick takeaways
The NBA schedule release has sparked discussions on the lack of excitement and the need for more intense rivalries among teams.
Despite not being true Finals contenders, the Lakers and Warriors are prioritized for national TV games due to their star power.
There is a growing call to highlight emerging NBA stars, balancing LeBron James and Steph Curry's legacies with the league's future.
Deep dives
The Epic Sony Pictures Hack
In 2014, a group of hackers executed a significant breach into Sony Pictures, leading to one of the largest media controversies in Hollywood history. The breach resulted in the release of confidential documents, emails, and sensitive personal information, which had far-reaching consequences not only for the company but also for employees and industry relationships. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in cybersecurity protocols and raised awareness around the importance of data protection. The repercussions extended beyond Sony, affecting various parties involved and transforming approaches to security within the entertainment sector.
Identity Theft Awareness
The prevalence of personal data being accessible in various sectors emphasizes the risks associated with identity theft. With critical personal information being held by multiple organizations, including social security numbers, payment details, and previous addresses, individuals are left vulnerable to unauthorized access and breaches. Companies like LifeLock aim to combat this issue by providing monitoring services that alert users to potential threats in real-time. Their assurance of financial backing in the event of identity theft seeks to alleviate concerns around data security and personal financial protection.
NBA Schedule Hype
The release of the NBA schedule serves as a moment of excitement for fans, as teams gear up for an 82-game season filled with matchups that can ignite rivalries. Highlighted matchups include anticipated games featuring former players returning to face their old teams, which often generates excitement and narrative tension among fans. However, opinions differ on the current state of rivalries in the league, with some expressing a desire for more intense competition and animosity among teams. The balance between competitive matchups and creating compelling narratives will shape the overall viewer engagement throughout the season.
Rivalries and Competition in the NBA
The discussion around rivalries in the NBA today suggests a need for more animosity to drive fan interest and narrative depth during the season. While there are standout games featuring traditional matchups, fans are calling for rivalries that rekindle the intense competition seen in previous eras. Notable players and teams have to engage in memorable confrontations or create heated narratives to cultivate these competitive flickers. This desire for more passion and excitement in upcoming seasons reflects both the nostalgia for classic rivalries and a hope for new intense matchups.
LeBron James and Steph Curry's Influence
Despite their teams not being among the elite, LeBron James and Steph Curry remain pivotal figures in the NBA's national television programming due to their drawing power. The conversation surrounds balancing their legacy with the necessity of promoting younger athletes who will shape the league's future. Media strategists grapple with whether to prioritize established star power over emerging talent to ensure sustained viewer engagement. Finding this balance will be crucial for the league's continued growth while ensuring that the future stars are not overshadowed.
Verno and KOC react to the NBA schedule release and discuss the glaring lack of excitement around the release as well as the need for more rivalries in the NBA (01:19). Also, they debate whether the NBA is making the right call by positioning the Lakers and Warriors as the two teams on national TV the most this season despite not being true Finals contenders (12:38). Is it time for the NBA to move on from LeBron James and Steph Curry and feature the next generation of NBA stars? The guys open up the summer mailbag and answer some listener questions (27:41)! They discuss the Spurs' future with Wemby, which fan base should be the most excited after the Olympics, and the biggest question of all: Does bigfoot really exist?
