Overview of Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - Can Luka Power Lakers To A Title, LeBron Is LOCKED IN, David Ross On Cubs Magical World Series Win
Colin Cowherd’s episode focuses on two main threads: the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent turnaround (can Luka Dončić and LeBron James carry them to a title?) and a long-form conversation with David Ross about the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series and an upcoming podcast with Anthony Rizzo. The Lakers discussion centers on coaching changes, defensive/transition improvements, Luka’s historic scoring run and LeBron’s renewed intensity. The David Ross segment revisits the Cubs’ 2015–16 ascent, the Game 7 drama, and the personal meaning of that championship.
Key takeaways
- The Lakers have noticeably improved under coach JJ Redick, especially on defense and points off turnovers, which is helping offset playoff-style officiating concerns.
- Luka Dončić has hit a new peak: an extremely hot scoring stretch (claimed ~40 PPG over a nine-game run) that has transformed the team’s ceiling.
- LeBron James is more engaged and playing with renewed focus and leadership—this combination with Luka makes the Lakers a real contender.
- Jason/JJ Redick’s coaching adjustments: aggressive coverage, more double-team pressure, creating turnovers and transition opportunities.
- David Ross is launching a new podcast with Anthony Rizzo (debuting next week) called a reunion-style show revisiting the Cubs’ run; Ross recounts the 2015 turning point and Game 7 emotions.
Lakers deep dive — What changed and why it matters
Coaching and identity
- JJ Redick has gotten the team to buy into situational defense despite limited defensive personnel. The strategy emphasizes aggressiveness, doubled-ball looks and forcing turnovers to create transition scoring.
- Redick’s “art of coaching stars” reputation is highlighted: managing minutes/roles for Luka, LeBron, Austin Reaves and others to maximize complementary strengths.
Defensive and transition improvements (stats cited in episode)
- Defensive ranking moved from 23rd pre-All-Star break to 12th post-All-Star—meaning competent, situational defense rather than elite team defense.
- Turnover/steal margins improved: pre-All-Star the team was losing points off turnovers by ~1.6/game; post-All-Star they’re reportedly +6.2/game and positive in fast break scoring.
- Steals improved (from ~17th to ~11th post-All-Star).
Luka Dončić’s ascension
- Luka’s recent scoring binge (claimed ~40 PPG over a nine-game win streak and multiple 30+ outings) has elevated the offense to “unguardable” status—mixing high-volume 3-point shooting, passing and physicality similar to other generational stars.
- A shift away from free-throw/foul-baiting to pure shooting/creation and on-court swagger (trash talk directed at opponents, not refs) is noted as making him more effective and entertaining.
LeBron James’ role and impact
- LeBron has embraced a less ball-dominant, more complementary role—using size/strength to bully smaller lineups and contribute on defense and team energy.
- Colin emphasizes LeBron’s off-court leadership, practice/locker-room influence, and an observable increase in effort and engagement (e.g., key defensive plays, vocal in timeouts).
Remaining questions — Playoff translation
- Cowherd and guest stress that playoff officiating and half-court, sustained collective defense will be the true test. The Lakers are offensively elite; to win a title they must remain “competent situationally” on defense and keep generating turnover-based transition edges.
David Ross / Cubs World Series segment
Podcast launch: “Lovable Reunion” (Ross & Rizzo)
- Cowherd announces an upcoming baseball podcast hosted by David Ross and Anthony Rizzo, debuting next week on The Volume — a nostalgia-driven show mixing behind-the-scenes stories, personality and baseball talk.
The Cubs’ 2015→2016 build
- Ross and Cowherd trace the awakening to 2016 success back to the second half of 2015 (a key series vs. San Francisco) when the young core—Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell—started to click and gain playoff experience.
- Additions and messaging in 2016 (Dexter Fowler, veterans, Joe Maddon leadership) helped sustain the push and turn the 108-year drought into a championship run.
Game 7 memories and emotion
- Ross describes the tension of Game 7: bullpen usage, rain delay, late-inning drama (Rajai Davis’s tying home run), and the iconic final out sequence—Kris Bryant’s play, Rizzo’s catch and the resulting celebration.
- He speaks personally about how the championship changed his life (platforms, career opportunities) and the lasting bond with teammates and Chicago fans.
Notable quotes & highlighted stats (as said on the show)
- Luka: “averaging 40 over the nine-game win streak” (as cited by a guest).
- Lakers defense: 23rd pre-All-Star → 12th post-All-Star.
- Points off turnovers: pre-All-Star -1.6/game → post-All-Star +6.2/game (major swing).
- Steals: 17th pre-All-Star → 11th post-All-Star.
- Colin on LeBron: “LeBron is locked in” — leadership, practice and off-court influence have been crucial to the team’s turnaround.
- David Ross: emotional recollection of Game 7 and how that World Series “meant so much” to him personally and professionally.
Action items / recommended listening & viewing
- Listen to the upcoming David Ross & Anthony Rizzo podcast (debuting next week) for deep, first-hand stories from the 2016 Cubs and more baseball content.
- Watch the Lakers’ upcoming games to track whether the defensive and turnover-driven advantages hold up against playoff-style opponents—Cowherd highlighted a Monday night matchup vs. Detroit as a fun one to watch.
- For context on analytics/claims mentioned in the episode (turnover margins, defensive rank), check league stat trackers for pre/post All-Star splits to verify numbers.
Final verdict from the episode
- Cowherd and his guest believe the Lakers have transformed into a far more serious contender because of Luka’s transcendent scoring, Redick’s coaching adjustments and a revitalized LeBron. The remaining caveat is playoff defense—if the Lakers maintain their recent trends (turnovers → transition scoring + competent situational defense), they can legitimately compete for a title.
- The David Ross segment reinforces the emotional and career-defining nature of the Cubs’ championship and teases a nostalgia-driven podcast that should interest baseball fans.