Jay: Kansas City

Come on guys enough of the whole T.O. and Tony Blowmo and the Cowgirls thing. Really who cares about T.O.'s twitted comment that has been posted for the past 24hrs. T.O. is going to talk, Blowmo is going to keep blowing playoff games, and the cowgirls will remain leaderless with with Wade and cry baby Garrett at the helms of there, I guess respected positions. So ESPN lets give the people what they want sports and not the soap box show.

sean d.c.

jay why does everyone think that the cavs will come back and win the series down 3-1 and everyone is saying that the lakers are in trouble at 3-2? its over for the cavs and the nuggets

Austin (Missouri)

why are there so many fouls being called in the nba playoffs? i thought they were suppose to be entertaining and exciting

Jay Crawford

  (9:45 AM)

whats up rooooom!!

sean d.c.

jay why does everyone think that the cavs will come back and win the series down 3-1 and everyone is saying that the lakers are in trouble at 3-2? its over for the cavs and the nuggets

Jared Orlando,Fl

This just shows how much better this magic team is to overcome all of the lbj/kobe finals hype and questionable officiating so far in this series and to still pull these games out in the end

Ryan Randazzo (Waukesha WI

I'm a huge fan of the show I've been watching first take since the beginning and I have to say that Skip is the Best Sports Journalist in the World and I look up to him as a role model for me.

Rick Tacoma,wa

The laker game 5 was the best called game of the playoffs. No ticky tac fouls.

Jacob L Brooklyn,Ohio

When Cleveland wins game 5 tonight does any pressure go on the Magic?

Jay Crawford

  (9:46 AM)

ive seen nothing from the cavs over the past 4 games to make me think they can come back in win. they'd be doing well to get it back to orlando. but i would be surprised if they won the series. possible, not probable though.

lynn, california

Im not a fan of any particular team in the nba, but I like the sport. I never thought i'd comment on one of these but the officiating in the playoffs has been uneven, and it really looks like the lakers and cavaliers are getting lots of help.

James Denver

Ive honestly have never seen the out come of every game in a series come down to the 4th quarter whistle as much as this series. In games teams shoot same amount of 4th quarter free throws Denver wins both. In Lakers wins they get at least twice as many 4th quarter free throws.

shreveport, la

I THINK THE REF HELPED THE LAKERS WIN GAME 5 BECAUSE OF THOSE SLICK FOUL CALL IN THE LAST 3MINS TO HELP LA KEEP THE LEAD BECAUSE THE NUGGETS WAS GOING TO COME BACK AND WIN THAT GAME BECAUSE THEY ARE TOUGHER THAN THE LAKERS

austin: sioux falls, south dakota

why do you think the nuggets are playing dirty with kobe in this series? do you think they are just trying to get in his head? or do you think they are just jealous?

Andy Annapolis, MD

Skip, i enjoy watching you put who ever is siting infront of you in their place. You are the main reason i watch this show every morning. GO SKIP!!!!!!

Christopher (H TOWN,BIG T)

I really have to say i love it when the 1st and 10 crew discuss race, i saw recently the bit about birdman,LOVED IT! i must say as a white guy i LOVE birdman, not just cuz he's white, i don't LOVE adam morrison or steve blake. Steven A. Smith and Skip are also great on the subject, maybe you should devote a whole show or segment to just race, it really is a fascinating subject.

tom nj [via mobile]

What is with all the soccer coverage? Calling football games in metric is next. "The 90kg Smith gained 3 meters on that run."Dont sound right.

Mike (Concord, NC)

Why is it that when a team makes the Stanley Cup finals, the first thing shown on ESPN.com is the Lakers-Nuggets series that isn't over? Why, on the Thursday before Memorial Day, did ESPN.com ask what sporting event would you watch over the weekend, then list two races and two basketball games? I know that one of the races was in my home town, but still, there are hockey fans out there. Why don't we get the love?

Robert Furr Wash DC

The Lakers will only make the finals if they play exactly like they did last night...with Kobe being a passer...he had 8 dimes and taking less shots...only 13..Odom must be aggressive as he was last night and Gasol and Bynum have 2 be relentless on the boards...thats exactly what it will take 4 them 2 advance...

Delvin Hall Miami, Florida

I'm still 1 of the few that think Kobe Bryant is the best Player in the NBA. Kobe's desire to win is so much than queen James. It will stun everyone expect for Skip to see a Orlando vs. Lakers Finals come June.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:50 AM)

morning folks! fresh off a prep day to do some behind the scenes doings. i'll get it out of the way. go wings! stanley cup finals should be great. And how bout the lake show....i kept thinking denver was going to get back in it in the final couple minutes but never could.

Tommy (Maywood, NJ)

NBA too involved. The NBA rescinding Technicals?? C'mon. Let the players play and the referees officate. The way the NBA acts, they further cast doubt on whether or not they orchestrate, for lack of a better term, the playoffs. Let's see the NBA rescind a technical foul on say, JJ Redick, instead of Kobe, Dwight Howard, or whomever in order to keep them from being suspended for picking up 7 T's. Stern made the rule for Rodman, Rasheed Wallace, etc., and now they bend over backwards to make sure the marquee players avoid 7. Not right. You made your bed. What happened to the league of Magic, Michael, Larry & the Dr.?

Umor (Detroit)

Morning Y'all, listening to some elvis costello right now. Zambrano blow up, the BEST BLOW UP EVER. Your throwing me out, no ump, I'm throwing you out. Trumps every blow up by any manager ever. Lou Penella press conference afterwards. You knew wanted to say " I didn't know you could throw a Ump out of the game.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:51 AM)

umor it was classic - we're talking about it on the show in the regular stuff and first and ten..

marvin Fayetteville,NC

Lamar Odom is gonna be fat before he turns 40 if he keeps eating all that candy

Travis (nichols S.C

my comment is the Memphis & calipari issue.Why does calapari think he can get all this top notch recruits to come and play for him when he basicaly hasn't won anything.He has 6 of the top 50 recruits coming in.I've never seen that done before,you have to have parady on a team,he's promising all this guys starting minutes,and alot more.thats not real life,somethings not being brought to the for front.

damion fl

hey skip no team wins the nba shooting 3's.if the cavs wernt giving it away this would be over.games 1and 4 theyn faild to make the critical stops at the end.game 3 missed shots free throws and to's in the 4th.

James Denver

How can you guys claim that Skip Bayless is always right. In the first round of NBA Playoffs Skip picked the Hornets over Denver San Antonio over Dallas Portland over Houston he even said Utah might be able to beat Lakers he couldnt of gotten the West more wrong. In the East in the first round he took Miami over Atlanta and said Detroit might be able to give Cavs trouble. In the 2nd round he took Boston over Orlando. Now the confrence Finals come around and yes he picked Orlando over Cleveland but so did alot of people. He wasnt the only petson to see match up problems and there head to head record over last 3 seasons. So Skip is actually usually wrong tell the world the truth.

Umor (Detroit)

I only saw the second half of LA Denver game (GO WINGS), Refs stayed out of it for once. To many bad shots and turn over by the nuggets. Chauncey was Bad in the 3rd.

ALAN(TAMPA BAY)

cant wait for the game tonight. Dont worry Jay, the cavs will turn this around tonight. Cavs in 7

Moderator

  (9:57 AM)

1st down topic...Kobe last night: only 13 shots, 8 assists..does that send a message to Lebron?

Jeff Zamora (Houston, TX)

I am a huge Lebron James fan and I think he will be the best basketball player we have seen with time but I have to say that I can't put him above Kobe yet because of one big difference between the two that Kobe has over Lebron. Free throws! It is undeniable that when Kobe steps to the line under pressure you expect to see both shots go in, but watching Lebron step to the line a lot of times you just hope he can at least get one out of two. I really hope he can improve to the level of Kobe on his free throws.

James Denver

Why when JR Smith celebrates its called by fans Lakers media as being cocky but Kobe makes 3s runs down court pounding his chest makeing his mean face with the underbite exposed lower teeth and nothings ever said? Or when Odom dunked on Chris Andersen and stood over him screaming when he was getting up how was that not a tech but JR yelling at Sasha in game 3 was?

kevin ohio

cavaliers are one or two players from a championship do you agree

Jay Crawford

  (9:59 AM)

probably 2

j(springfield ma)

lets go da white howard get the cavs out 2 night

Umor (Detroit)

Morning DJ and Jay, Dana great wings win last night. Helm was scraping all over the place , He almost score after holding and controling the puck for 40 seconds.

Jay Crawford

  (10:02 AM)

morning umor! congrats on your wings! nice!!!

Pete (NC)

Listen, LeBron is playing the Magic and Kobe the Nuggets, not each other. Kobe can get by with only 13 shots because his team stepped up, but the Cavs aren't, so LeBron has to take more shots. They are playing the game, not each other!

Will (WV)

So how about Barcelona...... Man U denied!

Jay Crawford

  (10:02 AM)

nice win for barcelona!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Hey Jay, I just got some seats at the New Yankee Stadium for the Legends Suites area with the food option. Will I be happy?

Jay Crawford

  (10:03 AM)

you will! its a baseball museum. food is solid!

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

Tres Equis in da house, is everyone thirsty?

Jay Crawford

  (10:03 AM)

stay thirsty trevor! has anyone else commented on the dos equis commercials...he is, the most interesting man in the world....hahahahahha!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Jay: After LeBron leaves though, I would think the Cavs would be three players away from a championship.

Jay Crawford

  (10:04 AM)

maybe 4.

Loopy

Kobe FINALLY figured it out. Use your teammates wisely. Something that LeCrab still hasn't figured out.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

So does Mo still have a chance to be LeBron's Robin, or is that dead with his... less than stellar performances against Orlando?

j(springfield ma)

the cavs are a whole roster away from a ring. everybody but lebron can go

Umor (Detroit)

Travis, Now we know why Calipari left Memphis.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Big deal. Kobe was unselfish for one game. When Kobe wins a title without Shaq, I'll get his message.

Corey Atlanta

Morning peeps. I am awake

j(springfield ma)

no message to lebron at all kobe has a way better supporting cast than lebron and even lebron knows that

mike indy

Birdmans block on Odoms dunk was waaay better thatn when Odom dunked on him

Will (WV)

Repeat at the Stanley Cup Finals....how great is that!

ME Carr (Houston)

Skip is such a hater, with his "prince james moniker" and Lebrick comments, that he has brought out all the REAL haters. The green-eyed monster ones who dont want to give this 24 year old young man credit for what he has accomplished in only six years out of high school. If LeBron makes it to the NBA Finals (never say never), it will be his SECOND time after dragging the first group on his back. This group was good enough to make it, but got to this point and sat down, now LeBron is back to dragging again. HE can make it, if they decide to stand up!

Paul N.Y. [via mobile]

sure it sends a message . message being Kobe has a team behind him.

Pinero Miami

There was a Lamar Odom sighting last night!

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

I said yesterday that Denver is done. For the same reasons, Lakers role players are better (when they play), Denver has no answer for Gasol, and Denver's offense is stagnant when Carmelo doesn't have it going. I cant rely on Kenyon "no shot" Martin and "NoNo" Hilario to give me consistent offense in the post.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I respectfully request equal time for Pens fans in the chat. No favoritism, Dana!

Travis (Columbus, OH)

So, do we see Kentucky suffer for Callipari's misdeeds at Memphis?

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Kobe last night demonstrated true leadership. He got his teammates involved and going knowing that if they slipped he can fill in the misses. I don't think the Lakers can win tomorrow in Denver (Odom can't put two good games back to back) but they will win in 7.

Dennis(Taylor Mill KY)

Hey Guys, can we start giving The Cincy Reds some love!!!This team wasn't expected to compete this year and here we are about to start a key 6 game road trip that could end with the reds being in first. When can we start giving the Reds some love!!!

Mike Morgantown, WV

The Lakers winning the game was way better than Birdman's block!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:07 AM)

jonathan, he certainly (odom) hasn't up until this point. you're right on that.

John, Austin

It should be no surprise to anyone that the Lakers won last night. They pulled Jeckyl and Hyde vs the Rockets and are doing the same thing vs the Nuggets. Which means the Nugs will beat the Lakers by 30 in game 6, Kobe will look tired, Odom will disappear and then they will come back in game 7 and beat the Nugs.

bruce (evanston wy)

i think lebrons been great not his fault his mates cant make a shot

Dana Jacobson

  (10:08 AM)

John, maybe you're right. I'd love to see both series go 7...this one obviously with a better chance of that.

Tiff(bassett,va)

i hope lebron was taking notes on kobe last night because thats Closing 101

Michael Kim

  (10:09 AM)

Good morning everyone... Lebron and Cavs win Game 5 tonight... Let's go...

tom nj [via mobile]

May I address the lonely hearts club? Please stop with the personal questions and marriage proposals to our female reporters. It is sad and creepy. For the cost of a video game a girl named Amber or Tiffany will spend time with you. That being said, is Skip free tonight?

Gavin -KC

Anchorman better than Animal House? Skip should be fired!

J(SPRINGFIELD MA)

AS a CELTICS FAN I HATE TO ADMIT THIS BUT THE LAKERS ARE THE BEST TEAM THIS YEAR AND KOBE WILL FINALLY GET THAT FINALS MVP THAT HE DESERVES

Adam (Dayton, Ohio)

No more Kobe vs. LeBron....ever

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

I agree with Kevin that the Cavs are 1 or 2 players away from a championship. The problem is the players they need are Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant.

Jay Crawford

  (10:10 AM)

or dwade and amare

Charod (PA)

Dana or Jay..do you think the lakers will come out with a sense of urgency or complacency in game 6 at denver?

Jay Crawford

  (10:10 AM)

urgency. they need rest!

Corey (Atlanta)

It's clear the lakers won the game. When they TRY they can win the championship!!!!

Michael Kim

  (10:11 AM)

I love Anchorman... But Animal House is a CLASSIC!

john- pc bch,fl

lbj didnt want support-look at his eyes, he wasn't lookng to pass when he threw up those bricks.

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Skip just had a brain-fart! Animal House....overrated!!! All the good points you made this week Skip just went down the drain. Welcome back, knucklehead Skip.

Michael Kim

  (10:11 AM)

I would still put Caddyshack over Animal House.

Jay Crawford

  (10:11 AM)

agreed jonathon.

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

Denver lost that game in the 3rd Qtr. Did anyone see all the turnovers and bad shot selection towards the end and it carried over in the 4th. Nuggets are more worried about the refs so they are toast.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Going back to the Amare trade rumors Jay?

Jay Crawford

  (10:11 AM)

yeah why not...

Michael (KY)

I do NOT want to hear anything about UK in regards to this MEMPHIS deal! He has not been charged with anything and recieved a letter from the NCAA assuring him that he won't. This is a MEMPHIS problem!

Jay Crawford

  (10:12 AM)

we're about to say just that michael.

Dennis(Taylor Mill KY)

Can we give the cincinnati Reds some love? This team is playing great baseball and is becoming a force in the NL Central but still they get no love!!!

J(SPRINGFIELD MA)

I WISH BIRDMAN WENT TO THE CELTICS WE NEDDED A BIG MAN LIKE HIM

Moderator

  (10:12 AM)

Two Reds fans on the chat today...

Bryan(Staten Island, NY)

Hey guys do you think the lack of help this series is going to take a huge impact on Lebron possibly leaving in 2010?

Umor (Detroit)

Animal House over rated, SKIP YOUR INSANE

Chris (Orlando, FL)

im getting sick of the Lebron Kobe commercials. How about a commercial with Lebron James puppet and Dwight Howard controlling him with the strings.

Donny (Cleveland, OH)

In your honest opinions, give LeBron the same healthy Shaq that Kobe had... How many championships would LBJ have at this point in his career?

Jared (Smyrna, Ga) [via mobile]

I'm so tired of people talking about Kobe's will to win and his closer mentality. I can close out the nuggets when Gasol, Odom, and Brown play like Magic, Worthy, and Jabbar. Lebron hasn't had any help to this point.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

The way the refs are this playoffs I wouldnt be surprised if both series went 7 games. Pretty obvious the refs are trying everything

Kel (Memphis, TN)

HeY Guys. I just wanted to comment on the allegations against the Tigers. As a Sophomore at the U of Memphis, I was in a couple of classes with Derek Rose, and these allegations don't surprise me because of the effort he and most of our athletes put into their classes

Adam (Ohio)

Have you not heard? BIRDMAN is the word! I want to see Birdman vs. Superman in the finals!

Adam (Cincy)

Make that 3 Reds fans!

Aaron (Denver)

When's the last time Chauncy that sloppy 3 straight terrible turnovers in the 4th when the team needed him most. Bad game by Chauncy.

Tom (River North)

Why must everything Kobe does be about "sending a message" to LeBron and vice versa?

Abu. (Memphis, TN)

The Lakers won this game skip. Give them a little credit.

Cameron (Morgantown, WV)

FACT IS, Lakers Won the 4th. The Game was tied for 3 of the 4 quarters.

Loopy

Kobe sending a message to LeCrab?? Why does Kobe even care? He has his own series to deal with. More media hype machine drivel.

Charod (pa)

do you believe that the lakers will struggle with the same matchup problems the cavs are against orlando? (assuming the magic close the series)

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

Thats answers the question from yesterday Kobe can effectively be a decoy with any team. Lebron cannot. When have the Cavs shown moxy when Lebron doesn't score a zillion points.

Will (WV)

Animal House roccked!

john- pc bch,fl

There was no message- nobody is good enuf to win that game with some alternate agenda

ME Carr (Houston)

SKIP, PULEEZE! Kobe probably heard Magic Johnson telling LeBron to stop doing anything and just be a Facillator and get his TEAM going. That is probably what Kobe was doing, not sending a message at all.

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Here's the big difference between LeBron and Kobe. Kobe's a leader; LeBron isn't. Until LeBron learns how to lead, he'll be a great talent but A) not win a championship and B) cannot be considered on the level of a Kobe or Jordan.

Rob...(Wash DC)

Ok...time 2 get a life..there will not be Kobe Vs Lebron title match -up this year...tho it may be good 4 ratings..they real deal is neither 1 can carry their team 2 the title by themselves...

Mke (Huntingtion Station, NY)

Forget about kobe and lebron, carlos zombarno takes home the cake... exjecting that ump was fantastic....

Corey (Atlanta)

Lebron is more like Magic than Michael. He is so overhyped you're playing that final shot like he's a god. Calm down ESPN. what do you think Mike or Dana?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:17 AM)

corey right now yes lebron more like magic than michael in my opinion.

Moderator

  (10:17 AM)

Piniella's post game presser with the giggles was classic, too

Vess (Iowa City)

Enough with the "Kobe sending a message to LeBron" talk, Skip. Look at the supporting cast. The supporting players don't compare. That's what it's all about.

mike indy

Why does Lebron not have help? He is the KING right. He does not trust his team and he does not have a jump shot think about that before you talk about help why doesnt he get a jumpshot and help his self?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:18 AM)

mike i think he's trusted em they just haven't showed up in this round

Jared (Smyrna, Ga) [via mobile]

Skip, you are delusional. Lebron hasn't had any help. The biggest turning point for the Cavs was when Lebron got Delonte West the wide open three and he missed and Rashard Lewis came back and hit a three. That six point swing won the game in the 4th. Lebron has far surpassed Kobe. He's playing with a bunch of Smush Parkers.

Aaron (Denver)

Shannon Brown was HUGE for last night. His D on Chauncy forced a couple bad shots, his dunk on Birdman lit the crowd up and the clutch jumper in Melo's face as the shot clock hit zero was nice...

Pinero Miami

why does kobe whole career get diminished because he had a great player on his team?

Loopy

NCAA won't touch UK even if UK knew about Cal. They are more shady than the player's league for MLB and David Stern combined.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:18 AM)

pinero who's diminishing it?

Avion Dorchester

NOBODY! was complaining about lebrons lack of help when they crushed detroit and atlanta

Anthony (Detroit)

Kobe played a great game and by doing the least. this makes for a well rested kobe in game 6 which spells trouble for denver

Will (WV)

Zambrano did take home the cake...that scene was great! Umpire...go home!

Michael Kim

  (10:18 AM)

Jonathan - I disagree that LeBron isn't a leader. He's more of one than Kobe. He just doesn't have the parts around him that match with Kobe -- or, for the time begin, Orlando. Lebron is a superstar that gets his teammates involved on and off the floor. You don't think Lebron wouldn't win a title if he didn't have Shaq at center and Phil Jackson as coach?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:19 AM)

more on zambrano after the commercial break

charod (pa)

corey i agree with you 10000000% about the shot!

Ralph in Ohio

Once again, SKIP IS THE MAN! His take on the sports world never ceases to amaze me and I fel like a better spectator just by having listened to his point of view! Way to go "KING SKIP"!!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.

Mike Morgantown, WV

If Memphis has to vacate the final four wouldnt this be the second vacant final four for coach calipari with his second school. Not a good track record no matter how you slice it

Will (WV)

DOes anyone believe Calipari knew something was going to blow up in Memphis and that is why he is now in UK?

J. Belushi (college)

Was it over when the refs called 12 fouls on the Nuggets in the 4th quarter and just 4 fouls on the Lakers...? Well yeah it was...but the series isn't over yet!

Charod (pa)

and ps room..the yankees are tied up for the lead in the east even with the injuries and horrible start to the season

Michael Kim

  (10:19 AM)

Mike - totally agree.

Umor (Detroit)

Oh nothing going to happen to calipari. Kentucky knows that. They knew what was going on before they hired him.

Mike Morgantown, WV

Right on Skip! Suspend him the whole season!

Brennan - Chicago

The spelling bea is write around the corner can we get sum love four the brainaics the will compeet?

ROBBY BRAND LAKE WORTH,FLA.

LEBRON IS NOT THE KING. HE IS NOT EVEN A PRINCE HE IS MORE LIKE A COURT JESTER.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

I want to be Skip's Personal Assistant. His views on Sports is amazing. Hes my idol. Im not kidding about that.

Michael Kim

  (10:20 AM)

Brennan - LOL... Not that strong of a speller, huh?

Joseph ( Memphis ):

Could It be thats why he(Calipari)left our...

mike indy

Man you should be ashamed comparin that boy to Magic. The greatest playmaker of all time who made everyone around him better like Magic has 5 rings. Dana you should go over to the NBA set and apologize to Magic.

Jeff (Stockbridge,GA)

I think the Lakers win game 6. Last night, Kobe didn't expend a lot of energy, therefore, he will be able to close strong in Denver.

J(SPRINGIELD MA)

LEBRON IS IN THE SAME POSITION JORDAN WAS IN BEFORE THE BULLS BUILT A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. GIVE HIM SOME TIME

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

Why is Nike STILL showing the Kobe/Lebron puppet commercials?

Jay Crawford

  (10:21 AM)

neither is out yet

Mike(Huntington Station ny)

the greatest thing about it was how serious he was when he was ejecting him....

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Hey guys, I was listening to the Radio Last night and they said that Lebron is considering joining Orlando when hes a free agent. This is a true story. I say if you cant beat them join them.

Jay Crawford

  (10:21 AM)

doubt it.

Gavin -KC

Zambrano will always be a knucklehead, but the umpires now days are trying to be to visual. After the incident in Detroit and now this umpire walking into Zambrano MLB should do something.

Charod(pa)

i hate that all year ppl were saying lebron finally has the parts to win a championship, and now that they're out-matched (the nba playoffs are about matchups) all of a sudden the team isnt good enough to win a chip for lebron.give me a break please

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'd have to go with Animal House over Caddyshack but it's really close.

derrick (iowa)

how about Big Z throwing out the umpire.... GREAT!!! he was right,he had the running out at home and the umpire bumped him first!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

LeBron is the younger player but I think he's more mature than Kobe.

Mike Morgantown, WV

If Lebron is the next Jordan why would he even need a Shaq?

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Jay, I think the Browns are going to be the Arizona of the NFL this year once they put Quinn in the lineup.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:22 AM)

paul don't tease jay like that!!

Michael Kim

  (10:23 AM)

I was just using Shaq in comparing Kobe and LeBron -- but let's not forget MJ didn't win until Pippen showed up...

Paul N.Y. [via mobile]

Jay why are there still people who think the Cav's have a chance.They have done everything but throw the kitchen sink at them.

Loopy

Calipari knew. How can he not know? It's dumb that coaches don't get penalized when they leave and the school they leave gets killed with violations.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Mike, even Jordan had Pippen, and later on Rodman.

Michael Kim

  (10:23 AM)

Thx Travis for the support!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:23 AM)

Paul, because 8 teams i believe have come back from 3-1 down to win series.

Tom (River North)

Dana, almost 25 minutes in and no mention of the Red Wings-Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals? Where's Barnaby or Melrose when you need them?

Ralph in Ohio

LeBron's lame shot is MEANINGLESS if they don't make it to the big show! It's just another shot...nothing special....get over it!

Jay Crawford

  (10:23 AM)

completely agree!

Michael (KY)

Why punish Kentucky for something that may have happened in Memphis?? That does NOT make sense to me.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:24 AM)

barnaby is standing by...think it was a sportscenter/us timing issue. he's coming

Jay Crawford

  (10:24 AM)

doubt it will happen michael

Jared (Smyrna, Ga) [via mobile]

How is Kobe being considered better than Lebron when Lebron is averaging more pts, assists, rebs, higher fg %, and has won more games with less talent. Lastly, why hasn't anyone mentioned Kobe's 7 TO's when everyone documented Lebron's 8 a day before. Conspiracy.

Jay Crawford

  (10:24 AM)

rings jared..and then things you cant measure in the boxscore.

Kevin (Tuscaloosa, AL)

NCAA has to start pounding on coaches that cheat. The NCAA always chants the "protect the student-athlete" mantra but they do more to protect status-quo and bottom line than kids. Funny how the "student-athletes" always pay the price not those responsible.

Aaron (Denver)

Big Z...classic, Lou even giggled on the field as he went to seperate Z and the ump...I think Z stole his thunder.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:25 AM)

aaron i just said for me, the z outburst is second to the minor league manager with the grenade

Craig (ohio)

who will we compare King James to if the Cavs lose????

Jay Crawford

  (10:25 AM)

world b. free

Pinero Miami

Jared because the laker won!

Worldwide Wes (Memphis)

Anyone interested in taking the SAT for John Wall?

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

You cannot compare what Lebron is doing now to MJ's early years. Mainly because Lebron will not stick it out in Cleveland long enough to make them a champion.

dan harrisburg pa

lebron james isnt anywhere near kobe bryant's level.

tom nj [via mobile]

Was sweet Lou on the pot. He was sillier than that fashion guy yesterday.

Mike Morgantown, WV

With Zambrano, and the addition of Bradley, it seems Lou is the calm one in the Cubs dugout

Dana Jacobson

  (10:33 AM)

mike exactly what chris just said

mike indy

Detroit back to back I hope they bring back the hammertime shirts like when the pistons did it.

Marc Castellano (New York)

I know people say that Kobe hasn't won without shaq and that if he didnt have shaq he would have never won those 3 rings...but do you think shaq would have won those rings without kobe?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:34 AM)

Marc i'm going to answer that with a question in a way...depends who else he had with him. He won one with dwayde, kobe just hasn't won with someone else. Know what I mean?

Rob Greenville North Carolina

Last time i checked..no single player won an NBA title..sooooooo...sorry Kobe and Lebron...

PaulN.Y. [via mobile]

Dana just 8 team's out of all the playoff games played what are the chances.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:36 AM)

Paul, better than if none had. I know what you're saying but I was giving you a reason why some have hope...

David, Denver

Marc Castellano, Not sure on that. You can not win with just one guy. MJ Pippen, Shaq KobeME, Shaq Wade, Duncan Parker and so forth. KobeME is not going to win without Shaq

Erlinda (Michigan)

Dana, it is safe to wear my Red Wings jersey to a game in Pitt? Are you coming to Det or Pitt to a game?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:38 AM)

Erlinda - yes. I got some boos last year but overall the fans were great. AND they should boo the enemy. Just dont be jerks.

Viva(Indianapolis IN)

Yes Dana it means there's a double standard here. Really name one player that didn't need another big star to win with. Jordan needed Pippen, Bird needed McHale, Magic needed Kareem. List goes on... However only Kobe is considered "less of a champion" because he had Shaq by his side. If it was so simple for Shaq to win with anyone how come he got swept in the Finals with Penny at his side?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:39 AM)

viva, i dont think it was simple for shaq. he just did it. I think with kobe, people see him as the second to shaq's first. shaq is mj, kobe is pippen.

Jared (Smyrna, Ga) [via mobile]

Shaq would have won those 3 titles without Kobe. At that point in his career, Kobe was on the level of a Eddie Jones. Robert Horry was just as crucial to those rings as Kobe. Lastly if Kobe was such a great teammate he could have taken Lamar Odom and Caron Butler to the Playoffs after Shaq left.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Well Rob, if the Lakers end up winning the title, who won it with Kobe?

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

yes i do Marc, because basketball is a sport that is made for a dominant big man, so if you have one, all you need is one or two more people who can shoot or create their own shot and you have the ingredients to win a title. He won one with D-Wade and most people dont even consider him on Kobe's level.

Pinero Miami

The umpire tried to get zambrano tossed by bumping into him...thats unfair to the players because the ump has all the power

Aaron (Denver)

I like the fire in the Cubs eyes...they know they are better than they are playing...Lou needs to launch a base and kick a hat to break the tension in the dugout.

john- pc bch,fl

I want Zambrano to come over to the NBA & toss some of OUR refs

Jim (Canton, Ohio)

People may think that Zambrano's outburst was funny but what do you think it does to the already tarnished picture of baseball. This guy is supposed to be a role model for up and coming generations. Really what does this say about him?

Jim (WI)

Jim give me a break. It has been like this for 50 years. Should we take out fighting in hockey?

Avion Dorchester

Jim in ohio baseball glorifies all of that nonsense lou pinella made it famous...i think its funny that the umps allow the managers or players 1 minute to yell at them before the get tossed

mike indy

No skip they will lose because they are the cubs lol

ALAN(TAMPA BAY)

good point skip. I mean what the hell. there is a difference between arguing a call and throwing a grown man temper tantrum

Dennis(Taylor Mill KY)

How about on first and 10 lets not talk about the Cubs impoloding but the Reds exploding!!!I think Skip called the Reds a sleeper at the beginning of the Baseball season. Lebron and Kobe!! Crickets!!!! Finally some Baseball. GO REDS!!!

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Jim, it just says he has a bit of a temper. It doesn't do anything to his already kind of screwy reputation and the image of baseball.

Jay Crawford

  (10:47 AM)

its just may dennis. but we'll get to your reds!

Umor (Detroit)

Hey the ump move into Z, Z didn't move into the ump.

Gavin - KC

The real problem is nobody on the field made an effort to get between Zambrano and the ump, everybody just watched it. Sweet Lou took his sweet time getting out onto the field.

Michael Kim

  (10:48 AM)

Travis -- I won't go that far but we've seen stuff from him before this... He was calm by the time the postgame media sessions took place and he was apologetic toward the ump and admitted he just lost his cool.

Reginald, Thomasville N.C.

Skip, I think if Lebron shot the ball 13 times and the Cavs win, you will say they did it without Lebron, If he shoots 30 times and they lose he didnt pass enough, never mind the fact that bigZ and the curly haired guy who's name i cant spell pose no threaat at all to Dwight Howard on either end of the floor, and the fact that nobody else on his team has done a thing, if it wasnt for Lebron the Cavs would lose by 30 every night, Nothing Lebron does will make skip admit what every great basketball mind already has, that Lebron is all he is cracked up to be. Still some things to learn sure, but it took Jordan 8 years.

Michael Kim

  (10:49 AM)

Sometimes these things fire up a team for the short term.

tom nj [via mobile]

Zambrano looked like roid rage to me. He behaved like a 3 year old. He needs a good slap on the can.

Jon (Mad-town)

The Reds won't last because Dusty Baker is destroying their young arms. They already have issues due to their overuse last year, and he'll do the same thing in Cincinnati that he did to Prior and Wood in Chi-town.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

How many titles do you think LeBron can help the Knicks win?

Jay Crawford

  (10:49 AM)

current knicks roster, none.

Michael Kim

  (10:49 AM)

Jon - I said those exact words to Skip before today's show.

mike indy

Yeah Jim unless it was roid rage who cares you just said that to get on tv lol

Jon (Mad-town)

This is the same banter you all gave Big Z when he punched out Barret 2 years ago. What you all are forgetting was that was the turning point for an underachieving Cubs club and it will be again.

Dennis(Taylor Mill KY)

I know it's May but winning in Cincy is rare so We have to get excited when we can LOL!!!

Michael Kim

  (10:50 AM)

Jon - you're on a roll -- 2-for-2 -- just like the Cubs!

Jay Crawford

  (10:50 AM)

ha! i know the feeling dennis.

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

speaking of imploding, how bout those Nuggets!

Ralph in Ohio

Anybody remember the scene in Naked Gun where Leslie Nielsen is playing the home-plate umpire? CLASSIC, CLASSIC stuff there....especially when he throws the 2nd base umpire out of the game!!

khalid albany n.y

when lebron loses you need to get him on the show to sit across from skip and get pointers on how to win a championship and have lebron bring the puppet

Jim (Canton, Ohio)

Skip, I agree with you! This guy is supposed to be a role model and acted like a little child! We as adults should not promote this type of behavior. Suspend him and make an example for others to see.

Cavs Fan (Cleveland)

NO JIM! Hockey won't be the same!

j(springfield ma)

you cant take fighting out of hockey because than no none hockey fans are even gonna consider watching hockey

Brad, Madison

OMG! The Reds are not going to win the division, they're not going to win the wild card. They're playing good ball but it won't amount to anything. Enjoy 3rd place.

Michael Kim

  (10:52 AM)

Why are the Naked Gun movies underappreciated? The OJ Simpson scene on the boat getting his fingers smashed and paint on his shirt and cake on his face is a hilarious scene.

Brad, Madison

It's Enrico Palotzo!!

Pete (NC)

Seriously, do people not understand that arguing with umps is part of major league baseball? Now, of course there are limits to what you should do, but c'mon, it's just as part of the game and fighting is in hockey.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Michael, I guess this stuff just doesn't surprise me anymore. Oh well.

Kevin (Dayton,OH)

Then the comment of Skip saying This type of behavior will be why the Cubs will lose. HA! Just keep adding fuel to the fire Skip, You might help the Cubs all the way to the playoffs with comments like that!

Jon

Hey Michael I'm glad we're on the same page. Does that mean I can get a job as an analyst on ESPN?

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

Jim in Ohio, nothing can do anymore damage to the game of baseball than all this steroid mess has. A wrestling match between pitchers and umps will get more ratings.

Eric (NY)

Why is Kenny Nims game tying goal not a nominee for play of the month? It was for a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Michael Kim

  (10:52 AM)

Sorry, Jon... Jon Barry and Jon Gruden fill our quota for analysts named Jon.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:53 AM)

eric, it was discussed. no clue. others pick em sorry.

Mike Morgantown, WV

I think something like the Zambrano ejection can fire up the club house and finally get the Cubs going this year!

William (Dallas, Tx)

Lebron is a better clutch player than Kobe. Look up the stats. Lebron has made the most game winners in the entire NBA over the last 5 years and his clutch stats are far superior to Kobe's. Skip needs to stop making unfounded claims on the show.

shane(raleigh,nc)

Kobe is one of the greatest players ever but he has gotten 2 much credit for being a great closer. He's performed great in alot of games just as any superstar would but he doesn't have to do it alone and never has.

David, Denver

Anyone hear anything more about the NCAA investigation into University of Arizona? The NCAA had said they would have it wrapped up by May 1st

Dana Jacobson

  (10:53 AM)

david, have heard still ongoing not wrapped up yet

Jon (Mad-town)

Nobody has ever looked at Big Z as a role model. He was suspended in the minors for kicking a guy in the face, has had multiple tirades, sucker punched his own catcher...etc. Anyone who is pointing to this guy as a role-model for their children is a terrible parent.

DaShougun: Baytown, Tx.

Hey, Denver fans ask Yao about the Refs.Where is the D. Howard puppet.

CT (The D)

Wow, what a shocker, You guys started off the show again with Basketball. I didn't see that one coming. How about a little NHL Playoff Talk that last's longer than 5 minutes? You guys are like a broken record, the same stuff over and over

Dana Jacobson

  (10:55 AM)

CT, i don't think that's a fair statement about our show. Sorry. Do we cover the big events, yes. We also touch on a lot of different stuff. So you know we've put in requests for pens and wings and the teams haven't come through. AND I dont think half the interviews you see on our show you'd see anywhere else on the network

Jon (Mad-town)

If Lebron wants a championship he should play WR opposite Randy Moss. It would be the greatest receiver combo ever.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

Jon - the "what if" piece on lebron and the nfl was great - on dot com - not sure if you saw it and the additional moss posts from tim graham, but very good stuff.

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

hello?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

hi trevor

David, Denver

Dana, Thanks and not a good sign that it is lasting this long. My fingers are crossed as an alum

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

david, sure thing. I have heard there may be more to it..the whole when there's smoke there's fire.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Memphis, Southern Cal, Arizona... what school is next on the investigation list?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

travis we had a convo about this a couple weeks back...so many, you have to wonder if your school is next you know?

Chris (Orlando, FL)

CT if you dont like it turn it off. No one is forcing you to watch it.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

chris according to those fantastic hulu ads, we are!!!!!

Kenny (Elkhart,IN)

Ok, I'm a huge Cubs fan and I'm not saying outbursts like Zambranos should be tolerated (even thought I loved it until he go into the dugout and took a bat to that poor gatorade machine)but making contact with an ump is made such a huge deal that why is it not a big deal when they touch the player. He essentially tossed Big Z for touching him his self. It was almost over Zambrano was about to walk to the mound until he touched him. It almost looks like the ump went towards him on purpose and made contact just so he could eject him. These things need to be reviewed more often.

Brad, Madison

I didn't get to watch the hoops game last night, that block by the birdman they just showed was sick.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:05 AM)

brad am sure someone said it at the time or on the highlight - with JACK in the audience "YOU WANT ME ON THAT BALL, YOU NEED ME ON THAT BALL"

Michael (KY)

Dana, please explain to me something. The Magic are written off before almost every game. Not just my media, but fans also. The Magic keep winning. Is it seriously going to take a Championship for people to realize that this team is for real, and SVG isn't as bad a coach as he is made out to be?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:05 AM)

Michael it may. Look at the rays last year - no one thought they were real until they got to the world series...couldn't win it, but you know what i mean?

Selena (Louisiana)

I got the day off so I could get my First Take fix and watch a good game 5 tonight in Cleveland. In between time, I'll lounge.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:06 AM)

nice selena

J (Ohio)

Who is writing off the Magic? I haven't seen ANY of that. It amazes me that people are so eager to play the disrespect card that they make things up. Orlando OWNED Cleveland in the regular season. The only people writing them off are the people that don't understand basketball.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

About time they make the crew chief change for Dale Jr.

aminty,CA

Epaulette shirts are SOO 2007!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:08 AM)

J, writing off may be overstated but they certainly still think the cavs are still going to win. many at least

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Dana & Jay, I need you to help me with something. The NBA reversed the tech gave to Howard the other night. If Orlando lost by 1, would that mean that the technical foul shot made is elimated also? They could be setting themselves up with a major problem down the line. The refs have got to do a better job otherwise this situation will present itself.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:09 AM)

jonathan, no i don't believe so

Aaron (Denver)

Off to a Bachelor party, chat tomorrow monrning (maybe)....

Dana Jacobson

  (11:09 AM)

aaron, not if its a good one

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Michael, ESPN loves Lebron. ESPN always tries to Make a bad situation sound good for Lebron

Dana Jacobson

  (11:10 AM)

chris, never in my life have i gotten that decree.

aminty,CA

Epaulette shirts are SOO 2007!!!!

Michael (KY)

Dana, I do know what you mean, but isn't that what the world of sports thrives upon, is the underdog rising up out of nowhere and doing the seemingly impossible? I just think that they are not shown the respect they deserve. Every time they win a game, its a "stunner" or a "shocker"

Dana Jacobson

  (11:13 AM)

lots of guys like that role...michael. the underdog. no respect, etc

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Pitch the commercial idea of Dwight Howard controlling Lebrons Puppet to Skip. Ask him what he thinks of it.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:13 AM)

chris, i liked it., they didn't sorry

Steve (Syracuse)

Is it football season yet? I am dreading 2 weeks when it is the dead period of sports :(

Michael Kim

  (11:14 AM)

Steve -- Two weeks of dead period in sports? Aren't you used to it -- and then some -- aren't you a Syracuse football fan?

Mike Morgantown, WV

Skip picking "Prince James"? You disappoint me!

Michael Kim

  (11:15 AM)

He picked the Cavs to win Game 4, too. There may be a method to his madness.

Mike Morgantown, WV

There is football season in Syracuse?

Michael Kim

  (11:16 AM)

Mike - It's that time of year between lacrosse season and fall lacrosse practices.

Selena (Louisiana)

Skip you disappointed me. How could you pick the Cavs?? You were on a roll for a moment.

Michael (KY)

Dana, and when the Cavs lose to the Magic it will be because of that (thriving off the underdog card). Not because they were just a better team (which they are).

john- pc bch,fl

Magic & SVG-close it out...."TONITE"

Spivey (Atl)

Over / Under on foul's that get called for Lebron tonight at 10.5 ?

David, Denver

Michael, OUCH!!!

Will (WV)

Will someone please buy Skip a tie!

Drew, Arkansas

Stan is a star because the "master of panic" is out coaching the "coach of the year"

Michael Kim

  (11:19 AM)

Drew - I agree. He's a good coach who doesn't get credit for his preparation. People know little about him except that Shaq ran him out in Miami and dogged him recently.

Demetric (Orlando)

Dana or Mike Kim; If the Cavs lose tonite, will it be: 1. An All-Time upset. 2. Biggest choke job..or 3. Most Overrated team

Michael Kim

  (11:20 AM)

Demetric - Disagree on all three counts.

Jim (WI)

Michael....do you think he doesn't get credit because he looks like your couch potato guy?

Anthony (San Antonio,TX)

Dana do think that Mo Williams created more pressure on himself after he said he gurantees Cleveland will win the series?

Michael Kim

  (11:22 AM)

Jim - That's funny.

ryde4dachi (waynesville,mo)

You can not get on van gundy, he has came up big saying and doing the little things to be a great coach.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:22 AM)

anthony i never think those guarantees really up the pressure for anyone. i mean what happens if they don't win, same thing if they didn't make the guarantee. the level these guys play at, the pressure's already there

Travis (Columbus, OH)

That does raise the question: What kind of coach is Mike Brown? Should he stay on after this disaster of a coaching job?

Lebron James

Yo, even I'm sick of all the coverage I get on your show. Calm it down. There are other things going on in the sports world.

Will (WV)

DANA...THE MAGIC WIN....SKIP WEARS A TIE ON TEH SHOW!

alex

pat denver is a cry baby....denver this ...denver that...you have cried a river

Brent (Pa)

Shaq should love Stan Van, he's gonna be the only thing keeping Kobe from winning a championship without him!!!

Will (WV)

SKIP NEEDS TO WEAR A TIE ON THE SHOW IF THE MAGIC WIN!

Sam(Itta Bena MS)

Ask skip why he didn't mention the 7 turnovers Kobe had last night?

Mike Morgantown, WV

lol! you are so right Michael!

robert (atlanta)

people need to let it go lebron is not jordan

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Stan Van Gundy?! Breakout Star?! You gotta be joking!

Michael Kim

  (11:23 AM)

Will -- I think he needs to wear the jacket the fashion guy wore yesterday.

Ryan

Sports are never dead. The only two days of the year that none of the four professional sports are being played are the day before, and the day after the MLB All-Star game.....

Jonathan (Atlanta)

So Mike Kim, if its not one of the three that Demetric mentioned, what is it?

Michael Kim

  (11:25 AM)

None of those three give Orlando credit for being a good team -- and a better team over the course of a best-of-7 series. This is a team with outstanding balance even without Jameer Nelson.

Pat (Denver)

Mike Kim, how much of this series falls on Mike Brown's decision making as a coach?

Jon (Mad-town)

You are all missing the big picture with the Zambrano outburst. It was EXACTLY what the Cubs needed, a shot in the arm. Nobody is talking about their losing streak anymore they are talking about Big Z. When he punched out Barret 2 years ago when the Cubs were in a similar situation they turned their season around and went on to win the Central. The same thing will happen again, write it down!

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

i agree jon. that team needed a fire. lou wasnt lighting it, so z did. will it work? thats wy we watch.

Kevin (NYC)

The Cavs are overrated. If you're called the best team all year long, yet there's one team in the conference who beats you every time you play, then you're not the best team!

Michael Kim

  (11:27 AM)

The only knock I have on Mike Brown is his decisions regarding PT for his bench. He used a 9-10 man rotation to get to the conference finals but cut back to 7-8. Inconsistent use of Boobie and Wally. But overall, the Cavs are a flawed team. Small backcourt with no consistent outside scoring threat.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Mikael Kim, Jameer Nelson was in Shootaround with his warmups on game 4 and he said He will play if they make it to the NBA Finals.

Revis (Florence, KY)

I'd comment more, but I'm disputing my chat contract.

Allen from Detroit

Lions in the playoffs!!!!!!!! Win the division!!!!

Wil (Orlando)

I think if the Cavs lose it wasn't the biggest choke or upset but it may be one of the biggest disappointments. A case of bad matchups

Demetric (Orlando)

Its all the above, due to the fact that; Having the best record (66-16), having the COTY (Brown) having the MVP/"Best Player Alive" (James) warrants all three.

Jonathan (Atlanta)

So the Lions are praising Stafford?! What else do you expect them to say. Frankly, I think he'll be a bust.

Michael Kim

  (11:28 AM)

Chris - you failed spelling, I see (Michael)... anyway, Nelson makes this team explosive when he's healthy.

jay from indianapolis

was that realy lebron? lol

Gerald, Brooklyn, NY

I am really beginning to think David Ortiz issues at the plate has something to do with PEDs. I think he's going thru withdraws, because late year he's has not been hitting.

aminty,CA

GUARANTEED right now, if Manny makes it as a starter on the All Star team, MLB is gonna change the rules and make the fans vote count less. Boooooo.

Sam(Itta Bena,MS)

I really wish people would stop putting Kobe on MJ's level...Kobe is not even close to being as great as Jordan...Last years Finals proved that!

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

ryan- come on Summer baseball is about as meaningful as the NBA in December.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Boobie isn't even worth playing most of the time, he's beyond hot and cold. Wally does need more time though. If JJ was playing it would make a huge difference too, because when Wallace is in the game, you don't even have to cover him when the Cavs have the ball. THey need to use small ball more, it worked great last game when they did use it.

tom nj [via mobile]

The best part about all of these NBA playoff games is the final 2 minutes that lasts a half an hour. Thats all you need to see.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Where is the O's comeback talk? I think Nolan Reimold has locked up LF and isn't going any where.

Parker (Okemos, MI)

I can see the crows feet

Jay Crawford

  (11:30 AM)

me too parker...yikes! beats the alternative tough!

Anthony (San Antonio, TX)

Hey Demetric, that answer would be MOST OVERRATED TEAM! LEBRICK! Thats for you Skip!

Michael (KY)

Demetric.... you are saying that from Orlando!?!?

Jon (Mad-town)

Skip nailed down the Eastern Conference exactly as it is like a game of Rock Paper Scissors. Like he said it's all about matchups, a healthy C's would have beaten Orlando, Orlando beats Cleveland, and Clevland beats the Celtics.

Shane(raleigh,nc)

Coaches receive too much credit and to much blame for a lot that goes on during a basket ball game. They're motivators.Van Gundy has done a great job at that, but no coach can make a shot for his players.

Viva(Indianapolis IN)

I think if(really when) the Cavs lose this series Mike Brown will be fired. Curse of the COTY award. the Coach ends up getting fired the following season.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Allen from Detroit: Lions win the division? You do realize that the Vikings, Bears and Packers are still in it, right? The Vikes can beat the Lions with one QB tied behind their backs.

Westley(baltimore)

What does skip thing about the nba refs?

Jay Crawford

  (11:33 AM)

not much wes

John (Savannah Ga)

lebron is the bomb

Dustin (Florida)

Why arent people aloud to show emotion on the field or court anymore, Big Z getting ejected for thinking the runner was out, and Dwight getting a T for yellingbecause he was pumped up! Why can't the Officials just let it go. I know in thepast they let a lot of things go.

Travis (New York)

Has a Yankee fan im glad that big papi is struggling. He has done nothing this season except run his mouth about people who use steroids.

J (Ohio)

I'm very curious why there isn't all the backlash against the Lakers. People forget that for most of the year, most experts said the Lakers were the best team, not the Cavs. Where are all the people talking ill about the Lakers and Kobe?

Jason (Kent, Oh)

jay, you should debate skip one day

Jay Crawford

  (11:34 AM)

i do everyday...in the commercial breaks! lol

Jason (Kent, Oh)

How many pts do you think LeBron will put up tonight?

Jay Crawford

  (11:35 AM)

jason, less than 40 cavs win, more than 40, cavs lose.

Kenny Mane (Detroit)

How about that Spelling Bee? Are you guys gonna have the first ever First Take Spelling Bee?

Jay Crawford

  (11:35 AM)

prolly not cuz where not gud spellerz

tom nj [via mobile]

Mike,criticizing spelling here is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500. The horror. The horror.

Westley (Baltimore)

yeah Jay is pretty good debating

Jay Crawford

  (11:36 AM)

thanks wes. much appreciation!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:36 AM)

tom you don't like the spelling bee? can't say i sit and watch straight through but i'm awed at these kids.

JD (Boston)

Travis are you serious...??? Papi had not said boo this year except expletives under his breath after a strikeout.

Ed Hochuli (chat ref)

Personal foul, Jay Crawford, for using lol. You should know better than that as a host. 15 yard penalty, it is now 3rd down.

tom nj [via mobile]

Mike,criticizing spelling here is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500. The horror. The horror.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:36 AM)

ed where have you been????

Jay Crawford

  (11:37 AM)

good pt muscle man! i'll refrain from loling in the future.

Ryan

I agree, Jay. LeBron needs to pay more attention to Kobe and start distributing the wealth a little bit more

Michael Kim

  (11:37 AM)

Good line, Tom -- Not usually one to correct that -- but MIKAEL? When did I become Swedish?

Mike Morgantown, WV

My girlfriend wants to know what would happen if Kobe and Lebron were on the same team, any takers to answer this question for her?

Jay Crawford

  (11:37 AM)

hmmmmm, depends who the bigs are? id say not enough room for both

David, Denver

Jay, why don't you guys do a 1st and 10 on the NBA refs and how they are hurting the game or the NBA switching calls the day after.

Mike Morgantown, WV

Tarkenton wishing failure on somebody, this man is the ultimate failure, why would he think Favre would listen to anything he has to say.

Jay Crawford

  (11:38 AM)

we have. and will again.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

I spelled it Michael but it showed Mikael. I think a healthy Nelson in the finals will result in a Championship. imagine the depth in our PG in the finals and next year.

Ryan

Steve, it's still sports. You have home-run derby, and the pennant race is starting to heat up. I'd rather watch baseball in the summer than NFL Live in the middle of March.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Mike - Dominance. As long as the bigs are decent, you just keep giving the ball to the one that's hot.

Ryan

I agree, Jay. LeBron needs to pay more attention to Kobe and start distributing the wealth a little bit more

Jason (Kent, Oh)

They should work in howard and mello into the vitamin water ads. it would be easy

Selena (Louisiana)

Mike it will never happen. Tooo many egos on one team. But the Olympic team is good enough.

Westley (Franklin)

I think if Kurt Warner can have a good year, then so could Farve

Mike Morgantown, WV

Thanks Jay

Brent (Pa)

Do you think Melo has is own puppet made up and plays with it at home?

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

I cannot believe Ed also participates in the First Take chat

tom nj [via mobile]

Mike,criticizing spelling here is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500. The horror. The horror.

  (11:39 AM)

ed's a fan efrain. he works out to first take every morning. uses skip as incentive. ha

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Travis I'm with you Big Popup is the worst.

Manny Ramirez (Mannywood, LA)

Hey finally my Dodgers have a topic up! Of course I'm after Brett Favre trade me to Minnesota for Brett Favre straight up!

Parker (Indianapolis)

A bitter old man whose out of the loop? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black skip?

Revis (Florence, KY)

How come no love for the Reds on the Show?

Chris (Orlando, FL)

I agree David. I have always wanted to be a Ref for the NBA. I already reffed for Soccer before. But, when I am watching a basketball game I am better then most refs out there.

Michael Kim

  (11:40 AM)

No prob, Chris - just jabbing... You're right on Nelson. If he had been healthy for THIS series, it's possible the Magic would be resting and waiting for the LA-DEN series to end.

Blackeastwood, Toledo, OH

Fran is a "Baby", stop whinning, he didn't or couldn't get the Vikings to a SuperBowl, now he's SALTY and doesn't want that to happen. He's an All-Time Great Viking does he even care about the club?

CHRIS DETROIT

if they rescinded dwights tech shouldnt they have one in regulation do they take those points back

Josh (Denver)

Hook, have you been watching baseball for the last 5 years or checked the current standings?

Robb (toledo)

MAGIC should bring there own PAPARAZZI to the GAME! STRIKING MAD POSES center court after they WIN!!

Gerald, Brooklyn, NY

Stan Van Gundy is not a star in the making. I think he's a below average coach who was rewarded with spectacular talent. This reminds of the Cowboys of the 90's after Jimmy Johnson left the team.

Parker - Indianapolis

The Cavs were a good team but they had a cake walk to the conference finals. They finally have to play a good team and they can't cope.

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

crazy isnt it chris. either it is or it isnt. one of many problems the league has.

Joe, E-town

How come you wont post my messages????

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

not sure what youre talking about joe...

Jon (Mad-town)

Here's a nice what-if scenario. If the Zen Master leaves L.A. could he go to Cleveland to work with the next big thing in Lebron?

Brian in Dover

They should make a Skip Bayless puppet and let the LeBron puppet beat it up on the low post....take the Skip puppet to the rack and dunk in his face!!!

Gerald, Brooklyn, NY

Stan Van Gundy is not a star in the making. I think he's a below average coach who was rewarded with spectacular talent. This reminds of the Cowboys of the 90's after Jimmy Johnson left the team.

Moderator

  (11:41 AM)

we'll get right on that, Brian

Revis (Florence, KY)

Isn't there a retirement home league that Favre can get in?

Wil (Orlando)

Hey Magic Fans...you should hope to get that ring this year because the Magic could lose Turkoglu, Foyle, Gortat this year...as well as overall depth...and then resign Howard in 2011 which may be far more difficult than it seems.

Mike G (El Paso, TX)

Ed has been snoozing on the cavs bench like the rest of the Cavs witnessing! haha

Kevin (NYC)

Skip let's Brett Farve get away with these retirement announcments and bad play, but Lebron gets grief for carrying his team.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Mike (Morgantown): Marino only made it to one Super Bowl and lost it. Under your criteria, he'd be more of an ultimate failure than Tarkenton.

derek (mo)

Greatest year of a 39 yr old? isnt Kurt warner up there in age?

Dennis(Taylor Mill KY)

I agree and disagree with Skip, true Brett didn't hold the Pack hostage but Brett did flop down the stretch last year. I hate to say it but I think Brett should stay retired

Drew (Buffalo)

If Kobe and Lebron were on the same team then ESPN would no longer cover sports as a whole, they would just cover that team.

Jay Crawford

  (11:42 AM)

good one drew!

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Words ringing in Lebron's head right now..... MATCHUP NIGHTMARE

Loopy

Sorry Skip I gotta disagree with you when it comes to Brett Farva. He held the Packers hostage over and over again thankfully the Packers stood up to him.

Jason (Kent, Oh)

Stan Van Gundy reminds me of a uised car salesman.

Matt (Milford,DE)

What happened to the cavs defense this series?

Dustin (Florida)

Will the only person on that list that we would miss was Hedo

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

hedo is a huge key and will make any team instantly better...

Feeve, Milwaukee

Personally I'll love to see Favre back in the NFC central. Speaking as a Bear fan in Wisconsin. I'd have to strong arm QB's throwing my team passes.

Dan (Chicago, IL)

If skip wants to find people that might think Favre held the Packers hostage, he should actually talk to Packers fans who are now looking at him going to Minnesota

JD (Boston)

Joe in E town-say something worth posting then it gets posted...if you are lucky- how would you like to read 3000 messages an hour, then decide who is postworthy?

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Dustin, they'd miss Gortat too. He's great for them off the bench.

Jon (Mad-town)

Brett Favre did not hold the Packers hostage. Players in the NFL have the least leverage and guarantees in any sport. They had a QB in the wings anyhow and they made the smart football decision like any team should. Anyone who thinks Favre was pulling the strings there is fooling themselves.

Jay Crawford

  (11:46 AM)

itdsits not easy. we never see them all and some never even make it to us. we do our best gang

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Sorry Loopy.....you're wrong. All Favre did was change his mind. How is that holding a team hostage? If the Packers didn't want him last year all they had to do was cut him. Simple as that. The Packers created the drama on itself. Skip and Stephen are right. Tark sounds like a bitter OB.

Jason (Kent, Oh)

If orlando and denver make it to the finals it will be the most boring finals match up since 1995

Brian(Dover)

My Jazz should sign Hedo......team him with Deron Williams and Paul Millsap....let Boozer go and they would be back in the top 4 in the West.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

I can imagine Brett Farve in a Nursing home at the age of 80 wanting to play again. He can play with his oxygen tank tagging along.

Michael (KY)

Gerald in Brooklyn..... and COACH OF THE YEAR Mike Brown isnt loaded with talent!? I swear, SVG gets drilled for no reason!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

What would a First Take chat be without someone whining that they aren't getting posted? It would be like an NBA chat without someone whining that the refs were in on a fix.

Mike Morgantown, WV

Johnny, all I'm saying is a man who never won a superbowl in three tries should not be wishing failures on others when he couldn't get the job done himself. Is he scared Brett will win the game he lost THREE times?

Dustin (Florida)

Yes Jay, but we still have amazing shooters besides him

Mark (Ohio)

Im with Joe my posts are getting on Im tired of losing a long paragraph lol

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Someone needs to tell Stan Van Gundy that the Sonny Crocket look is so 80s

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jay should I go play baseball at a Junior College and pursue my dream of making it to the MLB.

Jay Crawford

  (11:47 AM)

of course. if you're good.

Aaron (Utah)

Why won't Brett Favre make up his mind? If he would've retired people would have more respect for him

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Hedo's agent says he wants 10 million 4 years. Magic can only give him 3 years 30 million. If we cant resign him I saw sign and Trade him to Portland for Travis Outlaw and Bayless. Gortat wants to be a starter in the NBA. He will probably stay with Orlando though

Blackeastwood, Toledo, OH

Just look at how dude in San Diego is being treated for havine a "NO TRADE" clause in his contract. Fans and media are fical, critize Brett, now critize Peavy

Wil (Orlando)

Lebron needs to get on one of those puppet commercials and cut the strings. Symbolically taking control of his own destiny and quite having to live up to other people's expectations.

Feeve, Milwaukee

Let Boozer go???? You must really be a Laker fan huh? How far does the Jazz go(in the West) without a good 4??

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Mike: No, you called one of the best QBs ever an epic failure. Don't backtrack on me now.

Kevin (NYC)

Relax guys, Hedo's the Turkish Jordan, not the actual Jordan.

John, Austin

Here we go again, we almost make it the entire show but Aaron in Utah has to go and ask a BF question. Way to blow it Aaron!!!

Will (WV)

Magic win the finals in a sweep....wait...more tequila please~!

Feeve, Milwaukee

Matt the answer is....Mike Brown is OVERRATED. Tell me a championship coach that plays the same team 4 times in a row, with the exact same defensive skeme, that hasn't worked!!!

Selena (Louisiana)

I can solve the refs problem. Throw out the new flagrant rules and go back to the 60s and 70s and find those refs. They will let players play.

Jay Crawford

  (11:51 AM)

selena, best post of the day! congrats

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jay you'll see how good I am at the home run derby once Orlando wins tonight. I'm flying to Bristol.

Jay Crawford

  (11:51 AM)

bring it g

Aaron (Utah)

John how did I blow it?

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Cavs 104 - Magic 91.

jay from indianapolis

the problem with superstars like the king and peyton manning is that they get so much money that the team cant afford to get them help if they were wanting a ring then they would work something out

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

That music makes me Randy Baby! Yeah!

Jason (Kent)

Tennis really. Noone watches it anyways

Selwyn (Connecticut)

Oh this is just another poster complaining his posts never make it. :-)

tom nj [via mobile]

Please stop posting me. the other guys are getting jealous.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

HAHAHHA

Jay Crawford

  (11:53 AM)

i pitch to you, you pitch to me adam.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

10 outs each Jay if you hit it foul thats an out, you hit it in the outfield thats an out.

Jay Crawford

  (11:53 AM)

i know the rules adam.

Revis (Florence, KY)

Any NFL player who is whining about their contract should be kicked in the butt. How do they not realize how good they have it?

Feeve, Milwaukee

So what's Up Dana??? Jay??? Is Mike Brown overrated???

Jay Crawford

  (11:53 AM)

easily.

Wil (Orlando)

Cavs 93 - Orlando 84...return of the D. All for one and one for all.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Animal House vs. Anchorman? It's LeBron/Kobe all over again.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Skip you're right just go out and say it, Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series Manny vs. A-Rod

ALAN(TAMPA BAY)

hey skip dont forget they have the best manager in the game Joe Torre

Blackeastwood, Toledo, OH

Jay from Indy, ever heard of max contracts? There will never be another Kevin Garnett contract, neva eva

Brian(Dover)

Please tell Stephen Bardo to stick to basketball. The Giants are nothing without Lincecum? Has he ever heard of Matt Cain who is pitching better than Timmy?

Umor (Detroit)

Animal House better than Achorman, To many of the lines You can repeat at ant time.

Trevor (warner robins, ga)

As always first take, it has been fun. Stay thirsty my friends!

Tyrone (Newark, NJ)

orlando and dever would be a great finals everyone just over hype for leron vs kobe

Mike Morgantown, WV

Okay I won't, he is a failure, he is no where near Favre. The job of an NFL QB is to win the big game, he lost it three times. Not to mention he hasnt played a down in 30 years!

David (Ohio)

Cleveland has a must win game tonight! They will be fired up tonight. Time to extend the series

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Hey Dan....sorry Dude: Magic 102 Cavs 87

JD (Boston)

ummmmmm Peyton Manning got a ring.....

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Magic are undefeated when holding he Lebrons to under 90 points. With that said: Magic 95-Lebrons 83

Jim (WI)

Jay....who knows more sports....you or dana?

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Jay, did you and Dana give Skip his medication this morning? Something must be wrong with him! Anchorman? When did that movie come out?

Jay Crawford

  (11:56 AM)

ummm. its a tie.

Will (WV)

Time to go play wiffle ball!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:56 AM)

funny will, thats what iu do at noon too

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Animal House was way better than Anchorman. Will Ferrel isn't funny. Anchorman was ok though.

Revis (Florence, KY)

Anchorman? Really? Will Ferrell should be banned from making any more movies. He's the unfunniest guy on the planet.

Jay Crawford

  (11:57 AM)

peace room! talk tomorrow

Anthony (San Antonio,TX)

Hey Dan is that the total number of turnovers the Cavs has made in the series.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Mark my words. If the Cavs don't make it to or win the Finals, you will see Jason Kidd and/or Shaq in Cleveland next year. Book it.

Mike Morgantown, WV

Skip, you are right again Anchor Man beats Animal House any day!

Brian(Dover)

Anchorman...NO. Animal House....NO. Caddyshack.........YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Jon (Mad-town)

Anchorman gets funnier every time you see it. Animal house loses its luster. If you go by sustainability/rewatchability Anchorman wins!

Michael Kim

  (12:01 PM)

talk to you folks tomorrow

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Anchorman is gold. Will Ferrell hasn't done anything of relevance since then though.

Darrell (UCF)

Animal House is amazing! Poor Skip has never been to a Toga Party.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

All those Vince Carter rumors last season may come up again this season if every Cavalier not named LeBron can't shoot open jumpers well again.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

Thank you guys. Enjoyed it like always. Thanks for Asking skip about the commercial idea. GO MAGIC

Michael Kim

  (12:03 PM)

That's a wrap for me... Good chat... Talk to you tomorrow.