First Take

First Take begins with Lebron's uncertain future. Would a deep Lakers playoff run bring him back to The City of Angels for one last hoorah, or does the Kid From Akron already have one foot back in Cleveland? (0:00) Then, which Promised Land is Aaron Glenn referring to when mentioning Geno Smith? Mount 5-12 ? Arch Manning Island? (13:40) Then, Mad Dog is MAD at Carlos Boozer celebrating too early, the NFL for not agreeing to a new deal with their referees and playing an Australia game! (23:40) Finally, 3-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin joins First Take! (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with two teams headed in opposite directions. The Lakers continued their winning ways with a stomping of Harden's Cavs, and the Knicks fell deeper into the pit of despair after losing a blowout to Amen's Rockets. (0:00) Then, a crossroads for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. We finally sort out who is to blame in this debacle of a franchise in Philly. Next, Amar'e Stoudemire was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame! As a founding member of the 7 seconds or less Suns, and the prototype for many power forwards of today, does this NBA legend really deserve to be in the HOF? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a battle for MVP! Will SGA secure his second, or can Wemby steal it from his cold blooded 55 fg% hands? (0:00) Then, WWE Superstar Trick Williams joins First Take! (15:40) Next, the Bulls waived Jaden Ivey after making homophobic remarks. Stephen A. comments... (26:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with yet another SGA MVP-esque performance. 47 points on 63% shooting?? Shades of Michael and early Stevie Franchise... Was this a finals preview? (0:00) Then, Cowboys drama is heating up! George Pickens may not report to OTAs if Jerry fails to deliver a long term deal. Can the Cowboys afford to pay him and Ceedee? (24:30) Next, are you more surprised with the Hawks shocking midseason turnaround post Trae trade, or the shorthanded Celtics surviving Jayson Tatum's injury to stick as the East's two seed? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a Final Four full of storylines! Can UConn really win it all, or is Arizona-Michigan the real title game? (0:00) Then, The UConn Women made mincemeat of their competition on the way to another Final Four trip. Is anyone stopping this god squad? (12:00) Next, is Jayson Tatum officially back after a 32 point performance against the streaking Hornets? (23:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Jay Will facing the music! How can a Blue Blood like Duke suffer two of the worst tournament losses in back to back years? With all of those first round draft picks and brand recognition? (0:00) Then, after another loss to a top team, can the Knicks be trusted in the playoffs? (26:20) Next, what statement did Michigan make with a massive win over Tennessee? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Sweet 16 thrillers! Illinois stomped Houston in their hometown, Iowa shocked Nebraska after a brutal coaching blunder from Fred Hoiberg, and Darius Acuff Jr. went out with a bang, losing big to Arizona. Which loss was the most disappointing? Plus, the crew rips on Will Wade's and LSU's lack of loyalty and backbone. (0:00) Then, Shams breaks a few new tanking proposals. Surely these will be the ones that fix it! (15:05) Next, Andraya Carter breaks down the most intriguing matchups from an insane weekend of college hoops! (21:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another early Calipari exit. Darius Acuff Jr. and the Razorbacks felt the wrath of Koa Peat and the Wildcats, losing big in California. Is Coach Cal to blame for the loss? (0:00) Then, the Hornets smoked the Knicks in Charlotte. There's something brewing in Buzz City with the KonMelo duo. More importantly, Stephen A. responds to Josh Hart naming him a "part-time Knicks fan." (22:00) Next, Seth Greenberg is riding with the Johnnies to beat Duke. How can they pull off the upset? (37:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Draymond's strong Wemby statement! He is TIRED of the media only caring about one side of the ball! SAS tells us if he has a point... (0:00) Then, Adam Silver once again declared he is ready to stop tanking once and for all! Should we believe him? (12:00) Next, which one seed is on the highest upset alert heading into the Sweet Sixteen? (23:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the new SGA! Jaylen Brown used Shai's own foulbaiting tactics against him (two weeks after declaring he never foulbaits). Are we ready to put the Celtics in the Thunder/Spurs tier? (0:00) Then, with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson going out in the first weekend, is Darius Acuff Jr. the best player left in the NCAA tournament? (27:10) Next, Luka already led one team to the finals. Is he playing well enough to carry ANOTHER past the Spurs and Thunder to reach his second? (39:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a potentially short lived NBA rule. After outcry from Cade Cunningham's agent, the NBA may consider changing the 65 game minimum to win awards. Doggy doesn't wants EVERYONE to quit their whining! Then, Tiger's return to the TGL had us thinking.. would you want to play indoor golf with Stephen A.? Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Joe Burrow playing flag football, late Sweet Sixteen start times, and the MLB taking games away from local networks! Finally, Jess Mendoza's Top 5 teams that can stop a Dodgers threepeat! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Hubert Davis being relieved of his duties at UNC. Is Kenny "The Jet" Smith the right fit for UNC, or will his lack of coaching experience hinder his ability to attract five star talent and compete with Duke? Then, Jess Mendoza goes toe to toe with Stephen A. and Doggy on the Dodgers threepeating! Would it be good for baseball? Next, DanO defends his Simpson>Mendoza take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a battle of NBA superstars! You can have Luka, Wemby or SGA for the rest of the season. Which one is winning you a title? (0:00) Next, Jayson Tatum is shooting a career low 38% from the floor since returning. Combined with Jaylen Brown's subpar play, are they hindering the Celtics from being Eastern Conference Champs? (18:20) Next, what does Tiger Wood's return mean for golf? (28:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the next version of LeBron. This time, he brings a defense first mindset to a high powered, offensively driven Lakers team. Is this the best formula for a shot at the title? (0:00) Then, do you agree with Josh Hart? Is criticizing Mikal Bridges unfair? (28:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the surging Lakers. Are they on the same level as the Spurs and Thunder? (0:00) Next, with zero mid-majors reaching the Sweet Sixteen, can we officially declare Cinderellas dead? (8:40) Then, WNBPA president Nneka Ogyumike tells all on the WNBA's new CBA! (18:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the St John's-Kansas dogfight! Pitino's Johnnies emerged victorious on a Dylan Darling buzzer beating layup. Darryn Peterson's college career came to an end, and his lackluster play throughout the season has Stephen A. and Jay-Will wondering if he should go top 5... (0:00) Next, basketball savant Jay-Will breaks down Iowa's game winner against Florida. (16:30) Then, which blue blood program's future are you most concerned about? (24:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Dybantsa vs. Acuff Jr. Which surefire lottery pick had the more impressive performance in round 1? (0:00) Then, High Point's coach Flynn Clayman went OFF on Major conference schools not scheduling mid-majors! (13:45) Next, who would you want for a playoff run: Wemby or Luka? (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another Luka BANGER! 60 pts, 5 ast, and 7 reb led the Lakers to an eighth straight win. Who's ahead of him in the MVP chase? (0:00) Then, should we be concerned about Duke's lackluster performance against Gerry McNamara and Siena? (25:30) Next, Wemby's game winner sent the Spurs to the playoffs for the first time since 2019! How important was his shot for Wemby's legacy? (39:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with legendary head coaches. Would you rather have Izzo, Hurley, Pitino, or Bill Self in the NCAA Tournament? (0:00) Then, Windy and Stephen A. rhapsodize over the advisory council partially formed by Tom Brady and Dwyane Wade to council athletes in financial literacy. (14:40) Next, Joe FortenBets picks 5 first round upsets on the Men's side! (25:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with injury news coming out of Detroit. Cade Cunningham will be sidelined multiple weeks with a collapsed lung. (0:00) Then, the Lakers won their 7th straight on the backs of LeBron and Luka 30 balls. Are you taking them seriously as contenders? (6:40) Next, which one seed will be eliminated first: Florida, Duke, Arizona or Michigan? (25:20) Finally, can Jaylen Waddle's speed and finesse take a slower, mediocre Broncos offense over the top in 2026? (36:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Mad Dog's Final Four. Two 5 seeds?? Mad Dog has officially gone...crazy. (0:00) Then, does Jaylen Waddle put Bo Nix and the Broncos on top of the AFC? (13:15) Next, Mad Dog is mad about Matt Leinart's unretired jersey, people who make multiple tournament brackets, and the Oscars having ten best picture nominees! (24:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a devastating USA loss. Aaron Judge went hitless in the WBC Finals vs Venezuela, leading to a second straight championship loss for the Americans. (0:00) Then, will the NCAA Tournament determine the number one pick in the draft, or has it already been decided? (17:20) Next, the Knicks have taken advantage of a light spot in their schedule to throw together a mini winning streak! Could they steal the two seed from the Celts? (25:40) And, Chiney on a HISTORIC new CBA for the WNBA. (38:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Luka's All-NBA 1st Team case... Is he a lock after the Lakers recent run? (0:00) Then, breaking news!! The Dolphins traded star WR Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Get DanO's immediate reaction to this blockbuster move! (12:40) Next, with Shams reporting that NBA expansion is imminent, is the talent pool deep enough to fill two more teams? (23:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the box office smashing Hollywood Lakers. LeBron's newfound defensive prowess and Luka's paint dominance earned them a sixth straight win! Are they in the same tier as the Spurs and Thunder in the West? (0:00) Then, Perk is taking a stand for Darius Acuff Jr.! Would you rather have him or A.J. Dybansta for the NCAA tournament? (26:20) Next, is Jayson Tatum's return hurting Jaylen Brown's MVP case, or are Brown's tour date-esque nightly shooting numbers doing enough on their own? (40:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Coach Cal's best guard ever? Darius Acuff shined during the SEC Tournament, leading Arkansas to March glory with a win over Vandy in the finals. Can he continue this dominant stretch into the NCAA Tournament? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. is NOT happy with his New York Knicks after an embarrassingly close victory against the Steph-less Warriors. (17:20) Next, which legendary coach had the more impressive season: Pitino or Calipari? (34:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with brackets!! Did the number one overall seed Blue Devils get hosed? Or, did 5 seed St. Johns just prove winning your conference tournament doesn't even matter? (0:00) Then, the red hot Lakers won their 5th straight game over the weekend. This time, taking down Jokic and the mighty Nuggets. Are we ready to move them into the title contenders tier? (26:30) Next, Andraya Carter answers: Uconn or the field? (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the most impressive performance from a chaotic night of NBA games! Did Luka's 50 ball outshine yet another Jokic triple double? (0:00) Then, Windy, Vinny and Forty react to Erik Spoelstra's reaction to fans reacting to Bam Adebayo's 83 point performance! (13:50) Next, Geno Smith is returning to where it all started in the Meadowlands! Are the Jets finally on the right track? (25:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a SHOCKER. Jaylen Brown logged another complaint, this time about SGA's foul baiting. Does the second best player on the Celtics have a point? (0:00) Then, Kyler Murray agreed to a one year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Can KOC turn the former number one overall pick's career around? (25:20) Next, Seth Greenberg previews Duke's massive semifinal matchup vs Clemson. Can they survive without Caleb Foster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Jaylen Brown's MVP case!! Putting his -8.7 Net On/Off aside, should he be in the MVP conversation. (0:00) Then, RC gets a chance to clap back at Vinny for his Bam take! (16:30) Next, RC tells us his top 5 free agent signings so far! (28:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the new look Ravens. Did Maxx Crosby's "failed" physical get them a player who is 80% of the Raiders star while also saving two future first round picks? (0:00) Then, the Vikings are on the clock! Will they make a move on Kyler Murray? (24:00) Next, Gordon Hayward went on UnSportsmanLike on ESPN2 and ESPNU to call out Bam for stat padding his way to 83 points. How different was his game vs Kobe's? (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing the latest investigative series from ESPN and 30 for 30 Podcasts, “Murder at The U.” A college football star on the brink of NFL greatness is brazenly executed steps from campus. The case almost goes cold until a team of ESPN reporters start digging… and find a side of the victim he didn't want people to know. To catch new episodes early, follow “30 for 30 Podcasts” for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the new Jokers of the NFL! Baltimore backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade at the last minute. Will they become the NFL trade market black sheep? (0:00) Then, was Bam's 83 point performance a "remember where you were" moment? (13:50) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Thanksgiving Eve football, Danny Dimes new deal, and Big Dumper's handshake refusal!! (27:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Trey Hendrickson on his way to Baltimore! Are the Ravens or the league to blame for this debacle? (0:00) Then, Mad Dog is NOT impressed with Bam's record breaking night. (15:35) Next, Jaylen Brown needs to be a better example to the kids of America. Kids read these mid-game tweets, Jaylen! (26:10) Finally, Mark DeRosa doesn't know the WBC rules?? Did he cost the USA a chance at a world title? (43:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Lamar's super team. Is he officially all out of excuses going into next season? (0:00) Next, Steve Kerr is NOT a fan of the current NBA schedule. What's the solution to keep players from sitting out games? (14:30) Then, Stephen A. weighs in on Dana White's most recent comments! (31:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with SGA securing MVP vs Jokic. His step-back dagger three secured the win against a hungry Nuggets squad. Can we officially hand him the trophy? (0:00) Then, the consistently inconsistent Knicks can't find the blend. Stephen A. thinks they may be closer to irrelevancy than winning the title. (34:10) Next, Dwoody tells us his favorite moves from day 1 of NFL free agency. (42:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the consistently inconsistent Knicks. Kenny Smith is picking the Celtics over them in the East playoffs, especially after Tatum's triumphant return! (0:00) Then, Michael Jordan weighed in on the GOAT debate! (12:05) Next, Kenny asks Stephen A. if he'd prefer Wemby or Jokic on the Knicks! (27:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the return of Tatum! The Celtics went 2-0 over the weekend with big wins over the Cavs and Mavs! Can they win the title with Tatum in his current form?? (0:00) Then, does Maxx Crosby make the Ravens title favorites? (27:10) And, how worried should the Nuggets be after a Knicks trouncing over the weekend? (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the new look Celtics! Does adding the former all star make them the favorites in the east? (0:00) Then, CC lists his top 5 QBs on the move! (23:35) Next, would you rather pay to see Wemby's graceful strides on fast breaks and earth shattering blocks against frightened guards, or Shohei's ferocious bat speed through the zone and sophisticated demeanor on the mound? (34:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Wemby's extraterrestrial performance against the supposed finals contender Pistons! David Dennis and CC are ready to give him his "Best Player in the League" Belt, but Vinny can't quite get there!... Yet! (0:00) Then, Jayson Tatum's is COMING for his "Best Player on the Celtics" belt! (14:50) Next, DJ is head to Buffalo. Did Bills Mafia correctly appoint Josh's next capo? (22:50) Finally, Is Luka underachieving as a superstar? (36:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with NBA teams under the most pressure to reach the finals! Do the Knicks NEED to snatch the Thunder's crown this year? (0:00) Next, Luka KONcic/KONu Ginobili lit up TD Garden in a Buzz City coming out party vs the Celtics! Are we ready to give Kon Knueppel ROY over Cooper Flagg? (13:30) Then, the age old question; what Bostonians have pondered for a decade while enjoying winning season after winning season... Is this Jayson Tatum's or Jaylen Brown's team? (21:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with SGA's impression of Harden in the Garden!! Shai mastered the art of the foul bait en route to a 7th straight win in MSG! Are we more or less impressed by the Knicks after a close loss to the reigning champs? (0:00) Then, Dak had some wise words for George Pickens on how to deal with NFL contracts! (19:50) Next, does Miami (OH) need to win the MAC tourney to reach the NCAA tourney? (35:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a NOLA takedown! The Pelicans responded to Stephen A.'s Zion roast by showing off his top tier athleticism in a tweet! SAS has some words for the 19 win, tanking Pels... (0:00) Then, which NBA team has the highest ceiling? (13:15) Next, is there anything the Lakers can do to prove they're contenders? (25:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Cavs take down of the Pistons sans Donovan Mitchell. Should we view them as the favorites? (0:00) Then, is Daniel Jones getting transition tagged a good or bad sign for the QB market? (27:30) Next, the Bengals fumbled Trey Hendrickson's entire contract situation. Now he'll most likely walk away when they could've traded him for multiple picks years ago! Should Joe Burrow be confident with his future in Cincinnati? (35:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Zion opening up about his injury issues. Perk and Stephen A. defend their past takes on his fluctuating weight. (0:00) Then Seth Greenberg tells us who the best freshman NBA prospect is right now! (13:00) Next, we react to Chris Canty's top 5 NFL trades he wants to see! Myles Garrett is heading where?? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a Milwaukee beatdown! Hugo and the Celts dominated the Bucks, spoiling Giannis's return. Should the Greek Freak push for the play-in, or watch the Bucks freefall into the draft lottery? (0:00) Then, should the Jets trade up for Fernando Mendoza? (26:30) Next, which NBA team is under the most pressure to reach the finals? (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Draymond's bizarre defense of Nico Harrison... Stephen A. digs deeper into his rant. (0:00) Then, DanO tells us which QB impressed him most at the NFL Combine! (18:00) Next, the Nuggets puzzling clutch time offense struggled again against Ant-Man and the Wolves. Are you confident he could lead them past the Nuggets, Thunder AND Spurs?? (30:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an MSG shellacking! Brunson's Knicks demolished Wemby's Spurs in a potential finals preview! Is it time to panic about the Spurs lack of depth and inconsistent shooting, or praise the Knicks deep bench and tenacity? (0:00) Then, how far away are the Cowboys from being true contenders? (24:40) Next, The Celtics took down a shorthanded Sixers squad led by Neemias Queta's impressive low post game. Are they the team to beat in the East? (42:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the West's top seeds. Should the Thunder worry about Wemby and the Spurs, or can they coast to the finals again? (0:00) Then, Peter Schrager on his one true love: Sonny Styles. (17:30) Next, the true barometer of NBA contenders has leaked: Brian Windhorst booked his hotels for the finals! (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with another LOUD Lakers Loss. Luka's counting stats were phenomenal, again, but shouldn't he be more of a two-way player? (0:00) Then, breaking news!! the Cowboys are franchise tagging George Pickens. When will they learn?? (24:40) Next, Seth Rollins!! (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Luka the Leader! He leads the league in turnovers/game, points/game, and ref-complaints/game! Could The Don lead the Lakers to a championship? (0:00) Then, WWE star Jey Uso joins! (13:35) Next, Todd Monken is high on Deshaun Watson AND Shedeur Sanders! Who is the Browns front runner to start week 1? (21:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a mile high MVP showdown. Nikola Jokic thoroughly outplayed Jaylen Brown leading to a Nuggets beatdown. Can the Celtics really contend without Jayson Tatum? (0:00) Then, is Fernando Mendoza the clear cut number 1 pick? (25:10) Plus, Jay Will responds to KD's criticism of USA basketball! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices