Podcast appearances and mentions of evan mobley

The hosts on 92.3 The Fan react to the news of LeBron James choosing to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers over returning home to Cleveland. They analyze the fallout for GM Koby Altman and debate how the Cavaliers should pivot their roster strategy moving forward around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

The hosts on 92.3 The Fan react to the news of LeBron James choosing to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers over returning home to Cleveland. They analyze the fallout for GM Koby Altman and debate how the Cavaliers should pivot their roster strategy moving forward around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

Lima and Nick Pedone break down a widely-mocked exchange between Rich Paul and Shams Charania in which Charania appeared to reveal, and Paul appeared caught off guard by, a previously undisclosed in-person meeting between LeBron James and the full Cavaliers front office and Gilbert family in Akron in early July. The hosts mock the exchange as poorly acted and argue it makes the LeBron snub sting even more, since the Cavs reportedly had access no other suitor got, yet still lost him to Philadelphia. They pivot to roster construction, agreeing the Cavs likely need to trade Jarrett Allen to add a perimeter defender like Jonathan Kaminga and create spacing for Evan Mobley and their guards, while noting the front office remains thin on tradable assets and draft picks.

Cavs reporter Chris Fedor joins Lima and Nick Pedone to unpack new reporting that LeBron James's camp met with Cavs ownership and front office in Akron in early July, and explains why Shams Charania chose to keep that meeting private. Fedor argues the decision ultimately came down to basketball fit, since LeBron would have been a non-shooting third option playing heavy defensive minutes alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, while Philadelphia offered a cleaner roster fit and a shot at becoming the first player to win championships with four different franchises. He also addresses the Cavs' quiet offseason, confirming the Mario Hezonja signing is still expected to go through despite Real Madrid interest, and says the front office's refusal to trade Evan Mobley has limited their ability to make a bigger splash, though moves involving Jonathan Kaminga or Peyton Watson remain possible.

Lima and Lance discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason and the necessity of adding athletic wings to the roster. Lloyd provides a blunt assessment of the Browns' quarterback situation, stating he has no interest in seeing Deshaun Watson return to the field. They also analyze the growth of Evan Mobley and the team's decision to retain him over potential trades for stars like Jaylen Brown. 01:50 - Event And Sports Update 06:20 - Kuminga And Athletic Wings 14:33 - Jason Lloyd Interview Begins 21:34 - Dan Gilbert Organization Expectations 29:46 - Browns Quarterback Competition Issues 36:12 - Trading Mobley For Jaylen Brown 41:53 - Caller Discusses Donovan Mitchell

Jason Lloyd of The Athletic joins Lima and Lance to explain why the Cavs have no realistic offseason moves left, calling Jonathan Kuminga their best remaining option while cautioning it's the end of July with nothing great on the market. He argues Evan Mobley now faces unfair pressure as the "you could've had Jalen Brown or LeBron instead" comparisons pile up, and that Jaylon Tyson needs a full training camp to find his fit alongside Harden, Mitchell, and Mobley. Lloyd shoots down the idea that keeping Darius Garland would've changed LeBron's decision, calling that framing unfair to the Cavs, and says he doesn't buy any cap-circumvention conspiracy around LeBron's Topps deal. He closes by ripping the Browns' quarterback situation as exhausting "nonsense," saying he has zero interest in watching Deshaun Watson play again and expects Cleveland to draft a quarterback in 2027.

Lima and Lance revisit Jason Lloyd's comments and admit they went back and forth on whether the Cavs should have traded Evan Mobley for Jaylen Brown, with Lima arguing Oklahoma City's pursuit of Mobley signals real belief in his trajectory rather than a finished product. They debate how much more growth is realistic for Mobley entering year six, agreeing he still lacks a reliable go-to bucket in late-game playoff situations and questioning whether fans are expecting him to be something he's not. A caller named Josh pushes back on LeBron nostalgia, praises Donovan Mitchell for publicly embracing Cleveland unlike LeBron's repeated exits, and pitches Herb Jones or Cam Johnson as realistic trade targets if Denver looks to shed salary. The segment closes by teasing a Jason Lloyd quarterback comment that left Lima visibly stunned.

Lima and Lance react to Shams' report linking the Cavs to DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson, but Lima argues neither move addresses the real problem exposed in the playoffs: a lack of athletic wings, using OG Anunoby's ability to smother ball-handlers as the example of what Cleveland is missing. They debate whether Jonathan Kuminga is worth chasing despite two teams giving up on him, with Lima insisting his freak athleticism and playoff scoring upside outweigh his shooting limitations. The conversation turns to team-building philosophy, questioning whether Jarrett Allen still fits alongside Evan Mobley and whether the Cavs deserve more credit for how far they got despite a late-season shakeup with James Harden.

Jeff and Dan analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster construction and the need for defensive wings following several off-season departures. They weigh the benefits of trading Jarrett Allen to acquire Trey Murphy and discuss how James Harden's presence impacts Evan Mobley's growth. 01:00 - Banter and Training Camp 02:47 - Local Sports Updates 03:34 - Cavs Offseason Analysis

Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen explore a Cleveland Cavaliers offseason simulation, debating whether to trade Jared Allen or retain James Harden. They analyze Evan Mobley's potential for a breakout season and evaluate potential small forward acquisitions like Trey Murphy III or Jonathan Kuminga. The conversation also transitions to the start of Cleveland Browns training camp as veterans report for the season. 01:50 - Browns Veterans Report 06:09 - Pelicans Trade Options 09:22 - Trading Jared Allen 12:52 - Evan Mobley Development 17:01 - Small Forward Upgrades 23:42 - Harden And Mitchell Fit 27:46 - Eastern Conference Outlook 31:20 - Koby Altman Simulator 37:20 - Mobley Shooting Concerns

Jeff and Dan analyze Koby Altman's roster construction for the Cleveland Cavaliers, specifically the search for a wing defender and Evan Mobley's offensive trajectory. Callers debate whether the team should have pursued a blockbuster trade for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown. 01:13 - Koby Altman's Offseason Strategy 05:02 - Evan Mobley's Offensive Development 08:04 - Trading Mobley for Superstars 11:42 - Hiring a Big Man Coach

Lima and Daryl Ruiter poke fun at a golf and wine country reunion photo of the 2024-25 Cavs playoff team, including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Tristan Thompson, joking about who got snubbed from the invite list like Ty Jerome and Jalen Tyson. They argue fans got spoiled by how easy LeBron made deep playoff runs look from 2014 to 2018, which is why last year's seven-game grinds through the postseason felt unsatisfying by comparison. A caller named Brad puts the blame squarely on Koby Altman for being "outdueled" by his former assistant Mike Gansey in Philadelphia, sparking a debate about whether Dan Gilbert was truly upset on Friday given the business impact of frozen season tickets.

Anthony Lima and Daryl process the fallout of LeBron James choosing the Philadelphia 76ers over a Cleveland homecoming. They analyze the impact of Kobe Altman's decisions, interview Danny Cunningham on potential roster moves, and discuss the mounting pressure on Evan Mobley. 01:50 - Jonathan Kuminga Rumors 05:24 - Blaming Kobe Altman 08:43 - Evan Mobley's Development 15:30 - Danny Cunningham Interview 21:40 - Potential Trade Targets 26:37 - Mobley's Max Pressure 34:10 - Guardians' Losing Streak 39:48 - Paul Hoynes Recognition 42:23 - Jerry Jeudy Statement

Danny Cunningham joins the show and argues the Cavs share real blame for LeBron picking Philadelphia, since Cleveland never matched Miami's Giannis addition or Philly's Jalen Brown deal before he decided. He pushes back on some of the reported "reasons" leaking from LeBron's camp, especially the idea that Donovan Mitchell staying was a dealbreaker, calling that unbelievable given Mitchell's production. Cunningham also breaks down realistic paths forward for Koby Altman, including a potential Denver salary-dump trade for Cam Johnson and a renewed look at Jonathan Kuminga, while stressing the real pressure now falls on Evan Mobley to justify the front office's faith in him.

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin's discussion centers on the fallout of LeBron James potentially moving to Philadelphia and the impact his career decisions have on the legacies of other players. This segment evaluates the developmental trajectory of Evan Mobley within the Cleveland Cavaliers organization and Koby Altman's long-term commitment to the roster. 01:00 - LeBron James Philly Rumors 04:31 - Personal Heritage Discussion 07:34 - Evan Mobley Expectations

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin discuss how Cavs fans have reacted to LeBron's decision, and they talk about the pressure on Evan Mobley. Then, they react to sound bites and storylines from around the sports and entertainment world.

The first hour of "Baskin & Phelps" for Monday, July 27, 2026.

Jeff and Dan discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' current roster situation and potential trade pieces following the latest NBA free agency developments. They also analyze the Eastern Conference hierarchy and preview the start of training camp for the Cleveland Browns. 01:00 - Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Analysis 04:58 - Eastern Conference Tiers 09:00 - NBA Trade Market Discussion 13:30 - Browns Training Camp Update

The third hour of "Baskin & Phelps" for Monday, July 27, 2026.

Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen analyze Chris Fedor's assessment of the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason and the pivotal role Evan Mobley plays in the team's future success. They explore whether the coaching staff and stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland will prioritize Mobley's growth to elevate the franchise. 01:08 - Evaluating the Cavs Offseason 02:56 - Maxing Out Mobley's Potential 08:43 - Building Around Evan Mobley

Chris Fedor joins Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen on the program to explain why LeBron James chose the 76ers over a return to Cleveland, citing basketball fit and the desire to build a new legacy. They discuss the Cavaliers' interest in Jonathan Kuminga and the financial hurdles involved in a potential deal. Fedor also emphasizes that Evan Mobley must become an offensive focal point for the team to succeed this season. 01:41 - Chris Fedor Interview 05:50 - LeBron James Legacy Discussion 09:47 - Jonathan Kuminga Trade Interest 14:35 - Evan Mobley Performance Pressure 18:51 - Schröder and Strus Rumors

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin evaluate LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and the potential fallout for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They debate the impact on his legacy while questioning whether fans should blame James Harden's presence or Evan Mobley's lack of offensive development for the failed reunion. 01:05 - LeBron's Choice Impact 05:30 - LeBron Returning To Cleveland 08:45 - LeBron's Legacy Discussion 12:47 - Rich Paul Comments 14:49 - Harden Versus Mobley Debate

Danny Green joins Daryl Ruiter and Dan Menningen to discuss LeBron James' surprising decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. He analyzes the basketball fit alongside Joel Embiid and reflects on the championship expectations in Philly. They also cover the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster moves and Evan Mobley's potential for a breakout season. 01:00 - LeBron Joins 76ers 05:37 - Cavaliers Offseason Analysis 10:04 - Front Office Moves

The second hour of "Afternoon Drive on The Fan" for Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin evaluate the possibility of LeBron James returning to Cleveland and the potential roster sacrifices required, such as trading Evan Mobley. They also react to diverse fan opinions from callers while shifting into a humorous critique of comedian Matt Rife. 01:00 - LeBron Cavs Return Speculation 05:31 - Anthony Davis Trade Rumors 09:11 - Matt Rife Comedy Tangent

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin explore the implications of LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the potential trade packages involving Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. They also debate the Golden State Warriors' future planning and the high cost of trading core players like Evan Mobley for aging veterans. 01:00 - LeBron James Trade Speculation 03:48 - Warriors Post-Steph Strategy 05:34 - Trading Evan Mobley Debate 10:31 - Anthony Davis Health Risks

Baskin and Phelps analyze the rumors linking LeBron James back to Cleveland and the social media firestorm following their recent reports. They debate the merits of trading Evan Mobley for Anthony Davis and weigh the cost of building a short-term roster for an aging superstar.

Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps weigh the risks of dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers' young core for veteran stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. They analyze whether a championship-or-bust approach is worth trading away cornerstone player Evan Mobley, especially considering the injury history of potential targets.

Baskin and Phelps analyze the feasibility of the Cavaliers acquiring Anthony Davis to lure LeBron James back to Cleveland. They explore the potential fit with Donovan Mitchell and discuss whether Evan Mobley's long-term upside outweighs the immediate championship window provided by aging superstars.

Baskin and Phelps analyze the potential return of LeBron James to Cleveland and the significant roster sacrifices it might require. They debate rumors suggesting the Cavaliers trade young star Evan Mobley for veteran Anthony Davis to satisfy LeBron's championship timeline. Listeners call in to express their concern about dismantling the current core for a short-term title run with aging superstars.

The hosts dig into why LeBron's three-week free agency wait is starting to strain patience, wondering whether the delay is really about leverage, roster fit, or something more personal about wanting to come back at all. They explore the flip side of a "no," including how a snub could turn Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell and the current roster into scapegoats for missed trades like Giannis or Jaylen Brown. A charity golf outing the day before revealed real optimism among Cavs-connected people that LeBron is coming home, but there's also lingering fear he could pull a repeat of 2010 or 2018.

A debate between Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin ensues regarding James Harden's physical condition and whether his recent appearance at a Fanatics event suggests he is in peak shape or just focused on upper-body workouts. They eventually pivot to discuss the potential return of LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers and identify which players would face the biggest adjustments. The conversation focuses on the sacrifices required from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden to accommodate the legendary star's leadership. 01:04 - James Harden Physical Fitness 04:05 - Harden Weight Conspiracy Theory 05:53 - LeBron Returning To Cleveland 10:46 - Donovan Mitchell Team Role

Who is ready to talk about Ja Morant, CJ McCollum, Evan Mobley and for some unknown reason Gordon HaywardIf you have players you want to see move up or down hit us up at Hoopstemple@gmail.com

Sean Deveney, NBA Insider for Heavy.com, joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the teams that make the most sense for LeBron James, the state of the Cavs if LeBron doesn't return, if Evan Mobley's been a disappointment, and more.

Andy and Jeff debate whether or not Evan Mobley is the most important piece of the Cavaliers' roster.

They break down Rich Paul's recent comments about LeBron James and the growing speculation of a return to the Cavaliers. The discussion also covers Kenny Atkinson's public endorsement of the pursuit and how the team might retool its roster around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

Ken and Anthony continue the Draymond Green debate, arguing his defensive IQ and toughness could unlock Evan Mobley in a way Jarrett Allen never has, especially with LeBron there to keep him in line. Caller Kool Ray flatly rejects the idea, insisting Draymond is all talk in the NBA and that Jarrett Allen already provides the toughness the Cavs need. Caller Deshawn disagrees, saying he'd have made a straight Allen-for-Draymond swap even without LeBron in the mix, pointing to Draymond's basketball IQ and leadership on both ends. The hosts also note the Eastern Conference may be getting weaker, with Kawhi Leonard and Toronto's situation giving them extra reason for optimism about a LeBron return.

Ken makes the case that if LeBron could turn JR Smith, once reviled by Knicks fans, into a beloved Cleveland fan favorite, he can absolutely keep Draymond Green in line for one season. He argues Cavs fans hated LeBron himself more than they'd ever hate Draymond during his Miami years, yet came around within a few seasons, so a similar redemption arc is plausible. The hosts acknowledge Draymond's history of losing his cool in big moments but insist his business partnership and documentary plans with LeBron give him every incentive to behave. A caller, Thomas from Shaker Heights, adds that Draymond could be the tough "big brother" Evan Mobley needs, comparing it favorably to the fallout from the Jordan Poole situation.

Ken and Anthony admit they have officially let their hopes rise on LeBron James returning to Cleveland, even as they take Miami seriously as a threat given the roster fit and history with Pat Riley. Charles Barkley weighs in publicly, arguing LeBron's homecoming to Cleveland would be the most fitting way to finish his career compared to ring-chasing narratives elsewhere. The hosts debate who benefits most from a LeBron return, landing on Evan Mobley as the player who could take the biggest leap under his influence and durability example. They close by placing the Cavs among the top three or four teams in the league if LeBron comes back, while acknowledging real malaise will set in around the franchise if the deal falls through.

Ken and Anthony dig into national criticism of Donovan Mitchell's new deal, playing audio of CBS's Sam Quinn calling it a contract that won't age well, before pushing back that virtually every non-Jokic, non-Wembanyama max deal will get the same treatment going forward. A caller named Jeff argues Evan Mobley, not Mitchell, needs to take the leap offensively for the Cavs to become real contenders, leading Ken to float a thought experiment about how differently we'd view Mitchell with a stronger supporting cast like Jalen Brunson's. The segment shifts to the Browns, where Ken poses a provocative question about whether Jared Verse could ultimately become more beloved in Cleveland than Myles Garrett if he provides leadership and winning, prompting Anthony to call the framing a disservice that sets Verse up to fail by comparison.

Ken and Anthony play a clip of The Athletic's Joe Vardon making the case that Cleveland is a strong LeBron fit not just for the roster, but because James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are true contemporaries he already has real relationships with, unlike younger stars on other contending teams. That leads into a debate over whether the Cavs' refusal to trade Evan Mobley is justified, with Ken and Anthony noting both Boston and Oklahoma City reportedly coveted him, and agreeing LeBron would likely want to play alongside Mobley given his two-way upside. A caller pushes for Mobley and Jarrett Allen to anchor the paint while moving Harden to a bench role. The segment closes with a lengthy World Cup tangent about Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play against Belgium after a red card controversy, with Ken again admitting his limited soccer knowledge while Anthony presses him on his contradictory level of engagement with the tournament.

Ken and Lima weigh the possibility of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers, specifically looking at how he would fit with coach Kenny Atkinson and young star Evan Mobley. They also recap holiday fireworks mishaps, discuss the US Men's National Team's roster drama, and celebrate three Guardians players being named All-Stars. 02:20 - Fireworks Safety And Holiday Recap 07:45 - LeBron James Return Rumors 12:00 - Potential LeBron Announcement Date 16:41 - Evan Mobley's Playoff Trajectory 22:06 - US Soccer Roster Drama 32:31 - Guardians All-Star Selections 36:08 - Celebrity Wedding Rumors

Ken and Anthony open with a Fourth of July fireworks safety tangent before circling back to whether Kenny Atkinson is really equipped to coach LeBron James, questioning if he's a legitimate "player's coach" or someone the roster ignored during their Eastern Conference Finals collapse. A caller named Diane predicts LeBron will announce his decision on July 11th, pointing to the date's link to his original 2014 return to Cleveland, and brings up his emotional, tearful tribute at Rocket Arena as proof of how much the city still means to him. Ken and Anthony agree that moment seemed to hit LeBron harder than almost anything else in his career. The segment closes teasing a discussion on whether the Cavs are being too stubborn about trading Evan Mobley.

Locked on Cavs host Danny Cunningham tells Ken and Anthony he believes LeBron James will end up back with the Cavs, though he stresses nothing is finalized and points to a critical window this week before things could start to feel uneasy. Cunningham pushes back on national takes calling the fit bad, arguing LeBron's playmaking, James Harden's adaptability, and Evan Mobley's defense would all mesh well, and predicts Jarrett Allen gets traded for more shooting and perimeter defense if LeBron signs. He also defends the Cavs' refusal to include Mobley in trade talks, comparing his value to what Jaylen Brown fetched, and says Kenny Atkinson's varied coaching experience gives him a real chance to handle a LeBron-led roster. The conversation closes with a broader discussion on how analytics have reshaped the NBA, with Cunningham noting the best teams use the data as a tool rather than a rigid rulebook.

Jonathan Peterlin and Jake Vulinec analyze how LeBron James would fit into a veteran role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, potentially acting as a facilitator for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. The discussion shifts to his lasting legacy and the likelihood of him playing into his mid-forties, drawing parallels to Tom Brady's career trajectory. Finally, they address caller concerns regarding roster construction, specifically the defensive chemistry between Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. 02:09 - LeBron's Role With Cavaliers 05:15 - LeBron's Longevity And Legacy 09:01 - Cavaliers Roster Trade Speculation

Ken and Anthony analyze the impact of the Jaylen Brown trade on the Cavaliers' pursuit of LeBron James and the trade values of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. They also welcome Mary Kay Cabot to discuss the intensifying quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The conversation touches on sports gambling transparency and compares LeBron's Lakers legacy to a potential Cleveland return. 02:43 - Team USA Soccer 08:10 - Sports Popularity Order 18:50 - Jaylen Brown Traded 24:00 - LeBron Return Rumors 30:00 - Collin Sexton Signing 36:00 - Evan Mobley Value 45:30 - Cavs Strategy Discussion 54:25 - Manziel Sanders Stats 01:06:10 - LeBron Lakers Legacy 01:20:00 - Guardians Rangers Recap 01:25:15 - Video Games Media 01:33:30 - Mitchell Trade Talk 01:38:30 - Mary Kay Interview 01:42:10 - Browns Quarterback Competition 01:49:10 - Mary Kay Anniversary 02:00:50 - Shedeur Sanders Discussion 02:09:10 - LeBron Legacy Context 02:23:10 - Gambling Transparency Idea 02:38:15 - Fourth Of July

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether the Cleveland Cavaliers can build a roster strong enough to entice LeBron James back to Northeast Ohio. They also critique the offensive chemistry between Jared Allen and Evan Mobley before clashing over a radical proposal to legalize and publicize gambling for professional athletes. 01:50 - Cavs Roster Strategy 06:00 - Enticing LeBron James Back 11:00 - Allen and Mobley Fit 15:50 - Manziel and Sanders Comparison 19:20 - Proposed Athlete Gambling Rules 26:30 - Integrity of the Game 35:30 - Grilling and Eating Contests 38:50 - Cavs Roster Trade Value

Ken argues Cleveland fans have grown too quick to throw Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley into trade talks because LeBron James, still playing at a high level, remains the unfair standard everyone gets measured against. He and Lima also speculate Koby Altman may be quietly shopping Jarrett Allen rather than Mobley, since the two bigs can't effectively space the floor together in the playoffs, and toss around long-shot names like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis as potential targets. Both hosts note that if LeBron ultimately signs elsewhere, the fallout and blame will unfairly land on Mitchell rather than the front office.

Ken argues Koby Altman is handling the offseason exactly right by keeping any Evan Mobley or Donovan Mitchell trade talks completely under wraps, warning that leaking those conversations without completing a deal could leave Cleveland far worse off. He and Lima dig into the murky James Harden situation, noting nobody actually knows the terms of his restructured deal or whether he's truly committed to re-signing. The hosts also debate whether LeBron still has the star power to lure other big names to Cleveland the way he once pulled Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and question what Donovan Mitchell is really thinking about his future after this year's playoff exit.

Ken defends the Cavs' quiet approach after the Jaylen Brown trade, arguing Koby Altman has to stay tight-lipped about any Evan Mobley conversations so he doesn't damage the relationship the way a leak could. He points out player value is unpredictable right now, citing wild trade returns for Paul George, Luka Doncic and Desmond Bane as proof nothing makes sense in today's NBA anymore. Ken and Lima debate whether Mobley alone is enough to attract LeBron now that the Jaylen Brown scenario is off the board, while still bracing for angry fan reaction to the take.