Lakers radio voice John Ireland on LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and more

Host Brandon Contes interviews John Ireland, radio voice of the Los Angeles Lakers and co-host of "Mason and Ireland" on ESPN Radio in LA. Brandon and John discuss a wide range of topics including a potential "Last Dance" docuseries with Kobe or LeBron, Kobe and Shaq's divorce and reconciliation, and covering an NBA Finals during a pandemic.

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-:44: Living out a dream job as radio voice of the Lakers -1:37: Working with Chick Hearn, receiving advice from Chick -2:21: Working with Mychal Thompson, dealing with Lakers-Warriors series with son Klay playing for the opposition -3:12: John on the Lakers’ dramatic turnaround this season -4:24: LeBron James chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career scoring record -5:37: John explaining his call when LeBron set the record -7:10: Was John nervous making a monumental call like that? -8:14: Difference in radio and TV broadcasting during historic moments -11:26: Covering LeBron in Los Angeles. How do the locals view LeBron? -12:38: How do Lakers fans view the “bubble championship?” -14:03: Lakers receiving local attention vs national attention -15:43: Differences in covering LeBron James and Kobe Bryant -17:15: Local news stations covering Kobe and LeBron -18:30: Kobe, LeBron, Shaq personalties -22:36: Kobe and Shaq divorce -25:07: Were there any incidents between Kobe and Shaq during this time? -27:42: Did John have a stronger relationship with Kobe or Shaq? -29:25: Kobe or LeBron “Last Dance” docuseries??? -31:00: Covering Kobe’s death -37:08: Calling the NBA Finals from a studio during a pandemic -39:20: Doing TV play-by-play -40:04: John on Charles Barkley saying broadcasting sporting events on radio is “the stupidest thing in the world” -43:21: Difference between ESPN’s and TNT’s NBA studio shows -45:12: Dynamic of hosting an ESPN Radio show in LA and working for the Lakers -46:35: Has LeBron ever complained over something John said either on commentary or on the radio? -47:54: John’s proudest call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.