The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Russell Westbrook's retirement and his legacy.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Dr. Robert Foster and discuss Russell Westbrook's legacy.

Dr. Robert Foster joins the Sports Shop to share parting gifts with A-Town.

- Thank You Dr. Robert Foster. I appreciate your appearance on the show and the wonderful gifts. Maybe Michaal Jordan really is the GOAT!

~A-Town

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers sale has been a pretty remarkable turn of events. In 2025, Mark Walter bought majority control of the Lakers from the Buss family at a then-record valuation of $10B. The Buss family kept a minority stake, and Jeanie Buss remained involved as the team’s governor. Now, just about 14 months later, Walter has reportedly agreed to sell controlling interest to a group led by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for $12.5B, which would set another record for the most valuable sports franchise sale. The deal still requires NBA approval. Walter would make about $2.5B in value on the transaction in a little over a year. There has also been reporting about federal scrutiny surrounding some of Walter’s financial dealings, leading to speculation that financial or liquidity concerns could have played a role in his decision to sell, although that has not been established as the reason. Under the proposed deal, the Buss family would remain a minority owner, while Iger and Kushner’s group would take control of the franchise.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the latest NFL quarterback storylines surrounding the quarterback rooms of the Minneosta Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons and whether race plays a role in how Lamar Jackson is evaluated and criticized. 

If Lamar Jackson was white or had a lighter complexion, would the narrative surrounding his career be different? Would he face the same level of scrutiny and criticism, particularly when it comes to his passing ability, leadership and playoff performances?

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 season. McCarthy was expected by many to take over after being drafted 10th overall in 2024, but injuries slowed his development. The The Falcons’ QB room is centered on Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, creating a competition for the starting job. The Cleveland Browns’ QB room features Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with Dillon Gabriel also somewhat in the mix. Cleveland has not yet settled on its Week 1 starter but is leaning heavily towards Watson or Sanders.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss whether Reese’s Black Card should be revoked, plus Pam’s water well back home.

We started this conversation yesterday. Should Erroll Reese have to surrender his Black card until he sees Love & Basketball, House Party, Friday, Martin, etc?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Seth Trimble committing to Louisville and whether Erroll Reese should have to surrender his Black card until he watches Love & Basketball and House Party.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Seth Trimble’s commitment to Louisville, what it means for UNC and Tar Heel fans, and the Minnesota Vikings naming Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy.

Seth Trimble, the former UNC guard, has committed to Louisville for the 2026–27 season. Trimble entered the transfer portal after last season, but a recent federal court ruling gave players from the 2022 recruiting class an additional year of eligibility, giving him a chance to play another college season. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 24 games for the North Carolina Tar Heels last season and became a fan favorite. How do UNC fans feel about this?

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 season. McCarthy was expected by many to take over after being drafted 10th overall in 2024, but injuries slowed his development. Although McCarthy went 6-4 as a starter last season, the Vikings believe Murray’s experience and current readiness give them the better chance to start the season. Is Minnesota making the right decison?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Seth Trimble committing to Louisville and what it means for UNC and Tar Heel fans.

Seth Trimble, the former UNC guard, has committed to Louisville for the 2026–27 season. Trimble entered the transfer portal after last season, but a recent federal court ruling gave players from the 2022 recruiting class an additional year of eligibility, giving him a chance to play another college season. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 24 games for the North Carolina Tar Heels last season and became a fan favorite. How do UNC fans feel about this?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Vikings naming Kyler Murray the starting quarterback, the controversy surrounding the foul on Sophie Cunningham and the backlash against Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White.

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 season. McCarthy was expected by many to take over after being drafted 10th overall in 2024, but injuries slowed his development. Although McCarthy went 6-4 as a starter last season, the Vikings believe Murray’s experience and current readiness give them the better chance to start the season. Is Minnesota making the right decison?

Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington hit Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham high around the head and neck during a game. The foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, but some Fever fans felt head coach Stephanie White didn’t defend Cunningham strongly enough. White said she hadn’t seen the play live and didn’t believe Carrington intentionally tried to hurt her. After receiving backlash, White pushed back against the criticism, saying her team was united and that everyone else could “go to hell.” Some Fever fans then booed her during pregame introductions. Caitlin Clark defended White, saying the booing “made me a little sick” and that the players support their coach. What does the Sports Shop crew think?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the upcoming release of the NBA’s 2026–27 schedule, whether the league got its Christmas Day matchups right and the Cowboys’ decision to lock up Quinnen Williams with a $105.9 million contract extension.

The NBA is set to release its full 2026–27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, August 13 at 3 p.m. ET. The league has already announced its opening-night and Christmas Day matchups, with the NBA Cup schedule coming tomorrow. The regular season will officially begin on October 20, giving fans a chance to see the full slate of games, including key matchups, road trips and nationally televised contests, later this week. When does your team play? Did the NBA get the NBA Christmas Day games right?

The Cowboys made a major move to strengthen their defense when they acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets last season in exchange for Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick. Williams quickly became an important part of Dallas’ defense, and the Cowboys have now committed to keeping him long term. Dallas recently agreed to a three-year, $105.9M contract extension with Williams, including $101M guaranteed, keeping him under contract through 2030. Is this a good move for Dallas? Is this the year for the Cowboys?