Skip Bayless reacts to Rockets bullying Lakers, LeBron James
NEW BULLY ON THE BLOCK
30 January 2024
NEW BULLY ON THE BLOCK
The Houston Rockets put on a show Monday night, dismantling the Lakers and cruising to a 135-119 win at Toyota Center. One of Skip Bayless' big takeaways from the game was how the Rockets and Dillon Brooks “bullied” the Lakers. Dillon managed to get Jarred Vanderbilt to take the bait and get himself ejected after two technical fouls during an exchange with Brooks.
Brooks got under Vanderbilt's skin by pushing him in the back midair while he was trying to dunk the ball.
Later in the game, James was knocked to the ground by Brooks while fighting for a rebound. LeBron was contacted in the face and remained down for a while before eventually getting up and heading to the bench.
The officials decided it was a flagrant one foul, and Brooks was able to continue playing.
Earlier this season, in December, Rockets coach Ime Udoka famously got into a heated discussion with LeBron James and was ejected.
Clearly, there's no love lost between these two teams. Be sure to watch the video above as Skip reacts to all the drama between the Lakers and Rockets. Plus, how Houston seems to play so well when these teams faceoff.
As we begin another week of MLB free agency, we still haven't seen any movement when it comes to Alex Bregman. Several reports are indicating that the market for Bregman is being impacted by Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
The thought being, Santander is expected to command less than Bregman, and teams are waiting to see how his market shakes out before making an offer to Breggy.
Which is interesting, because we're seeing reports about Santander softening his stance on demanding a four or five year deal. It appears he's willing to consider a shorter contract with a high yearly salary.
If that is indeed the case, should the Astros consider moving some salary if they can come to an agreement on a short-term deal with Santander?
In theory, trading Pressly's $14 million contract along with Victor Caratini's $6 million dollar deal could allow them to pay Santander $20 million. Of course finding a club to take on all of Pressly's money may not be realistic, but if they could pull it off, should they do it?
This move would weaken the bullpen and the depth at catcher, but the team still has Caesar Salazar to back up Yainer Diaz. And both Pressly and Caratini aren't likely to be back with the Astros anyway after their contracts expire after the 2025 season.
Should we be worried about the Rangers?
MLB Network's Robert Flores (huge Astros fan) joined the Locked on Astros YouTube channel last week and said he likes the Rangers chances to win the AL West this year, despite Vegas giving Houston better odds to win the World Series. Does he have a point?
Farewell to Justin Verlander
Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Giants last week, so it appears he's played his last game in an Astros uniform. But should we close the door on him being traded to Houston again if the 'Stros need another starter and the Giants are looking to move him at the deadline?
Plus, we share some of our favorite Verlander moments from the team's dynastic run!
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys from Stone Cold 'Stros break it all down! And be sure to share your favorite Verlander memories in the comment section on YouTube.