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

Awful Announcing Podcast

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.
For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.
-: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

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