Fans want Courtney Cronin to remain on as the host of ESPN’s ‘First Take’ following recent appearances on the show.

Cronin has been filling in for Stephen A Smith lately and has struck a chord with viewers as she has put her football knowledge on display.

While she’s unlikely to replace Smith, even if that’s what fans might want, there’s always the possibility of her having more time on the air, which should be satisfactory enough.

“Going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be a NBA lead for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL,” a user posted to X/Twitter. “Ball knowers should not be treated like second class while buffoons yelling s*** with no substance get promoted.”

“You’re my new favorite Courtney!!!” said another.

Time will tell whether ESPN hears the fanbase, but it appears Courtney Cronin has given an excellent account of herself while holding on for Stephen A Smith.

A reporter for the Chicago Bears, Cronin joined ESPN in 2017. She previously covered the Minnesota Vikings and worked as a radio host, but she switched to covering the Bears in 2022.

So Where Is Stephen A Smith?

Stephen A Smith is on vacation, but he is actively negotiating a new contract with The Worldwide Leader in Sports.

The outspoken analyst could be in line for a new four-year deal that would pay him up to $25 million a year and make him the company’s first $100 million television talent.

‘First Take’ his main gig, appears to be in great hands, and not just because Cronin is around now. Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has become one of the network’s biggest draws, while the likes of Molly Qerim, Chris Russo, Ryan Clark, and Kendrick Perkins are all ESPN stars in their own right.

Still, whether Cronin sticks around after Stephen A. returns remains to be seen.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.