Showtime Podcast with Michael Cooper - 5x NBA Lakers Champion

In the world of basketball, defense is just as important as offense. And when it comes to locking down the opposing team's top scorers, few players in NBA history can match the skills of 5x champion as a key member of the Showtime Lakers and 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Cooper.

In this video, Coop takes us on a deep dive into his top five defensive assignments. From guarding the likes of Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas, to shutting down George Gervin and Alex English, Cooper proved time and time again that he was one of the best defenders to ever step onto the court.

But what made Cooper so special? It wasn't just his quick hands or his ability to read the offense. It was his commitment to studying his opponents and understanding their tendencies. Cooper knew that defense was about more than just stopping a player from scoring - it was about disrupting their rhythm, throwing them off their game, and forcing them to make mistakes.

Throughout this video, he breaks down each of defensive assignment and provides insights into his techniques, strategies, and mindset. We'll see how he used his length and agility to frustrate top scorers in the 1980’s NBA.

So if you're ready to go inside the mind of an NBA defensive legend, join in and explore Michael Cooper's top five defensive assignments in NBA history. You won't be disappointed!

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Join us for an exciting episode of Showtime with Coop, where the Michael Cooper dives deep into the fun "Start, Bench, Cut" debate featuring some of the NBA's biggest stars! In this episode, they analyze the careers of Kyrie Irving, Luka Dončić, and Damian Lillard, sparking a lively discussion about their unique strengths and weaknesses.

The conversation continues with Jayson Tatum, James Worthy, and Scottie Pippen, as the hosts clash over who deserves the top spot based on their all-around game and defensive skills. Finally, they tackle the intriguing comparison of Norm Nixon, Maurice Cheeks, and World B. Free, showcasing their playmaking and scoring abilities. Tune in for a fun-filled episode packed with basketball insights and playful banter!

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On this episode of Showtime With Coop, Michael Cooper and Ari Temkin welcome player-turned-coach, Derek Fisher. Coop, Ari, and Derek discuss Derek's 18 years in the NBA, including 5 championship wins with the Lakers, being drafted in the first round with Kobe, transitioning from coaching in the NBA to coaching in the WNBA, and more!

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Coop and Ari Temkin discuss the 1980 season, Magic's rookie year, and the loss of the father of Showtime Jack McKinney to a head injury that saw Paul Westhead become the coach. The story of how the Lakers found Pat Riley is crazy with twists and turns along the way. Pat Riley is synonymous with Showtime, but he wasn't meant to be Showtime's coach at first!

0:00 - 1:32 - Intro

1:33 - 5:52 - The 1979 Lakers and the coaching situation they were dealing with, how an injury kept Coop in Los Angeles his rookie season, sharing the court with Magic in summer league

5:53 - 8:12 - Jack McKinney as the Lakers head coach

8:13 - 12:34 - How McKinney, not Pat Riley, acted as the father of the Showtime Lakers and heavily influenced the way they played, McKinney’s bike accident and how it affected the Lakers

12:35 - 14:21 - The Lakers locker room reaction to Paul Westhead being named the new coach in place of McKinney following the accident

14:22 - 16:50 - Playing Philadelphia during the 1980 NBA Finals, Spencer Haywood’s dismissal from the team during the Finals

16:51 - 22:08 - The factors that aligned against the Lakers in the 1980 NBA season and how they had to battle to overcome the obstacles, Kareem’s sprained ankle in the Finals, Magic’s emergence as a leader for the team

22:09 - 24:02 - Magic taking his play to the next level after Kareem’s injury

24:03 - 26:49 - How the coaching style of Paul Westhead changed after the Lakers won the 1980 NBA Finals

26:50 - 28:51 - What was the issue with Westhead and what made the 1981 season so difficult for the Lakers?

28:52 - 33:15 - Pat Riley becoming Westhead’s assistant and the struggles for the Lakers in 1983

33:16 - 35:33 - The firing of Paul Westhead and what actually happened form Coop’s perspective

35:34 - 37:06 - How Magic needed to be free to play through his feel and Westhead affected that from happening

37:07 - 38:16 - Coop’s impressions of Pat Riley before he became the head coach of the Lakers

38:17 - 39:24 - How did Riley change from being the assistant coach to the head coach

39:25 - 44:38 - How did the offense and scheme change when Riley took over the head coaching role for Westhead, what was Riley best at as a head coach

44:39 - 50:07 - Do the Lakers still win five championships if Jack McKinney is the head coach the entire time? Plus some more on Riley’s greatness as a head coach

50:08 - 50:22 - Outro

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Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime with Coop," where former NBA player Michael Cooper sits down with Tony Campbell, a standout scorer and former teammate. In this candid conversation, Campbell shares his journey from a diverse suburban upbringing in New Jersey to being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1984. He reflects on the fierce competition of the "Bad Boys" era and the invaluable lessons learned from legends like Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer. As the discussion evolves, Campbell highlights the transformation of the NBA and his current ventures, including a cannabis business aimed at empowering those with criminal records. Tune in for an inspiring look at basketball, community, and the importance of hard work!

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Michael Cooper welcomes Jake Uitti who helped write Coop's book! The two discuss stories and writing COOP: The Making of a Showtime Lakers Legend!

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Join us for an exciting episode of "Showtime w/ Coop" as we dive into a thrilling game of "Start, Bench, Cut" featuring some of the NBA's greatest legends! In this week's discussion, we analyze the careers of iconic players like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Reggie Miller, making tough choices based on their current performance and historical impact. We also explore the fierce rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics, highlighting the skills of James Worthy and Jason Tatum. Plus, we tackle the legacies of Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, and more, culminating in a debate over the greatness of Patrick Ewing, Bill Russell, and Tim Duncan. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that not only celebrates these athletes but also connects their stories to the evolution of the NBA—be sure to check out the documentary "Goliath" for even more insights!

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Go behind the scenes of one of the most emotional and historic moments in NBA and sports history — when Magic Johnson shocked the world with his 1991 HIV announcement. In this exclusive interview, Lakers legend Michael Cooper reveals what really happened that day. From the tension in the room to the tears no one saw, this is a powerful untold story about brotherhood, fear, and strength.

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In the world of basketball, defense is just as important as offense. And when it comes to locking down the opposing team's top scorers, few players in NBA history can match the skills of 5x champion as a key member of the Showtime Lakers and 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Cooper.

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Lakers legend Michael Cooper breaks down the 5 wildest, funniest, and most legendary stories about playing with Magic Johnson during the Showtime era.

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