Legendary Lakers swingman, "Coop," lends his view on today’s NBA game in comparison to how basketball was played in the 1980s. From lighthearted comments to serious analytics he and a co-host Nick Gelso as well as guests including Showtime Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley and Byron Scott, will discuss current basketball games both from a player and a coaches perspective. Known for his defensive skills, highlight dunks and tenacious defense, Coop will break down the do's and don’ts of the game of basketball. Coop shares a ‘view from the bench’ with intimate stories from the Laker days and from the WNBA, D-league and the Big 3 as a head coach. On occasion current events in and around the sports world will also be covered e.g. behaviors off and on the court, the business of sports, travel youth ball, high school ball and his experience as a coach in the Big3. As the only person to win a championship, as either a coach or a player, in the NBA, WNBA, and the NBA D-League, Coop’s positive outlook on life and infectious personality is sure to provide unique and humorous insights as a podcaster. Topics: Basketball, Showtime, Coop 5’Ds, Student-athletes/Education, Attitude/Motivation, Success/Failure, Teamwork/Teambuilding, Black in America/Race, Spirituality/Purpose, Giving Back and Overcoming Challenges (cancer, Injuries, divorce, Bankruptcy etc.)
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 10/08/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Michael Cooper & NBA Historian Look back on Greatest Lakers of All Time
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 19:15
NBA Historian Josh Schnitman joins Michael Cooper to talk greatest Lakers of all time, Coop's career, and the future of the Lakers.
Showtime with Coop on CLNS Media is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Start, Bench, Cut: NBA Legends Edition with Michael Cooper
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 23:33
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!
Showtime with Coop on CLNS Media is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Norm Nixon Talks Being traded from Lakers
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 25:24
On this episode of Showtime With Coop Michael Cooper and Ari Temkin welcome someone who, alongside Jamaal Wilkes and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, helped Coop become a Pro ball player, Norm Nixon. Coop, Ari and Norm discuss Norm being a multi sport student athlete, Norm being drafted to the Lakers after thinking he would end up on the Celtics, being a part of a great saga of Lakers teams, Norm getting traded from the Lakers, and more.
Showtime with Coop on CLNS Media is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did Dale Ellis play in the wrong NBA?
Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 30:55
On this episode of Showtime With Coop, Michael Cooper and Ari Temkin welcomes former NBA All star, and one of the greatest 3 point shooters of all time, Dale Ellis. Did Dale play in the wrong NBA? Dale on being the first non Larry Bird 3-point shootout champion and what it's like to be in "The Zone."
The Showtime with Coop Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dee Brown on the 90s Celtics, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas & NBA's evolution
Sunday, July 5, 2026 • Duration 25:02
In this episode of "Showtime with Michael Cooper," we are privileged to host NBA veteran and icon, Dee Brown. Known for his illustrious career and deep understanding of basketball, Brown delves into his journey, unfolding tales from his experiences on and off the court.
From his earliest influences to his legendary time with the Boston Celtics, Brown shares captivating anecdotes and insights that weave together the fabric of his basketball life. Along with his personal stories, Brown also discusses the evolution of the game, comparing the strategic and stylistic differences between the basketball of his time and the modern era.
As he navigates through these stories, Brown's unique perspective and candid nature illuminate various aspects of the sport, giving viewers an intimate look into the world of professional basketball. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or a long-time fan, this conversation is a deep dive into the richness of NBA history, the intricacies of professional gameplay, and a testament to the spirit and the heart of basketball.
Join us on "Showtime with Michael Cooper" as we embark on this insightful journey with Dee Brown, a must-watch for every basketball enthusiast who values the roots and evolution of the game! Don't miss out on this chance to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport we all love.
Showtime with Coop on CLNS is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AC Green & Michael Cooper Tell Showtime Lakers Stories
Sunday, June 28, 2026 • Duration 48:57
Join us as Michael Cooper and AC Green, #Lakesshow champions, delve into a unique conversation about their shared basketball journey. Sponsored by FanDuel, the episode kicks off with college hoops tales, including a classic showdown between Green and Byron Scott. Green reveals his deep-seated desire to play for the Lakers and tells unforgettable stories about Jerry West and meeting Lakers legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during his rookie year.
Dive into the historical NBA rivalries as Green discusses how Jerry West recruited him to counter the #BostonCeltics. Grab the exclusive FanDuel bonus offer and join the conversation about their first encounter with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rick Mahorn & Michael Cooper Talk 1980s NBA Trash 🗑️
Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 47:12
In today's episode of Showtime with Coop, we dive deep into the life and career of Rick Mahorn, a key member of the Bad Boy Pistons, and explore his thoughts on today's NBA. Michael Cooper sits down with Mahorn to discuss his journey through the league, his experiences with legendary teammates and rivals, and the impact of the 1980s on the modern game. From playing football in high school to his days with the Washington Wizards (Bullets), Rick Mahorn shares his stories and opinions on a variety of topics, including the AAU, newspaper era vs social media era, Bill Laimbeer, Lakers vs Celtics, and the question of whether he's a "dirty player" or just a "thug."
We'll hear all about Mahorn's unique stories, including encounters with Charles Oakley, Dan Roundfield, Wes Unseld, Bob Lanier, Maurice Lucas, and Artis Gilmore. Rick also talks about mastering the defensive art of "pulling the chair" and his perspective on the toughest players he encountered in the NBA. Don't miss the lightning round, where Mahorn shares stories about Dave Bing, Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, ML Carr, Chuck Daly, Coach John Thompson, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and more.
Discover the origins of the Bad Boy Pistons and the secret behind their victory against the Lakers in 1989. Plus, Rick Mahorn talks about the "phantom foul" on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Lakers conspiracy theory, and WNBA conspiracy theory. Stay tuned for more stories about the G-League, Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, and the fundamentals of today's NBA.
⏰ TOPICS ⏰
00:00 - Rick Mahorn tease
00:30 - Michael Cooper introduces Rick Mahorn
01:55 - Rick Mahorn on the 1980s impacts on todays NBA
02:30 - Rick Mahorn explains the differences of how his generation matured without AAU
03:30 - Rick Mahorn played football in high school, not basketball
05:30 - Rick Mahorn on news paper era vs social media era
06:34 - Rick Mahorn tells a Bill Laimbeer, Bad Boy Pistons story
06:50 - Rick Mahorn Tells the Robert Parish, Bill Laimbeer takedown story
08:00 - Michael Cooper on being an enforcer in the nba: “size doesn’t matter”
09:30 - Rick Mahorn tells a Lakers vs Celtics story
10:00 - Rick Mahorn on whether he’s a “dirty player” or just a “thug”
10:15 - Rick Mahorn Explains the difference between playing in Washington vs playing in Detroit
12:50 - Coming from the Washington Wizards (Bullets), Rick Mahorn never thought he’d make the NBA Finals
13:20 - Rick Mahorn tells a Jeff Roland story
14:15 - Did Rick Mahorn ever “cross the line” with physicality
14:40 - Rick Mahorn tells a Karl Malone trash talk story
15:42 - Showtime w Coop is powered by FanD uel. FanDuel, the exclusive wagering partner of the CLNS Media Network. Get your no sweat bet up to $1000 in bonus bets– guaranteed! - if your first bet doesn’t win. Go to https://FanDuel.com/BOSTON16:10 - Rick Mahorn explains the 5 toughest players he encountered in the nba
16:30 - Rick Mahorn tells a Charles Oakley story
17:10 - Rick Mahorn tells a Dan Roundfield story
17:25 - Rick Mahorn tells a Wed Unseld story
17:30 - Rick Mahorn tells a Bob Lanier story: “Don’t look at his feet!”
18:05 - Rick Mahorn tells a Maurice Lucas story
18:20 - Rick Mahorn tells a Artis Gilmore story
19:08 - Rick Mahorn reveals the strongest man he had to play against: Wes Unseld
20:00 - Mastering the defensive art of “pulling the chair”
20:30 - Coop’s lightening round
20:37 - Rick Mahorn tells a Dave Bing story
22:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a Michelle Obama story
22:17 - Rick Mahorn talks trash to President Barack Obama
22:40 - Rick Mahorn tells a ML Carr story
23:29 - Rick Mahorn tells a Chuck Daly story: “daddy rich”
24:49 - Rick Mahorn tells a coach John Thompson story
26:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a story about Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson kissing at center court
27:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a Lakers vs Pistons story
27:50 - Michael Cooper on Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas friendship
28:20 - Rick Mahorn explains how the Pistons became the Bad Boys
30:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a Lawrence Tanner story (lakers PA announcer)
31:15 - The Laker Girls
32:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a Michael Cooper story
33:00 - Michael Cooper explains how the Bad Boy Pistons beat the Lakers in 1989
34:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a story about the “phantom foul” on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1988
34:05 - Rick Mahorn tells the NBA Lakers conspiracy theory
37:40 - WNBA conspiracy theory?
38:00 - Michael Cooper G-League champion
38:30 - Rick Mahorn tells a chuck daly story
40:50 - Rick Mahorn trashes Charles Barkley as former teammate
42:00 - Rick Mahorn tells a Dennis Rodman story
42:40 - Rick Mahorn tells a Isiah Thomas story
43:00 - why fundamentals in todays nba are non existent
CLNS Media’s preferred Daily Fantasy partner is PrizePicks. Sign up at https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Get $50 instantly when you play $5! Use Code CLNS
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Ray Richardson on NBA Past & Present + Troubled Career & Finding Success
Sunday, June 14, 2026 • Duration 40:31
Michael Ray Richardson joins Michael Cooper today on the Showtime with Coop podcast on CLNS.
“Sugar” shares his experience, opinions, and failures including his thoughts on NBA Past & Present + Troubled Career & Finding Success.
Topics Discussed:
Early life
The NBA in the late 70s & 80s
Coach Willis Reed
Coach Hubey Brown
New Jersey Nets experience
New York Knicks experience
Commissioner David Stern
Richardsons lifetime drug ban from NBA
Getting sober
Current life
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Start, Bench, Cut featuring Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Scottie Pippen
Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 17:51
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!
Showtime with Coop is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Klay Thompson, 4x NBA Champion, Splash Brother, and son of Lakers great Mychal Thompson, joins Michael “Coop” Cooper on Showtime w/ Coop.
Klay reflects on growing up around the Lakers, Kobe’s influence, the Warriors’ first championship, the rise of the Splash Brothers, practice battles, playing with Kyrie Irving, and adjusting to his new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. Plus — his Top-5 shooters now and all-time, BIG3 League thoughts, and why fishing is his ultimate escape.
Showtime w/ Coop on CLNS Media is Powered by:
💰 Prize Picks - https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS
Download the app today and use Code CLNS when you sign up & Get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Showtime Podcast with Michael Cooper - 5x NBA Lakers Champion, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.