James Worthy | Ep 201 | ALL THE SMOKE Full Episode | SHOWTIME BASKETBALL

On episode 201 of ALL THE SMOKE, Matt and Stak sit down with 3-time NBA champion, NCAA champion and Lakers' great James Worthy. The Hall of Famer discusses his time with the 'Showtime' Lakers, playing with Magic Johnson, and gives behind-the-scenes insight into things the public never saw. Plus, he talks about his 3 NBA title wins, winning finals MVP in 1988, playing with Michael Jordan at UNC and winning a college championship, Pat Riley, and more.
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#showtimebasketball #allthesmoke #nba #allthesmoke #jamesworthy #lakers #magicjohnson
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:20) - Post-NBA Media Journey
(00:04:35) - 'Winning Time' Documentary Series
(00:07:15) - Current Day Lakers, LeBron & AD
(00:11:10) - Upbringing
(00:17:20) - Dean Smith, UNC, Michael Jordan
(00:29:18) - 1982 Draft, First Lakers Training Camp, 80s NBA
(00:38:03) - 'Showtime Lakers' Era, Earning Respect
(00:47:20) - Magic Johnson
(00:54:00) - Don Nelson
(00:57:00) - 'Big Game James' Nickname, Playoff Success
(00:58:38) - Costly Pass In The 1984 NBA Finals
(01:01:02) - Physicality Of The Game In The 80’s
(01:03:26) - Favorite Championship
(01:05:02) - Boston Celtics Fans
(01:07:12) - Larry Bird
(01:10:00) - Bad Boys Detroit Pistons
(01:14:27) - 80’s Basketball Era
(01:20:09) - Michael Jordan
(01:23:57) - Retirement
(01:25:48) - Player Comparisons In Today’s Game
(01:27:14) - Kobe Bryant
(01:31:13) - Off The Court
(01:32:44) - Quick Hitters
(01:43:45) - End
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[@AllTheSmokeProductions]

(00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:20) - Post-NBA Media Journey (00:04:35) - 'Winning Time' Documentary Series (00:07:15) - Current Day Lakers, LeBron & AD (00:11:10) - Upbringing (00:17:20) - Dean Smith, UNC, Michael Jordan (00:29:18) - 1982 Draft, First Lakers Training Camp, 80s NBA (00:38:03) - 'Showtime Lakers' Era, Earning Respect (00:47:20) - Magic Johnson (00:54:00) - Don Nelson (00:57:00) - 'Big Games James' Nickname, Playoff Success (00:58:38) - Costly Pass In The 1984 NBA Finals (01:01:02) - Physicality Of The Game In The 80’s (01:03:26) - Favorite Championship (01:05:02) - Boston Celtics Fans (01:07:12) - Larry Bird (01:10:00) - Bad Boys Detroit Pistons (01:14:27) - 80’s Basketball Era (01:20:09) - Michael Jordan (01:23:57) - Retirement (01:25:48) - Player Comparisons In Today’s Game (01:27:14) - Kobe Bryant (01:31:13) - Off The Court (01:32:44) - Quick Hitters (01:43:45) - End

[@pinbarbecue1100]

Great interview!! We needs players from the old school on their experiences from back then and now. Players like Kareem Abudl Jabbar, Big O, Dr.J, George G, D.Wilkins, etc

[@cb722]

Both Oscar winners.. Denzel & Louis

[@lilpenny1982]

If the Lakers picked Dominique instead of Worthy, do the Lakers win more than 5 titles in the 80's and/or 90's??

[@leonardoyi3183]

@@lilpenny1982 no, dominique wasn't a good fit for the lakers. I even think worthy was better than wilkins...

[@MrAitraining]

Love the time stamps as always. Thank you

[@kegendean]

Wow. James Worthy literally made me tear up with his vulnerability. That’s one of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to just because of his honesty, empathy, and story telling.

[@ishetrying]

No doubt. He didn't hold anything back and he didn't over dramatize anything either.

[@darklight7452]

​@@ishetryingClass act

[@deandreburns8481]

I was thinking the same thing! Worthy is dropping jewels!!!!

[@Heem_B]

James Worthy might be the most underrated personality in sports media. He’s great and has been around the best to ever do it. I’m glad y’all got this one done

[@CstWstFllwer]

Chick Hearn is the best ever in Basketball, especially for LA if we talking NBA. James can be 2nd.

[@alanfortune3092]

Totally agree!

[@stevewise1656]

James doesn't brag about himself like so many of his pedigree. Fortunately I was able to watch him in person and the Showtime Lakers at the Forum. He was incredible! Late after one of the Lakers games my friends and I were the last people in the parking lot and I hear this deep voice say, "how you doing?" Then I looked and it was James...saying hello to me...I was frozen. He was humble and drove a Camry.

[@donbuyshousescash4765]

Wow. A millionaire driving a camry. My Dad got James Worthys Autograph for me back in the 80s. I was a kid back then, I ended up losing that Autograph

[@GOD_805]

WOW

[@mwill80]

Thanks Matt and Stak. Growing up in the Caribbean, Big Game James was a hero. Smooth, tough, knew where the bucket was!

[@JasonWalkerJamaica]

Which country!? I’m from Jamaica 🇯🇲 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@mwill80]

@@JasonWalkerJamaica I'm from Trinidad 🇹🇹 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@gfbl]

Trini also....big up ja! Amazing country

[@shootyboo4798]

​​@@mwill80I played fiba basketball, it was always a battle between TT and Ja

[@Gabe1stt]

Wow, I’m surprised you didn’t say Mychal Thompson. Good to know Big Fame James is recognized everywhere!

[@ricardob5956]

Growing up a Lakers fan in the 80's, Worthy was one of my favorite players

[@teresawicks-kq3bq]

Mine too😊

[@BullzNationn]

Thank you Mr. Worthy for taking the time to sit down and bless us with this

[@Vlabar]

James Worthy is my favorite basketball player and I am from Chicago. I hope I get to shake his hand one day.

[@AMart870]

One of the underrated players of the 80s with one of the BEST nicknames "Big Game James Worthy"! 💯

[@NotoriousSSV]

Big Game James running the wing on the break was art. Glad he's still around the organization all these years later. Love watching him fire up the cigar after a big Laker W. He's always just been so damn cool on & off the court.

[@missayawk]

James being humble " I was the best player for 3 weeks". MJ had his moments, but James was THE man.He LED that team to the '82 chip at UNC.

[@b.o.1951]

Big Game James !! I’ll never forget when he came to speak out our basketball banquet for the Crenshaw YMCA. 🙏🏾

[@felixrobert5268]

As a Celtics fan i can only tip my hat off to James Worthy...great player, great person! Thanks for the insight!

[@tnrc75]

Respect to the Celtics. I learned hate from Laker-Celtics back in the '80s but that long ago crystallized into respect for those hated teams! (Actually only hated Ainge. Borderline hated McHale but respected DJ, Chief and Bird back then)

[@shafiqshabazz2462]

Good to see James is a man and has face his demons like a man. Talent through the roof... great content Matt and Stack.... great conversation.

[@alanfortune3092]

The statue of liberty move is his signature!

[@jamescatheyiii4097]

I could listen to Big Game share these stories all day long.

[@May5871]

I grew up watching James Worthy play for UNC (being a NC native). He named my three favorite Tar Heels of all time (those being Phil Ford, himself & Al Wood). Very refreshing and honest interview. Glad to see Big Game James looking healthy and prosperous. Keep going, ATS....

[@DahnDahlasTV]

One of the best interviews y'all ever had. Salute to the home state Gastonia NC Legend James Worthy !!!!

[@anthonyjones2615]

So love this episode. My most favorite one so far. Worthy is such an eloquent and intellectual speaker. My favorite Lakers player of all time..

[@AlbertUpgrades]

Worthy of a Worthy clap! 👏🏼. Lakers royalty. 💜💛

[@BabylonGateLA]

Big Game James 💪🏻💪🏻! Lakers legend forever 💜💛💜💛💜

[@lordgodspeed1539]

Big Games James is a top 75 player and one of the 10 greatest small forwards of all times 🏀

[@truthonly-]

This is a fact. Nobody else is named BIG Game

[@busydem6161]

Drop step was lethal

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

​@busydem6161 best spin move in league history. No one had a better, more legal, blink-and-you-miss him, 180⁰ degree spin move.

[@indierockguitar6875]

Highest FG percentage in the playoffs for a non center. When it counts

[@elbowgang9715]

It's a reason Mike always put him in his all time team with Pippen at the forward spots

[@peterkleinveld9705]

Big Game James , lethal as hell...fond memories of him with the Showtime Lakers

[@madair8120]

Often overlooked on ATG lists but real ones know. Big Game James was that guy. Certified legend.

[@jbarnett5044]

This was one of the best interviews yet

[@fkillah]

Nah, these two clowns looked bored af. The energy/vibe was off on this one

[@Francis6328]

I just started watching this and from 12:46-15:35 are already some of the most impactful/important things I’ve heard a grown man say publicly in recent times. Thanc you #AllTheSmoke and James Worthy for this.

[@user-jl7dy1cg6b]

Let's give him one of those Big Game Worthy claps for his candor and insight. And for Stacks and Matt, hats off for becoming legends in the podcast business. Great work!

[@mablomal2411]

I love how open James was.

[@thedon8939]

James worthy is one of the most underrated players in NBA history.

[@chefjaywooden1392]

Man I loved to see both Matt & Stak listening so intently. Two legends in their own right paying so much respect to James Worthy, who really opened up in such an honest way. What a great conversation. Big thanks!!

[@BoskoShabazz]

Big Game James might be the greatest third option in NBA history

[@SuperWizzle85]

Didn’t he average like 30 and 10 in the nba finals when he won the fmvp??

[@BoskoShabazz]

@@SuperWizzle85 22, 7, and 4

[@MickeyEntertains]

Yep, Manu Ginobili is in the discussion too

[@SuperWizzle85]

@@BoskoShabazz that’s crazy coming from your 3rd option I think the closest thing we’ve seen like that was KD,Steph and Klay wit the warriors Klay averaged like 20,5 and 5 as a 3rd option other than that you don’t really see 3rd options giving you those kind of numbers they’re normally between 12-15 points with 3 or 4 rebounds/assists

[@SuperWizzle85]

@@MickeyEntertains I agree Manu is definitely in the convo

[@edwardthames9003]

Love the beginning of this video. I'm a 56 year old black man from Chicago. Worthy having been a professional athlete is speaking for a few generations of black men, our feelings, difficulties and experiences growing up in this country. Something most of us never have the opportunity to do. There have been campaigns for virtually every other group of people in this nation except black men. I'd argue no other group has been targeted, demonized and undervalued than this group, to this day. In the past the celebrities and athletes that tried to draw attention to the issue found themselves ostracized, demonized and forced out of their chosen professions. The list of those names are too vast to list here. It takes someone like a Worthy to bring attention to the issue. However even he has to do it on a podcast as opposed to on any legacy media networks where it would reach across all barriers. I haven't finished the video but this has to be the most important topic of it all. I read one comment that stated it brought them to tears, relating to his vulnerability. That disappointed me because even that was not the most significant part of his testimony. It just proves my earlier point.

[@im1230]

James Worthy is wise as hell

[@OhCarlJr]

Long overdue interview for sure! Still waiting too see Duncan or Dirk or Steve Francis on here!

[@chieftoad7367]

U snapped ngl Didn’t even think about that tbh

[@N1120A]

I've always been a James fan and he was super nice to me the one time I met him, but the stuff he said here was just mind blowing and insightful. What a guy

[@richardrojas6306]

Great Interview. James was a Biggie in any game. A handful to opponents. That first step to the basket was Deadly, Thanks Mr. Worthy for all the wonderful moments. Go Lakers

[@davidcoombs9282]

This is dope. Look at Mat Barnes just taken it all in. Wow!!

[@williambooker3772]

Kareem , MJ , Donovan Mitchell , Hakeem Oljuwaon , Yao Ming , Joe Montana , Nikola Jokic , Dominique Wilkins , Sidney Moncrief , LeBron, TB12, Busta Rhymes , Puffy , Killa Cam , Meek Mill , HOV , Dr Dre , Royce Da 5'9, 50 Cent , Pusha T , Anthony Anderson , Davis , & Edwards , Damian Lillard, Juvenile , Lil Kim , Mary J Blige , Christina Aguilera, Jerry Rice , Michelle Obama , Regina King , Hall , Eminem , Emmitt Smith, Joel Embiid , Denzel Washington , Kyrie Irving , Luka Doncic, Dave East , Chappelle, Nas , Giannis, are all guests you need on this show

[@yehoshuafeldman6047]

Love Worthy, such a honest and insightful dude and as a player, a monster super efficient scorer and great defender.

[@SuperWizzle85]

Big Game James!!! My papa was a huge fan of the showtime lakers..

[@treystyles3760]

Mr Worthy.. If u ever see this. U were the first poster I had on my wall.. And u had on New Balance. It just said one word WORTHY.

[@bluegregory6239]

As a Lakers fan, I never even owned an MJ jersey (although I would admit to having had his iconic dunk contest poster). The jerseys I bought were Magic, Kobe, and Big Game James, #42!

[@thewatcher5550]

EPIC. Thank you Mr Worthy

[@ikossgreen8514]

Great interview with One of Lakers great. I remember as a kid I and my friends use to ride our bikes to the Great Western Forum early in the morning hoping to catch the Lakers coming out of practice. One day we caught James Worthy walking to his brand new Nissan Maxima. It was brown 1987 clean. He dug into his ash tray holder and grabbed a handful of quarters and said I'm giving this to whoever can pop a willly.. He had all of us trying to get them quarters.. Great Man .. I remember before he got in his car he said Hard work pays off, do good in school, and be great men.. I will never forget that advice and I will always appreciate his effort/willingness in connecting with us..

[@tdowning9012]

This is a Diamond! Big Game James is a true legend. As an old head myself, this one was priceless. The way he told stories and his reverence for Kobe’s intellect…Awesome. Thank you both for making this happen.

[@rdubb77]

The most self aware athlete / personality I’ve ever seen interviewed. Big ups to Big Game

[@gerimayawhyte154]

Lol, he didn't really want to talk about Bird you could tell. He just kind of grimaced through that whole part and mumbled "I didn't really like the guy" at the end.

[@PlanetCookie08]

23:41 Matty boy looks like he's the happiest 10 year old seeing grnadpappy talk LolOLoL

[@mariaborbon8421]

We watched you Kareem and Magic Johnson sweep the Phoenix Suns . The Laker fans had brooms and were sweeping the steps everywhere. Fun to watch. And we agree Kareem Magic and yourself are the true GOATS

[@chicagocubs71]

Thank U Big Game James for a nice interview about ur pro career. I always luv ur post up quick spin especially u did it to Kevin McHale. Thanks also for giving Isiah Thomas some luv because he is so underrated because what he did to win back to back championship's. THanks Stak N Matt for always using ur platform not only on basketball players, but actors & singers r also included in ur show. God Bless!!!

[@parkerhamilton394]

I swear its so humbling to see how much y’all admire when the old dogs come give them stories. That’s when the kid in us sit back and soak it all in. Appreciate y’all Matt and stak. Keep going. This the original podcast. Everyone doing it but y’all made it what it is!

[@mendezfamilyroom]

Need Kareem in the podcast!

[@limog3190]

FACT!

[@jamestome5591]

I wish he too full of himself to do it

[@jamestome5591]

It’s like Kareem is the only one who doesn’t realize how loved he is he is so sour at the world

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

Still? He's calmed down since his Lakers days.

[@tyronebrown2373]

I don't think he'll do it

[@bluegregory6239]

Thanks, Matt and Stack. This is the episode many of us have been anticipating. Well-done again! Big Game James is one of my 4 favorite players ever.💜🧡

[@user-wm7ph5wn6g]

The best interview i've ever watched because James Worthy was the reason. He gave truth! and the smoke crew questions was on point.

[@user-gb9nd2xx7m]

Big Game James is truly a real guy who had a tremendous amount of ability to play basketball. Enjoyed the interview, fellas. The 80s was a great decade for hooping.

[@1DFWFOODIE]

“You have the face for radio” 😂 good one!!!

[@bnice1052]

Good Show , great questions and BIG GAME James is now BIG INTERVIEW......never a dull moment u dig !

[@user-nm8iy8cj5t]

Loved the Statue of Liberty dunk. Quickest post spin move ever!!!

[@shootyboo4798]

Mr Worthy is so intelligent, I'm not used to hearing Americans speak like that too often. Great command of the language. Great command of the basketball too!

[@TheBaylor22]

Amazing interview!! Thanks, guys.

[@Dre_Key]

We used to see Big Game on our lunch break in Santa Monica. He always spoke if we bothered to interrupt him for a split second. I still have memories as a kid. They played smooth operator on KCal 9 when the lakers went to play Denver, and showed him diving for a loose ball. Thanks for being you James Worthy!

[@masterpee132]

Appreciate that guys 🏀🔥BIG GAME was SPECIAL!Randy Moss ?

[@alanfortune3092]

Loved his opening line! The perfect face for radio!

[@richmadrigal8980]

- Shout out Legendary broadcaster Stu Lantz!...I remember always taking pointers from him during Lakers games, He would break down situations perfectly!...Highly Intelligent Basketball mind, Salute!💯🎙🏆

[@dfdesignstudiointernational]

Stak hosting??? Bout time Brother! Congratulations!!!

[@markwarlick2003]

Jerry West would be a great guest on your show!!

[@00Tatum]

Awesome Talk Show keep it pushing…..💪🏿💪🏿

[@BlackHawk9615]

Love the interviews with the old heads. This was a great one! Would love to see Kareem on here

[@Atsin]

This is an awesome interview. Keep up the good work fellas.

[@ninopap7677]

Great player and a great man

[@tonyljackson152]

Great Interview!! Love James Worthy !!

[@ziggytube]

Big Game J had the sweetest quick-turnaround shot!!!

[@jalvarez9136]

Great interview! I'm old school 80s fan, loved the era...thanks for the interview!

[@stephenconnell3645]

I watched the whole thing start to finish. You guys got a good thing going. You both handle yourself real well and complement each other real well, Boston fan. Lot of respect for James Worthy great show guys

[@mikethomas5992]

This is a great interview…. Loved it

[@thawkereynolds]

James worthy is a former number one overall pick, a Hall of Famer, a multi NBA champion and just an overall winner but his humbleness is really impressive. I’m just like 15 minutes in but to me it says a lot about his upbringing. He does not feel the need to pounds chest and let everybody know how great he is despite the fact that may be some people don’t know I never saw his greatness.

[@monica93304]

Big Game James along with Magic, Kareem and B Scott is one of my basketball heroes. Growing up in LA, listening to Chick Hearn and Stew Lantz, I learned to appreciate the game. James Worthy has so much depth as a human being. Willing to tell us his vulnerabilities was amazing. I respect him even more since he retired and is a studio voice for generations of Laker fans. Your interviewing skills are getting better everyday, and your peer must really respect you. Keep up the great work fellas.

[@nicolasbarbier-ventdouxpro9976]

Great Interview. Do more of them with legends of the 80s, 90s and 70s

[@supahoopa]

yes!

[@Caspa2161]

Yea keep it up keep gettin big names that dont talk to just anybody

[@mr1911]

Best episode to date fellas. Great work allowing Game to tell his tales. Legendary.

[@chadchesney3858]

Really the only one with New Balance. He put them on the map as far as athlete endorsement. Worthy is New Balance. It was so cool. Because it set him apart those New Balances. Great interview. James is da man.

[@ThatBo03]

Thanks for getting my favorite player of all-time on the show!🙏🏾

[@DavidWilliams-rk1nq]

Great interview. Love big game!

[@jessiecordray9635]

wow!!! one of the best episodes to date!!

[@phillstanford6036]

Oh hell this is long overdue i think hes so underrated even though some still rate him high his contributions are overlooked

[@amgreen35]

Very good interview. Mad respect for James Worthy.

[@jzw55]

In the beginning James Worthy was like you’ll laughed too hard about him saying he had a radio face. James is a handsome man. Looks like Marvin Gaye

[@tyclef1]

About a third of the way through and Worthy seems to be giving all the smoke. It’s been a while. Respect!

[@timdog1863]

Great interview. Huge UNC Fan! Good episode with Big Game James.

[@82c10comin]

Ive said for years that James Worthy is one of the most underrated players in NBA history.

[@kendrickbell8525]

Big Game broke down the NBA lifestyle for a young player insightfully like a O.G..🗣💯

[@kenkl5204]

Great interview! One sharp and smooth man. Thank you James for the great basketball career.

[@Saveyourbs]

Great interview. Respect the legends Big Game James Worthy

[@kesleyparker5368]

Amazing episode, admire Worthy’s vulnerability and transparency.

[@dreshenri5352]

Wow what a good conversation from a super basketball legend The Great James Worthy. Salute

[@mattmeazy9988]

Thanks for bringing My All Time Favorite NBA player to the show. Notice no smoking this go round? Respect!

[@peymang]

Growing up watching the showtime lakers was pure gold!!!

[@davidpeters3857]

Absolute legend on and off the court…..outstanding interview

[@mauricekiner1835]

I am turning 50 in Jan, my point, my POPZ had me watching the Lakers in the 80z by the way of Mr.Worty🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@Heem_B]

52:19 That “Wooo!” was soooooo crazy😂😂😂 I can’t imagine bro.

[@RICHYYYYYYYYYY]

Michael Jordan Called him young fella 😂😂😂😂

[@user-do4qk2nd9r]

Great Interview

[@Sinjiny]

Great interview. Great interview