James Worthy on Playing For Pat Riley

James Worthy and Byron Scott share some awesome stories about what it was like to be on the Lakers when Pat Riley was the head coach!
www.byronscottpodcast.com
OFF THE DRIBBLE features Byron Scott who is a 3 time NBA champion with the Showtime Lakers of the 80s. Byron famously played with and coached players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and many others. Byron also coached for multiple NBA franchises including the Head Coach for the Lakers from 2014-2016. On this podcast Byron will be interviewing former and current athletes as well as guests from the sports and entertainment world. He will give you the behind the scenes stories you've never heard before.
#nba #basketball #lakers #patriley #jamesworthy

[@brianbailey6230]

I love listening to these NBA legends talk about those good ol days. I grew up in the 80’s watching all these guys play. Nothing but respect for Worthy, Scott and so many other legends from that time.

[@azdbuk]

ditto here....I literally have never admitted this to anyone, but as a phx kid, I worshipped the Suns obviously, from about Walter Davis and forward, and hated running into the 80's Lakers....but....I secretly had a Magic Johnson poster in my room.....I still can't believe it 40+ years later. Still a Sun's fan, although pro's are getting tougher to root for for me.....but, these late 70's to early 90's memory lane trips are pure gold.

[@margarinetaintedgreen8140]

His story about Pat’s half-time rant was hilarious.

[@shanenolan085]

Ikr 😆 🤣 😂

[@Storm27ification]

Facts

[@jaycepero8069]

Riley is the arguably the greatest coach/gm/executive of all time.

[@keefriff99]

When you look at his entire body of work, definitely.

[@zachcoggins9018]

Absolutely, and he rebuilt that Heat team after the big 3 without a single top 5 pick.

[@michaelkraus4135]

SECOND TO ........................JERRY WEST !

[@dmendez77]

Amen

[@dmendez77]

@@michaelkraus4135Jerry maybe untouchable as executive, but riles better coach

[@paulcooper1046]

Loved the Rockets vs. Lakers matchups back in the day. Olajuwon vs. Showtime was something that isn't duplicated in today's league.

[@tommyfu9271]

young fans don't understand how great Hakeem was.

[@stevec3892]

I was a teenager in Boston in the 80’s and huge Celts fan . I remember you guys , Jamaal Wilkes , Norm Nixon not just Kareem and Magic . Grew up with all of you , great memories

[@lawrencekin02]

Nice to see a podcast like this where the Laker legends talk the good old days 😊

[@frankjoseph6071]

met pat riley in practice. i asked for a picture and he was very gracious and patient with my friends (who were lagging behind) . awesome dude

[@huskynation2318]

So much respect for both of these gentlemen - both as iconic athletes and just great people. I was so blessed to be part of watching the "Showtime" Lakers in my youth! Purple and Gold forever!

[@driven64]

BScott, PLEASE have James Worthy as a regular guest on your podcast!!!!!

[@bill.Latham]

I had a chance to meet Pat Riley summer of 1986 at an employee luncheon I was so impress how down to earth he was when he spoke, and he was Mr. GQ.

[@aconater]

To have grown up in the Los Angeles area as a kid in the 80’s and 80’s was memorable especially loving the Los Angeles Lakers and seeing the greatest of this franchise and organization come together as a 52 year old man I’ll cherish it forever!!❤

[@Cancelthis1541]

Does the number 17,505 ring a bell?

[@theknow7557]

The Forum capacity!

[@Cancelthis1541]

@@theknow7557 A true fan!

[@anonymouslakernerd7214]

I’m 52 too. From LA and know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s so painful watching what the organization has become.

[@ricsarmiento661]

"NO REBOUNDS, NO RINGS." My fave PAT RILEY qoute. Aside from DEFENSE, this EFFORT AREA is how you determine if you really want to beat the other TEAM and win the NBA CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆

[@asafoshakur108]

B. Scott… one of my favorite guards … ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@ericrobinson3995]

Man, I thought Worthy always had the fastest first step I ever seen and when he glided through the air with the goggles for a dunk? I was amazed and scared boy....

[@weareallanimals]

You are so right. If he hadn't injured his knee, we'd be comparing him to the greatest players of all time.

[@smokeyjoe795]

First step like lightening. Fundamentally sound, postup moves, upfakes, scoop shots, fingerolls. The key was James could hit that midrange jumpshot so the defender had to play him honest. Worthy was underrated defensively IMO.

[@patticriss2238]

He was sure something.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

Apparently Rodman thinks the same thing. Gala made a video about it a couple of weeks ago. I haven't watched it yet though.

[@ericbadu3726]

Dick Stockton said during the 1987 finals that Worthy had 3 gifts. 1. The catch(you had to be gifted to catch a fastball from Magic) 2. The post up move 3. A quick first step He also had the statue of liberty dunk. What sn exciting player.

[@elvispresley5921]

Worthy , THE fastest 1st step in NBA history com'n from any forward (And many guards)....PERIOD. James always helped ya out though , cuz his spin moves gave the defender a chance to find and pick up his jock as they span around after him.

[@RichQ01]

Love you B Scott and love the show. Keep grinding you’re the best! Lakers baby 🙌🏽

[@alifrombenhill3374]

Nobody messed with Kareem. Lol

[@eddieG667]

He tore into Kareem after the Memorial Day massacre. Kareem sat up front during the film session and took it

[@RighteousFiyah]

Kareem was definitely the elder statesman on the team. He was born in ‘47 and a lot of his teammates were born in the 60's. They also respected his game

[@cat-yi9cg]

Only Bruce Lee messed with Kareem

[@peterwong5463]

Magic messed with Kareem!! Lol

[@mark75l63]

​@@cat-yi9cgF Bruce Lee

[@lar7905]

CELTICS fan here. These are great stories . Red Auerbach had his own tactics to keep the players grounded also . One tactic was to make the players dive for a loose ball . He would bounce the ball out of reach of a player and make him dive for it as he backed up around the court . It seems the mental drills were as important as the physical ones and the players weren't allowed to get big heads about their success . He would tear into Russell or Havlicek just to let the other guys know they could be next if they weren't careful . P.S. The best matches were CELTICS, LAKERS with a beer or three. LOL

[@kennywilliams123]

The 80’s Lakers brought me so much joy.

[@JSGroupofCompanies]

B.Scott. Met you as a young kid when you came to the Bahamas.

[@michaelrussell4894]

I hear a lot of respect for Riley. If he did not have it, he would have been run out of LA too.

[@briansmith9959]

I know a guy that had Pat Riley's house on his garbage route here in Miami.....he said Pat is the nicest guy.

[@rgk99]

“I’m a piss em off, that’ll work” 😅😅😅

[@SirMaxima2011]

B Scott love your show i miss all of you guys The best basketball era was the showtime Lakers i am a Laker fan always we are in the same age bracket i am 67 so you what i am talking about.just keep it up. you can coach too! i hope you get back into it. LOL

[@user-wv4xc1us6u]

Big game James👍🏽👊🏽

[@hawaiisown5064]

Lol JW on why they were swept by Detroit in the 89 Finals - "We swept Phoenix then had some days off - until Riles took us to Santa Barbara and killed us! Byron pulled his hammy then Magic pulled his and that was a wrap."

[@TheWattsSuperhero]

Love this conversation, I spent middle & high school watching these guys in living color, 17505 fan ❤💜💛.

[@alwill6289]

He did great because he had great talent to coach

[@brendas6461]

He did have great talent. We have also see teams with great talent fail because the coach didn't have it.

[@infinitysconcinnity2418]

Would LOVE to see Riles on your Podcast! Make it happen!

[@jorad4887]

JW is one of my top 5 players of all time

[@Trancymind]

Dennis Rodman has left the chatroom due to James Worthy trauma.

[@tchoopee5143]

This was a refreshing conversation

[@americusdeville865]

These players put the Laker franchise on the map. Nothing like Showtime Lakers ever. Manchester Blvd.

[@djjuanonthe2s836]

Patrick Ewing talked about Riley & his brutal practices.And how the games were easier than the practices

[@davidkazaka4339]

Great stuff.

[@jasonbabilonia3037]

Think about that, they feared practice over a game, wow

[@brendas6461]

Enjoyed this, thank you ;)

[@user-ol8cs8vq6e]

❤the lakers

[@patticriss2238]

I love you guys.

[@nymike06]

Not a fan of the Lakers but much respect to Worthy and Scott. Great players!

[@BAdams138]

Those were the days!!!

[@aliporter193]

Pat Riley was the Bruce lee of coaching

[@mymagicisntgivingup5908]

David Goggins of coaching.

[@mightymikeamps9317]

If Big Game James doesn’t get hurt, the 91 Final win would go to the Lakers. The Lakers won that first game with James, but without him… They were done.

[@Trancymind]

Byron Scott also got injured in the 1991 NBA Finals. Cooper and Kareem being retired didn't help either.

[@jerryzheng7114]

I rewatched the halftime rant part for like 30 times...

[@nomibe2911]

Where's the video of Magic talking about how Pat yelled at Kareem for not attending a birthday party that everyone else attended.

[@shogun0127]

used to hang with these guys when they practiced at LMU

[@luisrodriguez-mb7cc]

Worthy played with Jordan in college and against him at the professional level, and with Magic and Kareem on the Lakers. He knows what the hell he's talking about when it comes to living legends. He lost finals series against the Celtics, Pistons and Bulls. Had he won all three, MJ's, Thomas' and Bird's legacies would have suffered severely.

[@InvestBetter.]

That's what great trainers and coaches do: Make practice so hard, the game is easy, in comparison

[@dudermcdude9245]

Great time for hoops

[@elliotthegbor2381]

Kareem what would u like to do 😅😅😅😅😅

[@SpaceGhost67]

And how are you this morning, Mr. Kareem, sir?😊😂🎉

[@CasualObserver-jx4zh]

This folks was fast break LakerBall/Showtime. The best basketball ever seen with one of the best all round teams ever assembled. Not this whining crap we have now from LA who couldn’t carry the Showtime Jock Straps.

[@darrylballard9299]

"Games were easy; compared to practice" Daye-Eeem !!!!!

[@rovevanpersie245]

Any convos about Jordan story? Hehe

[@jamesanthony5681]

Pat said in so many words back in the early 80's, "People look a Showtime Lakers and think it's all fun and games, but I work those guys hard."

[@aliporter193]

Got damn pat Riley know how to push somebody buttons that remind me of me im good at piss people off

[@enniol8043]

Practice! We talkin' about practice!

[@MichaelGarcia-cg9on]

It was cool back when NBA players practiced.

[@Skip-Kilat]

i hated the Lakers. I was a Bird fan. I was a Celtics fan. But by gosh, Showtime was fun to watch… (when they played against Western teams 😁) One of the greatest teams ever.

[@stevec3892]

Same here grew up in Boston back then . Great times

[@sirbradfordofhousejones]

Replace all that with hating the Celtics, growing up in Southern California, and really enjoying watching Bird and McHale absolutely torture defenses. I was just a kid, but what a rivalry to fuel my love of the game. I miss that. Great times.

[@StationRussification]

#GoLakers

[@edwinro77]

Grew up during the Showtime era, love the interviews! Goodluck with the POD; let's see u on Pat Mcafee's show too

[@averagejoe9851]

Two athletes talking like champions talk........Cool stuff.......

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

Pat Riley sounds a lot like Vince Lombardi

[@kevinwheesysouthward9295]

I always liked Worthy and B Scott As a Sixers fan, that wasn’t a popular opinion with my boys

[@larryshores9402]

Pat believed practice hard. The game will be easy.

[@mymagicisntgivingup5908]

He carried that all the way to Miami

[@shanenolan085]

0:56 Kareem was the Captain 😆 🤣 😂 😹

[@americusdeville865]

Shalawam.

[@chrisg2214]

That SM 7B looks tiny. James worthy is a big man.

[@PhoenixRising82672]

Pat Riley: Mr Jabbar

[@davidward5225]

Worthy could go to the hoop as well as anyone.

[@stevewise1656]

He ran your legs right into injuries! For the people below who apparently don't know anything about the Lakers, I'll back up my comment. Instead of resting the damn team before the Finals he took the team to a "training camp" in Santa Barbara and overtrained them. That's why Byron and Magic tore their hamstrings. This was common knowledge at the time. Riley himself acknowledged as much. They were going for three straight championships and four in five years. So duh, you don't take a bunch of guys out who've played that many games and run their legs into the ground.

[@QW22312]

Right into championships

[@percybland256]

DID HE REALLY OVER WORK PLAYERS??? IS THIS TRUE?? I DON'T VIEW HIM AS TIMBEDEAU THAT GOT PLAYERS HURT AND ALTERED D ROSE LEGACY!!

[@fabiancastaneda3878]

@@percybland256 yeah, in the 89' Finals he pushed his players through their limits

[@samercif4319]

Okay doctor

[@stevewise1656]

@@percybland256 Instead of resting the damn team before the Finals he took the team to a "training camp" in Santa Barbara and overtrained them. That's why Byron and Magic tore their hamstrings. This was common knowledge at the time.

[@Anything4adollar]

would be even better to have them discuss, playing for Paul Westhead instead....oh yea, neither were on the roster when he coached...

[@Cancelthis1541]

To Laker fans of the 80's, does the number 17,505 come to mind?

[@billbixby557]

The Riley praise is fine but i'd say heap much praise on the players willing to be coached, willing to put the ego aside, willing to forego the "i'm a growna@@ man" routine and take their lumps when they came around ( as they always do in LIfe ) for 1) the sake of the team 2) a chance to be GREAT. You can't coach a 'know it all' plain and simple.

[@johnnyguitarwatson5288]

Hell! Pat riley seen the "GAME OF DEATH " & he was not Bruce Lee 🤔

[@jondixon1392]

2 Great Men

[@larryviars6199]

Growing up I watched Kareem play. I thought he was great player but never heard of him as the greatest. Now he is constantly talked about. Look like they would gave him his roses while he was playing. On a side note I know people who have been part of his publicity tours type stuff and they said he was an A Hole

[@Jkimbo23]

Try to talk about load management with these animals.

[@rafikz77]

They wish they had load management

[@brianvigneau2074]

Worthy... your not working? That's funny!!!

[@paulvon2378]

Showtime Lakers were the best.

[@InvestBetter.]

This is why the Lakers had 5 rings in the 80's. The Celtics only had 3. Pat Riley > KC Jones

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

James Worthy -- "We came from great college programs" Kobe Bryant-- "IF I knew how much I was going to sit those early years I would have went to college". and yet... People wonder aloud why I'm not interested in watching the NBA. You kids, have fun.. I'll be elsewhere.

[@terrenceliburd8655]

Hitler without the stash? Lol

[@DangleFront]

Get rid of Jeanie!

[@dobz746]

Imagine if Pat Riley did not leave the Lakers and he became a President/Coach then... The Lakers would have the "Culture" Mantra instead of the Heat. And Imagine him coaching prime Shaq with Kobe... Shaq would not get overweight

[@SirMaxima2011]

BScott, PLEASE have James Worthy as a regular guest on your podcast!!!!!

[@averageguy1261]

It should just be these two all the time....