Legends Of Sport

PAU GASOL IS BACK! Andy chats with now Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer - Pau Gasol!! Andy & Pau discuss the genesis of his jersey retirement by the Lakers, reflections on his Hall of Fame induction, his trade to the Lakers in 2008 & the revitalization that ensued, his personal introduction to the Lakers-Celtics rivalry, his transition from European ball to the NBA, his relationship with Phil Jackson, his remarkable return from injury to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, thoughts on his legacy, the importance of making an impact, conversations with Kobe about fatherhood, helping athletes transition after it ends, and more!

Andy chats with fellow legendary photographer, Danny Clinch! Danny discusses his career behind the lens, from 2Pac to Presidents! The guys talk about sports photography vs. music photography, how he got his start, the secret to his style, why music is his passion, shooting on 4x5, the story behind his Bruce Springteen shoot in a blizzard (which was later chosen as the "Letter To You" album cover!), his book "Danny Clinch: Still Moving", the genesis of his gallery "The Transparent Clinch Gallery" in Asbury, New Jersey, his "Sea.Hear.Now" music festival, as well as Andy's contributions to revolutionizing NBA photography!

It's PART 2 with Scoop Jackson! Andy & Scoop discuss the changes in the media landscape over their careers, Scoop's approach to writing & managing player relationships, Andy's time in the NBA Bubble in 2020, Scoop's perspective on social justice issues, players using their platforms to elicit change, Andy's BTS story on "The Mamba Mentality" book cover photo, and Scoop tells some personal Kobe Bryant stories! Scroll down if you missed Part 1!Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

Andy chats with legendary writer & culture critic - Scoop Jackson! Andy & Scoop talk about his joining SLAM Magazine in the mid-90's (shortly after Michael Jordan's first retirement), the cultural connectivity between basketball & hip-hop, Dennis Page's vision for SLAM Magazine to "tell the story of playground basketball", the genesis of his role at SLAM, skateboard photographer Atiba Jefferson, Scoop remembers a photo shoot with Shaq & Andy, Shaq posing for Andy's family Hanukkah card, and how his special relationship with Allen Iverson began. PART TWO NEXT WEEK!Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

This week's LOS CLASSIC goes back to the NBA Bubble in 2020 with NBA Champion Caron Butler! Andy & Caron discuss his book "Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA", his first-hand involvement in social justice issues, the importance of mentorship, his love & memories for his close friend Kobe Bryant, as well as his daughter Gia's fight with diabetes. Hear Caron tell intimate stories from his relationship with the late Kobe Bryant, how their bond strengthened over time, and why Kobe called Caron one of his favorite teammates of all time! Andy & Caron also talk about his time at UConn, being drafted by Pat Riley, the state of the Lakers-Clippers rivalry, his experience playing for both LA teams, action in the bubble, and so much more! Original Air Date: August 25, 2020.Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

Andy chats with author & scholar Dr. Theresa Runstedtler about her most recent book, "Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA". The two discuss perhaps the most pivotal decade in the history of the sport, and the ripple effects created by some of the NBA's most respected names. Andy & Theresa discuss the NBA landscape in the late 1970s, the impact Spencer Haywood's legal battles had on future generations of players, Oscar Robertson's battle for player rights during the NBA/ABA merger, the Territorial Draft, the paradigm shift in the 1980's, the social justice protests during the NBA Bubble, as well as her time with the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak!Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

This week's LOS CLASSIC from Season 1 features former WNBA President & current Big East Conference Commissioner - Val Ackerman! Andy & Val discuss her growing up in an athletics-focused family, the genesis of her becoming the WNBA's first President, the influence of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, the moment she was appointed WNBA President, maintaining competitive balance in the early years of the WNBA, discussions of rim height & ball size in the women's game, the keys to growing the sport, cross-promotion between the NBA & WNBA, thoughts on 1-and-done athletes, being named to the Women's Basketball HOF, visibility of women's leagues for young women, and their shared love for The Boss! Original Air Date: August 27, 2018.Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

Andy chats with author & scholar David Hollander! David is an Assistant Dean & Professor at NYU's Tisch Institute for Global Sport where he teaches a class called "How Basketball Can Save The World" - he's also written a book under the same name! The guys discuss Dr. Naismith's original vision for the sport he invented, how Naismith aimed to unite the political & social climate with the game, how he might feel about the game today, the global impact basketball has today, Andy's trip to Madrid with the Celtics in 1988, "Hoops For Hope", the intersection of art & basketball, how a commercial brought together Magic & Bird, David's book "How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Guiding Principles for Reimagining What's Possible", and so much more!Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

This week's episode features SPARC's (South Pasadena Arts Council) "Click! Art Captures Sport" Gala Fundraiser discussion panel, LIVE from The Ice House in Pasadena, CA! The event celebrated 40 years of friendship & photography from our very own legendary Lakers photographer Andy Bernstein & Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo. The panel featured Lakers Legends Byron Scott & Michael Cooper, Dodgers Legends Orel Hershiser & Jaime Jarrín, as well as a collection of works from both Andy & Jon - moderated by Dodgers' David Vassegh! Byron Scott & Michael Cooper take us inside the Lakers' championship runs in '87 & '88, Orel Hershiser talks about the Dodgers' epic year of '88, Jaime Jarrin recalls Kirk Gibson's World Series winning home run, and more! Andy & Jon recall memories from throughout their careers from navigating the likes of Tommy Lasorda & Pat Riley, the dregs of team photos, tricking Sandy Koufax into photo ops, Mamba meditations, boat photos, the Showtime Lakers reunion in Hawaii, and so much more! SPARC - sopasartscouncil.orgBeyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

Andy chats with award-winning photojournalist, best selling author, public speaker, social media disruptor, and former Chief Official White House Photographer during the Obama Administration - Pete Souza! Andy & Pete discuss professional sports teams visiting the White House, Obama's 49th birthday pickup game with the like of Kobe Bryant & LeBron James, getting to know Obama & gaining his trust, Andy's experience with Kobe on his final game day on April 13, 2016, Obama's conversation with Derek Jeter, his approach while documenting some of the toughest moments in history, being in the line of fire in active war zones, Obama's final day in office, speaking out on social media, and his new book "The West Wing and Beyond: What I Saw Inside the Presidency"!Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

With the NBA playoffs getting started, we're taking it back to the start of Season 2 with one of the top NBA centers of all time - David Robinson, aka "The Admiral"! Andy & co-host Mimi chat with David about growing up in a military family, how he literally grew out of being a baseball player, the impact of his playing idol Ralph Sampson, the late Mark Eaton, his father prophesying him playing in the NBA, how his Naval Academy experience informed his basketball career, turning the Spurs into contenders, shepherding a young Tim Duncan, his incredible message to the team after winning a championship, thoughts on One-and-Done players, and memories of playing on The Dream Team! David & Andy also discuss The Carver Academy, their first time meeting during the Wooden Award Ceremony in 1987, a photoshoot in the pouring rain, & more memories from their many years on the court together. Original Air Date: January 8, 2019.Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

This week's LOS Classic features Dodgers Legend - Orel Hershiser! Orel talks about his path into broadcasting post-career, his underdog story as a young athlete, the incredible year of 1988 which culminated in a Cy Young Award & World Series Championship, his thoughts on his Hall Of Fame snub, his record-breaking 59 consecutive scoreless inning streak, his remarkable return from shoulder reconstruction surgery, thoughts on pitch counts, poker vs pitching, Sandy Koufax's impact on his game, his toughest battles on the mound, and much more! Original Air Date: August 6, 2018.

Andy chats with journalist & fellow Curt Gowdy Award winner - Jackie MacMullan! Andy & Jackie discuss her recent retirement, why she decided to hang it up, how access to players has changed over the years, how she approached covering difficult topics & subjects, Kobe Bryant's relationship with Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan's speech at Kobe's memorial, covering the NBA bubble in 2020, players standing up for social justice issues, her hooping bonafides, her path to the Boston Globe, being the first female sports columnist for the Globe, paving the way for female journalists, and so much more! Beyond the Lens workshop - coming soon! Sign up now at BeyondTheLens.live

Andy chats with Los Angeles Sparks forward & ESPN host - Chiney Ogwumike! Originally recorded at the start of the pandemic, Andy & Chiney talk about the ongoing shutdown of sports & its impact on the WNBA. Chiney tells us about her Nigerian roots, growing up in Houston, her early basketball inspirations, her sisters Nneka & Erica, & memories of Kobe Bryant. PLUS, Chiney also discusses her achievements & future goals with NBA Africa, as well as her role as Vice President of the WNBA Players Association & how she's impacting the future of women's sports! Be sure to check out her podcast, "Certified Buckets"! Original Air Date: April 24, 2020.

Andy chats with 3x Olympic hockey player & current Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils - Meghan Duggan! Andy & Meghan discuss her path to the ice while growing up in Danvers, MA, her experience playing for the Wisconsin Badgers, moving up to Team USA only to witness the many inequities facing the women's game, her current role as Director of Player Personnel with the Devils, the strides made in the last few years in women's hockey, female executives in the NHL & other male leagues, the greatest moment in her career, what it means to play for your country, the future of women's hockey, and so much more!

Andy chats with fellow Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame classmate - Grant Hill! Andy & Grant discuss his Hall Of Fame Induction, how the HOF news affected him, growing up with a father in the NFL, his mother being roommates with Hillary Clinton & mentor to Michelle Obama, a pickup game with the Clintons, visits to the White House, the rise in social justice issues in the NBA, walking a similar path with Jason Kidd - from Co-Rookie of the Year to the Hall Of Fame, the genius of Coach K at Duke, his famous March Madness pass to Christian Laettner that took down Kentucky in the Elite Eight in 1992, thoughts on one-and-done, his love for art, purchasing the Atlanta Hawks & life as a NBA owner, the TRUE story of how Roger Staubach named him, the hardest thing he's ever had to do, and so much more!

SHOWTIME! Andy chats with Showtime Lakers legend Jamaal "Silk" Wilkes! Andy & Jamaal reminisce over their years together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jamaal reflects on his time playing in the Showtime Lakers era, the influence of Dr. Buss on the entire Lakers organization, behind his nickname "Silk", his experience playing under Coach John Wooden at UCLA, the recruiting process that lead him to UCLA, how winning Rookie of the Year AND the NBA Championship in the same year propelled his career, playing alongside the likes of incomparable stars like Rick Barry & Magic Johnson, the genesis of his unique shooting style - including a curious shooting session with Coach Wooden, his 37-point performance in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, his vantagepoint of the famous team-galvanizing moment on the Lakers plane ride that preceded the game, the genesis of his involvement in the 1975 film "Cornbread, Earl and Me", how the movie informed his own life, and so much more!

Flash back to the weekend that started this podcast! Both interviews took place during the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at Staples Center in Los Angeles! Andy chats with George "The Iceman" Gervin, & "The Glove" Gary Payton! George talks about the genesis of his nickname "The Iceman", memories from his playing days, growing up in the Motown era, the 1983 All Star Game, playing with a young Michael Jordan in his final year, why he doesn't consider MJ the GOAT, how Magic Johnson changed the game, the George Gervin Youth Center, and more! NEXT, Andy is joined by "The Glove" Gary Payton! Gary describes his path from Oakland to Oregon State to the NBA, the influence of his father on him & other NBA'ers from Oakland, the heartbreak from the Supersonics leaving Seattle, the bombing that occurred during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, his world famous trash talking, going "full neck", the Gary Payton-Shawn Kemp duo "The Rainman & The Glove", the genesis of "The Glove" nickname, his sons, and much more!

Andy chats with Dallas Mavericks legend - Rolando Blackman! The first and ONLY Panamanian player to grace the NBA! Andy & Ro discuss the culture shock he experienced moving from Panama to Brooklyn, how he discovered the game of basketball, playing for Kansas State in college, Walt Frazier, the heartbreak from the 1980 Olympic team that never was, being drafted to a brand new Dallas Mavs franchise, playing for the very tough Coach Dick Motta, memories from the 1988 Western Conference Finals vs the Showtime Lakers, finishing his career with the New York Knicks under coach Pat Riley, the 1987 All Star Game & the legendary trash talk that ensued, and much more! Plus, his current role with the Mavs, and how he's giving back as a U.N. Ambassador to the Office of Drugs & Crime!

In honor of LA Kings legend Dustin Brown's jersey retirement and statue dedication, we're revisiting our chat with Hockey Hall of Famer and current LA Kings President - Luc Robitaille! Andy & the crew took the podcast to the LA Kings Practice facility in El Segundo, CA to chat with the LA Kings Pres. just before the 2018 season! Luc tells his story; from simply trying to make an NHL roster, to stories from his six seasons playing with Wayne Gretzky! Luc shares some of his most memorable moments from his playing AND front office careers, winning & losing Stanley Cups, lessons from Barry Melrose, the greatest goalies throughout his career, Jaromír Jágr's legendary conditioning, the ups and downs for the LA Kings franchise, and so much more! Original Air Date: September 10, 2018.