The Guy Who Kept Showtime Rolling | Gary Vitti

Showtime Podcast with Lakers Legend Michael Cooper Ep. 8 Longtime Lakers Trainer Gary Vitti Twitter: @ShowtimeCooper Powered by BetOnline.AG Coop is joined by longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, who was with the team from 1984-2015. Vitti talks on being the athletic trainer for the Lakers during multiple title runs over multiple decades and what it was like to be one of the first who knew about Magic Johnson testing positive for HIV.  2:47 When did Gary Vitti come on board with the Lakers? 6:50 Why did Gary decide to get into athletic training? 8:45 What happened when he took over as athletic trainer for the Lakers and how he helped to change the culture of the team in 1984. 13:20 Gary Vitti's relationship with Dr. Jerry Buss and Coach Pat Riley. 14:50 What made the Lakers organization so successful, especially during the Showtime era. 17:30 That time Kareem got Coop back for a prank. 21:45 Gary Vitti on his all-time favorite championship with the Lakers.  24:19 On Pat Riley's challenge of guaranteeing a back-to-back championship and how that impacted both Vitti and Coop in their lives. 27:02 Gary Vitti on the story of Magic testing positive for HIV and the impact it had on society and how it felt about the virus. 39:50 What Magic said to Gary Vitti before he acknowledged he had HIV publicly. 45:42 The day Vitti's life changed forever when Magic sustained a cut during a game after testing positive for HIV. Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher. Showtime with Coop is presented by BetOnline.AG. Go to BetOnine.ag and use promo code: CLNS50 to score your exclusive bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices