‘Showtime’ Lakers Star Norm Nixon: I’ve Got Questions About the Cavs
Los Angeles, March 23, 2025 – Norm Nixon, the two-time NBA champion and “Showtime” Lakers legend, is making waves again—this time off the court. The former All-Star point guard, known for his slick playmaking and clutch performances during the Lakers’ golden era of the 1980s, recently shared his skepticism about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ legitimacy as championship contenders. Speaking to TMZ Sports at LAX this week, Nixon didn’t hold back, raising eyebrows with his candid take on the team currently boasting the NBA’s best record.
Nixon, a key figure in the Lakers’ back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1982, knows a thing or two about what it takes to win at the highest level. Drafted 22nd overall by Los Angeles in 1977, he carved out a stellar career, averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 assists over 768 games, earning two All-Star nods, and leading the league in assists during the 1983-84 season with the San Diego Clippers. His tenure with the Lakers coincided with the dawn of the “Showtime” era, where he shared the spotlight—and occasionally the ball—with a young Magic Johnson. Nixon’s playoff heroics, including a 20.4 points-per-game average in the 1982 postseason, cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of that dazzling dynasty.
But today, Nixon’s focus isn’t on his past glory. It’s on the present-day Cavaliers, who, as of March 23, 2025, hold the Eastern Conference’s top spot with an impressive win tally. “They’re good,” Nixon conceded to TMZ, acknowledging Cleveland’s dominance this season. “They’ve got the most wins in the East, no question.” Yet, the 69-year-old paused, his tone shifting. “But I’ve got questions. How do they handle the bright lights of April, May, and June? Until they prove they can win on the big stage, that’s my hesitation.”
It’s a fair point from a man who’s been there. Nixon’s Lakers faced their share of playoff battles, toppling the Philadelphia 76ers in two Finals matchups. He knows the regular season is one thing, but the postseason—where legends are forged and pretenders exposed—is another beast entirely. Cleveland’s current roster, led by stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, has dazzled fans with its high-octane offense and stifling defense. But Nixon isn’t sold yet. “Good isn’t great,” he seemed to imply, echoing a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s watched a team falter when the stakes skyrocket.
Instead, Nixon tipped his cap to other contenders. He name-dropped the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics as teams he’d “place his bets on,” suggesting their mix of youth, experience, and postseason pedigree gives them an edge. As for his old squad, the Lakers, Nixon remained bullish. “LeBron and Co. are still in the mix,” he said, flashing a smile that hinted at his enduring loyalty to the Purple and Gold, where he played from 1977 to 1983 and won those two rings.
Nixon’s skepticism about the Cavs isn’t just nostalgia talking. Posts on X reflect a mixed sentiment about Cleveland’s title hopes, with some fans echoing his doubts. “Cavs are killing it, but playoffs are a different animal,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “Norm’s got a point—regular season champs don’t always wear crowns.” Others, however, rushed to Cleveland’s defense: “Nixon’s sleeping on Mitchell—he’s built for the moment.”
This isn’t the first time Nixon’s voice has carried weight beyond the hardwood. Since retiring in 1989 after stints with the Clippers and Italy’s Scavolini Pesaro, he’s transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a radio commentator and Lakers studio analyst for Fox Sports West. Married to actress and producer Debbie Allen since 1984, with whom he has three children—including actor DeVaughn Nixon, who portrayed him in HBO’s Winning Time—Norm’s life off the court has been as dynamic as his playing days.
So why the doubts about Cleveland? Perhaps it’s the ghost of playoff disappointments past—Nixon’s Lakers were swept by the Sixers in the 1983 Finals, a bitter pill after years of success. Or maybe it’s the wisdom of a veteran who’s seen overhyped teams flame out. Whatever the reason, Nixon’s questions linger like a challenge: Can the Cavs prove him wrong when the lights get brightest?
For now, the “Showtime” star’s verdict is clear: Cleveland’s got the stats, but the jury’s still out on their soul. As the season marches toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on the Cavs to answer Nixon’s doubts—or watch his hesitation turn prophetic.
