Michael Cooper spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers . He was one of the unique players in the NBA because he was a 6’7” shooting guard, but he was rail thin at 170 pounds. Despite that, he became a Lakers legend due to his vital role in the Showtime era in the 1980s alongside Earvin “Magic” Johnson in the backcourt.
Coop left the Lakers and the NBA in 1991 but has continued to spend time as a coach across different teams, including an assistant coach role with the Lakers and a stint as the head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. In 2024, he is set to get his jersey number retired by the franchise he called home for more than a decade.
“I do really appreciate the Lakers for that. I never played this game, I just played this for the love of the game and winning championships,” Coop said in his Showtime Podcast. “There’s a point where I could have left, but loyalty means something. You can be a great player, but the first franchise you ever got to be is where you played your heart and soul. I never played in Crypto.com, but I left a lot of skin, blood, and a piece of my hair at the Forum.”
Coop deserves the honor
Cooper is the latest Lakers legend to have his jersey retired. He earned this honor because of his contributions to the Showtime Era during the 1980s. Coop was a constant presence for the Lakers, as he worked hard to earn a spot in the regular rotation after being selected as the 60th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 1978 Draft.
The 6-foot-7 wing is one of the league's fiercest defenders, consistently stepping up to guard the opposing team’s top player. His battles with Larry Bird were legendary, with Bird himself admitting that Coop was his toughest matchup—a compliment that Cooper considers his greatest achievement , even more significant than his five championships and Defensive Player of the Year award. However, with his upcoming jersey retirement by the Lakers, that honor may soon take the top spot in his list of career accomplishments.
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The Lakers know how to honor their legends
Looking at the Lakers’ list of jersey retirements, it's clear that every player honored was a star for the team. While Cooper never earned an All-Star selection, he was undoubtedly the best in his role as the Lakers' defensive anchor. Taking on the duties of defensive stopper in LA was no easy task, but Cooper consistently excelled.
Now, as a true LA legend, Coop is receiving one of the highest honors a player can achieve—having his jersey retired. The Lakers continue to celebrate their all-time greats, and Michael rightfully deserves his place in the rafters. Everyone involved is delighted with the decision, as the legendary defensive dynamo's loyalty and love for the franchise have never wavered.
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