Michael Cooper's Legacy: From Showtime Lakers to Hall of Fame Induction

The defensive cornerstone of the Showtime Lakers, Michael Cooper, reflects on his storied career as he takes his place in basketball history.

Overview

Michael Cooper, a key defensive player during the Showtime Lakers era, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
Known as 'The Coop,' Cooper earned his nickname during a Summer League game when Magic Johnson created the 'Coop-a-loop' alley-oop play specifically for him.
Cooper played 12 seasons with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships and earning the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award.
His defensive prowess made him an eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and earned praise from rivals like Larry Bird, who called him the toughest defender he faced.
After retiring, Cooper transitioned to coaching, leading the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks to two championships and earning Coach of the Year honors.