Michael Cooper is a name synonymous with defensive mastery on the basketball court and exceptional success as a coach. A versatile guard/forward who played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers during their Showtime era, Cooper achieved remarkable heights as both an athlete and a coach. From winning championships in multiple leagues to overcoming formidable challenges, his story inspires athletes and fans alike.
Early Life and Family
Born on April 15, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, Michael Jerome Cooper was introduced to life’s difficulties early on. At just three years old, he suffered a severe knee injury requiring over 100 stitches, with doctors doubting his ability to walk again. Defying the odds, Cooper developed not only the ability to walk but also an extraordinary athletic talent.
Cooper grew up in Pasadena, where he attended Pasadena High School and showcased his basketball skills. By 1974, he graduated as one of the top athletes in his class. His resilience and determination laid the foundation for a successful career in basketball.
College Basketball Career
After high school, Michael Cooper enrolled at Pasadena City College. He later transferred to the University of New Mexico, where he excelled as a member of the Lobos basketball team from 1976 to 1978. Cooper’s senior year stood out, as he was named First-Team All-American by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).
Over his two seasons with the Lobos, Cooper averaged impressive stats, including 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His contributions helped the team secure the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title.
Professional Basketball Career
Showtime Glory with the Los Angeles Lakers
Michael Cooper was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 60th overall pick in the third round of the 1978 NBA Draft. Despite being a late pick, he became an indispensable part of the Lakers’ legendary Showtime dynasty.
Standing 6’7″ and weighing 170 pounds, Cooper earned the nickname “Coop” and became a staple for his defensive brilliance. During his 12-season tenure with the Lakers, he helped the team secure five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). His locks-down defense earned him eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections, with five of those being First-Team placements.
Cooper’s crowning individual achievement came in 1987 when he was awarded NBA Defensive Player of the Year, making him one of the standout defensive players of his era.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
| Height | 6’7″ (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| NBA Draft | 1978, Round 3, Pick 60 by Los Angeles Lakers |
| Teams Played For | Los Angeles Lakers, Virtus Roma (Italy) |
| Career Points | 7,729 (8.9 PPG) |
| Other Career Stats | 4.2 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 SPG |
| Championships | 5 NBA Championships |
| Individual Awards | 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 8x All-Defensive Team |
Aside from his defensive prowess, fans loved Cooper for his electrifying “Coop-a-Loop” alley-oop plays, which became a staple of Lakers games during his career. By the end of his NBA career in 1990, Cooper ranked among the Lakers’ all-time statistical leaders in multiple categories, including steals and three-point field goals.
Final Season in Italy
After leaving the NBA, Michael Cooper played the 1990–91 season in Italy for Virtus Roma. There, he averaged 15.8 points per game while further cementing his reputation as a versatile player.
Transition to Coaching
WNBA Success with the Los Angeles Sparks
After his playing career, Michael Cooper transitioned into coaching, where he achieved remarkable success. Starting as an assistant on the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff, Cooper eventually became the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Under his leadership, the Sparks won back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002. Cooper’s efforts earned him the 2000 WNBA Coach of the Year award.
Coaching Beyond the WNBA
Cooper’s coaching career spans several teams and leagues:
- Interim head coach for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets in 2004.
- Led the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to an NBA Development League Championship in 2006.
- Coached the Atlanta Dream from 2014 to 2017, making significant strides in the WNBA.
More recently, Cooper coached high school basketball and took on an assistant coaching role at Cal State L.A. in 2023.
Net Worth and Personal Life
Michael Cooper’s estimated net worth is $6 million, accrued through his successful playing career, coaching salaries, and endorsements.
Off the court, Cooper has faced personal and health challenges with resilience. He was diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer in 2014 and underwent successful treatment. Cooper remains an inspiration, using his experiences to motivate others dealing with adversity.
Legacy and Awards
Cooper’s legacy extends beyond his accolades. Considered one of the finest defenders in NBA history, his ability to shut down elite scorers became legendary—even Larry Bird famously described him as the toughest defender he’d faced.
Cooper was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, further solidifying his impact on basketball. That same year, the Lakers announced the retirement of his No. 21 jersey.
Michael Cooper’s Key Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 1987 |
| NBA All-Defensive Team | 8 Selections (5 First Team) |
| NBA Championships | 5 with Los Angeles Lakers |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2024 |
| WNBA Coach of the Year | 2000 |
| WNBA Championships | 2 with the Los Angeles Sparks |
| D-League Championship | 2006 |
Final Thoughts
Michael Cooper represents excellence as both a player and a coach. From his lockdown defense during the Lakers’ Showtime era to his championship-winning coaching career, Cooper has left an indelible mark on basketball. His story of overcoming adversity, shining on the biggest stages, and continuing to inspire in the world of basketball serves as a beacon for athletes everywhere.
