Newly inducted Hall of Famer Michael Cooper sat down with All The Smoke to reflect on his journey from an overlooked junior college player to one of the most feared defenders in NBA history. The five-time champion and 1987 Defensive Player of the Year shared untold stories from the Showtime Lakers era, his intense rivalry with Larry Bird, and his transition into coaching—including leading the LA Sparks to back-to-back WNBA titles.
From Junior College Standout to Showtime Laker
Cooper’s road to the NBA was far from conventional. After a severe childhood injury nearly ended his ability to walk, he overcame academic struggles and thrived at Pasadena Community College, averaging 26 points per game. Drafted by the Lakers in 1979, the same year Jerry Buss took ownership of the franchise, Cooper quickly embraced his role as a defensive specialist—advice given to him by Jerry West due to the Lakers’ stacked offensive lineup.
Locking Down Legends & the “Coop-a-Loop”
Although initially a scorer, Cooper became the Lakers’ defensive anchor, earning eight All-Defensive team selections and the nickname the “Larry Bird Stopper.” His battles with the Boston Celtics great were legendary, with Bird ranking as the toughest player he ever had to guard. Meanwhile, Cooper and Magic Johnson popularized the “Coop-a-Loop,” an alley-oop play Magic adapted from his college days.
Beyond basketball, Cooper became known for his signature high socks, a tribute to his grandmother, who had glaucoma and needed a way to recognize him on TV.
Inside the Forum Club & Showtime Culture
The Showtime Lakers weren’t just dominant on the court—they were the hottest ticket in town. The Forum Club, often compared to Studio 54, was a celebrity-filled nightlife scene where Jack Nicholson, Dyan Cannon, and other Hollywood elites gathered to watch the team. While Cooper, who was married at the time, mostly observed from the sidelines, he recalled how Dr. Jerry Buss built an atmosphere designed to “entertain the entertainers.”
From NBA Champion to WNBA Coaching Icon
After retiring, Cooper found success in coaching. Under the mentorship of Pat Riley and Jerry West, he transitioned into leadership, eventually guiding the LA Sparks to back-to-back WNBA championships (2001-2002). He spoke highly of Lisa Leslie, calling her one of the best players he ever coached, and shared how she pushed him to coach the team harder.
Health Battles & Lakers Legacy
In 2014, Cooper was diagnosed with tongue cancer, leading to surgery and radiation treatment. Now in recovery, he emphasized the importance of early detection and regular checkups.
As for today’s Lakers, he believes LeBron James deserves a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, a stance that fuels ongoing debates about the franchise’s greatest icons.
Cooper’s Top Defenders & Lasting Impact
Cooper also shared his top five perimeter defenders of all time, including Nate McMillan, Dikembe Mutombo, Alvin Robertson, Michael Jordan, and himself. As a BIG3 coach, he remains connected to the game, while also championing the growth of women’s basketball and the bright future of the WNBA.
