Illustrious member of the Showtime era with the Lakers, Michael Cooper will (finally) be honored by his former franchise this evening. His number 21 will be retired at half-time of the match against Spurs.
When we think of the Lakers of the 80s, winners of 5 championship titles in 8 Finals, we always think of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or even James Worthy. But these giants did not win these titles alone and they had powerful lieutenants to assist them. Among them, Michael Cooper. Tough to the extreme, very complicit with the Magic, Coop’ was the defensive specialist of the Violet et Or, the one who faced the opposition’s best scorers every evening. Larry Bird will also say that no one bothered him more than Michael Cooper during his career.
Voted Defender of the Year in 1987, Cooper was also part of an NBA All-Defensive Team 8 times during his twelve seasons with the Lakers, the only NBA franchise in which he played. There is no doubt that he played an important role in the success of the Angelinos during the 80s. A contribution which will finally be recognized for its true value. A few months after his entry into the Hall of Fame, Coop’ will note his frankness in always honoring him as it should. His number 21 will rise to the top of the Crypto.com Arena, to join those of his comrades from Showtime.
The ceremony should take place this evening, at halftime of the match between the Lakers and the Spurs (4:30 a.m.), maintained by the NBA despite the fires that have affected Los Angeles for a week. For the occasion, we should find some good people in the public and probably some old-timers to say a few words about Coop’. Meet around 5 a.m. to witness the retirement of a 14th jersey by the Lakers.
Five-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer and Lakers legend. Tomorrow we celebrate the raising of #21 into the rafters forever pic.twitter.com/1Beldv676s
-Lakers de Los Angeles (@Lakers) https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1878645959716221372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
