Michael Cooper
Inducted:
2024
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
170 lb (77 kg)
Born:
April 15, 1956
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard
College:
Pasadena CC (1974–1976)
New Mexico (1976–1978)
Michael Cooper was a key figure in the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" era, renowned for his elite defense, versatility, and leadership.
Playing his entire NBA career (1978–1990) with the Lakers, Cooper was a crucial part of five NBA championship teams and a premier defensive specialist tasked with guarding the league’s best scorers.
A 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Cooper was named to eight NBA All-Defensive Teams and was known for his relentless perimeter defense and ability to knock down clutch three-pointers. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, finding success in both the NBA and WNBA.
His impact on the game extended beyond statistics, making him one of the most respected role players in NBA history.
Cooper's Awards
- 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987)
- 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1981, 1983, 1986)
- Italian All-Star Game MVP (1991)
- First-team All-American – USBWA (1978)
- 2× First-team All-WAC (1977, 1978)
- 21 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Teams
Los Angeles Lakers 1978–1990
NBA draft:
1978: 3rd round, 60th overall pick
Numbers Worn:
21
NBA Stats
Seasons:
12
Games played
873
Points
7,729 (8.9 ppg)
Field goals
428
Assists
3,666 (4.2 apg)
Total minutes played
23,635
Steals
1033 (1.2 spg)
Blocked shots
523
Defensive rebounds
2,028
Offensive rebounds
741
FG%
46.9
FT%
83.3