Date of Birth: April 15, 1956
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Biography
Michael Cooper is a retired American professional basketball player and coach, best known for his time as a shooting guard and small forward with the Los Angeles Lakers during the “Showtime” era of the 1980s. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cooper played college basketball at Pasadena City College and the University of New Mexico before being drafted by the Lakers in the 1978 NBA Draft. He was renowned for his defensive prowess, earning five NBA All-Defensive Team selections and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1987. Cooper played a key role in the Lakers’ five NBA Championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). After retiring as a player in 1990, Cooper transitioned into coaching, serving in various capacities in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA. He won two WNBA Championships as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002. Cooper’s contributions to basketball have been widely recognized, and he remains a beloved figure in the sport.
5 Interesting Facts about Michael Cooper
1. Michael Cooper was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987.
2. He won five NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
3. Cooper transitioned to coaching and led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA Championships.
4. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 as a part of the Lakers’ team.
5. Cooper is known for his distinctive socks, which he wore high during games.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Cooper
1. “Defense is what wins championships.”
2. “Playing with Magic and Kareem was like a dream come true.”
3. “Coaching gave me a new perspective on the game I love.”
4. “Hard work and dedication are the keys to success.”
5. “The fans in Los Angeles were always fantastic and supportive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Highest net worth achieved: $8 million
Children
Michael Cooper has three children: Michael Cooper Jr., Simone Cooper, and Miles Cooper.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Michael Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cooper
2. [NBA Profile](https://www.nba.com/player/76425/michael_cooper
3. [Basketball Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/coopemi01.html
4. [WNBA Coaching Profile](https://www.wnba.com/coach/michael-cooper/
