The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated a long-overdue honour for Michael Cooper, the defensive stalwart of their Showtime era, by retiring his No. 21 jersey in a heartfelt halftime ceremony during Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Cooper’s jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Lakers’ downtown arena, nestled between Magic Johnson’s No. 32 and James Worthy’s No. 42. The 68-year-old Cooper, who played his entire career with the Lakers, was a vital part of their five NBA championships in the 1980s, serving as the defensive anchor and glue player for a team filled with megastars.
“This is so overwhelming to me, because I never expected this at all,” Cooper said. “I always played for the love of the game, and the team, and winning championships. Tonight is, to me, more special than the Hall of Fame — but both of them are equally important.”
The ceremony coincided with an emotional time for the Los Angeles community, as wildfires ravaged areas near Cooper’s childhood homes in Pasadena and Altadena. “It’s kind of a happy-sad moment for me,” Cooper shared. “Tonight I’m going to enjoy it, but with a heavy heart because so many people lost so many things.”
Cooper was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last October, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s premier defensive players. Though he was never an All-Star, Cooper’s contributions were undeniable. A five-time All-Defensive First Team selection and the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1987, he was a prototype for the modern 3-and-D role, excelling in defense while hitting clutch shots from beyond the arc.
Magic Johnson, who led the ceremony, praised Cooper as “one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.” Former Lakers coach Pat Riley and teammates Worthy, Byron Scott, Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes, Kurt Rambis, and Vlade Divac joined Cooper on the court, highlighting the profound respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.
Cooper’s influence extended beyond his playing days. He led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships during a successful coaching career, cementing his status as a beloved figure in Los Angeles basketball.
“I always tried to play the game the right way,” Cooper said. “Although I’ve always been on a team with a lot of megastars, sometimes I got overshadowed. But that didn’t bother me, because it was always about the body of work that we were putting together and winning championships.”
For Lakers fans, Monday night was a chance to celebrate a player whose contributions went beyond the spotlight, proving that dedication and selflessness can also create a legacy worthy of the rafters.
