In 2024, Michael Cooper became the latest Showtime-era legend to be inducted into the Hall of Fame! The list of greats includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob McAdoo, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, and coach Pat Riley. In 2025, another honor was waiting for ‘The Coop’ to cement his legacy. Naturally, past legends of the Purple and Gold franchise were in attendance to show their appreciation. One such legend was not in attendance, but made sure to share his admiration.

“An unmatched feeling and moment. Congrats @ShowtimeCooper 👏🏼.” Pau Gasol wrote on X for Michael Cooper after he received his honor in 2o23. During the half-time against the Grizzlies, the Spaniard’s jersey was raised in the rafters. Interestingly, it was against the team where he started his NBA career. His #16 was the 13th number that the Lakers franchise has retired over the years, including Gasol’s former teammates Kobe Bryant #8 and #24.

“It means so much, and obviously with Kobe up there, it just adds something meaningful and powerful and sad and happy and painful and joyful. It’s a lot of things.” The 2x NBA Champion was in tears when he spoke about his former teammate and brother, Kobe Bryant. During that ceremony, he even felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and cheers for him.

“It’s been my honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise and to help this team. … I would have never in a million years believed a day like this could come. It just tells you to never say never. Just push yourself every day to be the best that you can be.” A true champion of the game, he helped his team reach three straight finals after his arrival in 2008. Even then, the jersey retirement honor did not feel real until the moment happened. A similar moment that even the Coop stated during his emotional ceremony.

Michael Cooper thought this day would never come

“It’s about the people that you played with, you went to work with, you fought with, you prepared with, and you have love for. I mean, I have love for all the people in the Hall of Fame, but this is a certain kind of love.” The 5x NBA champion candidly expressed the feeling for the moment, as he was surrounded by his teammates. Former teammates Magic Johnson, A.C. Green, and James Worthy, as well as former coach Pat Riley, who all witnessed Cooper’s significant contribution to the team, were also present at the event.

However, previously Michael Cooper had apprehension about his honor. “I had never thought about that because I feel retired jerseys are players that truly, truly deserve it.” His resume speaks for himself! That is why he is even on the team full of superstars of the Showtime Era, Coop cemented his place and his legacy.

In 1986, he won Defensive Player of the Year and was a beast at the perimeter. Which earned the praise from his former teammate, Magic Johnson. The #21 of Cooper will be in between #32 of Johnson and James Worthy’s No. 42.