Standing at 6-foot-5, Michael Cooper wasn’t just another name on the Los Angeles Lakers roster—he was a defensive genius who turned every matchup into a chess game. Cooper was the guy who dove for loose balls, frustrated opponents and anchored the team’s defense like no one else. His hustle inspired teammates like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who once said, “I really appreciate being Coop’s teammate. He really helped me succeed.” Note how he’s being called Coop. Ever wondered how Michael Cooper earned that nickname?

In an old podcast, Michael Cooper explained about the game that birthed his iconic moniker. “This is actually my second year,” he started. “But as a first-time player on the court, it would be my first season.” He reminisced about a packed Summer League game against the Detroit Pistons, where Magic Johnson had the crowd buzzing. “Great Summer League game. Sold-out crowd. People were there to see this kid, Magic Johnson, play,” Coop shared with enthusiasm.

But the story didn’t stop with just an intense game. Cooper went on to recall, “One thing I remember that game, AT, is that Magic goes, Koop, we’ve got to get you a play. And that’s when the alley-oop was born.” He explained how Magic developed the play, inspired by their mutual connection with Michigan State’s Gregg Kelser. “Magic said, ‘It’s going to Mr. Gregg, and you’re Coop—so alley-oop Coop.’” And just like that, the alley-oop wasn’t just a play; it was Coop’s calling card, an identity carved in Lakers history.

For 12 seasons, Michael Cooper was the heart of the Lakers’ defense, locking down anyone who came near him. His stats—8.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game—barely scratched the surface of his contributions. Whether in practice or the Finals, Coop brought the same tenacity every night. He was Magic’s safety net, Kareem’s shield, and the Lakers’ unsung hero.

The fans loved him just as much. Every time Coop made a big play, the crowd erupted with deafening chants of “Cooooop!” And, of course, there was the famous alley-oop designed just for him, endearingly named the “Coop-a-loop.” It wasn’t just a play—it was a celebration of everything that made Michael Cooper special.

“The Coop” became a household name in LA

Growing up under the sunny skies of California, Michael Cooper never wandered too far from home. Staying close to Los Angeles, he built a career that would make any basketball fan proud. With five NBA championships and the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year title in 1987, Coop carved out a legacy that speaks for itself.

But the journey to stardom didn’t start with an NBA contract. As a teen tearing it up at Pasadena High School, Coop’s skills quickly gained attention. That promise took him first to Pasadena City College and then to the University of New Mexico, where he truly began to shine. Posting averages of 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, he not only led the Lobos to a WAC title but also cemented himself as one of college basketball’s rising stars. Still, NBA scouts didn’t expect much, and Coop entered the 1978 draft as an underdog.

And yet, picked 60th overall in the third round by the Lakers, Coop defied expectations. Over 12 seasons with the Showtime Lakers, he became their defensive cornerstone, protecting legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. Night after night, Coop locked down the league’s top scorers, proving that underdogs can become key players in championship dynasties.

Interestingly, Coop had another nickname: “Buttercup.” Soft? Not a chance. He was ferocious on defense, even earning props from Larry Bird, who once said, “Coop was the most difficult player to get past.” With his signature “Coop-a-loop” plays and his relentless energy, Michael Cooper became more than a player—he became a legend in LA basketball history.

He impressed everyone even after retirement

When his playing days ended, Michael Cooper didn’t drift far from the Lakers. In 1994, Jerry West saw something special and brought Coop back as a special assistant, keeping him in the purple and gold family. And when Magic Johnson briefly took over as the Lakers’ head coach, Coop was right there, proving once again he had his team’s back.

By 1999, Coop took his talents to the WNBA, joining the Los Angeles Sparks as an assistant coach. His impact was immediate, guiding the Sparks to their first playoff appearance. The team thrived under his direction, and soon after, he earned the head coaching job. It didn’t take long for him to turn the Sparks into championship material.

With Coop at the helm, the Sparks dominated the early 2000s. They won back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, solidifying their place as a powerhouse. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed—Coop also snagged the Coach of the Year award, proving his defensive brilliance extended far beyond his playing career. Though a third title barely slipped through their fingers, Coop’s leadership had already left an indelible mark.

Even after those successes, Coop wasn’t ready to hang it up. He returned to the NBA as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets, explored coaching gigs in the D-League and college basketball, and even joined Ice Cube’s Big3 league. Through it all, his passion for the game never wavered. Now, with his jersey set to hang in the rafters, there’s no doubt Coop’s legacy will always remain a part of basketball history.