What’s happening, LA? After the postponement of games due to the devastating LA fires, the Lakers finally geared up to face the Spurs. The team had another reason to celebrate, as the Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Michael Cooper’s jersey retirement ceremony took the spotlight. However, the bliss and celebration were soon interrupted as fans expressed their disappointment over the Los Angeles Lakers’ latest loss.

After Cooper was inducted into the Hall of Fame ceremony, it was announced by the franchise that the jersey No. 21 that Cooper wore during his 12-year NBA career playing for the Lakers would be retired. January 2025 was the month decided by the franchise. 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.

This heartwarming moment is also being reshared on social media. The official IG page of Lakers also wrote a touching message for the 5X NBA champ. “Michael Cooper: Los Angeles born, raised, and immortalized. Welcome to the rafters, Coop,” the message read. Cooper was the defensive arm of the Lakers’ Showtime era.

Johnson once highlighted how Cooper was exceptional, as he was one of the few players recognized for their defensive game despite coming off the bench. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team five times while also being included in the All-Defensive Second Team three times. In 1986, he won Defensive Player of the Year.

A replica of Cooper’s jersey was given to all the fans present at the event. It was an emotional and big moment not only for the legend but for the fans as well. However, this historic moment might have been soured by the recent loss.

Fans expressed disappointment amidst celebration of Michael Cooper’s new feat

If only the Lakers had won, there would have been double the reasons for the team to celebrate. But that didn’t happen. The Spurs handed the Lakers a tough 126-102 defeat. And since they lost during such a special moment, it’s understandable why fans were upset. “We always celebrate these special moments with an L,” a fan sadly detailed. 

Anthony Davis and LeBron James gave their best to push the team. While Davis had 30 points and 13 rebounds, James contributed 18 points. But it wasn’t enough. Another fan wrote, “Losing on Cooper jersey retirement is insane.” Cooper’s jersey was retired during the halftime ceremony, but that didn’t seem strong enough to lift their spirits.

The Lakers had already lost three straight games, and they couldn’t play in the last two games. One fan hoped that they would have better cancel this game again than losing. This fan wrote, “I RATHER YALL CANCELLED THE GAME AGAIN THAN GET BLOWED OUT FIRST DAY BACK 🤦🏾‍♂️” Another detailed how the Showtime Lakers would have played better than this, “Pretty sure today’s showtime lakers would have put up a better fight in the 4th.”

The Spurs had a great night. Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle scored 23 points each for the team. The French star Victor Wembanyama had 23 points and eight rebounds, while Harrison Barnes contributed 17 points. Another fan blamed the Lakers for not winning on Cooper’s special moment. “Pathetic showing on Cooper night. This team has no heart,” this fan wrote.

However, it’s true that the Lakers faced significant challenges. Head coach J.J. Redick lost his home, and some players were forced to evacuate due to the fire. Can they regain the fans’ love and faith in their next matchup against the Miami Heat.