
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a special night. On Monday, Michael Cooper’s iconic No. 21 jersey will be retired during a ceremony at Crypto.com Arena. A key player in the Lakers’ legendary “Showtime” era, Michael Cooper will become the 14th Lakers legend to have his jersey immortalized in the rafters.
A legacy worth celebrating
Michael Cooper spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Lakers from 1978 to 1990. He was known for his incredible defensive skills. Cooper, the 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was an eight-time All-Defensive Team player.
He played an essential role in the Lakers’ dominance during the 1980s. Also, Cooper contributed to five NBA Championships and helped define the team’s fast-paced, electrifying style of play.
Cooper’s contributions to basketball extend beyond his playing career. After retiring, he went on to coach, winning two WNBA Championships with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002.
Wemby, the perfect witness
The jersey retirement ceremony will take place as the Lakers host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Fans can look forward to a moving tribute to Cooper, highlighting his contributions to the team’s legacy and celebrating his recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
The event will draw Lakers legends, “Showtime” enthusiasts, and fans eager to witness this historic moment. Also, since it was unknown if the team would play due to the wildfires, tickets for the game are still available on the Lakers’ official website.
This could be the perfect opportunity to join Crypto.com and become part of the Lakers’ fundraising efforts to help everyone affected by the wildfires.
Which other retired Lakers will join Michael Cooper?
Cooper’s No. 21 will join the jerseys of other Lakers greats like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the Crypto.com Arena rafters. His legacy as a defensive powerhouse and a key figure in the “Showtime” era cements his place among basketball’s elite.