Contracts, Salary & Career Earnings
During his NBA career, Michael Cooper earned around $3 million in total salary. In October 1986, he signed a four-year contract with the Lakers that paid $600,000 per year. Today this home is worth around $2 million.
Real Estate
In December 2014, Michael paid $1.1 million for a home in LA’s View Park area.
Early Life and College Career
Born on April 15, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, Cooper attended Pasadena High School before playing college basketball at the University of New Mexico. As a Lobo, he developed his defensive skills and versatility, averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during his senior year. Despite his collegiate success, Cooper’s draft stock remained relatively low, and the Lakers selected him 60th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft.
NBA Career
Cooper quickly proved his worth to the Lakers, establishing himself as a defensive specialist who could guard multiple positions. His matchups against Larry Bird during the intense Lakers-Celtics rivalry of the 1980s became legendary, with Bird naming Cooper as the toughest defender he ever faced. Cooper’s dedication to defense earned him the nickname “The Secretary of Defense” from legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn. While defense was his calling card, Cooper developed into a reliable three-point shooter and facilitator. He led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the 1986-87 season (38.6%) and often served as the Lakers’ backup point guard. His ability to impact games without scoring made him invaluable to head coach Pat Riley’s system.
Championships and Accolades
During his career, Cooper played in eight NBA Finals, winning five championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). His individual achievements include NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987), five NBA All-Defensive First Team selections (1982-1986), and three NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections (1981, 1987, 1988). Though never selected as an All-Star, Cooper’s contribution to the Lakers’ success was widely recognized by peers and coaches.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Cooper transitioned into coaching. He began as a special assistant with the Lakers before becoming the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks (2000-2004, 2007-2009), leading them to two WNBA championships. He later coached in the NBA Development League, NCAA Division I men’s basketball, and the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. His coaching career demonstrated his ability to translate his basketball knowledge and defensive philosophy to different levels of the game.
Legacy and Impact
Cooper’s legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements. He revolutionized the role of the defensive specialist in the NBA, proving that a player could be invaluable without being a primary scoring option. His willingness to sacrifice personal statistics for team success helped establish the culture of the “Showtime” Lakers, and his defensive intensity set a standard for future generations of NBA players. Cooper’s impact on basketball culture was also significant. His signature defensive move, raising his hand in front of an opponent’s face (dubbed the “Coop-a-Loop”), became widely imitated. His passion for defense and team-first mentality influenced countless players, and his success story as a late-round draft pick who became crucial to multiple championships continues to inspire underdog players. In recognition of his contributions to the franchise, the Lakers honored Cooper by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greatest players in the organization’s storied history.
