An emotional night as the Lakers retire Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey

Michael Cooper, a defensive guard known for his contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers during the Showtime era, saw his No. 21 jersey retired by the team. Cooper, who played his entire career with the Lakers, took center stage during the halftime ceremony against the San Antonio Spurs, when his jersey was unveiled alongside Magic Johnson’s No. 32 and James Worthy’s No. 42.

A key player on the Lakers’ championship-winning teams in the 1980s, Cooper was lauded for his hard work and team-first approach. The 68-year-old expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that it meant more to him than even being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey now hangs between Magic Johnson’s No. 32 and James Worthy’s No. 42. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Despite retiring from professional basketball over three decades ago, Cooper remains beloved in Los Angeles, as evidenced by the outpouring of support from fans at the ceremony. The Lakers even distributed Cooper replica jerseys to all attendees in honor of his jersey retirement.

The timing of the ceremony was bittersweet, coinciding with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the area. Cooper, a Pasadena native who also lived in fire-affected Altadena, expressed mixed emotions as he reflected on the impact of the fires on his community.

Acknowledged for his defensive prowess and team-first mentality, Cooper’s jersey retirement solidifies his place among Lakers legends. Despite never being an All-Star, Cooper’s contributions were instrumental to the team’s success, earning him accolades as a five-time All-Defensive first team member and the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1987.

Cooper’s legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching, notably leading the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships. During the halftime ceremony, Cooper was joined by former teammates and coaches, including Pat Riley, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy, who praised his impact on the game.

Reflecting on the honor, Cooper expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and winning championships above individual accolades. His jersey retirement represents a fitting tribute to his contributions to the Lakers organization and the game of basketball.

This article was originally reported by The Associated Press.

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