25. Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper is one of the most popular players in Laker history. Why? He wasn’t that great of a scorer though he did develop a very solid three point shot as his career progressed and he could always finish a break. His popularity was stemmed from doing whatever the team needed him to do to win. This mainly meant playing shutdown defense on perimeter players. Cooper may be the best defender ever to wear a Laker uniform. A five time champion and five time All First Team Defensive NBA Selection, Cooper is one of the best sixth men ever; and man did he look good in yellow and purple!

Should Michael Cooper be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.8%

No opinion. - 0.3%

No way! - 5.9%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 1996
Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward
Played For: Los Angeles Lakers
College: New Mexico
Drafted: 3rd Round, 60th Overall in 1978
Major Accolades and Awards: NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1986-87)
All-NBA First Team Defensive (5) (1981-82, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87 & 1987-88)
All-NBA Second Team Defensive (3) (1980-81, 1982-83 & 1985-86)
J.Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1985-86)
NBA Championship: (5) (Los Angeles Lakers, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1984-85, 1986-87 & 1987-88)
First Team All-WAC (2) (1977 & 1978)
Italian All-Star Game MVP (1) (1991)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: (3) (1983-84, 1985-86 & 1986-87)
Top Ten Finishes: 3-Point Field Goals: (3) (1983-84, 1985-86 & 1986-87)
Top Ten Finishes: 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: (5) (1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87 & 1987-88)
Notable All-time Rankings: None.