Michael Cooper was finally properly honored as part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Here are the best moments and videos of the weekend.
One of the unsung players of the Showtime Era received his due plaudits at last this weekend. After years of yearning for his inclusion among the greats of the game, Cooper was inducted with his Lakers teammates around him.
For those who may have missed it, here are some of the best moments from the weekend, as shared on social media.
Many of the weekend's best moments came from videos shared by the members of the Showtime Lakers. The likes of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Norm Nixon, Kurt Rambis, AC Green, Pat Riley, Mychal Thompson and Byron Scott all were in attendance over the weekend. Unfortunately, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was unable to attend.
Coach Pat Riley ‘Riles’ at Michael Cooper’s
— LAVE (@TheLakersAvenue) October 13, 2024
Hall of Fame Celebration @ShowtimeCooper
with a bunch of Showtime Laker Legends❕
️: @official_bscott | #24HoopClass
pic.twitter.com/5LYDrFbQAu
Lakers family celebrating Michael Cooper‘s induction into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame #showtime #lakers @hoophall #24hoopclass pic.twitter.com/lwbWsxXw7K
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) October 12, 2024
Nobody deserves it more than our boy, the minister of defense, the heartbeat of the Laker team - Michael Cooper @ShowtimeCooper @Hoophall @Lakers #showtime #lakers pic.twitter.com/qYjoWAR2O2
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) October 13, 2024
I am so BLESSED…I get to hang out with theez Halla Famers and the LATEST Halla Famer,Michael Cooper here in Springfield…Yall SEE who’s here? pic.twitter.com/OWZrCCBGnr
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) October 12, 2024
Coop’s impact in basketball wasn’t limited to only the Lakers, though. Cooper coached in the WNBA for 12 seasons, eight of those in Los Angeles. He ranks seventh all-time in wins for head coaches in league history.
Sparks legend and fellow Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie was coached by Cooper from 2000-09. Together, the pair won a pair of WNBA titles.
"I wouldn't be a Hall of Famer without Michael Cooper"@LisaLeslie tells @Dennis3DScott of Michael Cooper's impact on the @WNBA and her own @Hoophall career #24HoopClass pic.twitter.com/JjaYaQh0Ys
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 13, 2024
5x NBA Champ Michael Cooper with SEVERAL @WNBA legends
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 12, 2024
The #24HoopClass Tip-Off Celebration & Awards Gala is tonight at 8pm/et on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/RPRY0wMQm4
Cooper was presented by his former head coach Pat Riley, his teammate Magic Johnson and Sparks legend Lisa Leslie, who he coached to two titles.
Congrats to #24HoopClass inductee, Michael Cooper! pic.twitter.com/gXcTu8ozZ0
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2024
"COOOOOOOP" ️
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2024
Magic Johnson, Lisa Leslie & Pat Riley leading the Michael Cooper chant!
#24HoopClass Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/NJ2DgQe3c4
It all culminated with his speech, which the Lakers and NBA shared segments of. Cooper shared the story of his basketball career leading up to the NBA, including thanking the high school coach who cut him twice.
"My life didn't follow a smooth path...but it wasn't exactly a fast track to the NBA...Finally at the end of the third round with the 60th pick in the Draft, someone took a gamble on me."
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 14, 2024
Your newest member to the #24HoopClass, Michael Cooper. pic.twitter.com/W39IDm3yR1
He also thanked the late Jerry West, who selected him in the 1978 NBA Draft.
"I owe him more than he can ever understand. I miss him more than I can ever express."
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2024
Michael Cooper on his friend and mentor, Jerry West
#24HoopClass Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/cvwych0irz
His full speech is available on the NBA’s YouTube channel.
Officially, Coop is now a member of the Hall of Fame!
Michael Cooper is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. #24HoopClass pic.twitter.com/qSooo4yChb
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) October 14, 2024
Congrats, Coop! pic.twitter.com/LWEgM3xDWA
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 14, 2024
The next ceremony for Cooper will come on Jan. 13 when the Lakers retire his jersey. Hopefully, the celebrations will be just as memorable with a whole host of legends there to celebrate the long-deserved honor.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
