Lakers greatest role players: 1. Michael Cooper
Cooper was a third-round pick in 1978, and he played in just three games as a rookie in what was the start of a decade-long career in Los Angeles where he became the best role player in franchise history. Coop was the sixth man on five championship teams, and he played in eight NBA Finals.
The 6’7 guard was a strong playmaker and defender who played a key role on the Showtime Lakers. The Coop-A-Loop became a pet play in those days with Magic Johnson lobbing to Cooper as he cut to the rim with the defenders’ ball watched. During his 12 seasons in Los Angeles, Coop averaged 8.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 27.1 minutes per game.
Cooper only played for the Lakers in NBA, but he did finish his career playing overseas for Virtus Roma. After retiring, Cooper got into coaching where he has been a head coach in the WNBA, and he is currently leading Culver City High School.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 17 championships in franchise history. Most would point to their star talent in earning those titles, but the team needed its role players to finish the job. It is something the current front office needs to consider when building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Who is the next role player to join this list? Stay tuned to find out.