Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper noticed his jersey hoisted into the rafters at an emotional ceremony.
‘Showtime Lakers’ star Michael Cooper turned the most recent LA Lakers legend to have his jersey retired, becoming a member of the likes of Kobe Bryant and James Worthy.
Former teammates together with Magic Johnson have been on the ceremony to pay lengthy overdue tribute to Corridor of Famer Cooper.
And in additional tribute to the five-times NBA champion, Magic Johnson named Cooper as top-of-the-line defensive gamers he has ever seen.
Magic Johnson was one of many best gamers of his technology, and any technology, a key former teammate of Michael Cooper’s.
Michael Cooper named Magic Johnson amongst his listing of finest NBA gamers ever, a high 5 that didn’t embody Michael Jordan.
The respect is mutual, with Magic Johnson believing Cooper to be among the many finest ever NBA defensive gamers.
He advised Sportskeeda: “No person that has performed might do all of the issues that Michael Cooper might do. It’s most likely Dennis Rodman, Michael Cooper and Scottie Pippen.
“These three dudes, and Dennis Johnson, these 4 for me have been one of the best defenders. They have been quick, fast and one step didn’t imply something.
“They usually have been all imply. Man after I performed in opposition to all of these dudes, I hated enjoying in opposition to them.”
Michael Cooper was a real LA Lakers legend, enjoying his complete NBA profession for the franchise.
It was the identical for Magic, who was a Laker for all times, and whereas he didn’t subsequently get to go in opposition to Cooper in a recreation, he noticed loads of him at follow.
Johnson defined: “Folks don’t perceive that Michael Cooper made me a greater basketball participant.
“Once I bought to the sport, I wasn’t fearful about anyone! I performed in opposition to one of the best each single day in follow.”
Magic defined that he ‘hated’ going up in opposition to one of the best – however in Cooper’s case, he knew it stood him in good stead and sharpened his skillset for when it mattered most.
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