Lakers Update: The NBA Five time champion Expresses Wish That Kobe Could Attend His Jersey Retirement Ceremony.
After years of anticipation and hope, Michael Cooper’s dream of being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and having his No. 21 jersey retired has finally come true. The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will retire Cooper’s jersey on January 13, 2025, when they face the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena.
Cooper, a five-time NBA champion and a key figure during the Lakers’ Showtime era alongside Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has long been considered a Lakers great. However, it was only after being inducted into the Hall of Fame that his jersey retirement could be confirmed.
The Lakers have stringent criteria for retiring jerseys, and Cooper’s Hall of Fame status was the final step required for his jersey to be honored alongside other Lakers legends such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
Reflecting on the honor, Cooper shared his thoughts on his Showtime with Coop podcast, expressing his wish that Kobe Bryant could be present for the ceremony. Cooper recalled working out Bryant before the draft and recognizing his potential, despite the fact that Bryant is no longer around. Cooper’s mention of Bryant underscores the deep connection and admiration he has for his former teammate.
Bryant’s impact on the Lakers, following his standout pre-draft workout with Cooper as his defender, led to the Lakers trading for him and ultimately seeing Bryant become a five-time NBA champion and one of the game’s greatest players.
The retirement of Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey during the 2024-25 NBA season will honor his legacy and solidify his place among the Lakers’ storied history.
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