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Michael Cooper's early childhood knee injury was so severe that doctors initially doubted he would ever be able to walk, a challenge he ultimately overcame to become a professional basketball player.
Answer: True
Explanation: At the age of three, Michael Cooper sustained a severe knee injury, and doctors expressed doubt that he would ever be able to walk, a challenge he overcame to pursue a basketball career.
During his college career at the University of New Mexico, Michael Cooper was named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in both 1977 and 1978, and earned first-team All-American honors in his senior season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper was indeed named first-team All-WAC in 1977 and 1978 and earned first-team All-American honors from the USBWA in his senior season at the University of New Mexico.
Michael Cooper's average statistics during his senior season with the New Mexico Lobos included 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his senior season with the New Mexico Lobos, Michael Cooper averaged 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Michael Cooper attended Pasadena High School and graduated in 1974 before attending Pasadena City College.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper attended Pasadena High School, graduating in 1974, and then proceeded to Pasadena City College from 1974 to 1976.
On what date was Michael Cooper born?
Answer: April 15, 1956
Explanation: Michael Cooper was born on April 15, 1956.
Which college did Michael Cooper attend immediately after Pasadena City College?
Answer: University of New Mexico
Explanation: After Pasadena City College, Michael Cooper transferred to the University of New Mexico.
In his senior season with the New Mexico Lobos, what were Michael Cooper's average points per game?
Answer: 16.3 points
Explanation: In his senior season, Michael Cooper averaged 16.3 points per game for the New Mexico Lobos.
Which high school did Michael Cooper attend?
Answer: Pasadena High School
Explanation: Michael Cooper attended Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California.
Michael Cooper played his entire professional basketball career exclusively for the Los Angeles Lakers, never playing for any other NBA team or international league.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Michael Cooper played his entire twelve-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he also played for Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the Italian Serie A league after his NBA career.
Michael Cooper was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the third round of the 1978 NBA draft, as the 60th overall pick, not the 30th overall in the first round.
Michael Cooper won four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s, primarily due to his offensive prowess.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper won five NBA championships with the Lakers, not four, and was primarily known for his exceptional defensive skills, not offensive prowess.
Larry Bird, an NBA legend, famously stated that Michael Cooper was the best defender he ever faced.
Answer: True
Explanation: NBA legend Larry Bird famously stated that Michael Cooper was indeed the best defender he ever faced.
Michael Cooper was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team seven times, with four of those being first-team selections.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team eight times, with five of those being first-team selections, not seven times with four first-team selections.
Michael Cooper's highest single-season three-point field goal percentage during his NBA regular season career was .387, achieved in the 1985–86 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper's highest single-season three-point field goal percentage was indeed .387, achieved in the 1985–86 NBA regular season.
Michael Cooper's highest single-season free-throw percentage during his NBA regular season career was .883, achieved in his final season with the Lakers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper's highest single-season free-throw percentage during his NBA regular season career was .883, achieved in the 1989–90 season, which was his final season with the Lakers.
Michael Cooper played shooting guard, small forward, and power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his versatility.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper played shooting guard, small forward, and point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, not power forward.
When Michael Cooper left the Lakers, he was ranked among the club's all-time top 10 in categories such as three-point field goals, games played, and total minutes played.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon his departure from the Lakers, Michael Cooper was ranked among the club's all-time top 10 in numerous categories, including three-point field goals, games played, and total minutes played.
Michael Cooper was a key member of all five Lakers championship teams alongside legendary players Magic Johnson and James Worthy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper was a key member of all five Lakers championship teams alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, not James Worthy.
Michael Cooper's career averages in the NBA included 8.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
Answer: True
Explanation: For his NBA career, Michael Cooper averaged 8.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers sometimes ran an offensive play for Michael Cooper called the 'Coop-a-loop'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Los Angeles Lakers indeed had an alley-oop play specifically for Michael Cooper, which was known as the 'Coop-a-loop'.
Michael Cooper was listed at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds during his NBA playing career.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his NBA playing career, Michael Cooper was listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 174 pounds, not 6 feet 5 inches and 185 pounds.
What was Michael Cooper's nickname during his professional career?
Answer: Coop
Explanation: Michael Jerome Cooper is known by his nickname 'Coop'.
In which round of the 1978 NBA draft was Michael Cooper selected?
Answer: Third round
Explanation: Michael Cooper was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the third round of the 1978 NBA draft.
How many NBA championships did Michael Cooper win with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Answer: Five
Explanation: Michael Cooper won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s.
What was Michael Cooper's primary strength and role on the Lakers' 'Showtime' teams?
Answer: Exceptional defensive skills
Explanation: Michael Cooper was primarily known for his exceptional defensive skills, which were crucial to the Lakers' 'Showtime' teams.
In what year did Michael Cooper receive the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award?
Answer: 1987
Explanation: Michael Cooper was honored with the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1987.
Which two other prominent Lakers players were part of all five championship teams with Michael Cooper?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson
Explanation: Michael Cooper was a key member of all five Lakers championship teams alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
What was Michael Cooper's listed height during his NBA playing career?
Answer: 6 feet 7 inches
Explanation: During his NBA playing career, Michael Cooper was listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall.
What was the special offensive play named after Michael Cooper by the Lakers?
Answer: The Coop-a-loop
Explanation: The Los Angeles Lakers sometimes ran an alley-oop play specifically for Michael Cooper, which was dubbed the 'Coop-a-loop'.
What was Michael Cooper's highest single-season free-throw percentage during his NBA regular season career?
Answer: .883
Explanation: Michael Cooper's highest single-season free-throw percentage during his NBA regular season career was .883.
What was Michael Cooper's average number of assists per game during his NBA career?
Answer: 4.2 assists
Explanation: For his NBA career, Michael Cooper averaged 4.2 assists per game.
In which statistical category was Michael Cooper NOT ranked among the Lakers' all-time top 10 upon his departure?
Answer: Total points scored
Explanation: Upon his departure from the Lakers, Michael Cooper was ranked among the club's all-time top 10 in three-point field goals, games played, total minutes played, steals, blocked shots, assists, defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds, and free throw percentage, but not total points scored.
The Los Angeles Lakers retired Michael Cooper's No. 21 jersey in 2024, the same year he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024, but the Lakers retired his No. 21 jersey in 2025, not the same year.
After his NBA career, for which Italian Serie A team did Michael Cooper play?
Answer: Pallacanestro Virtus Roma
Explanation: After his NBA career, Michael Cooper played for Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the Italian Serie A league.
In what year was Michael Cooper inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame?
Answer: 2024
Explanation: Michael Cooper was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
What was Michael Cooper's average number of steals per game during his season playing in Italy?
Answer: 1.9 steals
Explanation: During his 1990–91 season with Pallacanestro Virtus Roma, Michael Cooper averaged 1.9 steals per game.
When did the Los Angeles Lakers retire Michael Cooper's No. 21 jersey?
Answer: 2025
Explanation: The Los Angeles Lakers retired Michael Cooper's No. 21 jersey in 2025.
After his playing career, Michael Cooper's first role with the Lakers was as an assistant coach under Magic Johnson.
Answer: False
Explanation: After his playing career, Michael Cooper's first role with the Lakers was as a Special Assistant to General Manager Jerry West for three years, before becoming an assistant coach.
Michael Cooper was named the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2000 after leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a significantly improved 28–4 record in his first full season as head coach.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper was named WNBA Coach of the Year in 2000, following his first full season as head coach where the Sparks achieved a 28–4 record.
Michael Cooper led the Los Angeles Sparks to three consecutive WNBA Championships from 2001 to 2003.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper led the Los Angeles Sparks to two consecutive WNBA Championships in 2001 and 2002. They were prevented from winning a third consecutive title in 2003 by the Detroit Shock.
Michael Cooper's contract with the Atlanta Dream was renewed after the 2017 season despite the team's 11–22 record.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper's contract with the Atlanta Dream was not renewed after the 2017 season, specifically due to the team's 11–22 record.
Michael Cooper's career regular season coaching record in the WNBA was 230 wins and 158 losses, resulting in a .593 winning percentage.
Answer: True
Explanation: As a head coach in the WNBA, Michael Cooper's career regular season record was indeed 230 wins and 158 losses over 388 games, achieving a .593 winning percentage.
The Los Angeles Sparks reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1999 with Michael Cooper as an assistant coach.
Answer: True
Explanation: With Michael Cooper as an assistant coach in 1999, the Los Angeles Sparks achieved a 20–12 record and reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Michael Cooper's career playoff coaching record in the WNBA was 27 wins and 16 losses over 43 games, achieving a .628 winning percentage.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the WNBA playoffs, Michael Cooper's career coaching record was 27 wins and 16 losses over 43 games, achieving a .628 winning percentage.
Michael Cooper joined the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff in 1996, serving under Del Harris.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper joined the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff in March 1994, initially under Magic Johnson, and then served under Del Harris from 1994 to 1996.
What was Michael Cooper's first role with the Los Angeles Lakers after retiring as a player?
Answer: Special Assistant to the General Manager
Explanation: After his playing career, Michael Cooper served as a Special Assistant to the Lakers' general manager, Jerry West, for three years.
When did Michael Cooper first join the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff?
Answer: March 1994
Explanation: Michael Cooper joined the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff in March 1994.
What was the Los Angeles Sparks' record in 1999 with Michael Cooper as an assistant coach?
Answer: 20–12
Explanation: With Michael Cooper as an assistant coach in 1999, the Los Angeles Sparks achieved a 20–12 record.
In what year was Michael Cooper appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks?
Answer: November 1999
Explanation: Michael Cooper was named the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in November 1999.
How many WNBA championships did Michael Cooper win as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks?
Answer: Two
Explanation: As the head coach, Michael Cooper led the Los Angeles Sparks to two consecutive WNBA Championships.
Which team prevented the Los Angeles Sparks from winning a third consecutive WNBA title under Cooper's coaching?
Answer: Detroit Shock
Explanation: The Detroit Shock defeated the Los Angeles Sparks in 2003, preventing them from achieving a third consecutive WNBA championship.
From what year to what year did Michael Cooper serve his second tenure as head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks?
Answer: 2007 to 2009
Explanation: Michael Cooper served his second tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks from 2007 to 2009.
Which WNBA team did Michael Cooper coach after leaving USC?
Answer: Atlanta Dream
Explanation: After his time at USC, Michael Cooper was hired as the head coach for the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA.
Why was Michael Cooper's contract with the Atlanta Dream not renewed after the 2017 season?
Answer: The team had an 11–22 record.
Explanation: Michael Cooper's contract with the Atlanta Dream was not renewed after the 2017 season due to the team's 11–22 record.
What was Michael Cooper's career regular season coaching record in the WNBA?
Answer: 230 wins and 158 losses
Explanation: As a head coach in the WNBA, Michael Cooper's career regular season record was 230 wins and 158 losses.
In 2004–2005, Michael Cooper served as the interim head coach for the Denver Nuggets for 14 games after Jeff Bzdelik was fired.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper served as the interim head coach for the Denver Nuggets for 14 games in the 2004–2005 season after Jeff Bzdelik's dismissal.
Michael Cooper coached the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to an NBA D-League Championship in 2006 during his three-year tenure with the team.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Cooper was the head coach of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds from 2005–2007, leading them to win the NBA D-League Championship in 2006.
Michael Cooper's career playoff coaching record in the NBA D-League was 2 wins and 1 loss, achieving a .667 winning percentage.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the NBA D-League playoffs, Michael Cooper's career coaching record was 2 wins and 1 loss over 3 games, resulting in a .667 winning percentage.
Michael Cooper coached the University of Southern California's (USC) Women of Troy Basketball Team for five years, compiling an overall record of 72 wins and 57 losses.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Cooper coached the USC Women of Troy Basketball Team from May 2009 until 2013, which is four years, not five. He compiled an overall record of 72 wins and 57 losses during this period.
Michael Cooper's career regular season coaching record in the NBA D-League was 50 wins and 48 losses over 98 games.
Answer: True
Explanation: As a head coach in the NBA D-League, Michael Cooper's career regular season record was 50 wins and 48 losses over 98 games, resulting in a .510 winning percentage.
Michael Cooper's overall coaching record with the USC Trojans women's basketball team was 72 wins and 57 losses, with a conference play record of 41 wins and 31 losses.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his tenure as head coach for the USC Trojans women's basketball team, Michael Cooper compiled an overall record of 72 wins and 57 losses, and a conference play record of 41 wins and 31 losses.
Which NBA D-League team did Michael Cooper coach to a championship in 2006?
Answer: Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Explanation: Michael Cooper coached the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to win the NBA D-League Championship in 2006.
What was Michael Cooper's overall coaching record with the USC Trojans women's basketball team?
Answer: 72 wins and 57 losses
Explanation: During his tenure as head coach for the USC Trojans women's basketball team, Michael Cooper compiled an overall record of 72 wins and 57 losses.
As of 2023, Michael Cooper is the head coach for the men's basketball team at California State University, Los Angeles.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2023, Michael Cooper is an assistant head coach for the men's basketball team at California State University, Los Angeles, not the head coach.
Michael Cooper was the head coach at Chadwick School from 2019 to 2021, coaching the girls varsity basketball team.
Answer: False
Explanation: From 2019 to 2021, Michael Cooper served as the boys varsity coach at Chadwick School, not the girls varsity team.
What high school boys' basketball team did Michael Cooper coach from 2019 to 2021?
Answer: Chadwick School
Explanation: From 2019 to 2021, Michael Cooper served as the boys varsity coach at Chadwick School.
What is Michael Cooper's current coaching role as of 2023?
Answer: Assistant head coach for Cal State L.A. men's basketball
Explanation: As of 2023, Michael Cooper is an assistant head coach for the men's basketball team at California State University, Los Angeles.
Michael Cooper was diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer in July 2014 and successfully recuperated after surgery.
Answer: True
Explanation: In July 2014, Michael Cooper was diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer, underwent surgery, and successfully recuperated.
What significant health challenge did Michael Cooper experience in July 2014?
Answer: Early-stage tongue cancer
Explanation: In July 2014, Michael Cooper was diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer.