Despite the waning of the historic Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry from the 1980s, Michael Cooper, a former Lakers guard and Hall of Famer, still harbors resentment.
He clinched five championships with the Lakers during that era while the Celtics dominated the Eastern Conference. As of the 2023-24 NBA season, both teams were tied at 17 championships apiece. However, after the Celtics swiftly defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games during the 2024 NBA Finals, breaking the tie, Cooper acknowledged his displeasure.
Michael Cooper Tried Everything to Make the Celtics Lose in the NBA Finals
During the intense 1980s rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers, despite mutual respect for each other’s basketball prowess, there was a deep-seated animosity. Hard fouls and bench-clearing brawls were commonplace, reflecting the fierce competition between these two iconic teams.
Boston secured three championships during that decade, while Los Angeles claimed five. Throughout the 1980s, either the Celtics or Lakers appeared in the NBA Finals every year, facing off in memorable clashes in 1984, 1985, and 1987.
While the intensity of their rivalry has diminished over time for many, Michael Cooper still maintains a strong aversion to the Celtics.
“On my ‘Showtime With Coop’ podcast on ABC, they jokingly call me a jinx because the team I support often ends up losing,” Cooper shared. “During the Finals between the Mavericks and Celtics, I decided to try some reverse psychology on the show. For just 59 minutes, I became a Celtics fan—not genuinely from the heart, but with my words and presence.”
“I dressed up in a leprechaun suit, wore a green hat, and passionately rooted for the Celtics,” Cooper continued. “But as fate would have it, the Celtics won the championship. And honestly, I’m not happy about it.”
Cooper’s candid remarks underscore his enduring allegiance to the Lakers and his lingering feelings towards their historic rivals from Boston.
Cooper Spent Much of His Playing Days Against the Celtics Guarding Larry Bird
Cooper played alongside stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy in a formidable Lakers lineup. To earn his place on the court, he honed his defensive skills.
He distinguished himself as a defensive specialist, consistently tasked with guarding the opposition’s top players, including Larry Bird of the Celtics.
“When I joined the Lakers, they made it clear: ‘We have Kareem, Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes. We don’t need more shooters.’ That’s how I focused on becoming a strong defensive player,” Cooper shared with former teammate Byron Scott on the “Off the Dribble” podcast.
Despite his rivalry with the Celtics, Cooper held Bird’s game in high regard.
“Larry had a deep understanding of the game,” Cooper explained. “While many of us relied on athleticism, Larry’s strength was in his footwork—reverse pivots, forward pivots—he was patient and versatile in scoring from close range, mid-range, and beyond the arc. I aimed to limit his options, but he was so skilled that some things were impossible to stop.”
Bird reciprocated the respect, acknowledging Cooper’s defensive prowess during the 1986 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets, where Bird lamented Cooper’s absence: “Michael Cooper’s not in this series, and he’s the only one who can really shut me down,” as reported by Sports Illustrated.
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