Unsung Lakers heroes of the past: Michael Cooper

A look back at Michael Cooper, who overcame lots of adversity to become perhaps the most valuable non-star on the Showtime Lakers.

In this ongoing series, we will take a trip to yesteryear to highlight some Los Angeles Lakers players whom some fans may have forgotten. These players didn’t get the billing that some others enjoyed, but they were very instrumental to the Lakers’ success.

Just about every true Lakers fan knows who Michael Cooper was and some of the value he provided to the team throughout the 1980s. However, some may not know the great obstacles he had to overcome to become one of its most important role players of the Showtime era.

A look at his bio reveals a true study of toughness and perseverance.