Michael Cooper, a defensive genius both as a player and a coach, joined the Los Angeles Sparks as assistant coach for the 1999 season on May 3. Cooper led the Sparks' defensive turn around and was an integral part of the year's 20-12 season and the franchise's first playoff berth. Cooper is very knowledgeable and knows the game of basketball to its fullest. He has a great rapport with the players, and that will allow our tea m chemistry to continue to grow. We are very glad to have him as a coach for an exciting new season.
Cooper brings a wealth of experience and coaching ability to the Sparks.
Before mastering the Sparks' defensive efforts which eventually led to a Western Conference Finals appearance, Cooper most recently served as the Lakers' Assistant Coach from 1994-97 under Head Coach Del Harris. With Cooper on the bench, the Lakers ranked among NBA leaders in steals and blocked shots and established a Los Angeles record low in limiting opponents to only 98.5ppg in the 1995-96 campaign. Cooper's first experience in the coaching ranks came in March of 1994 when he served as an assistant under Magic Johnson during the latter stages of the 1993-94 campaign. Prior to his coaching stint with the Lakers, Cooper served almost three full years in the Lakers' front office as a Special Assistant to General Manager Jerry West. In this role, Cooper scouted college and CBA players, and participated in summer league activities.