A researched consensus introduction to Michael Cooper's defining games.
Editorial methodology and sources
Cross-checked official NBA and Lakers histories, Hall of Fame and jersey-retirement coverage, Defensive Player of the Year records, Finals retrospectives, archived box scores, and participant-level verification. The order assigns one player-specific performance to each Showtime championship, foregrounding Cooper's record shooting, perimeter defense, playmaking, and indispensable sixth-man continuity across the entire dynasty.
- #1. During his Defensive Player of the Year season, Cooper scored 21 points, handed out nine assists, made a then-playoff-record six of seven threes, and added three steals as the Lakers routed Boston 141–122 in 1987 Finals Game 2. Lakers: Cooper's six-threes record in 1987 Finals Game 2 · NBA official Celtics–Lakers Finals Game 2 box score
- #2. Cooper supplied 22 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal off the bench as Los Angeles beat Boston 109–102 in 1985 Finals Game 2, earning the Lakers' first Finals victory in Boston Garden and transforming the series they won in six. Lakers: Michael Cooper's five-championship career · NBA official Lakers–Celtics Finals Game 2 box score
- #3. Cooper scored 16 points on efficient bench shooting with five assists and two steals as Los Angeles beat Philadelphia 114–104 in 1982 Finals Game 6, clinching his second championship and his first as an All-Defensive First Team guard. NBA: Cooper's 1982 All-Defensive First Team season · NBA official 76ers–Lakers Finals Game 6 box score
- #4. Cooper contributed 16 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals as the Lakers won 123–107 at Philadelphia in 1980 Finals Game 6, completing the first championship of Showtime and of his 12-year one-team career. Lakers: Cooper's championships and career legacy · NBA official Lakers–76ers Finals Game 6 box score
- #5. Cooper scored 12 points with five rebounds, three assists, and two threes as Los Angeles beat Detroit 108–105 in 1988 Finals Game 7, securing the NBA's first repeat championship in 19 years and the fifth title of his career. Lakers: Michael Cooper jersey-retirement history · NBA official Pistons–Lakers Finals Game 7 box score
Reviewed through 2026-07-18