In this episode of the Hoopsology Podcast, we welcome back writer and author Jake Uitti to break down his new book Coop: The Making of a Showtime Lakers Legend — the definitive biography of Los Angeles Lakers icon Michael Cooper.

Cooper won five championships, became one of the NBA’s most feared defenders, helped fuel the legendary Lakers–Celtics rivalry, coached the WNBA’s LA Sparks to multiple titles, and remains one of basketball’s most underrated winners. Jake shares inside stories from his interviews with Cooper, details about the Showtime era, Cooper’s rivalry with Larry Bird, his years at UNM, and why his impact transcends generations.

If you’re a Lakers fan, NBA historian, or lover of basketball storytelling, this is a must-watch conversation.

Why Jake chose to write about Michael Cooper

How Cooper became the Lakers’ defensive heartbeat

The real Larry Bird vs. Michael Cooper rivalry

Behind-the-scenes of Showtime’s culture, Magic Johnson, Kareem, and Pat Riley

Cooper’s time at UNM and the importance of his Lobos roots

His journey from underdog to Hall of Famer

Writing process, storytelling, and working directly with NBA legends

Cooper’s WNBA success with the LA Sparks

His competitiveness in the NBA, WNBA, and BIG3

How basketball shaped Cooper’s life—and Jake’s

Jake’s other projects including Tim Hardaway, Robert Parish, and Jason Terry memoirs

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