<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> legend Larry Bird opened up about some of the most intense matchups of his illustrious career, sharing rare insight into the physical and mental toll of going head-to-head with elite defenders during the NBA’s golden era. Known for his fearless confidence and ability to deliver in the clutch, Bird revealed who he considers the toughest defender he ever faced—but stopped just short of naming names, teasing that the answer might surprise those familiar with his legendary on-court rivalries.



Reflecting on his playing days, the Boston Celtics icon emphasized the importance of continually refining his game. Bird said he made a habit of adding new tools to his arsenal each season—whether it was a new shooting angle, post move, or off-hand finish. One opponent in particular forced him to stay sharp: Los Angeles Lakers swingman Michael Cooper.



“You always have to add something to your game,” Bird said it at a press conference in 1992. “Hooks, runners, lefty shots around the hoop. I used to work on those because of Michael Cooper. He was the only guy in the league who could guard me, and I had to be ready for him in the Finals.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Bird</a> has never been shy about giving Cooper his due, and he made clear that their battles left a lasting impression. He candidly admitted that Cooper stood above the rest when it came to defensive prowess—and he doesn’t expect that to change in his personal memory of the game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250529_BUS_407372_GettyImages-352014-1-1024x576_dc77a025.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="1988-1989: Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball during a game" class="wp-image-333286" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10195921/GettyImages-352014-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>1988-1989: Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball during a game</figcaption></figure>



“The best ever defensive player to guard me was Michael Cooper,” Bird said. “I’ll take that to the grave with me. He was a very intelligent defensive player—he’s very focused—and it was great to play against him. At that time, I was playing some of my best basketball, and he was still able to guard me pretty well.”


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<h2>The Bird vs Cooper rivalry defined an era</h2>



The rivalry between Bird and Cooper stood out as one of the most compelling individual matchups of the 1980s, perfectly capturing the essence of the storied Celtics-Lakers feud. Bird, Boston’s sharpshooting maestro, and Cooper, L.A.’s defensive anchor, clashed repeatedly on the NBA’s biggest stage—most memorably in the Finals. Their faceoffs were chess matches marked by high IQ plays, physicality, and relentless determination.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-cooper">Cooper</a>, a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year, was widely recognized as one of the few defenders capable of slowing Bird down—at least to some degree. His length, quickness, and boundless energy presented constant challenges for the Celtics star.



<h2>A clash of styles and mentalities</h2>



What made their duels so captivating was the stark contrast in style. Bird relied on deception, footwork, and flawless shooting mechanics. Cooper, on the other hand, thrived on anticipation, elite lateral movement, and dogged persistence. When the Celtics and Lakers met, Cooper was often assigned to Bird for nearly every possession—an assignment he embraced fully, no matter the venue or stakes.



Yet, beneath the fierce competition lay a deep mutual respect. Bird never wilted under Cooper’s defensive pressure, and Cooper never flinched in the face of Bird’s legendary trash talk and clutch heroics. Their battles not only elevated the stakes of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry—they elevated the game itself, setting a standard for individual excellence that still resonates through <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history.

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Celtics legend Larry Bird names the toughest NBA defender he ever faced - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have regained their defensive balance. After dropping two consecutive games, JJ Redick quickly turned things around with two dominant wins. This success highlights the Lakers’ advantage of having a roster filled with versatile players. Reaves and LeBron lead the offense while also making key defensive contributions. However, Lakers legend Michael Cooper strongly criticized the Luka Doncic trade, sparking further debate on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>.



“I don’t necessarily like the trade. I respect the trade. I don’t like the trade because you had [Max] Christie, a young, good perimeter defensive player. Yes, very good, and AD, that’s defense wins championships. They don’t have that now. You’ve got probably three of the worst defensive players on the Lakers team but three of the best offensive scorers on the Lakers team in Luka, Reaves and LeBron,” stated <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michel Cooper</a> on ESPN LA.



The Los Angeles Lakers made a blockbuster move by acquiring Luka Doncic to pair with LeBron James. However, Cooper’s concerns raise an important issue, whether the team can succeed without elite defense. 



However, JJ Redick has proven his ability to transform the team. A key factor in this turnaround has been LeBron James. The NBA veteran continues to be a complete player, impacting both ends of the floor despite his age. His leadership on defense remains crucial. Also, Reaves has stepped up as a versatile player capable of leading the scoring side, but also contributing to defense.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250224_BUS_343487_luka-doncic-lebron-1024x559_0d8e2909.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="luka-doncic-lebron" class="wp-image-343512" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24183136/luka-doncic-lebron-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24183136/luka-doncic-lebron-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24183136/luka-doncic-lebron-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24183136/luka-doncic-lebron-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24183136/luka-doncic-lebron.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers react at the end of the fourth quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 132-113.</figcaption></figure>



Additionally, despite initial doubts, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Doncic</a> has shown strong commitment on defense. Against the Dallas Nuggets, he recorded 9 defensive rebounds and 4 steals, further proving his all-around impact. Having concerns about the fit between Reaves, LeBron, and Doncic was completely understandable. However, JJ Redick has successfully found the right balance, making the trio work effectively on the court.


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<h2>Will JJ Redick unlock the best version of Luka Doncic for the Lakers?</h2>



Whether we see the best version of Luka Doncic will depend entirely on himself. His dedication and commitment to his physical condition will determine whether he can return to his best form. So far, Doncic has shown steady improvement, getting closer to his peak level. He even dropped 32 points against the Nuggets, proving his impact. However, the real challenge lies in maintaining top fitness and consistency throughout the season.



JJ Redick has already proven his ability to elevate players. He brought out the best in Anthony Davis and maximized Austin Reaves’ potential. His track record shows he can help players evolve. 



However, only time will tell if Doncic can maintain peak physical condition and even surpass his previous best. For now, one thing is clear, Luka is fully committed in Los Angeles and determined to showcase his talent once again.

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Lakers legend Michael Cooper delivers harsh criticism on Luka Doncic trade - Bolavip US

Michael Cooper, a cornerstone of the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers, built his legacy as one of the greatest perimeter defenders in NBA history. A five-time NBA champion and the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year. Over the course of his career, he faced some of the game’s most iconic players, but when asked to choose between Larry Bird and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> as the toughest to guard, Cooper gave the edge to Bird.



During an appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, Cooper detailed why Bird posed the biggest challenge. “People ask me all the time, ‘Who was the hardest player to guard?’ and I always say Larry Bird,“ Cooper said. “I played against Michael Jordan, George Gervin, Andrew Toney—those guys. When they pass the ball, they have a tendency to take a break for a second.”



“Larry never took a break,” Cooper explained. “He was always moving—going for an offensive rebound, setting a back pick, doing something to impact the possession. That’s what made him the toughest.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Bird</a>, a three-time NBA champion and three-time MVP, averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game over his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. He and Cooper had numerous intense battles, particularly in the NBA Finals, where the Lakers and Celtics clashed in 1984, 1985, and 1987.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333285_GettyImages-1137521-1-1024x576_8c4f753c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Michael Cooper #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass over Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA game " class="wp-image-333287" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/10200121/GettyImages-1137521-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Cooper #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass over Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA game </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Michael Cooper’s journey</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-cooper">Cooper</a>’s path to NBA stardom began at Pasadena City College before he transferred to the University of New Mexico, where he quickly gained recognition as a standout defender. Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the third round of the 1978 NBA Draft, Cooper initially had to fight for his place in the rotation. However, his relentless defense and high-energy play soon earned him a crucial role in the Lakers’ fast-paced, high-flying “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.


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During his 12-season tenure with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> (1978-1990), Cooper established himself as one of the most feared perimeter defenders in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his exceptional quickness and basketball IQ, made him a nightmare for opposing scorers. An eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, Cooper won the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award and played a vital role in securing five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). Beyond his defensive prowess, he was also a reliable three-point shooter, helping stretch the floor in the Lakers’ dynamic offense.



Following his retirement from the NBA, Cooper transitioned into coaching, finding success at various levels of the game. He served as an assistant coach for the Lakers before leading the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002 as head coach. 



Cooper also had coaching stints in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s Development League and college basketball, continuing to impart his defensive expertise and leadership. His impact on the game remains profound, both as a player and coach, solidifying his place as one of the most respected figures in Lakers history.

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Lakers legend Michael Cooper reveals the toughest player he ever had to guard - Bolavip US

One of the most iconic figures in Los Angeles Lakers history, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-cooper">Michael Cooper</a>, left an indelible mark on the franchise. A five-time NBA champion, Cooper, who wore the number 21 jersey, solidified his status as one of the greatest players to ever don the purple and gold. Recently, the Lakers legend offered his perspective on the best players in NBA history, notably excluding Michael Jordan and LeBron James from his list.



When discussing the greatest <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> player of all time, the debate typically narrows to just two or three names. However, when the conversation expands to the best players in league history, the list becomes far more extensive. Sharing his unique insight, Cooper revealed his top five players, which included several unexpected selections.



Having debuted in the NBA during the late 1970s, Cooper’s choices reflect his era, emphasizing the dominance of players from that time. Excluding himself from consideration, among with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>, the Lakers legend unveiled a list that sparked considerable discussion.



“My all-time favorite top five? Magic [Johnson], Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar], Larry Bird—you can’t include Magic without Larry. I’m going with Dr. J [Julius Erving]. I want to put Kobe [Bryant] on there, I want to include so many others, but it’s a tough call,” Cooper explained in an interview with YouTube channel Dreamers Pro.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250115_BUS_313917_Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-1024x576_427da1a7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Michael Cooper dunking" class="wp-image-313993" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15123516/Michael-Cooper-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Cooper #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a layup during an NBA game against the New York Knicks at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1987. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cooper’s reason for choosing these players</h2>



Amid a wealth of options, Cooper highlighted a few players who might not resonate with younger generations, as their prime years were in the 1960s and 1970s. His selections also reflected a deep personal connection to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team with which he shares a storied bond.


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“Every generation creates its own [legends]. I remember a lot of players from the ’60s and ’70s,” Cooper remarked. He explained that these players possess unique traits that set them apart as some of the best in NBA history. Among these qualities is their ability to excel even when facing double or triple-teams.



Additionally, Cooper praised their exceptional decision-making, including knowing when to pass the ball and their proficiency at free-throws. While many players may exhibit one or two of these attributes, he emphasized that few combine all these qualities in a single package.



<h2>Cooper’s picks for the greatest Lakers of all time</h2>



When asked about the greatest NBA players of all time, Cooper also shared his thoughts on the best players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> history. Without hesitation, the former Lakers standout said: “In no particular order, I’m going with Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Elgin Baylor. People forget about him.”

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Lakers legend Michael Cooper names his top 5 players in NBA history: Jordan, LeBron snubbed - Bolavip US

Lakers legend Michael Cooper names his top 5 players in NBA history: Jordan, LeBron snubbed

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> made one of the boldest moves in recent <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>history to kick off this year’s offseason. Trading away Marcus Smart to get Kristaps Porzingis was as controversial as potentially impactful.



On paper, Porzingis gives them just the kind of player they need to get over the hump. But he has a history of injuries, and Smart had been their locker room leader for quite a while now.



Add losing Grant Williams to the mix as well, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Laker</a>s great Michael Cooper believes the Celtics got a lot worse, going as far as to question Porzingis’ pedigree in the league.



<h2>Michael Cooper Puts Celtics On Blast</h2>



“The Boston Celtics take three steps back,” Cooper said on Showtime with Coop. “How do you do that? You lose Grant Williams. You f*ck around and lose Marcus Smart, your heart and soul of your team.”



“Who the hell is he? [Porzingis]” Cooper said. “The one thing I’ll say about him is that he looks like a Celtic. That guy there was a flop in Dallas, was a flop in Washington. This guy was brought over from Europe. He is probably here to be a marquee player.”


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Porzingis hasn’t even suited up, and he’s already out with plantar fascitis, and the Celtics lost a former Defensive Player of the Year to get him. This was a risky gamble and only time will tell who won this transaction.

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Former Lakers star destroys Celtics and Kristaps Porzingis - Bolavip US

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