Lakers Legend Michael Cooper Named Cal State LA Men's Basketball Head Coach

NBA Hall of Famer takes over Golden Eagles program after decade-long tenure of previous coach

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:05am

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An extreme close-up of a basketball court rendered in a vibrant, expressionist style, with abstracted figures in Lakers colors and the faint outline of a coach's silhouette emerging from the chaos, conceptually representing the passion and energy Cooper will bring to the Cal State LA program.The hiring of NBA legend Michael Cooper as Cal State LA's new men's basketball coach brings a championship pedigree and renewed energy to the program.Los Angeles Today

NBA Hall of Famer and former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper was introduced as the new head coach of the Cal State Los Angeles men's basketball team on Wednesday. Cooper, who has been an associate coach with the school's program since 2023, now takes on his eighth head coaching job since retiring from the NBA in 1991.

Why it matters

Cooper's hiring brings a legendary NBA player and coach to the Cal State LA program, which is looking to build a stronger connection with the local Los Angeles community and boost fan support. His championship pedigree and defensive expertise could help elevate the Golden Eagles to new heights.

The details

During Wednesday's introductory press conference, Cooper spoke about the five key principles - determination, dedication, desire, discipline and decision-making - that have guided his successful coaching career. He emphasized the need to fundraise, strengthen ties with the LA community, and boost fan engagement to build a program the university can take pride in.

  • Michael Cooper was introduced as the new Cal State LA men's basketball head coach on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Cooper has been an associate coach with the school's program since 2023.

The players

Michael Cooper

NBA Hall of Famer and former Los Angeles Lakers star, who now takes over as the new head coach of the Cal State Los Angeles men's basketball team.

Jim Saia

The previous head coach of the Cal State LA Golden Eagles for the last decade.

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What they’re saying

“I've always said it takes five Ds to win a championship: determination, dedication, desire, discipline and decision-making. I've incorporated those principles into my coaching philosophy, and they will be pillars of what we do here at Cal State LA.”

— Michael Cooper, New Head Coach, Cal State LA Men's Basketball

“The Lakers are L.A., Michael Cooper is L.A., and Cal State LA, we are L.A.”

— Michael Cooper, New Head Coach, Cal State LA Men's Basketball

What’s next

Cooper will now begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to build the Golden Eagles program for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Michael Cooper's hiring as the new Cal State LA men's basketball head coach brings a legendary NBA player and coach to the program, with the potential to elevate the Golden Eagles through his championship pedigree, defensive expertise, and commitment to building stronger community ties.