Cal State LA Taps Lakers Legend Michael Cooper as New Head Coach

NBA champion and longtime coach returns to lead Golden Eagles men's basketball program

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:08pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the blurred, energetic motion of a basketball player driving to the hoop, their features indistinct but the raw athleticism and movement vividly captured.The return of LA legend Michael Cooper to lead the Cal State LA basketball program promises an infusion of championship-caliber energy and excitement.Los Angeles Today

Cal State LA has named NBA champion and Los Angeles basketball legend Michael Cooper as the new head coach of the university's men's basketball team. Cooper, who won five titles with the Lakers and has extensive coaching experience across the NBA, WNBA, and collegiate ranks, will look to build on the Golden Eagles' historic conference championship season in 2023-24.

Why it matters

Cooper's hiring represents a major coup for Cal State LA, bringing in a proven winner and respected figure in the LA basketball community to lead the program. His deep local ties and championship pedigree are expected to elevate the team's profile, boost community engagement, and attract top talent to the university.

The details

Cooper, a Los Angeles native, will take over the Golden Eagles after serving as the team's associate head coach last season. University officials and Cooper's former Lakers teammates praised his leadership abilities and expressed confidence that his presence will translate to on-court success as well as strengthening the program's community connections.

  • Cooper was introduced as the new head coach on April 8, 2026.
  • He previously served as the Golden Eagles' associate head coach during the 2023-24 season, when the team won the conference championship.

The players

Michael Cooper

A five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and experienced coach across the NBA, WNBA, and collegiate ranks, Cooper is returning to his hometown to lead the Cal State LA men's basketball program.

Cal State LA Golden Eagles

The men's basketball team at California State University, Los Angeles, which won the conference championship in the 2023-24 season.

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What they’re saying

“Michael Cooper's winning pedigree and deep ties to the Los Angeles basketball community make him the ideal choice to lead our program to new heights.”

— Cal State LA President

“Coop has always been a natural leader, and I know he'll bring that same energy and championship mindset to Cal State LA.”

— Magic Johnson, Former Lakers Teammate

What’s next

Cooper is expected to hit the recruiting trail immediately to build on the Golden Eagles' recent success and assemble a roster capable of contending for a national championship.

The takeaway

Michael Cooper's homecoming to lead the Cal State LA men's basketball program represents a major coup for the university, bringing in a proven winner and respected figure in the LA basketball community to elevate the team's profile and championship aspirations.