The Los Angeles Lakers will raise Banner No. 18 to close out the 2025-26 season, predicts five-time champion and Showtime Lakers legend Michael Cooper.
During his recent appearance on Vlad TV, Cooper was reminded that his beloved Lakers (+1200) own the fifth-shortest odds to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (+225), Denver Nuggets (+650), Cleveland Cavaliers (+700) and the New York Knicks (+1100).
Despite the stacked nature of the Western Conference — which legitimately boasts five title contenders — Cooper believes the Lakers have all the tools to win it all.
“I’m always gonna say the Los Angeles Lakers,” Cooper made his title pick.
Cooper Warns OKC
“I think the Lakers are going to win it until they can’t,” he continued.
“Obviously, things would have to go well. Any injury is important to any team. If you can get there with 90 percent of your team intact — obviously, there’s going to be bumps and bruises, but if you can get there, you have an opportunity to win.”
The 1987 Defensive Player of the Year feels the Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, pose a bigger threat to the Lakers than the Thunder, the reigning champions.
“I think OKC is going to find out what it takes [to go back-to-back],” said Cooper.
The Thunder are trying to become the first team in eight years, since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, to win back-to-back NBA titles.
‘Glad Boston is Out of It’
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer also took the opportunity to throw a jab at his old rivals, the Boston Celtics, who are not in title contention due to injury.
“I’m glad Boston is out of it,” he said, invoking laughter from the guest.
Cooper feels confident in picking the Lakers due to the acquisition of Luka Doncic, who has allowed LeBron James to take a backseat. The defensive legend also noted that James, playing in his 23rd season, will be extra-motivated to play for a title.
“[LeBron] is going to have more juice [to chase a title],” Cooper stressed. “If he can get them to the Finals, they can win it. Because of Luka, LeBron doesn’t have to do a lot of work. This guy [Doncic] is getting you 43 [points] and 15 [assists].”
Further to Cooper’s point, the Lakers are in a unique position to boast of two top-10 players in Doncic and James, along with another top-25ish player in Austin Reaves. No other team in the NBA boasts as much individual offensive firepower.
The Lakers have also shored up their defense, with offseason acquisition Marcus Smart making a big impact and Rui Hachimura enjoying a breakout year.
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