SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (July 10, 2025) —The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced a special guest appearance by five-time NBA Champion, Coach, and Class of 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Michael Cooper on Friday, July 11, at 1:00 PM on the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.
Widely recognized as the lockdown defender of the iconic “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers, Cooper will discuss his legendary career and recent enshrinement in a conversation hosted by Bruce Bernstein. During his 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cooper was a key architect of the Lakers’ five championships in the 1980s. His unparalleled defensive prowess earned him the prestigious 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, along with eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
Beyond his playing career, Cooper has also had a distinguished coaching career across various levels of professional and collegiate basketball. Leading the Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 and 2002, his coaching experience encompasses both professional and collegiate basketball. From an undrafted pick to a five-time NBA champion, defensive powerhouse, and championship-winning coach, his journey showcases relentless leadership, drive, and determination.
As a part of the Hall’s “Summer Programming Series,” this appearance offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with a basketball icon for the price of regular museum admission.
For more information on the Summer Programming lineup, visit www.hoophall.com.
Upcoming Summer Programs, with more to be announced:
Madison Booker (7/17)Madison Booker, the star forward from the University of Texas and SEC Player of the Year, will be making an onsite appearance at the Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday, July 17 to connect with fans and share stories from her standout collegiate career.
Seimone Augustus (7/24)Meet Seimone Augustus, a four-time WNBA champion, 2011 Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medalist, who was officially enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, honoring her trailblazing career and lasting impact on women’s basketball.
Harlem Triksterz (7/28)Harlem Triksterz, the high-flying freestyle basketball performance crew led by Kevin “Showboat” Jackson, dazzle visitors with their signature trick shots and charisma during a special appearance at the Basketball Hall of Fame, bringing energy and entertainment to fans of all ages.
Ilze Luneau Performance (8/6)Ilze Luneau, renowned basketball performer and motivational speaker known for jaw-dropping freestyle drills and inspirational storytelling, will bring her electrifying performance to the Basketball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, August 6 – don’t miss her five-ball indo-board extravaganza live on the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.
Wins4Life (8/19)WINS For Life clinics at the Basketball Hall of Fame teach basketball fundamentals and life skills, inspiring young athletes and coaches both on and off the court.
Justin Dalessio Skills Clinic (8/30)Justin Dalessio, head coach of Pope Francis Basketball, will lead an upcoming youth clinic at the Hall of Fame’s “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams”, offering players a chance to sharpen their skills and learn from one of the area’s top coaches.
**Lineup schedule is subject to change.
Stay up to date with the schedule, tickets and more available: https://www.hoophall.com/plan-your-experience/special-events/summer-programming/
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 475 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com and follow @hoophall.
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