Cooper’s Appearance Is a Good Sign for Lakers

Heads turned Thursday morning at Loyola Marymount when Michael Cooper, wearing his Laker uniform and looking fit and eager to play, joined other Laker players for photographs and interviews during media day.

Cooper, a free agent since the end of last season, has yet to sign a contract with the Lakers, so his showing up in uniform was definitely not a typical free-agent move.

But because Cooper and the Lakers say that only wording and other details of the reported four-year, $600,000 annual contract need to be worked out, the veteran guard felt confident enough about his situation to have his picture taken with his teammates.

Technically, Cooper was not a Laker Thursday morning, but he was warmly received by teammates looking for familiar faces. The Lakers are a little short of familiar faces these days, what with Maurice Lucas waived, Mitch Kupchak retired, Mike McGee traded, Larry Spriggs playing in Italy and Ronnie Lester traded Thursday to Seattle for future considerations.

“Of course, I’d like to get it over with real soon,” said Cooper, who didn’t seem to be overly concerned. “But you have to take care of this business and your financial future before you can take care of the real business at hand, which is basketball.”

Until the snags are smoothed, though, and Cooper signs, he will not be allowed to take the court with the Lakers for the start of twice-daily workouts at College of the Desert in Palm Desert. National Basketball Assn. rules require signed contracts before players can work out.

However, Cooper’s signing was so close that he changed his mind and decided to travel with the Lakers to Palm Desert Thursday night and check into the club’s hotel. Cooper said earlier in the day that he would not make the trip unless he was assured he would sign and practice today.

It appeared that Cooper’s enthusiasm for basketball and his optimism about the Laker season had not wavered despite his drawn-out negotiations.

Laker Coach Pat Riley noticed that right away. General Manager Jerry West was surprised when Cooper arrived, and the team’s public relations director, Josh Rosenfeld, said Cooper’s appearance was “totally unexpected.” But Riley said he had sort of figured on it.

“When you have blind faith that something this close is going to get done, you can show up to something like this,” Riley said. “And it’s a testimony to Michael that he has the faith and enthusiasm to be here.

“I’ve always told all my players to get as much (money) as you can get, but get (the negotiating) done as soon as you can and get in camp. Don’t let it go on a long time.”

If the deal is as close to done as everyone says, it is unlikely that Cooper will miss many practice days. Even if he does, Riley says it won’t affect Cooper much.

“He’s been around long enough to know what we’re doing,” Riley said.