Cooper’s Fall in Stands Gives Team a Scare

Laker swingman Michael Cooper received a blow to the back of his head, but apparently no serious injuries, after falling into the seats at the Hemisfair Arena late in the first half Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

Cooper, trying to save a loose ball with 14.4 seconds left in the half, reportedly lost feeling in his arms for several moments after hitting metal stairs attached to the second row of seats. After being treated for about five minutes, Cooper walked off the court and was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital.

Tests showed no spinal or head injuries, according to Laker trainer Gary Vitti. Cooper returned to the arena late in the game and watched the Lakers’ 115-114 overtime victory from the locker room.

Afterward, Cooper received electronic stimulation to the left side of his neck. Vitti said Cooper is doubtful for tonight’s Laker game at Denver.

“But you never know with Coop,” Vitti said. “He’s played with all kinds of injuries.”

Diving into the seats has become a trademark for Cooper. But in Tuesday night’s instance, he was inadvertently pushed by the Spurs’ Maurice Cheeks and tumbled backward over the courtside seats. Cooper landed in the aisle separating the courtside seats from the regular stands. The back of his head reportedly hit a metal step.

“When I got to him, he said he couldn’t feel his arms,” Vitti said. “It was touch and go there for a minute. We did a motor and sensory check, and the only problem was that he temporarily couldn’t feel his arms and hands. At first, he had a little trouble speaking. Then, it gradually came back.”

Vitti said that Cooper never lost consciousness.

“He came back (to coherence) pretty quick,” Vitti said. “All the spinal X-rays and skull X-rays are negative. He is just extremely tender on the left side of his neck.”