Pfund Will Ask Cooper to Assist in Providing ‘Toughness’ for Lakers

It was time for Michael Cooper, one of the league’s premier defenders in his playing days, to be guarded.

Guarded in his comments, that is.

Cooper was thrilled to hear that new Laker Coach Randy Pfund wanted him as an assistant. But before he talked to Pfund late Monday, Cooper didn’t want to say too much.

“If it happens, it happens,” said Cooper of the offer. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it. You always hope for an opportunity in life. Mine has materialized much faster than I imagined, if it happens.”

After spending a decade as a Laker guard-sixth man-defensive force, Cooper spent a year playing in Italy. He returned last season as a special assistant to General Manager Jerry West.

Pfund said he sees Cooper as someone who can supply some toughness to the Lakers, especially on the front line.

“Toughness is not something anyone can give you,” Cooper said. “But if you have it in you, hopefully Michael Cooper can bring it out.”