Surveying the NBA landscape, Michael Cooper provided a bold prediction. "The Lakers are about to win the championship four years in a row," Cooper said in a phone interview. Cooper, who played for the Lakers from 1978-90, laughed when reminded that former Lakers coach Pat Riley guaranteed a Lakers' repeat during the 1987 NBA championship parade. One year later, Riley appeared clairvoyant.
LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Michael Cooper keeps the faith - Press-Telegram