Lakers jersey history No. 35 — Joe Cooper

Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.

During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.

In 1981, the New Jersey Nets took Joe Cooper, a 6-foot-9 big man, in the fifth round of the NBA draft. He played in one game as a rookie with New Jersey before the Lakers signed him prior to the 1982-83 season. After two games with the Lakers that year, he was released and had short stints with the Washington Bullets, San Diego Clippers and Seattle SuperSonics before his NBA career ended in 1985.

Cooper had NBA career averages of 4.5 points and four rebounds in 16.2 minutes a game, and he totaled two points, two rebounds, one steal and one block in 11 minutes with Los Angeles. He also spent time with the Lancaster Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association, as well as multiple leagues overseas.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 35 — Joe Cooper