I have to share this story…When I was 15, I was fortunate enough to attend a two Lakers games on an East Coast trip and had passes to the locker room (post game). Of course, I went to every player and at least got an autograph. A few guys weren’t in the best mood (considering LA had just been upset by the Cavaliers). Still, some players were exceptional and offered to pose for a photograph with me (James Worth was extremely nice). I approached Michael’s locker and politely asked for an autograph. Not only did he give me an autograph and pose for a picture, but he actually talked to me as well. I mean, he really talked to me. He asked about my life, my basketball team, my school, etc. He seemed genuinely interested. It’s a tribute to him that he was able to relate to a 15-year old kid so well. He was, by far, the most amicable and friendly player on the entire team. Three days later, I attended the next road game (Washington) and was able to go into the locker room. Not long after I entered, someone tapped me on my shoulder. I turned around and Michael Cooper addressed me by my first name and asked how I was doing. After a 10-minute conversation three days earlier, he still remembered my name and was just as nice as before. Since that day, I have been the biggest COOOOOO fan ever!

GREAT post Darius!

Coop rocked.