“I’m like, ‘Damn I’m standing near Dr.J,’ then he hit me with an elbow” – Michael Cooper on when he received a harsh reality check to stop ‘bromancing’ in his first NBA Finals

“I’m like, ‘Damn I’m standing near Dr. J,’ then he hit me with an elbow” – Michael Cooper on When He Received a Harsh Reality Check to Stop ‘Bromancing’ in His First NBA Finals

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper recently recalled a humbling and humorous moment from his first NBA Finals, when basketball legend Julius Erving, famously known as Dr. J, gave him a reality check that snapped him out of his rookie awe. Cooper shared the story during a discussion about his early playing days, describing how excitement quickly turned into pain when he got too comfortable admiring one of his idols.

According to Cooper, stepping onto the court alongside players he grew up watching felt like a dream come true. Seeing Dr. J for the first time during the 1980 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers made the experience even more surreal. He admitted that for a few moments, he was caught up in the thrill of being on the same floor as one of the game’s most graceful and respected figures.

“I was standing next to Dr. J and thought, ‘Damn, I’m right here with him,’” Cooper said, laughing as he recalled the moment. “Then all of a sudden, bam — he hit me with an elbow in the chest. That was the moment I realised, ‘Okay, this is no time for fanboying.’” The incident, though painful, turned out to be an important lesson about focus and professionalism at the highest level of the game.

Cooper went on to explain that the elbow served as an unspoken reminder that admiration has no place once the ball is in play. “Dr. J was sending a message,” he said. “You can respect me, but you better compete.” It was a moment that helped him shake off nerves and adopt the competitive edge that would later define his career as one of the league’s best defenders and a key member of the Lakers’ Showtime era.

The Lakers went on to win that 1980 championship, marking the beginning of one of the most dominant dynasties in NBA history. Cooper credited that early lesson with helping him mentally adjust to the demands of championship basketball. He said it reminded him that greatness demands both respect and resilience — even when playing against the very players who inspired you to chase the dream.

Throughout his career, Cooper became known for his relentless defence and ability to guard some of the greatest scorers in history, including Larry Bird, George Gervin, and Dr. J himself. Looking back, he said that first elbow from Erving taught him that legends don’t earn their status by being friendly on the court — they earn it by competing fiercely, no matter who stands in front of them.

Cooper’s story resonated with fans as both funny and insightful, offering a glimpse into how young players adjust to the pressures of the NBA stage. It also underscored how moments of embarrassment or pain often become turning points that shape a player’s mentality and approach to the game. In Cooper’s case, that elbow was more than just a hit — it was a wake-up call.

Now retired and working as a coach and commentator, Cooper often reflects on how that experience still influences his outlook. He says it reminds him to teach younger players that confidence and composure are essential, especially when facing those they once idolised. His story stands as a timeless example of how even legends like Dr. J help shape the next generation, sometimes with a simple — and well-placed — elbow.