March Madness is here, people. And with it comes the drama, upsets, and bragging rights that make college hoops one of the greatest spectacles to witness on planet Earth. Everyone has their eyes on Michigan State vs. New Mexico, but this game is not only about the infinitesimal details, it’s a little spicier for being a bet between two NBA legends, Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper.
Magic Johnson, the face of Spartan pride, and Michael Cooper, a proud New Mexico alum, have thrown down the gauntlet with a mysterious bet. Neither has spilled the details, but knowing these two, it could be anything from wearing the opponent’s jersey in public to a hefty charity donation. One thing’s for sure, when the final buzzer sounds, somebody is walking away with the ultimate bragging rights.
Magic Johnson took to social media and posted on X, sharing his excitement. He wrote, “Go green, go white! I’m looking forward to my Spartans playing against New Mexico today! My fellow Showtime teammate Michael Cooper went to New Mexico, so we have a little bet going on for the game @MSU_Basketball,” pledging his unwavering support for the Spartans and mentioning the wager that exists between him and Michael Cooper. Loser wears the opposing team’s colors? The winner gets dinner on the other’s dime? Maybe a charity donation? Whatever it is, this bet adds an extra layer of fun to an already electric matchup.
Go green, go white! I’m looking forward to my Spartans playing against New Mexico today! My fellow Showtime teammate Michael Cooper went to New Mexico, so we have a little bet going on for the game @MSU_Basketball
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 23, 2025
They once shared a locker room, game plans, and championship glory, but tonight, they stand on opposite sides. The same competitive fire that fueled their success in Los Angeles now powers their school pride, turning a friendly bet into a new chapter in their rivalry. The court may be different, but the desire to win remains the same.
From Lakers Brotherhood to college battle lines
Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper spent years winning championships together, leading the Lakers’ Showtime era with their perfect blend of offense and defense. But while they dominated as teammates in the NBA, their college roots tell a different story. Magic Johnson’s path to basketball stardom started with Michigan State’s historic 1979 championship run, while Cooper’s journey took shape at New Mexico, where he built a reputation as a fierce competitor. Now, those school loyalties take center stage, pitting them against each other in a battle for bragging rights.
Cooper has always been vocal about his pride in the Lobos, just as Magic remains the ultimate Spartans ambassador. So, when their alma maters were set to face off, the stakes were naturally raised. A bet between the two was inevitable, and while the terms remain undisclosed, both men will be watching this game with an extra level of intensity.
No matter the outcome, this friendly bet adds another layer to their already storied history. Win or lose, both Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper will continue to represent their schools with the same passion that made them champions. This is what makes college basketball special—the loyalty, the competition, and the never-ending rivalries. When the final buzzer sounds, one of them will claim victory, but the true winner is the game itself, which continues to connect generations of players and fans alike.
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