Michael Cooper diagnosed with tongue cancer

ATLANTA (KABC) -- Michael Cooper has taken a leave of absence from his coaching duties with the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA to be treated for early stage tongue cancer. The 58-year-old will undergo surgery this week.

He is expected to miss about two weeks away from his team who are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference. He's in his first season with Atlanta.

Cooper previously coached the USC Women of Troy for four years and won two WNBA titles as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks.

He spent his entire career as a shooting guard with the Los Angeles Lakers during the "Showtime" era where he won five NBA titles and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award three times.

"I'm fortunate my condition was diagnosed early. This episode illustrates the importance of screening and early detection," Cooper said. "I know the team will be in good hands with coach Thompson at the helm during my absence, and I look forward to returning to the court soon."

Cooper has been a big part of Sport Zone on ABC7 for the last 10 years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.