Lakers Nation welcome back to the latest Top 5 list in our ongoing quest to find the best Lakers of all time. After looking at Point Guards, Shooting Guards, Small Forwards and even Rappers, we find ourselves today looking at the power forwards that have played for the Lakers throughout their storied history. Now any dedicated member of Lakers Nation knows that power forward has not been the strongest position in Lakers history, but that would not stop dedicated enthusiasts like ourselves! So without further ado, here is our list of the top five Lakers power forwards.
1. Vern Mikkelsen
Still reading? Hopefully, because Mikkelsen deserves this spot on the list one hundred percent. While he is not a common household name similar to many other Lakers legends, his numbers certainly do not lie. For starters, Mikkelsen won four consecutive NBA Championships with the Minneapolis Lakers starting in 1949, and teamed up with George Mikan and Jim Pollard to form one of the most dominant front courts in league history. Mikkelsen was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995, and played in 798 games out of a possible 800 in his career. Mikkelsen is without doubt the most prestigious and impressive power forward in Lakers history.
Next: AC Green
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Happy Hairston belongs top 3 on this list (with Mik and Pau). He averaged a double double in 5 of his 6 Laker season (missed with 9.8 ppg in the other), topping out 20.6 and 14.9. Two top 10 finishes in rebounding. Shot in the high 40’s and low 50’s, with one top 10 finish. Above average PER every year, topping out at 20.0. Solid defender. Blows away the likes of AC, Big Shot and Clark Kent:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hairsha01.html
I’d make a lesser case for Rudy LaRusso, a consistent role player on a bunch of West champs. Averaged between 12.3 and 17.2 pts and between 7.8 and 10.4 reb in his 8 Lakers seasons, with PER’s a little below to a little above average every year. Can’t speak to his defense, a few years before my time.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/larusru01.html
I’d probably put him #4, but Horry and Green are in his range too so would have to dig a bit to really decide.
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Good article…
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Go go go pau gasol…I hope he’ll be able to play on the opening night…
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