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We're getting ready for a brand new season of Los Angeles Lakers basketball, so to count down the days we'll be looking at the best Lakers to wear the number. We'll continue at 43 days until the regular season begins, with the Lakers current radio color commentator.
Who wore it the best: Mychal Thompson
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(Credit: National Basketball Association, Getty Images)
Mychal Thompson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the #1 overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. He played in the NBA for 13 years, spending the final 5 of those years with the Lakers. He was a member of the 1987 & 1988 Lakers teams that won the NBA Championship.
Known for his rebounding and defense, he was brought to the Lakers via trade in 1987 for the primary purpose of being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's backup. Standing at 6'10" and 225 lbs., he could also play next to Kareem as a power forward. His best season came as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, his 3rd year in the league, where he averaged almost 21 points and 12 rebounds a game. Mychal is currently employed as the Lakers radio color commentator.
|
Seasons w/ Lakers |
Years |
ppg |
rpg |
apg |
spg |
bpg |
mpg |
|
|
Mychal Thompson |
5 |
1987-91 |
8.9 |
5.4 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.8 |
22.8 |
Who wore it last: Brian Cook
Brian Cook was draft by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2003 NBA draft with the 24th overall selection. He played in the NBA for 9 years, the first 5 with the Lakers. He mainly served as Shaquille O'Neal's primary backup for his first two years with the Lakers. However, when Shaq was traded to the Miami heat in 2005, Cook saw more playing time at the power forward position as he developed an outside game.
Over Cook's Laker career, he averaged 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds & 0.8 assists in 16.0 minutes per game. During the 2007-08 season, Cook was traded by the Lakers, along with Maurice Evans, to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Trevor Ariza. Ariza became a vital piece to the Lakers championship team in 2009.
#43 - Who has worn it:
Earl Tatum (1977-1978)
Chuck Nevitt (1985-1986)
Frank Brickowski (1987)
Mychal Thompson (1987-1991)
Cliff Robinson (1992)
Corie Blount (1996-1999)
Brian Cook (2005-2008)