75 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LAKERS

<< HAPPY HAIRSTON

Led the Lakers in rebounds for two seasons and set an NBA record for defensive rebounds in a quarter in a 1974 game. He was also great as a referee on “Emergency!” where he towered over the regular cast.

FRANK VOGEL

Led the Lakers to the 2020 title and later was unceremoniously fired for things out of his control. Afterward, in a poll asking readers who should be the next Lakers coach, Vogel was the overwhelming winner.

JOHN KUNDLA

When you list the great Lakers coaches, how long before you get to Kundla? Yet he’s third in wins and won more Lakers titles than Pat Riley.

FRED SCHAUS

He coached the Lakers for seven seasons, making the playoffs each time, then became the GM and built the 1971-72 title team.

NORM NIXON

A great point guard who was overshadowed by the arrival of Magic Johnson. He averaged eight assists and 16.4 points per game in six seasons with the Lakers.

DAVE ROBISCH

After a playoff game, while Kareem AbdulJabbar was being interviewed on national television, a naked Robisch was shown in the background.

CHUCK NEVITT

The tallest Laker in history was 7-5 and almost never played. Fans chanted for him at the end of games, but he played in only 15 regular-season

games in 1984-85 and 1985-86.

ELMORE SMITH

The link between Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He had 17 blocks in a game against Portland in 1973, a mark that still stands as the NBA record. He was one of four players traded for Abdul-Jabbar.

LEBRON JAMES

He brought the Lakers back to relevancy and won championship No. 17, even though the fans haven’t seemed to fully embrace him.

RICK FOX Not only did he have movie star looks, but the easygoing Fox also was said to have served as a facilitator between some of the supersized egos on a team that won three NBA championships during his seven years in L.A.

MARK MADSEN DANCING There are no words in the English language that suitably describe what this beloved backup did during the 2002 championship parade. Just search for “Mark Madsen dancing” on YouTube and enjoy the show.

JOHN Q. TRAPP

He played for the Lakers team that won 33 games in a row and an NBA title. After the season, he was traded to a Philadelphia 76ers team that won only nine games the following season. Plus, how can you not love a name like John Q. Trapp?

DEL HARRIS.

Shortly after Harris was brought in as the coach, Times columnist Mike Downey wrote “Oh no, they hired Leslie Nielsen.”