34. Vern Mikkelsen
As the Lakers were running rampant through the NBA throughout the 1950s, power forward Vern Mikkelsen was unquestionably a huge part of their success. The 6-7 big man proved to be a force over his 10 seasons spent with the Minneapolis Lakers, including becoming a six-time All-Star over the course of his career. Looking at what he did on the floor, it’s a wonder he only went to six All-Star Games.
Mikkelsen played 699 career games with Minneapolis as he spent his entire professional career as a member of the organization. Over that time, he averaged 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Perhaps his greatest trait as a player was his longevity and consistency as a productive player for the Lakers. His three best seasons came when he was 23, 26 and finally 29 years old. While he was solid in the years between those seasons, that he was able to put up his best numbers so sporadically looking back shows his staying power in the league.
Obviously the era in which Mikkelsen played is a bit of a strange time to judge looking back now as his 40.3 percent career field goal percentage would’ve been respectable at the time. Even still, it’s impossible to overlook his contributions and his value to the franchise.
Next: No. 33 Glen Rice