Los Angeles Lakers: 10 Greatest centers in Lakers history
By Ed Schrenzel
No. 9: Bob McAdoo
Much like Thompson, McAdoo was a star player long before he joined the Lakers. He was one of the best-shooting big men of all-time, the Kevin Durant of his generation. He averaged over 30 points per game three times, leading the NBA each time, and 25 or more in four other seasons, and was a five-time all-star.
By the time McAdoo joined the Lakers early in the 1981-82 season, he was no longer the dominant player he once had been and had bounced around the league, playing for three different teams the past three seasons.
However, he was the perfect big man to come off the bench to provide instant offense in relief of Kareen for the Showtime Lakers.
Over four seasons, he averaged 12 points and four rebounds in only about 20 minutes a game. He was particularly effective during the 1982 playoffs, averaging nearly 17 points as a reserve center and power forward, and helping the Lakers win a title. He was also a solid contributor to the 1985 championship team.