Los Angeles Lakers: 10 Greatest centers in Lakers history

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal share a laugh with Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor during the unveiling ceremony for a bronze statue to honor Baylor in Star Plaza at Staples Center on April 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal share a laugh with Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor during the unveiling ceremony for a bronze statue to honor Baylor in Star Plaza at Staples Center on April 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
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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.