Los Angeles Lakers: 10 Greatest centers in Lakers history

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No. 8: Clyde Lovellette

Many readers are probably unfamiliar with “Jellybelly”, who backed up George Mikan during the Minneapolis Lakers’ final championship season of 1953-54.

Mikan then retired, and Lovellette replaced him as the team’s starting center for most of the next three seasons, although he teamed with Big George when the latter came out of retirement in 1955-56.

Clyde had excellent averages of 17.2 points and 11.2 rebounds over his four Lakers seasons.He went on to even greater heights as a member of the then-St Louis Hawks, where he teamed with superstar Bob Pettit in the early 60’s before finishing his career as a back-up to Bill Russell.

Lovellette was known for being a tough guy who used his 6-9, 230-pound body to mix it up with everyone underneath the basket. But he also had an effective set shot. He would likely have ranked higher on this list had he played for a longer time with the Lakers.

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