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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best power forwards in team history

By Ed Schrenzel

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands in observance of the national anthem before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at STAPLES Center on March 9, 2014 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands in observance of the national anthem before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at STAPLES Center on March 9, 2014 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best power forwards in team history
(Original Caption) Los Angeles Laker Rudy LaRusso (second from left) is restrained by members of the Boston Celtics team as LaRusso and the Celtics’ Bob Cousy got into a fist fight early in the first period of the Celtics-Lakers game here, 2/18. Both benches cleared as players and coaches alike joined in both physical and verbal arguments. The Lakers beat the Celtics, 125-99. /

No. 4: Rudy LaRusso

Rudy is another player that current fans may not know. He was the power forward for the Lakers when they first moved to Los Angeles and played eight seasons as the third banana behind Baylor and West.

LaRusso was about the same size as Hairston, 6’7″ and 220 pounds. Although he often went up against bigger opponents, he used his great strength to play a tenacious, physical game. He was known as a tough competitor, a rugged defender, and an excellent rebounder (9.6 per game).

Rudy’s strong offensive skills were somewhat obscured on the Lakers because of the tremendous one-two scoring punch of Baylor and West. Still, he averaged 14.1 points per game for the club, including a 50-point outburst in a 1962 game. His offensive game emerged more fully during his final two NBA seasons for the Warriors, when he raised his average to 21.3 points.

LaRusso made the All-Star team three times with the Lakers. That club made it to the NBA Finals four times but was unable to win any titles. Although he is not well remembered, he remains one of the least-appreciated first-rate players in Lakers history.

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