Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best power forwards in team history

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 12: Kobe Bryant #24 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a 96-91 win against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 12, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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5. Happy Hairston (1969-75)

Happy Hairston pulled down 12.4 rebounds per game in parts of six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers — quite the feat considering that for the majority of that time, he was sharing the court with Wilt Chamberlain, the NBA’s all-time leading rebounder.

Posting rebounding numbers that could’ve led the league in later years, Hairston routinely finished second on the Lakers in that stat category. After Chamberlain retired in 1973, Hairston led L.A. in rebounding twice and finished in the top six in the league.

Hairston averaged 15.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game with the Lakers and helped them win the 1972 championship. He also helped L.A. make the NBA Finals in 1970 and 1973.

In the 1972 NBA Finals against the Knicks, Hairston had four double-doubles in five games. He grabbed 20 rebounds in Game 3, and notched an 18-point, 19-board stat line in Game 4. He had 13 points and 14 rebounds in the title-clinching Game 5.

He finished his career with the Lakers in 1975 after averaging a double-double (10.3 points, 12.8 rebounds) in his final season.

Happy Hairston passed away in 2001.

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