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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best centers in team history

By Amaar Burton

LOS ANGELES - FEBRAURY 12: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal pose for photos during the American Express Celebrates the Rewarding Life of Earvin Johnson event on February 12, 2004 at the Shrine Auditorium 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRAURY 12: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal pose for photos during the American Express Celebrates the Rewarding Life of Earvin Johnson event on February 12, 2004 at the Shrine Auditorium 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

8. Elmore Smith (1973-75)

Elmore Smith holds an interesting place in Lakers’ lore. He is the seven-foot bridge that stood between Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the team’s starting center.

When Chamberlain left the NBA in 1973, Smith was acquired by the Lakers from the Buffalo Braves to replace “The Stilt.” In 1975, Smith was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks so the Lakers could get Abdul-Jabbar.

Smith might be a historical footnote, but he was no slouch during his time with the Lakers. He averaged 11.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game in two seasons. In 1973-74, Smith led the league with 4.9 blocks per game. The next season, he led the league in total blocks (216) and finished second in blocks per game (2.9) to Abdul-Jabbar.

Smith swatted 17 shots in a 1973 game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which remains an NBA record.

The Lakers made the playoffs once with Smith, losing to Abdul-Jabbar’s Bucks in the first round in 1974. In Game 3 of that series, Smith posted 30 points and 17 rebounds in an LA victory, outplaying Abdul-Jabbar, who had 29 and 15.

Trading Smith as part of the package to get Abdul-Jabbar formed the beginning of the foundation for the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty. Smith went on to play a few more years for the Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring.

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